back in the saddle

I am back from Iowa, which was gorgeously green because of all the rain. I assume you may have heard of the extreme flooding this summer on the Missouri river. Well, one upside of all that precipitation is that the countryside was absolutely exuberantly verdant.

My brother's wedding was lovely, simple, personal, and very touching and sweet. This is the second time around for both him and his bride, so we're all a little older and wiser in the marriage department. I'm collecting photos from various family members to post here but in the meantime, here's a link to their wedding photographer's blog which features a few photos of Brad & Lisa and the tiny historical church where they were married. http://www.kds.typepad.com/

I have been working away on my necklace for the state fair. It is nearly finished, only one strand to go out of six. I ended up creating my own clasp because I couldn't find one I thought was suitable. I made this one in the mold of a limpet shell with a sterling silver hook fired into the underside for the fastener. It really turned out quite well. I'm also pleased to say I've found a great source for the fuel I use in my little flowerpot kiln. I get twice as much fuel for half the price, and it's local so I don't have to pay shipping.

Since I'm finishing my necklace sooner than I had anticipated I'm considering making another entry into the fair, perhaps a PMC bracelet. We'll see.

Hope you're all having a fabulous week.