necklines for necklace designs

This is such a helpful visual ..color me fashion clueless
Borrowed this from Jewelry Creation Nation..thanks for the info

handmade clasps tutuorials

http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/?p=5758
this is a wonderful tutorial on how to make decorative wire clasps.
also
http://www.davidchain.com/web_pics/tutorials/S-clasp%20Tutorial%20-%20B4.pdf

I so want to try my hand at making my own clasps..

Black(or any color) painted furniture tutorial

This is a pretty good step by step tutorial on how to create black, or could work with any color, distressed furniture finish ...
http://youtu.be/dGkPRN-tzHs
the music came with the video..not my choice.

Also in researching painted furniture i came across this very cool blog, that has a number of interesting projects and tutorials.
http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/

stringing materials

http://www.houseofgems.com/knot-with-my-thread.aspx
this has a nice list and explanation of different stringing materials

What is an Adventure?

Jennifer posted this over on Facebook and it struck a chord with me..one does not have to rocket to the moon to challenge oneself..or have an impact on others. ..
This has always seemed a very contemplative time of year for me...considering what changes I'd like to put forward for the new year..honing and refining ..

In a few short days we are headed into 2013 ..which I'm in a shock over..2012, I barely knew you..or so it seems ...As a crafts person January ( after crazy Xmas production and shipping)  brings a moment of down time , opening up little blank spots in the never ending mental To Do lists , this in turn allows thoughts and insights to randomly wander in and out more freely.. also the Creative Muse returns from her December vacation.

I happened to be outside at 6am ,putting feed out for the birds,  a nearby church rings it's bell at that time..however today it wasn't just a bing bong bing , but a series of Christmas tunes..ringing thru the darkness ..what unexpected good fortune to be out there to hear this little concert...it's probably been going on all week..but the surprise of it was uplifting .

It occurred to me , that Magic is often to be discovered in very small things and events..and that little bit of surprise brings about a certain sort of joy...

For 2013 ,my wish and hope is that we are more frequently able to discover the simple joys and magic that fill this world.

Thanks..funny

http://www.jibjab.com/view/H37AmTJcTeqsUF3jWJEYpg?utm_campaign=Friends+Timeline&utm_medium=Share&utm_source=Facebook&

Peanut Butter rice crispy treats

Tried Trisha Yearwood's peanut butter rice crispy balls...very sweet and the sugar plus corn syrups made them rather hard and the ball shape was difficult for some to eat...
so trying a new recipe.

Peanut butter rice crispy treats

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
• - OR -
• 1 jar - 7 oz  marshmallow creme
• 1/2 cup peanut butter    
• 6 cups rice crispy cereal 
• options - drizzle melted chocolate on top, or  shredded coconut 

Directions:

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. *Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until melted.  * if  using jar creme..melt the Peanut butter first,  then stir in the marshmallow creme

 2. Add  RICE cereal...can use Cheerios's as a sub.  Stir until well coated.

3. Using buttered spatula  press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add peanut butter, stirring until combined. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

** 

Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.
Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze, place in layers separated by wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.