Been mighty busy in the southeast this winter.  We finally finished the repairs from our Hurricane Sandy week.  While staying put, I was able to break out my faceting equipment and started working a beautiful Ametrine (Amethyst and Citrine.)

It’s not finished yet and I had to put it on hold while I order a new 3000 grit diamond lap.  I hope to finish it soon.

While keeping warm in front of the fireplace, I brushed the cobwebs off  my crochet needle kit and made this adorable sock monkey hat for our brand new granddaughter Abigail who is due to make her arrival into this world next month.

If you like the hat, you can find the free pattern here:  http://knottyknotty.blogspot.com/2011/03/free-sock-monkey-hat-pattern.html

Made a second sock monkey hat in adult size for my step-son Chad and he loves it.  He said it was smiling at him when he took it out of the envelope.  🙂

Also had enough time to use my silversmithing equipment and turned out this piece.  The stones are Shattuckite and Jade in an abstract setting made of  Argentium Sterling Silver.  I really loved working with Argentium in this manner, it is what I use in my wire wraps because it is brighter, feels better and because it has germanium instead copper, it is tarnish resistant.  I found soldering Argentium to be a tricky challenge, but managed to overcome them for this finished piece.  I did find that I need a few more things to be able to get through the technical work well enough to concentrate on the art, but I’m liking where this is going and will endeavor to continue with it.  It can also open new doors on my wraps too.

Lastly, I donated my hair again to Locks of Love which is such a worthwhile program.  They use the hair to make wigs for children afflicted with cancer.  If you want to donate, they like to have at least 10 inches in length.  Tie it in a ponytail band and cut above the band and keep the band on the hair when you send it in.  I just made the 10 inch line, but I did read that they do accept hair that is shorter and will sell it to cover the cost of wig making.  If you are interested in donating or want to know more, here is the donation guidelines page:  http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html

Want to give a special shoutout to our son, Scott, and congratulate him for being accepted into PCOM (PA College of Osteopathic Medicine.) We’re proud of you!  We’re proud of all our kids.