...dreaming...

Winter has taken a strong hold here and so far it been cold with an abundance of snow. I don't mind the winter but I just wish it was of shorter duration .  I have a really bad habit of falling down, usually for no reason other than tripping on air but winter does present challenges...I slipped on a icy spot and landed smack on my knee...ouch!!!

It doesn't feel like that long ago, as a matter of fact it was just two months ago that we were enjoying the summer sun and a wonderful time in Southern BC touring the wine country.

Grapes on the vine

 "Off the Vine" is my tribute to the wonderful vineyards we visited.  A random assortment of pearls, crystals, drops and seed beads put together and hung from a viking knit rope.

Oh what a wonderful vacation....

My husband and I spent a glorious 5 days in Victoria and just had an awesome time. It was such a nice break and just a little more time with beautiful weather. The weather was fantastic, visiting with my sister was just the best - it was a perfect break. Now back to reality - snow - lots of it. I will be looking at my pictures on a regular  basis -  a little vitamin D fix.

While in Victoria I taught my sister how to do Viking Knit...oh we had fun...and we made several pieces. We shopped all my favorite shops - three happen to be bead shops - and I came home with some real treasures. One pieces was the stone I made into a pendant for my viking knit rope and of course earrings to match.  The stone is Chrysocolla.  Chrysocolla is a very beautiful stone said to have many beneficial energies. It is known as a healing stone among Native American Indian cultures where it was used for strengthening the body's resistance and bringing about calm feelings where there is upset. The colors are out of this world and the turquoise viking knit rope is perfect. Now I know my sister used the same turquoise for a bracelet, it wasn't done when I left but I'm sure she will love it like I love mine. She also made a gorgeous mauve viking knit rope and attached an iridescent blue with hints of purple crystal pendant - quite spectacular. Oh I had fun!

It has happened

I suppose one shouldn't complain, we did make it to November before the white stuff fell. Fall is my favorite time of the year....but there is something unexplainably exciting about the first true snowfall...you know the one where the stuff stays on the ground. I can't say I am looking forward to 6 months of this but today is quite pretty; all pristine and white. Besides I'll have all those chilly nights with nothing to do but.......

I saw this lovely quilling design on Pinterest and just had to give it a try. I think it turned out well; it's my tribute to fall.

Quilled Maple Leaf

OK I confess, I am addicted to Pinterest.....so here is the latest find I just had to try. The pattern for the necklace can be found at pencio.chezblog.com. Fun and easy to make and looks awesome on.