I’d just like to take a minute to wish everybody a happy and prosperous 2009.

There is a lot of change coming… personally, I am looking forward to the new year, and am looking ahead with hope for positive change.

My Mom has a talent that was well hidden until recently. A few months ago, while looking for a new pasttime, she discovered wire wrap. While she loves beads and stones, she says she just didn’t have the desire to “string beads together” so started playing with wire design and accenting the pieces with beautiful, natural stones. Starting with copper, she learned to wrap beads, make chains and clasps, hammer and antique the metal. Once she got comfortable with the copper, she moved on to sterling silver. The results are amazing! I can’t believe she has had this talent hidden somewhere for all these years.

I have to admit, I’m addicted to jewelry. I love a nice, chunky, handmade necklace just as much (or more) than the next girl, and the two nails on the bathroom wall can barely hold all of them. Since Mom started making her stuff, I have to find a new place to store my collection! And then there are the bracelets. One of a kind, gorgeous, chunky yet delicate bracelets. Yum.

I think what impresses me most about her jewelry is that the true beauty is in the chains and clasps. Sure, the stone beads are pretty, but they really just serve as an accent to the uniquely-shaped metal pieces. And it’s not just chunky bracelets and necklaces - some of the chains are over fifty inches long, designed to wrap once or even twice, giving it an elegant yet funky look.

I have started to list some of Mom’s work in my Etsy shop. We’ll see how that goes and just might set up a shop of her own in a few months.

I just wish I could wear more than one at a time.

Last Friday’s Art Walk was great! The Jazzercise studio is the perfect venue for displaying art; roomy, well-lit and comfortable. The band was fantastic and my fellow artists put up some beautiful work. All in all, a very fun evening.

Friday’s show was a lot of fun! I’ll post pictures in the next few days. In the meantime, I’ve listed some new items in my Etsy shop. Check ‘em out! There is still time to order for the holidays. I’d say it’s safe to order through the 11th and expect delivery in time for Christmas.

My Mom is the jeweler, and friends of mine are providing the music.

It’s going to be a fun evening!!