A blizzard has given way to vivid sunshine and beautiful blue skies, hinting at warmer weather ahead.  Ward off the grey days and winter blues with shiny things . . .

Even though it's early August, I'm finding that my creative thoughts are focused on fall colors . . . 

My beading and wire-wrapping skills are self-taught, but I needed some help to learn how to solder and set gemstones.  I've been taking metalsmithing classes at the JCC in Manhattan, and I'm slowly starting to add rings to my Etsy shop.

School is out, and I've taken my tools and jewels south.  Summer in the city loses its charm quickly once the thermometer rises above 90 degrees!  It has been a productive week here on the Delmarva Peninsula, with the colors of the sea as my inspiration.