Thursday, May 08, 2008

Teacher Appreciation

In light of the terrible budget cuts about to hit our school system (thanks a lot, Ahnold) for the 2008 session, I thought it was time to show some love to the teachers out there.

My son will be "graduating" from pre-school next month and headed to kindergarten in the fall (that's assuming there still IS a kindergarten after the budget cuts) and I wanted to thank his wonderful pre-school teacher for doing such a great job and working so patiently with both the kid and me during the year so I put this necklace together:






This design was made much easier by the fantastic lampwork beads from artist Criss Hunt. I just added some black onyx rounds, red Czech firepolish beads, Bali silver, a little judicions wire-wrapping and finished the whole thing off with a sterling silver box clasp set with black onyx.

I especially love the little bookworm - he adds so much personality to the piece.

I've got a couple of other goodies almost finished...they're just waiting for the perfect clasps to come along to complete the design. I couldn't find anything in my stash that was both the right size AND the right color so I ordered some things. They arrived yesterday and...still not right. GRRR!

Looks like more shopping in my future (oh darn!).

Also in my future, as I just learned today, is an Art Clay Silver class. YAY! I've been wanting to take one for several years but just couldn't seem to find the time. I also know I'll never be able to afford a kiln so it seemed like a waste of effort to learn how to use the clay but not be able to fire it. However, I've learned there are some alternatives to kiln firing the clay that are actually affordable so who knows? This may open up a whole new world for me.

How awesome would it be to make my own charms and pendants to add to my jewelry? I know...totally awesome ;-) Plus, I still have all my rubber stamping supplies and I know the stamps (and maybe some of the mica powders and stains, etc.?) will be useful for working with the clay.

Class is May 24th at Brea Beadworks in Brea, CA. I can hardly wait!!

KJ

Music: None - my ipod shuffle ran out of juice and is sitting on the re-charger right now :-(

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi. I saw your post on the forum and decided to check out your blog. I love, love, love, your beaded pendants!

I would love to know where you purchased your beads for the teacher's necklace. My son is also finishing pre-school this year and think his teacher would love this. I assure you, I would not use this design to sell and would make only one for his teacher. If you are willing to share I'd really appreciate it.

Kathi mybeadingheart06@aol.com

Anonymous said...

The necklace is great! I am sure that your little ones preschool teacher is going to LOVE it!

Is there anyway for you to make another? If so, could you email me with how much you would charge? I would love to give one to my sister who teaches kindergarten. I know she'd really like it!

BTW, tagged you on my blog http://mrscjallen.wordpress.com/2008/05/16/all-about-me/ for a survey type of thing. I don't know if that keeps with the nature of your blog, but if you are interested...

Ucan Fil said...

This is beautiful. I am also in my last year of graduating to become a teacher. Are you selling this necklace piece? How much is the necklace if we would like to purchase it?