Soul Songs

The "News"...

2012-02-10T16:43:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone...

I wanted to finally fill you all in on whats been going on here at Rustic Urbanity...

As some of you already know, My blog & website Rustic Urbanity will be closing soon.

I have started a new Company, Paisley Grey Designs, and that will be my name from now on. We are in the process of designing a new website, and blog.

I am hoping that all of my friends, family, customers & all my followers, will follow along with me at my new website & blog..

Rustic Urbanity will be open for a while yet, to link my customers over to the new website, and I will add my new blog address on here...

My new Carefree Summer Days Collection will be the first thing you will see on my new website.. Im really excited about all the changes that are about to take place, and I hope you all will continue to follow along with me in my new Jewelry Adventure!

xo Juli~

My New Blog

http://paisleygreydesigns.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T17:40:00.001-06:00

Happy Holidays To All Of My Family, Friends & Wonderful Customers! Wishing you A Joyous Holiday Season And A New Year Filled With Peace, Happiness & Good Health ♥

I will be back in 2012 with a brand new website & Blog! Stop back soon for more details.

xo Juli

Honoring All Who Served....

2011-11-11T13:48:00.001-06:00

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

In remembrance and honor for all of those who have sacrificed for us

Thank You!

xo Juli~

Changes...

2011-09-14T15:33:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone...Sorry that I have been away for so long.. Just enjoying the end of summer here, and working on so many new things... I have been working on new wonderful pieces of Jewelry.. Including stacking ring sets, with pretty stones set in them...Bracelets with chunky chains, and gorgeous faceted stones.. And soon.. well I can't tell you yet.. But some wonderful new things are coming, Not just in Jewelry, but there will be some changes in other things also.. So many surprises.. I can't wait!!

Stop back soon!

I hope you are all well, and your summer has been wonderful! xo Juli~

New Jewelry..

2011-08-05T13:29:00.001-05:00

Some of my new pieces are online in my website now...

I have been adding pieces for last couple days, and working on new pieces, so there will be more coming... My website will also be having some changes made to it soon, as it needs a little freshing up, and new business cards will be coming out also.

Taken out in the back prairie, early, one hazy grey morning..

Some of these pieces of Jewelry are in my shop now, and some have sold... But there are more coming.. stop back soon.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

xo Juli~

Early Fall Jewelry...

2011-07-25T14:57:00.002-05:00

I have been working on my Early fall Collection for the last few weeks, and will have the pieces done soon.

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer.. The weather is still humid here, but getting better. And we have finally gotten some rain.

Stop back soon, for my Fall 2011 Collection

xo Juli~

Summer Blooms.....

2011-07-20T14:27:00.003-05:00

Summer...

It is so hot here, all my flowers are just withering in this heat wave... For the last 5 or 6 days we have had temps. in the 90s with high humidity.. It's like walking into a sauna everytime you walk outside... My straight hair curls & I find it difficult to breathe.... We had a fast and furious storm roll through late last night, bringing some short lived much needed rain, but didn't really cool the temps down much...

Our temp. here right now at 1:27 pm is 91 degrees and we still have a Excessive heat warning until tomorrow evening, and we have T-storms in the forecast, so I hope it cools down.

I was outside a few days ago, and took some photos of all my beautiful flowers blooming in the yard.. They are not looking so beautiful now, i have kept up with the watering, but it is just too hard on them.

I have been working on new Jewelry, ordering silver & stones, and other supplies & feeling very creative...

I am still hoping to learn the etching process, and am planning on making more big rings... Just waiting for supplies to get here.

Sweet Alaskan Daisys

Pale pink faceted rose quartz drops & sterling silver earrings

Sweet little sterling flower bead caps & faceted green glass rondelles

Rustically wire wrapped faceted green Amethysts Briolettes SOLD

Glowing green faceted glass rondelles, wire wrapped with sterling silver earrings

Pale pink fresh water pearls & sterling silver earrings

Playing with my photos....

Faceted pearl Pink chalcedony & Sterling daisy Bracelet SOLD

faceted sunny yellow lemon quartz & sterling silver earrings

Handstamped sterling disc, with a turquoise cabochon SOLD

Sterling Silver Floral earrings

Sweet Alaskan Daisy

For all the rest of you in the heat advisory areas, stay cool if possible, and take it easy. I love summer, but this heat is too much, and i feel myself looking towards those cooler fall days.

I will be back soon, with new Jewelry on my website... working on my late summer/early fall pieces, which have a rustic/modern look.. as always darkened sterling for that rustic look, and new fab. stones for a modern touch..

Take care and I hope the rest of your week cools down

xo Juli~

Headed To The Northwoods.....

2011-06-30T23:37:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone..

DB & I , along with Bodhi, and Mr. Phoenix Cat are headed to the Northwoods Cabin for a little 4th of July vacation, and a little summer Celebration.. I have not been to the cabin since last September, so I am excited to get away.

I have been working on some new jewelry pieces, and soon will be etching my own designs on silver, with the help of a very sweet person... Cindy.. who is going to send me some detailed instructions.. I can hardly wait to get started.

So there will be some new pieces in my shop, after I return home.

Amiklodge... The cabin where we will be staying...

Fireworks...

Happy Independence Day...

The Anthem
The Defense of Fort McHenry
by Francis Scott Key
20 September 1814

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave

Have a wonderful & safe 4th of July

xo Juli

My Sweet Cat....

2011-06-22T10:34:00.003-05:00

This little boy is 2 today.... He walked right in to my broken heart, after losing Sabre, and made me smile again...

Happy Birthday Sweet Phoenix Cat!

Cats are wonderful friends...

Gentle eyes that see so much,
paws that have the quiet touch,
Purrs to signal "all is well"
and show more love than words could tell.
Graceful movements touched with pride,
a calming presence by our side
A friendship that takes time to grow
Small wonder why we love them so.

Author Unknown~

I love you Phoenix Cat!!
xo Juli~

NOTE.... Blogger is having issues adding your photos to your blog today.. switch to draft mode and then it will work... Also... if you are still not able to comment on some blogs, uncheck the keep me signed in box, when you sign in, and it should work then. :)

These Things...

2011-06-20T11:33:00.006-05:00

These Beautiful bright pink peonys....

These lovely yellow blanket flowers....

This Butterfly.....

These wild daisys.....

This wild purple spiderwort plant.....

These lovely feathers, pieces of wood, seed pods, pine cones and the lovely hands that hold them....

Today, these are some of my favorite things, full of texture and lovely colors...

Soon... I will have some lovely new things for you....

Have a beautiful Day..xo Juli~

Song Of The Prairie......

2011-06-08T10:47:00.005-05:00

Before I ended up in the hospital, I had started a new Collection Called..

Song Of The Prairie....

This Collection is inspired by the prairie, that I see everyday... In the spring and summer its alive with an abundance of color, and sounds... Wildflowers and tall prairie grass swaying in the gentle breeze, birds of all kinds singing happily in the sun, bees flying from one flower to the next, butterflies everywhere and at night, the sky is wide open with a zillion stars...

I never got the chance to show some of these pieces, and some I did... So I am bringing back this Collection, some of the older pieces you never saw, and some are new...

Whenever I look out my back windows of the house, or go outside I see the prairie... I am always inspired by its beauty...

The wildflowers..

Deer..

Fox..

Birds..

Dragonflys..

Bees..

Pines..

So this Collection is all about the things that make the Prairie Sing...

Also...

This weekend I will be attending the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee with DBs Sister Amy (Retro Designs).. I think this will be my 6th year of attending, and I can hardly wait to get there. I have a list of things I am looking for, mostly pearls, and turquoise, and more czech bead flowers...

These are a few of the Pieces... There will be more on my website.. Soon..

We are having storms here today, and I am about to lose my computer..

I hope you all have a wonderful Day, and please stop in and say Hi

Be back Soon.. xo Juli~

It's Over.....

2011-05-22T17:39:00.000-05:00

Hi.....

Well it's all over, I am back home and my Surgeries are behind me. I am feeling pretty good today... Yesterday there was a lot of pain in my ear, but today, I feel good. My ear is covered up, and the damage was more than originaly thought, but It is over.. I can't tell you how happy I am.. Life can move on now.....

UW Madison Hospital did both of my Surgeries, and everything went fine, and as always everyone there was wonderful. I only had to spend 1 night there, and DB and Amy were there to spend the evening with me. Amy brought me the most beautiful flowers, Thank You Amy.. and we chatted about the upcoming bead and button show in Milwaukee, which I am so excited about, and some new veggie recipes...

So.... Stay tuned... I have some new Jewelry pieces coming soon, and so many new things to talk about.

I hope you all have a Lovely sunny sunday..xo Juli

See You Soon :)

An Announcement.......

2011-05-06T16:20:00.006-05:00

Hi Everyone...

I hope you are having a wonderful friday... I wanted to tell you a few things..

I will be having Surgery for a parathyroid in my throat, and a mastoidectomy on my right ear, on may 19th. My shop will be closed for a few days, and will re-open as soon as I am feeling better.

Also... Yes, I know my website is running terribly slow right now.. I am not sure why, but hopefully it will be better soon... also it is looking a bit empty, but new things are coming..

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, full of sunny days, and starry nights..

xo Juli~

One More Thing...

2011-04-29T18:23:00.002-05:00

This Necklace... Sterling silver, white & lavender fresh water pearls, copper leaves, and a bezel set faceted smoky quartz cabochon...

on soft reddish brown deerskin leather, to tie at the neck, in whatever length you desire. SOLD

I know these photos are kinda dark, I apologize for that, my camera is having issues...

This is all I have for today, I am working or a few more pieces...

Today I spent most of my time in the wonderful sunny, warm, lovely outdoors, something I very much needed.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.. If you are interested in any of these pieces I have on my blog, pop me an email through my website, under the contact us, and I will be happy to make a listing for you

xo Juli~

Old ruffled leaves, new growth....

2011-04-28T19:36:00.005-05:00

It's very quiet here today as I sit snuggly warm on the couch, Phoenix cat laying next to me, a soft purr rumbling in his throat.

I can hear the rain hitting the skylights, and every few minutes a sheet of rain pelts the side of the house, and a strong wind blows..

The clouds are shades of grey, white and blues, and filled with rain...

I was hoping to see the sun today, and have some warmer weather, but it's chilly in here and raining again... I am wondering if springs warmer days will ever get here, or if it just going to be rainy??

Last Sunday while visiting family for Easter, I went for a short walk to see if I could find some new growth... flowers bursting up from the ground, buds on trees, or anything that seemed interesting, colorful, or had texture...

I took pictures of whatever I found to be interesting, for inspiration in my Botanical Collection, everywhere I looked there was new growth popping up,

but also the old , faded blooms from the past season, brown crumbling leaves, lay strewn everywhere, their curled edges making the ground look like old faded, ruffled lace..

My newest necklace, part of my botanical Collection..

Inspired by these leaves, new blooms, and all things spring..

My Faded leaves & New Blooms Necklace...

Sterling silver, pale yellow hand made glass beads, lavender glass flowers, sweet purple enameled blooms, topped with chartreuse colored faceted glass beads, my handmade faded copper leaves & one enameled butterfly...

This all hangs on a soft brown deerskin leather, that ties at the neck, making it whatever lenght you would like it to be.. SOLD

Also my new Bell Blossom earrings..

Sterling silver, chartreuse colored faceted glass beads, and enameled blooms..SOLD

These are sweet..

I have a few more pieces coming soon.. Another sterling chain necklace with pearls, and those faded ruffle leaves, and leather.

That is all I have today.. I also wanted to tell you that my shop will be closed for a week or so coming up in May. I have found out that I will be having surgery on my right ear, and also the parathyroid surgery. There seems to be to much fluid in my ear still, to leave it go, without risk of getting an infection again. My doctors are trying to get the surgerys done on the same day, but I am not sure if that is going to happen or not, and I am not sure of the exact date yet. I will know more on monday.

I will let you know the date of my shop closing as soon as I find out.

Have a great evening, and I will be back soon xo Juli~

From Me... To You....

2011-04-24T09:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Easter!!

I hope your Easter Day is wonderful & filled with Happiness!

xo Juli~

From The Haze Of Grey Clouds...

2011-04-23T21:38:00.006-05:00

Today in the quiet of my studio, while the north winds blew, and the rain poured from a haze of grey clouds, and battered the world outside, I created my first fold formed copper leaves...

I hammered shiny copper until it curled and formed a ruffle along the edges of my leaf.. I hammered and torched and hammered some more..

When I opened the folded form up, a shiny, delicate copper leaf appeared before my eyes, it's beauty so very real, just like I imagined it would be..

Each leaf different and unique in its on way.. Just like a real leaf, no two looking the same..

This is part of my Botanical Collection,

Copper, sterling, pearls..

Oxidized, torched & polished for a rustic, worn patina, and to bring out the texture in the metal..

Completely handmade by me ~ Just for you..

Sterling branches and leaves, with citrus lime green fresh water pearl buds...SOLD

Copper flower petals, and aqua blue amazonite..

I love my little leaves, and I'm hoping you love them too..

These will be on my website soon, and there are more to come.. I promise..

Have a wonderful, sunny, warm and cozy Easter!

xo Juli~

Spring...

2011-04-05T12:59:00.006-05:00

~Daffodils In The Rain~

Nothing I have ever seen

Is lovelier than silver rain Falling on gold daffodils In bloom along my garden lane. Overnight they have appeared, As if by magic, from the ground. Grateful for their first rain bath ,They revel in its friendly sound .Golden beauty blinding me Along the path and garden wall, Winter's bondage now has ceased With spring's enchanting first sweet call.

~William Arnette Wofford

Have a Lovely day.. It feels like spring here today :) That makes me so happy!

xo Juli~

The Winds Of Change.......

2011-04-04T17:53:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone....
I hope you are all well.... I continue to feel better everyday... I still have some hearing problems, and recently found out that as a result of having meningitis and all the test that the doctors had run, they also found that I have hyperparathyroidism, low vitimin D and low calcium, so I have been having tests to find the bad parathyroid and will be having it removed soon. Hoping when all this is over I am feeling better..

I have not worked on much Jewelry lately... but will be getting back into it soon... My little workshop is finally ready to work in, torch, vent, peg board to hang everything from... It is all ready to go. Im so excited to start working on new pieces....

My style is ever changing, as I continue to grow, and learn new things... The possibilities seem endless to me now, that I have my shop set up.....I have been reading alot of books on jewelry making, which has been very helpful...

I have been collecting cut cabochons for awhile now, Some of these cabs will start showing up in my designs soon. I love all kinds of Jewelry, and that is what i will be making from now on... I can't just work on one style... My soul loves the rustic worn look, but I also like a modern & organic look. So I have to learn to combine these two styles... When I named my company, I thought the words Rustic & Urbanity, covered many styles.
In my new pieces I will have sparkling earth tone colored gemstones, cut cabochons, mixed with oxidized sterling silver, Oh and color... lots of earthy colors.... texture... and of course pearls, I can't live without them. Can you??

My blog may go through some changes, cause I like change, so if you come here and it looks different, don't worry it is still me. :)

These last few months have been tough for me, and Im still struggling, I lost 5 days of my life that I can't explain, and things happened that are hard for me to grasp. Spending 11 days in a hospital, and hearing all about it, well im happy i'm here, but I don't know if I will ever be the same girl I used to be..

So the winds of Change bring new things in my life, and new things to share with you.

Also I want to Thank all of my wonderful blog readers and followers, I appreciate you all so much..

I will be back soon... I hope you all have a wonderful week.

xo Juli~

Finding Me....

2011-03-21T18:13:00.002-05:00

Today was such a beautiful day, with an abundance of sunny golden light, filtering through puffy cotton white clouds, and pale blue skies.. slightly chilly, but with a promise of spring in the air.. I can feel it...

The squirrels are bustling about, birds are flying on a swirling crest in the winds of change, tulips are starting to push their velvet heads up through the earth, thunderstorms are in our forecast... And these sunny days fill my head with with inspiration and promises of new things to come... growth, love, and finding myself again..

I am feeling much better these days, my energy is still 0, but I am doing ok. My hearing is not so good yet, and I had a hearing test last week... There is still fluid in my ears, and if it isn't gone soon, I will be going in next month, to have surgery on my ears, which i am hoping doesn't happen... Something about cutting the bone in my ear and getting the fluid out... ouch!

As the winds blow here, there brings a change, one for Rustic Urbanity.. which I will tell you all about soon..

xo Juli~

Back To the Bench...

2011-03-07T16:58:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone..
I am feeling a bit better today, as far as the sinus headaches... And wanted to try and get back to work on my Jewelry... I have to tell you that I feel a bit frustrated, as My energy is low and my memory is short...
I am not myself yet, I don't feel the same as I did before my illness.. So new pieces will be coming slower..

When I went to my last Doctors appointment he told me 6 to 12 months total recovery time.. I was shocked.. I mean I don't feel bad other then the sinus issues, and having 0 energy, but then as i go along things seem to pop up that seem to be difficult for me to do.

So as I was at the bench working on a few new pieces, I realized that it is going to take awhile to get back to the me before this happened..
I did get a few pieces made.. and started on a few custom orders, but now I know I need to take it slower... One day at a Time.
I have gone through this whole thing over and over in my mind, trying to remember what happened, but I just can't piece it together.. But I guess it isn't really important, just being here still is what is..

I am so looking forward to spring...
Here are a few of my new pieces... Simple, rustic & and looking towards spring..

Sterling silver textured chain, sterling cast flower & a green opal...

Hammered teardrop hoops, purple varigated white flowers, with a green center...

Faceted sage green glass beads, stacked, and rustically wire wrapped together, with sterling ear wires..

Bronze cast LOVE pendant, on soft light brown deerskin leather, with a cast bronze hook clasp...

This is all I have for now, But I will work on more pieces on wed. so stop back soon for more new things.. I will get these listed in my website as soon as I can.

Hope you all have a Wonderful week..xo Juli

Home Sweet Home....

2011-02-28T15:47:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone...
I am home.. I arrived back home on thursday night.. So happy to be back in my own home, with DB and my pets. The hospital took great care of me, and I don't think I have ever met a group of people as wonderful as the Nurses, Doctors and staff that work at U Madison Hospital. Thank you from the bottom of my Heart to each and everyone of you!! I will remember all of you!

I have been taking it slowly, one day at a time, I am eating a bit better at home, trying to walk as much as possible, but feel slightly off balance yet. The stairs are proving to be a bit difficult yet, but I just hold on to the rail and walk one step at a time... Hope I get my energy back soon...

My hearing is better, but not like it was yet.. Hoping that clears up soon... And the sinus headaches, well they can go anyday...lol

But I can tell you this one thing for sure.. I am happy to be here on this earth still! Part of me feels a bit confused about the whole thing.. Like how did this happen???
Try to wrap my head around the fact that I was close to Death??? My family and friends were scared for me, so afraid they were going to never see me again.. I feel so bad about that.. I didn't know though. I only remember the double earaches and the terrible pain from them, being sick, and then waking up in the hospital 5 days or so later.

I'm so happy that Heather found me when she did.. I have an angel looking over me, and it is her! Not so sure I would be here without her.. Well the hospital that I first went to told DB I wouldn't be if not for her... Thank you Heather from the bottom of my heart!!!!

I have gone down to my bench to look at all my new Jewelry supplies, and excited about the new pieces, but not ready to get back to work on them yet.. There is a bit to much pain in my head still, and my concentration, isn't all that great yet..... Want to get my Prairie Collection Finished and a new Collection started, Inspired By Life..

Some of the beautiful flowers I received... Thank you Jon, Heather & Sydnee, they are Beautiful and very much appreciated...

More Beautiful flowers... Thank you Palmyra Fish & Game Club... Heather Aukofer... Tabbetha & Paul.. Melanie & Jan Crawford & Chris R..... & JoAnn & Tom W....

They smelled so good in the hospital, everyone that came in my room said it smelled like a flower shop! lol

Thank you Everyone, For Everything!

Chris Mueller, Thank you to you, for coming to see me multiple times, calling me, calling Dan, and helping with the Dog. We appreciate you so much! :)

Colleen & Rick, Please move here now!! :)

Thank you to everyone I got cards from to, very much appreciated!

I hope I havn't forgotten anyone in my Thank yous!!

I will keep you up to date, and New Jewelry will be here soon :)

xo Juli~

A Crook In My Road............

2011-02-22T12:44:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone.........
I'm writing to you from my hospital room at University Hospital Madison F6/574....
I have been here for awile, not even exactly sure how long...
I was found unconcious laying on my bathrooom floor, by my Dear friend Heather....
She called 911 and saved my life...
I was diagnosed with Bacterial Meningitis..... I myself don't know much about the disease, but know the recovery back hasn't been all that easy... The doctors and nurses here have been wonderful... Doing anything they can to help me get through this.... I am back to eating on my own, and getting my strength back. Tomorrrow I am hoping to go home. I miss my house, my pets and DB of course... And I have tons of new jewelry supplies that came in while i have been away....

On different days many of my family members showed up, Thank You Colleen & Rick, Christopher and Jenny, David & Pam. I appreciate each one of you taking time to be here with me... I love you... I also had many friends show up.... Thank you Chris Mueller, Tammy H, Heather Aukofer.. MY Saviour) Amy S. ,Tabbetha & Paul...Thank you to everone who sent cards, flowers, and called with well wishes. Thank you also Cindy, for your messages to me, when I know you were going through some hard times yourself....... Thank you Dan, I love you! Thank you Nancy & Tim for your prayers. Thank you Connie for your thoughts,

Thank you Mom, Dad and Cory, and just everyone who stopped by or called... Its wonderful to have so many wonderful family members and friends,,

I will update you again on my progrees in the next few days. Take care and love to you all.
xo Juli~

A New Collection....

2011-02-12T16:55:00.000-06:00

About two weeks ago, I started on a new Collection, but I had to put it on hold due to a sinus infection/head cold, that just made it to hard to focus or concentrate on anything... Now I am finally starting to feel better, and my head does not feel so much like it could explode at any minute..

This Collection is inspired by the prairie, that I see everyday... In the spring and summer its alive with an abundance of color, and sounds... Wildflowers and tall prairie grass swaying in the gentle breeze, birds of all kinds singing happily in the sun, bees flying from one flower to the next, butterflies everywhere and at night, the sky is wide open with a zillion stars...

I hope to have all of this Collection finished and online in my shop by March 1st..

Stop back soon for more details...

I hope that the rest of your weekend is Wonderful.

xo Juli~

From The Prairie...

2011-02-07T22:24:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Well as you all know the packers won the Super Bowl.. Go Pack! I survived the party, a little tired and a rather large headache, from all those wonderful, shots that were Chillin... But I had fun!

I have a few new pairs of earrings, Prairie flowers, and Spring buds... And I even have them in my shop already, along with 5 or 6 other new pieces... I know.. I'm right on top of things today...

So if you get a chance and you want to look, well they are there.. If you don't see them, then someone already snapped them up.
That is about it for me.. this girl is headed off to slumberland....

Dotted stamped hoops, adorned with sweet little sterling silver flowers.. SOLD

Gorgeous pale green peruvian opals, rustically wire wrapped on sterling hammered hoops.. SOLD

Thank you for stopping in to visit me..

Have a lovely evening..

xo Juli~

Just A Little Announcement or 8...

2011-02-06T14:45:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone...

I just have a few little Announcements.......

Today, it's snowing like crazy here, a surprise to me... DB is on his way back from his Wyoming sledding trip... The Bar is open, The shots are chillin.. The baked beans are baking... Evelyn is 9 years old today.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE... And The Best part of Today.. Well the PACKERS Play in The SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!

GO PACKERS GO!!!

# 12 We Love You!!

xo Juli~

The Sweetest Little Cottontail...

2011-02-04T18:00:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone..
I have the rest of the photos from the pieces I made yesterday...

I'm loving this little rabbit pendant, he is rather sweet looking.. Last summer I had a little rabbit that lived in our garden.. He never ate anything in it, just the grass that was growing around it.. He never touched the lettuce or spinich that we had growing.. I was surprised by that..

He had dug a hole in the garden under a large flowering plant, which he was laying in most of the time.. to keep cool from the hot sun. I had even taken a small bowl of water out there, and put it next to the place where he slept, and at least one time saw him bathing in it. I gave him fresh water daily, and he drank it and continued to eat grass growing in and around the garden.. He never left when I came around, but he kept his distance, always keeping an eye on me.. He was a young rabbit, rather small, but so sweet. I named him Peter.. How original... :)

One day I went out and he was gone, I checked everyday for a week, and Peter never came back.. I am not sure what happened to him, but can take a guess on some neighboring cats in the area.. I was sad!

Here are my new pieces....

A sweet little solid copper pendant with a rabbit on it, soft chocolate leather deerskin, and a little flower.. Just like the one Peter slept under.. SOLD

Tiny prairie flowers that match the flower on cottontails necklace...Sterling wire wrapped glass flowers, turquoise centers, hanging on copper chain.... SOLD

Sterling silver cross with a cut out center, and a tiny glass prairie flower, soft chocolate deerskin leather, and a rustic sterling button closure..

A sweet little sterling heart and pale pink freshwater pearl, dangle on this sterling textured chain bracelet..

I will get these listed soon..

Thank you so much for stopping in..

Have a Lovely weekend!

xo Juli~

Forever Mine..

2011-02-03T16:45:00.002-06:00

Greeting the day, with an abundance of sunshine..

But the temps are very cold, so I decided not to do any snowshoeing this afternoon, and worked on more Jewelry..
I couldn't get pics of all of them, but have a few.. There will be more in the days to come.
Valentines Day is just days away.. and I'm listing the last few pieces I have today, and a couple tomorrow.

Tomorrow I will have more jewelry photos, and some snowshoeing photos, taken after the storm.. There is a lot of snow out there, but my friend K. and I went out and snowshoed around the prairie, and through the woods.. The sun even came out for a bit.... I took photos of course and we had alot of fun...

Here are a few new things....

Sweet little sterling silver cast hearts and pale pink freshwater pearls...

Loving this sterling silver dragonfly, on soft chocolate deerskin leather...

My Favorite.. Mission style sterling silver cross, on textured sterling chain, adorned with tiny sterling and turquoise beads... SOLD

Well that is it for me today.. These pieces will be in my shop soon.. Thank you for stopping in, and I hope you have a Lovely evening.. xo Juli~

Having Some Fun....

2011-01-30T10:43:00.002-06:00

A few days ago, I finally got a chance to use my snowshoes, we could use a bit more snow, but this was good enough....

I decided to take our golden "Bodhi" with me.. He needed to get out and run a bit, so he was rather excited.. We walked out the back door, through the Prairie, and right in to the woods.. It was quiet, and really very peaceful...

Bodhi, whom has selective hearing (when he is with me anyway) was usually a mile ahead of me, nose to the ground paying zero attention to me, or anything I had to say, or standing right behind me....

At one point he was so close to me, his foot was on my snowshoe, so that when I went to move my foot, I face planted into the cold but cushy snow.... That was the first face plant, the second one happened when, my snowshoe got caught under a vine, that I could not see, and down I went.. it was fun though and I laughed.. I am sure that Bo was laughing at me also....

I took a few photos, while we were out...

All of these photos were taken on the same day, the background colors vary, depending on what layers I used to create them.

If you live where there is snow, and you have not tried snowshoeing... I think you should try it out, it is really fun..

I hope the rest of your weekend is really wonderful.. I will be back tomorrow with some more new Jewelry... Im off now to list some of my other new pieces in my shop..

xo Juli~

Soul...

2011-01-28T11:26:00.002-06:00

The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only
on those things that are in line with your principles and
can bear the full light of day. The content of your character
is your choice. Day by day, what you think, and what you
do is who you become. Your integrity is your destiny...it
is the light that guides your way....Heraclitus.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, I will be back on monday..

xo Juli~

Art altered photo, taken and edited by me :)

Thinking of you...

2011-01-27T13:01:00.002-06:00

Words, however kind,
can't mend your heartache: ,
but those who care and ,
share your loss wish you,
comfort and peace of mind.,
May you find strength,
in the love of family,
and in the warm embrace,
of friends.,

The loss of a beloved pet is never easy and

my thoughts are with you.

xo Juli~

Rustic Flowers & A Heart.......

2011-01-26T16:15:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone..
I hope you are all having a good day.. It is rather dreary here today, I was hoping the sun might come out, but no such luck....
I have been making all these prairie pieces and can hardly wait for spring to get here now, im looking forward to planting little seedlings, seeing the sun, thunderstorms, and warm breezy nights with the windows all flung open....

Here are my new flowers, and a heart....

Sweet little rust/orange colored faceted beads, and sterling flowers..

Pale glowing lavender faceted glass beads, rustically wire wrapped in stering silver..

Bright blue faceted turquoise rondelles, topped with sweet little sterling flower caps...

One solid sterling silver cast heart, on heavy textured chain, with a pale pink fresh water pearl, at the handmade closure...

These pieces and more will be in my shop soon..

I hope the rest of your day is wonderful, and Thank You for stopping in, I will be back in a few days, it's time to do some snowshoeing..

xo Juli~

Prairie Sage & Lilies....

2011-01-25T18:49:00.005-06:00

Hi Everyone...

My thoughts today have been somewhere else, thinking of a friend, feeling her sadness, and hoping she is doing ok...

I did however spend some time working on new pieces, more of the prairie Jewelry.. I am loving all of my new pieces, and I am having a great time with the editing program I purchased.. I love flowers, so adding them to my photos has been so much fun, and trying all the new fonts, of which there are so many.. I could spend hours just playing with my photos..

When I went outside today to take photos of these pieces of jewelry, my camera had a blank screen on it.. I changed the batteries, but still the blank screen. So these pictures were taken with my camera, on the macro lens, with a blank screen.. I just held the camera where I thought it should be, and took some photos.. I didn't do to bad, however there were a few that were out of focus, or not quite all in the photo...

So here are a few of my new pieces....

Pale sage green faceted beads, rustically wire wrapped with sterling silver...

Turquoise blue tiny glass flowers, with red centers, and sterling silver...

A sweet 3 heart cast sterling silver hoop, sterling textured chain, and tiny pale pink faceted rondelles.. SOLD

Faceted weathered turquoise glass tubes, rustically wire wrapped with sterling silver...

That is all I have for now.. These pieces will be listed in my shop soon.. Hope you all have a wonderful, peaceful evening... xo Juli~

New Prairie Jewelry....

2011-01-22T16:55:00.007-06:00

Hi Everyone...
Today was a very peaceful, sunshiny day here.. I spent most of the day at my Jewelry bench, working on some custom orders, and some new pieces.. I really should be spending time on my computer resizing and compressing photos, and listing new pieces, as they are starting to pile up here on my desk...

I have been calling these newest pieces, rustic prairie jewelry.. Inspired by the prairie out behind the house..

These are a few of the newest pieces I have made, some I wasn't able to get photos of today, as the sun went down while I was making the pieces, so I will get them on monday.. I also will start listing the newest Jewelry on monday.. I promise

Tomorrow we are having friends over for a Packer party, and I have many things to do.. Making food & Apple pie shots, Jello shots and I need to restock the bar, clean it, and decorate.. We now have point beer on tap.. something new!

New Jewelry..

Pink chalcedony & sweet little pink faceted glass beads, wire wrapped with sterling silver...

Sterling silver peace dove with a heart on his wing, turquoise, sterling chain, and leather, with a very cool sterling button at the closure.. SOLD

Soft deerskin leather, and a sweet bronze daisy... SOLD

Sterling and leather cord, handmade glass beads, and a prairie flower.. there is also a tiny sterling heart on this bracelet.. SOLD

A sterling silver cast peace sign, white pearls, sterling chain and a tiny prairie flower at the closure..

That is all I have for today, more pieces coming soon.. Thank you for stopping in.

Hope the rest of your weekend is wonderful..

GO PACKERS GO!!

UPDATE.. WOOT WOOT WERE GOIN TO THE SUPER BOWL... THE PACK IS BACK!!

Dreaming About Spring....

2011-01-21T12:32:00.001-06:00

Last night when I went to bed, it was -14 degrees... Brrrr... Today at 12:00 noon, it is -2.. But we have had some sun this morning, so it did warm up a tiny bit :)

There will not be any snowshoeing for me today.. Oh, no way, it's far to cold for me..

Even though I have listed my Spring Collection, because basically i'm dreaming of the warmer spring weather, it is very cold here... Oh I know, Not just here, there are plenty of other places where they are out in the frozen tundra also...

Evey is here at home with me today, because there isn't any school.. she is sitting on the couch in the sunny room, playing quietly on her Ds..
DB is here at home, in the office today, instead of out in the field , drilling holes in the frozen ground, trying to get soil samples...
The pets are all curled up tail to nose, laying cozy in various places in the house... And I.. well i'm dreaming about spring, going through all my spring and summer photos, looking at all the pretty flowers.. looking out at the sun, thinking it sure looks warm out, but it's not, not at all!

It's Cold, but winter on the prairie is really very pretty.. and I do like the snow, and being outside, but it's just toooo cold today, i would prefer the 30s at least.. So while I sit dreaming of warmer spring days, I have some winter prairie photos for you...

Dreaming of warmer spring days, creating jewelry, and staying warm today..

Hope your day is wonderfully sweet and cozy warm..xo Juli~

Peace....

2011-01-20T16:18:00.001-06:00

Welcoming the sun today, it was bright, and shiny with clear skys... But don't let that decieve you.. the temps are at this very moment.. 14 brrr degrees.. at 3:56 pm..

Yesterday I worked on some more new pieces of Jewelry, had a wonderful email convo with a super sweet person, who really made me THINK.... about peace and not having negativity, just to be happy and enjoy life.. Thank you Cindy.. I know our friendship will be one to treasure!

I also bought a sweet little tote bag, with the most awesome design on it, created by Cindy.
I can't wait to get it,and you can see and purchase them at... http://www.cafepress.com/creekhouse

Now I have a little collage of a few more pieces of my new Jewelry.. That will be listed in my shop, tonight..or tomorrow..

That is it for me today.. I hope the rest of your day is filled with Love, Peace and cozy warmth! xo Juli~

Spring Jewelry...

2011-01-15T14:44:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone...
I hope you are having a nice weekend. DB and I have a Snowmobile Holiday party to go to tonight, and of course watch the Packers playoff game... Go Pack!

I have a few more photos of my new Spring Collection to show you, and also I have to tell you that so far I have not had a minute to add these pieces to my shop. I apologize for that, and will start adding pieces tomorrow into monday until they are all listed. I hope you will stop back then. UPDATE: 1/18 I am still adding pieces, sorry for the Delay :)

Have a Wonderful Weeekend..xo Juli~

GO PACKERS GO!!!

Dragonflies..Butterflies & Sunny Days.....

2011-01-14T13:06:00.002-06:00

Waiting for the sun to warm my days.. Everyday!
I wanted to give you a little peek at my New Spring Collection 2011, inspired by sunny days on the prairie..

The flowers, birds, Butterflies..... It's a Collection of Rustic Jewelry for your prairie Soul...

Loving the color of these wire wrapped faceted glass beads.. They glow from within..

A sweet little rustic daisy, dances below sterling oxidized twisted chain, hanging alongside the flower is one tiny faceted swiss blue topaz, one hangs at the closure also...

Dragonfly and sage green Pearl, on leather cord...

Bronze hammered ovals, and faceted green amethysts..

Sterling stamped circle, hangs from leather, with a vintage pewter button closure..

Thank you for stopping in to have a look.. These pieces and more will be in my shop soon...

Have a wonderful weekend..xo Juli~

Happy Birthday!......

2011-01-13T11:47:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Colleen... I hope you have a wonderful day!

A sweet chocolate and vanilla cake for you.....

Flowers for your Day....

Balloons, with a message to tell you I miss you, and hope your day is the best..

love you Sis...

xo Juli~

For Your Rustic Soul.....

2011-01-12T17:08:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone...
I hope you are all having a good day..

Starting on Jan 15th I will be adding pieces of my new Rustic Valentine Collection to my website...

The weather here today has been chilly, partly sunny, & some snow flurries.. Since all of our snow melted on New years Eve with the 50 degree temps we had.. I have been waiting for some snow, not some actually, I want a good snow storm.. Db gave me snowshoes for Christmas and I still have not gotten to use them... So think snow for me please.. :)

My Phoenix Cats infection in his mouth has improved, but not enough yet.. and his mouth is still bothering him, so friday.. back to the vet we go for another antibiotic injection.. Hopefully to clear it up this time..
I want to Thank you all for stopping in to visit my blog.. And I want to leave you with a few photos of my New Valentine Collection..

A sweet little handmade rustic sterling heart on ball chain, with a faceted berry colored glass bead at the closure...

Faceted glass rondelles in cranberry & pink colors sway from handmade Blackened sterling ear wires...

A handmade organic shaped hoop holds a cast sterling heart, dangling white freshwater pearls, and dances below chocolate brown deerskin leather, with a rustic handmade button for the closure..

Handmade blackened sterling ear wires hold a triple line up of raspberry colord glass beads and sweet little hearts dance at the bottom...

Rustically wire wrapped ruby moonstone heart briolettes, dance below handmade blackened sterling ear wires...

Thank you for stopping in to visit.. I hope you all have a wonderful wednesday evening.. I will be adding these pieces and more to my website starting Saturday..

xo Juli~

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T21:03:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year to Everyone!

Hope you all have a wonderful time tonight, be safe and don't drink to many Glasses of Champagne...
I will be staying home tonight, and having a few cocktails.... The Chef is cooking up some lemon grilled shrimp, horseradish mashed potatoes, and a caesar salad.... Later after a few southerns, if I make it that long, a glass of Champagne to ring in the New Year!

Its been a long week here, DB has been out west snowmobiling, I have been at home taking care of the pets.. My sweet Phoenix cat has been rather sick these past 4 days, and made a trip to the vet yesterday, after not eating for 3 days.. he was given an antibiotic for an infection in his mouth, and is still struggling to eat and keep food down, but is improving.

I have some new Jewelry on the Bench, and can hardly wait to show you.... Soon...

Happy New Year, see you all in 2011..xo Juli~

Happy Holidays.....

2010-12-23T15:53:00.005-06:00

Happy Holidays from Rustic Urbanity...

Happy Holidays To All Of My Wonderful Rustic Urbanity Customers and Blog friends, I appreciate you all so very much...
Thanks to all of you who have made my business what it is today, and Thank you, to each and everyone of you, for the love, encouragement, friendship and business you have given me over the past 4 years.

I hope you have the Merriest Christmas, and a Wonderful New year! Be safe and Bless you all.
xo Juli~

Holiday Decorations..

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care...

Ice on the pines..

Snow covered branches....

Snow covered pine branches...

Thank you for stopping in.. Have The merriest of Holidays and be safe.

Happy Holidays to my family and friends too. I miss you all. Wish we could all be together for the holidays!

See you all next year, xo Juli

These Things...

2010-11-30T17:32:00.005-06:00

12 Things I'm Lovin Today..........

1. The quite in my home today...

2. A brisk walk on this grey day, with the dog..

3. A bubbly soak in the Jacuzzi..

4. Being nice and cozy warm...

5. The glow of candles in the late afternoon...

6. A wonderfully , tasty new veggie recipe..

7. The sweet sound of Christmas music, drifting through the house..

8. Hot Pumpkin spiced tea in my favorite cup..

9. Getting lost in my favorite book, and not wanting it to end..

10. This quiet, grey, snowy, rainy day..

11. Learning to be Positive every single day..

12. Snuggling on the couch with my sweet, purring Phoenix kitty..

What things are you Lovin today?? So many people visit me..... please leave a comment and share your thoughts..
I hope you all had a lovely day, mine was wonderful. I will be back here soon with more new Jewelry. Thank you for stopping in.. xo Juli

Happy Thanksgiving....

2010-11-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone...
I hope you alll have a Wonderful and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday!

DB and I will be heading to my Dads house for a relaxing Day of talking, eating and just visiting with each other. DB has the turkey brined and ready to put in the oven, iv'e made the cloverleaf rolls, and Cory has the Lemon truffle pie chilling in the fridge..

The weather here today is rainy, grey and gloomy, so it will be a good day to be inside enjoying the company of Family....

I want to say "Hi" to the rest of my family in Arizona, Iowa, and Kansas.. I hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving Day also!

Have a Wonderful Day, Be safe traveling, and I will be back here on monday..xo Juli

This Weekend...

2010-11-19T16:40:00.001-06:00

All this weekend, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, I will be listing all my new Jewelry/Holiday Collection on my Website...

Stop in soon, and Have a Wonderful Weekend! xo Juli~

Honor Our Veterans...

2010-11-11T08:29:00.004-06:00

Veterans Day 2010

Rustic Winter/Holiday Collection.....

2010-10-28T21:37:00.007-05:00

My Winter/Holiday Collection... out soon... is inspired by all things winter.. So I have put together some photos, to show you what inspired me this year...Ohhhhh and NO these are not photos from this year.. that fluffy white will be here soon enough though...... I have collected some lovely photos that I took last winter.. in the blizzard we had..

My Inspiration.....

Pine Trees.. Covered with Snow..

Winter Wonderlands... Snowflakes.. Falling..

Berries.... Bright Red... Covered with snow..

Green Pines.. Icicles...

Icy blue snowy days....

Frost...

More Frosty Pines...

And Peace Doves.. Sorry I Don't have a photo of them, but you know what they look like..

That is my Inspiration for my New Rustic Winter/Holiday Collection.. coming in Early Nov...
Thank you for stopping in to visit me.. Hope the rest of your week is wonderful! xo Juli~

The Last Day of Summer....

2010-09-22T23:01:00.000-05:00

The Last Day of Summer

Yesterday, it was here; boldly infringing
on autumn's turf, dipping between
mounds of golden maples and spilling
satiny warmth across my bare arms.

There was no announcement,
no fanfare, just a slathering
of bright-hued light.

Today, a cold damp slab presses
my thoughts inward; short heaves of frost
portend the fury of approaching winter.

Had I known, I would have cradled
each moment before it rolled away;
I would have marked each degree
of earth's rotation with a wistful salute.

Now all I can do is mold a shell
to enclose the echo
of summer's retreat.

-Laryalee Fraser

The last day of summer... I will miss it, but look forward to Autumn and all the changes it will bring...

I hope that this new season brings Joy and Happiness to you also..xo Juli

The Little Cabin In The Woods...

2010-09-01T21:26:00.000-05:00

The lazy days of summer are coming to an end....
Today is the first day of September, and Autumn will soon be here... It's cloudy and grey outside this morning, and there's a gentle breeze in the air, and a few very dark puffy clouds hanging low in the sky.. a sure sign that we are going to get some rain and possible thunderstorms..

There's a faint smell of smoke in the air, which takes me to memories of Fall days long gone.. the air always smells different in Autumn... The leaves are starting to fall off of some of the trees already.. and most of my garden is just dried remains of the beautiful blooms they once were..

While out riding on the Harley this past weekend we went by trees that were already starting to change colors.. the leaves were changing to hues of golds, rusts and reds... It made me think of how much I look forward to Autumn, hiking in the woods, and long walks around the lake in the crisp air, making those comfort foods for dinner, going to the Pumpkin patch in hopes of finding the perfect pumpkin, baking fresh apple crisps, hot, with vanilla ice cream melting down the sides, chilly evenings sitting cozy by the fireplace, sipping hot chocolate, and snuggling with my kitty...

Also While we were out riding the Harley this past weekend we came across a little cabin in the woods.. You know I love old cabins and anything rustic, so I took a few photos for you to see....

The road leading to the little cabin in the woods...

The wood fence that leads to the little cabin...

Isn't it the cutest little cabin?...

This Historical log cabin sits in the Kettle Moraine State Forest...
The sign says... In the spring of 1847, Norwegian immigrants Barne Emerson (who changed his name from Bjorne Amundson) and his new Bride, Susan (who changed her name from Seneva Oleson) moved to the Wisconsin frontier and built this small log cabin from tamarack logs. They eventually had four sons and the farm stayed in the family for over 100 years..

During the civil war, Barne Emerson enlisted in the Company D of the 28th Wisconsin infantry and died in 1864 at Pine Bluff Arkansas.

This is one of the three original cabins discovered on the park lands. The cabin has been restored and preserved to its original site.

Emerson Esker & Prairie Trail...

I just thought you might like to see the little cabin in the woods, I loved it. :)

DB waiting for me...

Well, that is my little story for today.. I hope you liked it. Thank you so much for stopping in to visit me, and please leave me a comment, I would love to hear from you. Have a great day.xo Juli

Today....

2010-08-26T19:12:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone....
Today I had a post almost completed, when our power decided to have an outage.. and now I have no monitor... I am using DBs computer which is fine, but all of my photos and info .. and.. well just everything is on my computer... I sometimes wonder why life always... seems to hand me the computer issues.. some days it is just one thing after the other.. :)

I had many photos to share with you, some taken while out on the Harley, and some of my new pieces of Jewelry.. But I guess I will have to share these with you at another time.

It's not the end of the world , I know, but I had so many things I wanted you to see. I have finally gotten the torch set-up I have been wanting for so very long, and still need to get an exhaust system set up.. But I can't tell you how very excited I am about the whole thing. Finally.. soon.. I will be able to make the rings and brooches I have been collecting cabochons for... for the past 2 years or so now..

The weather here has been so Beautiful.. My sinuses and allergies not so much, but finally we can enjoy the outdoors, with out melting.. I worked on jewelry outside today on the deck, and it was really wonderful.. I hope you are all well... I am hoping to be back monday with a new post and some new Jewelry...

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.. and I hope to be back soon..xo Juli

August....

2010-08-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone..
Sorry for not having a post in such a long time... So many things going on and just not enough time in the day to get them all accomplished.. I have been working on my Early fall Collection, and have some of the pieces finished.. I need to get photos, and will have another post on here later this evening..

Have a wonderful day.. and please stop back later tonight to see my new pieces... xo Juli

"August rushes by like desert rainfall,
A flood of frenzied upheaval,
Expected,
But still catching me unprepared.
Like a matchflame
Bursting on the scene,
Heat and haze of crimson sunsets.
Like a dream
Of moon and dark barely recalled,
A moment,
Shadows caught in a blink.
Like a quick kiss;
One wishes for more
But it suddenly turns to leave,
Dragging summer away."
- Elizabeth Maua Taylor

Photo By Johnnyberg Royalty Free sxc.hu

A Day Of Sun......

2010-07-26T17:41:00.000-05:00

Today we have sun, blue skies and it's not so humid out... Finally.. You know I love the storms, but we were getting pounded with them... Last Thursday the storms moved through the center of the state, and as we were watching the weather, they have their trained spotters out looking for funnel clouds.. they found them.. one very close to where my family lives, but after torrential downpours, the storms moved down to the lower part of the state and affected us... 5 funnel clouds were spotted, one 9 miles from us, and moving our way... however it did not touch down..
the storms, downpours, cracking thunder and cloud to ground lightening continued all night long until about 8am the next morning.. Then the next evening it started all over again, and lasted all night.. We lost power off and on, our computers were out, and had to be fixed by a tech. who came out... Possibly not from the storm though.. just at the same time..

I did not get any photos, as most of it was at night, and the rest of the time I was in the basement with DB and the animals..

Today, since it is rather nice out, I went to take some photos of the garden, and some flowers in and around the yard...

Peppers, for Canned salsa...

Sugar bush peas... these are so good to eat raw, or in a stir fry...

Husky red cherry tomatoes.. soon..

I think these are some kind of sunflower, I didn't plant them, but they are growing in the back corner of the yard.....

I love that this photo turned out so cool..

Cone flowers...

My wild tiger lily plant.. next to Sabre's memorial in the garden...

Black eyed susan...

Blanket flower.. I think this will probably be the last of my flower photos, it seems that most of my garden has bloomed and is pretty much done for the year..

Soon it will be leaves falling from the trees, muted colors, grey sky, and colder days...
We have a month or so before that happens though, so I will just enjoy what is left of summer....

I have a few new pieces of jewelry to show you also... some of these are already in my shop.. some will be tonight.. I hope.. I am terribly slow at listing, and my turtle computer does not help the matters.. I am sorry for that.. :)

3 Circles drop earrings.. my favorite..

Sterling silver and Carnelian necklace with leather...

Hammered sterling and labradorite cabochons...

Faceted smoky quartz cabochons....

Hammered sterling silver, faceted labradorite rondelles..
Most of these have necklaces to match, but are not finished yet, waiting for chain...

Thank you for stopping in.. Have a wonderful week, and I will be back soon..xo Juli

Forest Moss....

2010-07-14T14:52:00.000-05:00

One sunny day, while walking on the trail that leads from my backdoor out to the woods.. I took notice of all the moss growing on the trunks of trees, rocks, and all around on fallen tree limbs and branches... I love the color of it, and the texture...

So from this walk I was inspired to make this necklace...

Hand-forged and hammered sterling silver, and a faceted Vasonite pear briolette...

I also made a pair of earrings, using faceted Idocrase rondelles... these little rondelles were also used on the chain of the necklace... It will make lovely set for anyone that likes to spend their time walking through the forest, inspired by all that they see...

These two pieces will be in my shop later tonight...
I hope you are having a lovely day, and Thank you for stopping in... xo Juli

Prairie Jewelry, Daisys & Crows.......

2010-07-09T15:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I worked on a new Necklace for my Prairie Collection.. Inspired by all the Daisys that seem to be popping up everywhere... I love to take photos of them, and I also like to cut them and bring them in the house... I have vases of them all over the house... they are so simple, & serene...

Little white glass flowers with a pale yellow crystal center cascade down textured chain, white pearl buds, sunny lemon quartz and a green amethyst....

More Daisys... While I was outside taking some photos of flowers, the crows were starting up a ruckus, fighting over the bread I feed to the birds... I love to watch them....

These crows are so big.. sometimes when they land on the sky lights, and peck around the window, it scares me to look up and see 4 or 5 of them up there...

Phoenix Cat had this very surprized look on his face, upon hearing the ruckus... as if to say "Wha Dat"? He is the cat of a million faces, always making me laugh..

Here are a few other flower photos I took, while outside....

Cone flowers...

Wild lily....

Bee Balm... I love the bright pink color....

Well that is it for me today.. We are having company over for dinner tonight, and I have cleaning to do and things to cook... and strawberry margaritas to drink...

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.. I will be back on wednesday with more new urban pieces.. Be safe..xo Juli

Free As The Wind...

2010-07-07T11:42:00.000-05:00

This past friday (I know this post is a tiny bit late) DB and I went out for a ride on the Harley.. Just to get out in the wind and ride through the Country..

We rode around through the woods on winding, twisting roads.. It's hot and humid, but when your out on the Harley you don't notice that, it is always cool going through the woods and country roads...

I spent some of my time while riding around, daydreaming, thinking up new Jewelry, and taking some photos of farms that I liked.....

This one is the best one... It reminds me of a old ghost town farm......

We also stopped at a lake park along the way, I do not remember the name, but took some pictures along the trail we walked on... There was an old cabin along the trail, but we didn't walk far enough to see it..( Next time we will, I want photos of it..)

A pretty yellow flower, they were all over the place, but I am not sure what they are..

A little bridge we walked over...

A little creek, with perfectly clear water running through it....

Berries....

DB checking to see if the water was cold... ice cold...

We walked around for awhile longer, than left to ride back home.. It was a great day out on the Harley...

After getting home I made a few pieces of new Jewelry......

Love the Labradorites in these earrings, the blue flash in them is lovely...

Sage green pearls, and faceted green amethyst briolettes... Sublime....

I think this necklace was in one of my last posts, but this is a much better photo of it... Blue quartz, green amethyst, aqua chalcedony and sunny lemon quartz... Yes, these are a bit more Urban and modern, but I like both... remember my company name.....

Well that is it for today, Evey and I are off to take a swim... Hope you have a lovely day, with lots of sun, and happy memories.. stop back soon, and please leave me a comment, I love to hear from you.. all of you..
xo Juli

Happy Independence Day...

2010-07-04T10:33:00.000-05:00

Hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July..

xo Juli

Sunny Day...

2010-06-28T11:26:00.000-05:00

Hi..

Sorry I have not written any new posts on my blog lately... I have really been busy sewing, making curtains and cushion covers, which took up 4 of my days last week to get completed..

Today it is finally sunny, with no storms in the forecast for at least a few days.. I feel a bit nervous now, when we have bad storms, after the Tornados went through.. I have seen tornados before, some in Colorado when we lived there, and others here.. This one was just too close..

We had some very fast moving storms go through yesterday, with very dark angry clouds, cracking thunder and alot of close lightening.. I did get photos, as I am always outside to capture the storms.. I will post them later.

Today I will be working on more of My prairie flower collection... And will be posting some of the new pieces on my blog and website later today...

Hope you all have a wonderful day.. Stop back soon for more Prairie Jewelry..

xo Juli

Deleonsden Rizing Phoenix....

2010-06-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

Is One Year old today...

My sweet little Bengal kitty has grown in to a big boy... Happy Birthday Phoenix Cat

So cute when he was a Kitten..

6 Months old...

1 Year Old...
He has grown into a wonderful kitty, makes me laugh constantly, and has taken away some of the pain of losing my Sabre Kitty...

Happy Birthday Phoenix, and I hope to have you here with me for many more ...

For those of you who are wondering, DB and I are fine, We have both had many calls from friends and family today, asking if we were ok from the bad storms and 2 Separate Tornados that went through last night..

8 miles away from us, the damage is terrible, but luckily no serious injuries.. The Village of Eagle has around 125 homes with damage, 25 homes were completely destroyed by the Tornado, and Old world Wis. has lost most of pines that surrounded them..

Thank you all for your concern!

xo Juli~

Storms On The Prairie...

2010-06-20T17:54:00.000-05:00

First... Happy fathers Day Dad! Love You!

We have been having a lot of rain and thunderstorms here lately, which all of you know I love...

We had one roll through in the afternoon of friday, which was kinda scary.. It was silent outside, no wind, no birds chirping, just the faint rumble of thunder in the distance... The clouds started rolling in across the prairie, so I took photos until the wind started, and the downpour of rain fell....

This looked really cool rolling in....

I took about 10 photos, but these were the best ones.. We had more storms later that night, as the sun started to set over the lake, the sky was shades of pink, orange and purple, but to the south of me, dark clouds full of lightening flashes and rolling thunder.. I am sad to say, I did not get a chance to take photos, but it was a lovely sight...

I worked on a few more pieces of prairie Jewelry this weekend....

I found a lot of these sweet little flowers at the bead show last weekend.. they were a big seller ...

Lily...

Wild lily...

This little flower ring is so cute....

Old Fashion Hollyhocks... Love these, the color is Gorgeous...

More little flower earrings...

I wanted to tell you all Thank you so much for taking time to stop in and read my blog.. I hope you all had a lovely weekend, and a wonderful week ahead..

More Prairie Jewelry coming soon.. xo Juli

Inspired By The Prairie......

2010-06-10T13:34:00.000-05:00

Inspired by the Prairie that is just behind my house, and borders the forest, I have a new Collection coming out... A Rustic Prairie Summer Collection...

Inspired by the wildflowers that dance in the breeze... The wild daisys, the sage, cone flowers, little bluestem, indian grass....... The birds, butterflies, deer, and all things of the prairie...

Prairie Jewelry~

The collection will feature, pearls, and more pearls, flower beads, leather, cotton cord and darkened sterling silver....

It will be rustic.. delicate.. and perfect for those who love the prairie...

This weekend I will be attending The Bead and Button show in Milwaukee WI. It is the largest consumer bead show in the world... This will be my 5th year of attending, And I can hardly wait.... DBs sister makes Jewelry also.. (Retro Designs) and we have gone together for the past few years.. This year we have a car full of Lovely ladies all heading to the show... OH the pearls, so many of them in so many colors.. Is it sunday yet????

New pieces on my website soon, along with my new Prairie Jewelry.. Thank you so much for stopping in, hope your week is lovely. xo Juli

Beautiful Weather..

2010-06-03T14:10:00.000-05:00

The weather here for the Memorial weekend was just Beautiful.. Sunny days, and cooler nights..

DB and I planted our garden full of Delicious veggies, and lots of pretty flowers.. We planted roma tomatoes, husky cherry tomatoes, various "hot" peppers, and some not so hot (DB cans salsa), bistro salad mix, mesculn, purple onions, and all the herbs I could get.. Thyme, rosemary, sage, cilantro, parsley, mint, chocolate mint, oregano and a lot of Basil, in different varietys.. It is my favorite.. and I love to make Bruschetta with it and the roma tomatoes..

Mixed in with the veggies and herbs, are petunias, marigolds and cosmos...

I still have beans and peas to plant..

After planting I went for a walk around the house, and took photos of all the flowers that are blooming now.. some in our yard, and some at KLs house (our Neighbor)

Her Tortoises were outside in the little white fenced in garden, enjoying the sun, along with her Kittys..

This Iris is gorgeous...

Amalie cat..

Leo the Tortoise...

Blanket Flowers, they are growing everywhere...

After taking photos, and planting, we had a bonfire at KLs, later that night.. and made some s'mores, drank wine and had a good time..

DB and I took the Harley out the next day, and took a long ride out through the Country, and also visited some of my family, had a lovely lunch with them, and rode back home.. It was a wonderful day indeed..

Over the weekend and the past few days I have been working on some custom orders, and some new Jewelry for my shop...

Rustic little flower stamped Earrings...

A Rustic Sleeping beauty turquoise Necklace..

Labradorite wire wrapped Earrings...

Pink Tourmaline and Heart Necklace...

Well that is all I have for now.. I am hoping to have these pieces on my website tonight.

I hope you are having a wonderful week, Thank you so much for stopping in to visit me..xo Juli

Rest In Eternal Peace..

2010-05-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

Taps..
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills,
From the skys,
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.

Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star,
Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Thanks and Praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.

Honor those service men and women who died for our Country.

Rest in Eternal peace..

xo Juli~

My Weekend...

2010-05-24T14:46:00.000-05:00

A very sunny, hot and humid weekend here, the weather hitting 90 degrees with humidity..
Not my favorite thing.. and I do love to be outdoors in the sun, but I have been having terrible sinus headaches, and the heat does not help..

I needed to go out and get photos of my Jewelry, (I take all of my photos outside) and while I was outside I got stung by something, which most flying insects cause me to have an allergic reaction.. I got stung on the neck, and it is swollen on one side, about the size of a golf ball.. My guess, a deer fly, I have terrible reactions to them..

So I came inside, after taking a few photos, as the bugs and heat were too much for my pounding headache... and I
turned the air on, I was really miserable, and my cat walked around, like his fur was far to heavy to be wearing, which I'm sure it was..

(Possible thunderstorms tomorrow, I'm crossing my fingers..)

In the short time I was outside I did get a few photos of my Jewelry and flowers....

My "Timeworn" necklace, with sterling silver, chain, cord and a bezel set freshwater pearl..

I love pearls, with darkened sterling...

This is my "Stolen Heart" necklace.. Sterling tab stamped with a heart, .999 lace disc, and a faceted mystic pink topaz..

The tab and lace disc hang in the center, the topaz dangles along on one side... half way up, the cord changes to a textured sterling chain...

My pink daisy has finally bloomed, some of the daisys are pale pink and some are bright pink..

These grow in 5 0r 6 places in the garden, and they are always so cheery and bright..

Phoenix wasn't to excited about the hot weather this weekend either...

Well that's about all I have, I hope all of you had a nice weekend, and have a great week.. I will be working on more Jewelry, and we will be planting our garden this week, I'm looking forward to having fresh veggies whenever I want..

Thank you for stopping in..xo Juli

Miss You Forever.....

2010-05-16T12:01:00.003-05:00

One year ago today, My Sweet Sabre Kitty left me to go to the "Bridge" One day before he was to turn 15 years old..

He left a huge hole in my heart, and it will never be the same..

He was the sweetest kitty, with the saddest looking face and sad eyes... those eyes that always looked right into mine when I spoke to him..

He was a birthday gift to me so many years ago.. the best one I ever had.. He was always with me and saw my life go through many changes, always by my side.. There are some pets that you just connect with, he was one of them.. I think we read each others minds..

Sabre never really shared his affections towards anyone but me, always upset when I left him alone for a few days, but then so happy to see me when I returned.

He was a talker, meowed at me constantly, always telling me stories..

He followed me everywhere, always at my side.. If I was in the office working, he had to be there also, curled up on my desk, keeping an eye on me while I worked on Jewelry orders or my website.. When I went to bed, he went also, snuggled up next to me..

When i didn't feel good, he was always next to me giving me those sweet kitty kisses and trying to make me feel better..

He was never a very healthy kitty, but I took good care of him, and we had a wonderful vet who knew he was delicate.. He made it through many upper respiratory infections, liver disease, and problems with his tonsils constantly.. I gave him every bit of love I had.. and he was worth it all..

He was the first Bengal I ever had, and if you have never had one, or been around one, they are amazing cats.. Long, lean, full of muscles, beautiful gold tipped fur that shines like crazy in the sun, coats as soft as silk, playful, and full of curiousness..

My life will never be the same without Sabre, I miss him every single day.. I have a ton of Photos to look at, and a few videos, but my heart still hurts, and I wish I could see his sweet face again, and hold him and tell him that I loved him so VERY much..

My sweet Boy..

This is the last Photo I ever took of my boy

Rest In Peace Sweet Sabre

xo Juli

There's A Storm Brewing...

2010-04-29T23:28:00.000-05:00

Today.. We have had warm temps, and very HIGH winds, I had to chase the garbage can lids more than once, and clean up all the papers that flew off of the office desks at least 2 times, before I finally shut the windows part way.. I think the gusts were 45 to 55 mph..

I went outside to take photos of all things blooming, lilacs, apple blossoms, chives, and anything else.. But the winds were so strong, it was kinda hard to focus on anything, and get good photos..

However I did get a few..

The biggest tree in our yard, it's a maple.. And it is huge....

The lilacs, just starting to bloom...

Chives...

Apple Blossoms... I love these, and this is the color, a very vivid pink...

The Dandelion, I love the way they look...

While I was outside (trying) to get some photos, that were not just a blur, my sweet Phoenix Cat... Was unsupervised in the house..(this is when he usually gets into trouble) when I came inside, I couldn't find him anywhere, and of course started to panic.. I thought he might have gotten outside and he is not an outdoor cat.. I looked everywhere, and finally I found him...

Yep, that's him.. On top of the fridge.. I bet I walked past him at least 3 times, and called his name, but he didn't move or make a sound..

Who Me???.. Mr. Innocent

After lunch, which consisted of wild blueberry tea, and cottage cheese smothered in tomatoes, and sprouts, I went down to the bench and made these...

These are my Storm brewing earrings... Labradorite, blue quartz, grey moonstone

These are already on my website, the others will be there soon...

Tomorrow we have a 95 % chance of Thunderstorms.. I can't tell you how much I look forward to storms.. I love to have the windows open, take photos of it all, and just enjoy it..

(TODAYS UPDATE ON THAT STORM.. We Have a Tornado watch until 8pm.. That i'm not so excited about)

Well that is it for now, Thank you for stopping in, I will be back soon, with more of my twists and turns, and yes some bracelets and necklaces.. Please stop back.. xo Juli

The Rain..

2010-04-24T14:19:00.000-05:00

In the dark of the night, the rain fell fast in heavy drops...

It pelted my dreams, the thunder rolled loud across my ceiling, the lightening flashed bright lights across the angry dark sky...

In the light of day, the sky is shades of white and grey..

The sun hidden under a thick blanket of mist, and the rain falls softly... JLH

I hope your weekend has wonderful things in it.. like the song of thunder rolling across the sky, lightening flashes, soft rain, or a beautiful sunny day..

Thank you for stopping in.. Please stop in again for more twists and turns and new Jewelry..xo Juli

Signs Of Spring.. & New Earrings..

2010-04-22T11:42:00.000-05:00

We have been having some nice warm spring weather here, the flowers are bursting up from the earth, the trees are all blossoming, the kittys are out relaxing in the warm sun, the ice has melted off of the lake...

Finally it's here, and I've been waiting so long...

Valentino... Relaxing in the warm sun, next to the catnip..

The Lake...

A little rustic bench, in the faded garden, the iris's are starting to come up...

*****************************

Some new earrings I have been working on.. Yes, I know I make a lot of earrings, but I like making them, I will be adding some more necklaces and bracelets soon though..

Swarovski crystal glass pearls, sweet and simple...

Mystic Blue Quartz, and sterling hoops..

Copper, sterling and smoky quartz cabochons..

Love these.. Czech Glass faceted beads..

Sweet little faceted rose quartz earrings.. wire wrapped..

Creamy colored pearl seed beads, sublime faceted Sapphires, and a .999 fine silver blossom pendant..

I hope you are also enjoying the lovely warm weather, that spring brings. Thank you for stopping in, check back soon for more new pieces.. xo Juli

Spring Blossoms..

2010-04-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

" And spring arose on the garden fair,

like the spirit of love felt everywhere;

and each flower and herb on earth's dark breast

rose from the dreams of its wintery rest."

Percy Bysshe Shelley~

The Weekend & New Jewelry..

2010-04-16T14:16:00.000-05:00

Yay! It's the weekend. Hope everyone has a wonderful one. DB and I are having friends over tonight for cocktails and a cookout. A bonfire would be nice, but it is rather breezy again, and living in the woods, it's probably not a good idea...

Deb and I like to drink Mai tais and Margaritas, but tonight we are having Southern Comfort kool-aid cocktails.. So tasty. I will be adding my favorite cocktail recipes to my blog once in awhile, after 13 years of bartending, I have many of them. My first one will be Mai tais, if your a rum drinker you'll love this one. Look for it on here soon.

I have a few new pieces of Jewelry, some are already in my shop and some have not made it there, but will in the next few days..

Rustic sterling hoops and wire wrapped freshwater pearls

Sterling hoops adorned with tiny sterling flowers, sunny lemon qtz. and vasonite rondelles

Wire wrapped aqua qtz. beads, and aqua colored czech glass beads

Faceted glass beads, adorned with handmade bead caps..

Wire wrapped lavender glass beads.. My favorites, they glow from within..

Well that is it for now, I am going to go get ready for our cocktails and cookout tonight. I hope each and everyone of you has a lovely weekend. Stop back soon..xo Juli

pink daisy photo by..BeverlyLR ..sxc.hu royalty free

Lemon Bars & A Perfectly Sunny Spring Day...

2010-04-14T15:41:00.000-05:00

The sun is shining bright, the birds are singing and we have thrown open all the windows, to let the fresh air in... A little spring cleaning, and then baking a little treat to celebrate such a wonderful sunny day ... My man and I will finish this sunny afternoon off, with a ride on The Harley out in the open breezes..

My sunny day treat, a batch of Lemon bars fresh from the oven, topped with whipped cream, and a recipe for you..

fresh Lemons..

Getting everything ready, lemons, zest, powdered sugar, butter..

The lemon layer..

Finished baking..

Ready to eat...

So Good..

Here's the recipe for you to use, I think you will like it..

Lemon Bars

Shortbread crust:

1 stick butter (room temp)

1/4 c. confectioners sugar

1 c. flour

1/8 tsp. salt

Lemon Filling:

1 c. white sugar

2 large eggs

1/3 c. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. lemon zest

2 Tbsp. flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, place oven rack in the center of the oven, and butter an 8x8 inch pan

Shortbread Crust:

In the bowl of your electric mixer, or hand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt and beat until the dough just comes together.

Press onto the bottom of your prepared pan and bake 20 min. until lightly browned. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool while you make the lemon filling..

Lemon Filling:

With your mixer, beat the sugar and eggs until smooth, add the lemon juice and zest and stir to combine. Fold in the flour. Pour the filling over the shortbread crust and bake for 20 minutes, until filling has set. It will be a light golden brown on top. Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool. To serve, cut into squares, sprinkle on some powdered sugar, and add a dollop of whipped cream. Yum!

Hope you enjoy them. I will be back tomorrow with some new Jewelry pieces. Have a wonderful sunny spring day.. xo JulI

Cabochon Collection & New Earrings...

2010-04-13T18:57:00.000-05:00

My second post for today.. I have been working on my new blog, it's a bit simple, but I like it. I hope this works better than my first blog did. I seemed to always lose photos and it seems people have a hard time finding me and or leaving comments..

Today was a beautiful sunny day outside, however very breezy. My neighbor has a lovely wind chime on her house and today I heard it playing sweet music all day.. I love the sound of wind chimes, Do you?

For the past year and a half I have been collecting cut cabochons, for future use in rings, brooches and necklaces, so I thought I would show you some of them.

They are so pretty. Some of them are spoken for already.. Now a few new earrings I have been working on..

I love the Chalcedony stones in these earrings, the color is a peachy/pink/coral color..

I hope to get these listed in my shop tonight..

Hope you have a wonderful evening, stop back soon.. xo Juli

A New Jewelry Blog....

2010-04-13T13:39:00.000-05:00

Hi, and Welcome to my newest blog. I wasn't happy with the last one, and had problems with the other one, so we will try this one more time and see if it works.