tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83928897448429445302024-03-18T20:38:33.186-07:00WillowWalker DesignsAdventures In Glass, Wire & LifeWillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.comBlogger418125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-30294557439900725742015-11-03T11:35:00.000-08:002015-11-03T11:35:17.174-08:00WillowWalker Designs Is Now Open For The Holidays!Finally opened up my Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillowWalkerDesigns?ref=pr_shop_more">WillowWalker Designs</a> for the holidays! I am in the process of renewing listings. I finally got my starfish painted white, but I have yet to actually work on taking new photos. I can already see where I need new pictures. I am really hoping I can get some new ones taken tonight for today's renewals.<br />
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I have been working really hard on getting things cleaned up in the glass shop. It has been very slow going, but it is looking very nice. I ended up having to wash the walls in the main showroom. I've got the old cabinet out. The glass jewelry display still needs to be cleaned off and emptied so I can put casters on it and then move it into the main showroom. I have the books and their racks all cleaned. Carpets steam cleaned, non-Spectrum glass is all cleaned and re-arranged. I also broke down quite a bit of it into smaller pieces as sometimes they sell better that way. I still have all the Spectrum and System 96 glass and bins to clean. <br />
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I am getting where I need to go albeit a lot slower than I expected. But after such a long period of falling behind I suppose it was unavoidable. WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-35127145213376721612015-10-16T16:36:00.001-07:002015-10-16T16:36:38.010-07:00New Camera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeNmAmr97jPt6jsY50u8z36LBlNGo569hQgUFOP39BbGlBzhJWHdnuNXszZSHRx83QYa4psY2GsX_cg9tMK51hofwfN30xJKLksqenUMY_M0aAfNYuUXcoKwa4TkubaIArwO4C6iQc38/s1600/SAM_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeNmAmr97jPt6jsY50u8z36LBlNGo569hQgUFOP39BbGlBzhJWHdnuNXszZSHRx83QYa4psY2GsX_cg9tMK51hofwfN30xJKLksqenUMY_M0aAfNYuUXcoKwa4TkubaIArwO4C6iQc38/s320/SAM_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I finally purchased a new camera. Here is a picture of my "Bubbles" pendant taken with it. It is easy to get a good picture with it. It is easy to get a nice, clean pictures with it. It has it's own re-chargeable battery so I don't have to mess with taking batteries in and out. Just plug it in and let it go. I can also plug it into my laptop to download pictures. That is whenever I get around to learning how.<br />
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It's past time to open up my Etsy shop for the holiday season! I need to edit, update and freshen up my old listings. Now it is back to the battle of props and crops for good eye-candy pictures. I've got to get everything out, dusted and cleaned. Glue the leg back on my little tripod. Spray paint that starfish white. </div>
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WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-6543422455672811352015-10-15T10:41:00.002-07:002015-10-15T10:41:46.514-07:00Getting My Life Back Is Wonderful<div>
Two months I accepted a different position at the grocery store where I work. The job puts me back onto graveyard shifts, but it is part-time and I actually get days off and is pretty much a set schedule. I changed the hours in the glass shop to reflect this. I am now closed closed Sunday thru Tuesday and open Wednesday thru Saturday. I am only open from noon until four Wednesday thru Friday and until two on Saturday. My days off are for both the shop and my job. This new job has given me a set schedule to build the rest of life around.</div>
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A month ago I got my house back. Since then it has become such a calm and peaceful place. I do not miss the chaos and stagnation I was drowning in. I finally am catching up on things and getting myself and my life back in order. I cannot believe how much better I am feeling. I am waking up each morning ready to face a new day. I have a new direction, hope and energy again. My creativity is starting to come back. I have actually been working hard on getting things cleaned up in the shop. I have made a good dent, but I have a lot left. It is so wonderful and amazing to feel positive about my life again. </div>
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WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-3013823944316278412015-02-25T13:10:00.000-08:002015-02-25T13:10:20.535-08:00Worktable Wednesday, February 25, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOLUes4VYQ0KuG4kPwph6OCCd_WiizuvSBAAi7QjA4jqdoRfPvDygNNPW_fSi182j1gymt5PmzKF9pAdqooEplHchv_pOwPbfXttH8bTkDkzgQVIC9_St0o5uALZp6RIWGzvXN8RITOY/s1600/PICT0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOLUes4VYQ0KuG4kPwph6OCCd_WiizuvSBAAi7QjA4jqdoRfPvDygNNPW_fSi182j1gymt5PmzKF9pAdqooEplHchv_pOwPbfXttH8bTkDkzgQVIC9_St0o5uALZp6RIWGzvXN8RITOY/s1600/PICT0007.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Eb98LccrKHwT6n5Q3cruD7A7moXw66_SpATNbv_72O31rAQeVl1BDsO4RK1BGgZiH_ieOQ-1bff6raLE5SKQCtVNwk5ZfYUPtfWK5uSjURZmqeo1gM5fY7ayOAojT-8nF_Y9dlIUUSU/s1600/PICT0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Eb98LccrKHwT6n5Q3cruD7A7moXw66_SpATNbv_72O31rAQeVl1BDsO4RK1BGgZiH_ieOQ-1bff6raLE5SKQCtVNwk5ZfYUPtfWK5uSjURZmqeo1gM5fY7ayOAojT-8nF_Y9dlIUUSU/s1600/PICT0003.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>Finally got the small iris oval panel foiled, soldered, patina'd and waxed. Also got all my little suncatchers waxed so I could hang them up! They are the daffodils, tulips, shamrock and tiny little blue bird.</div>
WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-68898527235326799882015-02-05T14:24:00.001-08:002015-02-05T14:24:44.007-08:00Throwback Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are some of my early pendants created in 2006. Wire wrapped in the style I call a "Basic Cabochon Wrap". As you can see I was already trying to get fancy with the wire wrapping. WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-18014731938820539052015-02-04T15:55:00.002-08:002015-02-04T15:58:33.957-08:00Worktable Wednesday, February 4, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On the stained glass workbench a small iris panel awaits to be foiled. Then I can solder it, patina and clean it.</div>
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On my jewelry workbench the components for the necklace, Raven that I am working on.WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-75328542686381456602015-01-14T14:47:00.001-08:002015-01-14T14:47:17.095-08:00Worktable Wednesday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I have stained glass tulips, daffodils and a shamrock on my worktable. Time to start thinking of Spring. I am making three daffodils in three different shades of yellow and three tulips in orange, purple and a pink and yellow variegated glass. And when I start thinking about Spring I remember the lovely new crocus, tulip and daffodil bulbs I planted last fall. I can hardly wait to see if they are as pretty as their pictures. <br />
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This week I have a cabinet door to repair, a lamp, two small suncatchers and a custom order for a Bend logo in neutral colors. I am thinking of doing it in the traditional colors.<br />
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<br />WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-55101900594983705482015-01-11T15:35:00.000-08:002015-01-11T15:35:44.030-08:00Falling Off The Wagon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A pair of earrings I made last year. Fine and sterling silver. Bezel set dichroic fused art glass cabochons in emerald green and cobalt blue with filigree accents. Love how these came out. Sold them at the local Saturday Market last summer. <br />
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I fell off the no-junk food wagon on Friday. Whoops....so I'll just have to climb back on. Actually I think, that for me I did well. I didn't expect perfection so I can forgive myself. I'll do better and last longer the next go-around I believe. <br />
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I haven't done nearly as well on the soda as I would like. and I probably won't until I've kicked the cold bug that is hanging out in my system. I've been taking my Umcka. To me it seems as if it puts my cold on hold until I miss a dose or two. So I suppose after Tuesday or Wednesday I'll let the cold take over so I can get it out of my system. I have closing shifst as a checker Sunday, Monday and Wednesday this week.<br />
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I must admit I'd much rather spend the rest of my week cleaning out a dirty corner or two in my house, working on glass and jewelry instead.<br />
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I need to get back into jewelry making. I miss it. I just have to decide what my next project is going to be. I am going to run an informal survey on my WillowWalkerDesigns Facebook page asking what jewelry item I should make next, earrings, pendant/necklace, ring or bracelet. So please come vote on what I should make next!WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-77858891034595085122015-01-10T15:45:00.003-08:002015-01-10T15:45:40.452-08:00Plotting Stained Glass Projects Haven't had a lot of energy this past few days and until this cold bug is out of my system I probably won't. So for now I am plotting some upcoming stained glass projects. An iris oval is on the to-do list. I have several tulip panels I'd like to make, but first I have to make the patterns. <div>
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I have three tulips and three daffodils and a shamrock cut out. The quail is soldered and now ready for patina & finishing. I've put him with the rest. Trying to convince my son to get the others foiled so I can get them soldered too. <div>
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My goal is to fill up that large window I cleaned with a bunch of new suncatchers. Tulips, daffodils, butterflies and hummingbirds. Irises, crocuses and other flowers. A small flock of baby quails. A goofy snail and frog. Some other birds, definitely a robin. A parrot, cardinal and more. I am sure I will think of more. </div>
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WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-33828125312410787762015-01-09T15:11:00.001-08:002015-01-09T15:11:13.099-08:00Some More Suncatchers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Four more pretties all soldered together. When I went and pulled out the quail I has cut I discovered another large butterfly suncatcher in purple and two little hummingbirds. The aqua colored butterfly needed a hook. At this point I am trying to wait until I have more pieces done so I can patina and apply finishing compound, aka "wax" to them. I'd rather trash one sponge and one piece of scrap material at one go than per item. </div>
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These are waiting their turn to be foiled along with another large butterfly in yellow. I started the orange butterfly years ago. I had just enough of the orange glass I planned to use for the edges of the wings and when I had one break wrong on me. I had to put it aside until I got more orange antique glass. Which I did and never got around to finishing it and am now I am out of it again. I used orange glue chip instead. </div>
WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-60469143654078944022015-01-08T12:23:00.000-08:002015-01-08T12:23:15.074-08:00TBT Early Bracelets & Bangles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Early pieces, created in 2006 and 2007. I think I only sold one, maybe two of the bangles. The bangles were a dud design. The blue oval one sports the blue cabochon that I used in my first soldered ring. The link bracelets did much better. They all sold.WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-65021543091543180242015-01-07T16:18:00.001-08:002015-01-07T16:18:26.268-08:00Blue and Purple Butterfly Fixed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Large blue and purple butterfly suncatcher. I made this pretty a year or two ago. The body piece was recently broken. Yesterday I removed the broken piece and replaced it. One of the nice things about repairing something I have a re-usable pattern for. Here it is hanging in that window I threatened to clean and did!<br />
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This is a pattern we have had and used for years. It is still popular 30+ years later. I am not sure but I believe this pattern came from one of the books published in the 70's. I think it came out of one the first books my parents purchased. As I become more familiar with mom's book hoard I will learn more. This pattern is my mom's variation or the original. Not sure how much different.WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-13331098206339699112015-01-06T12:44:00.001-08:002015-01-06T12:44:25.482-08:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEKIpSIxuZ13KV6Fgyo4xqdUGQmvEhtgAG9Q3NlC0OIlQscneaXsdvst1hK_R-GnLzrOnho0RAxoGzuzAZBPvux1CAYAmDYO2dahyphenhyphenctejkkh7P8wI-z-7am8Tl3rc5IPAgVE2jUGczcw/s1600/PICT0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEKIpSIxuZ13KV6Fgyo4xqdUGQmvEhtgAG9Q3NlC0OIlQscneaXsdvst1hK_R-GnLzrOnho0RAxoGzuzAZBPvux1CAYAmDYO2dahyphenhyphenctejkkh7P8wI-z-7am8Tl3rc5IPAgVE2jUGczcw/s1600/PICT0001.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Design or a Compass Rose Design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My newest stained glass piece. A traditional or compass rose design in deep aqua, sky blue and violet. Twelve inches across.<br />
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Another aspect of taking care of my personal environment. I need to fill my stained glass shop back up with pretty stained glass pieces. I can't attract business or make any money with the same tired pieces hanging in my windows.<br />
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Today I think I'll clean the window all the littler suncatchers are hanging in. Meanwhile I'll be thinking about what I need to make so I can fill it back up. <br />
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Hmmm, I believe I need flowers, birds, butterflies for starters. Maybe a frog and a few insects too.<br />
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<br />WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-6065817245380344452015-01-05T19:26:00.001-08:002015-01-05T19:26:45.819-08:00My First Soldered Band & Bezel Ring<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8bA-WkXcYbs7oqJQ4FRbyLoLGpd1RxkliWQurPpZsacQDZGPDAYy12RostVee1XJUJ7J871uhKNnoNQWhKTZzuECG4jZM4IolTJ5u3wWmGrFo1jmlqXp9QdBRPFE2HUO32O_5UAlVqQ/s1600/PICT0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8bA-WkXcYbs7oqJQ4FRbyLoLGpd1RxkliWQurPpZsacQDZGPDAYy12RostVee1XJUJ7J871uhKNnoNQWhKTZzuECG4jZM4IolTJ5u3wWmGrFo1jmlqXp9QdBRPFE2HUO32O_5UAlVqQ/s1600/PICT0007.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first ring I have ever made with a soldered bezel with a wire wrapped band that is also soldered on! The cabochon is one of my dichroic fused art glass cabochons. Made of fine silver. I think it turned out pretty well. I was experimenting with a wire weaving pattern on the band so the wrapping has several mistakes.<br />
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I made two sterling silver rings in high school, but they were created using the lost wax method.WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-59047678548602859902015-01-04T23:02:00.000-08:002015-01-04T23:02:42.059-08:00Cleaning Up My Home Enviroment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbWpdZ_QJa75ijdBJYRcsC7UkN3sykgZ7AHyJKZgcVZ1VlY-CUZqDco2DlQGPcz_h2UtphyphenhyphenWmx6KK73sUKeWf82qXxYvmMC6_irB-PXnSKqtOCJTxf_OlBBx2dQ8qRjkDMjvO1kFOXw0/s1600/HPIM2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbWpdZ_QJa75ijdBJYRcsC7UkN3sykgZ7AHyJKZgcVZ1VlY-CUZqDco2DlQGPcz_h2UtphyphenhyphenWmx6KK73sUKeWf82qXxYvmMC6_irB-PXnSKqtOCJTxf_OlBBx2dQ8qRjkDMjvO1kFOXw0/s1600/HPIM2638.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Adelisa necklace. Fine and sterling silver handcrafted filigree necklace with a beautiful opalescent pink dichroic fused glass cabochon. (sold)<br />
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I am looking forward to having the energy and ambition to get my house whipped back into shape. I never did get the computer room, aka shop office finished. Sad to say there are still parts of this house that I inherited that I have yet to completely go through. I truly believe that this is the year I will be able to do so.<br />
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I am also looking forward to getting the yard back under control and growing a nice although small garden this summer. Carrots, onions, potatoes, tomatoes and cucumbers are at the top of my list. I'd like to grow lettuce and spinach too. The only green beans I like are the ones in a can. I'm too lazy to grow peas right now. I'd rather buy frozen. :)<br />
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Speaking of gardening I can hardly wait to see the new bulbs I planted last fall bloom this spring! I have some ambitious plans for the shop yard this spring and summer. The water catch basin needs to be re-done. I want to pull it apart and put it back together as a dry creek. I will continue working on transforming the "shrub" border into a pretty flower bed. I have one shrub left to remove and a wild rose that needs to be moved. I am sure I will go into more detail when the time comes to work on these areas.<br />
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<br />WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-32954576091951197412015-01-03T19:54:00.000-08:002015-01-03T19:54:12.652-08:00Mental & Spiritual Self Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI07dfhDtN4C2Y7APs91jN1bGGpdSY4rXc91rXX96PIdZ7iRdXWP7XXBZx7iSybERwWNSA9IyF4LhV7R7igPThbsrOXaswy-JCH14zu8gnBX5qBzsWuHCqq8FVK2ImK3duqc0wZeakBjQ/s1600/PICT0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI07dfhDtN4C2Y7APs91jN1bGGpdSY4rXc91rXX96PIdZ7iRdXWP7XXBZx7iSybERwWNSA9IyF4LhV7R7igPThbsrOXaswy-JCH14zu8gnBX5qBzsWuHCqq8FVK2ImK3duqc0wZeakBjQ/s1600/PICT0002.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Large dragonfly suncatcher in iridescent light blue glass and navy blue waterglass. Custom order.<br />
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First of I'd like to say that for me mental health and spirituality go hand in hand. Without spirituality I cannot have a healthy mental state. Here are a few of the things that I am doing to improve my mental and emotional self care.<br />
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I am starting my day with a positive message to myself. Reminding myself that it is a bright new day full of wonderful possibilities.. That I am worthy and loved. That I am an amazing, creative and talented human being.<br />
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I am working on making daily meditation a habit again. Remembering to be grateful what I have. Practicing "letting go and let God". Remembering to ask my higher power for help. Squashing negative thoughts and emotions when they start cropping up. And last but not least is that by living my life right I eliminate anxiety, stress and worry. WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-22167098474579189252015-01-02T14:34:00.000-08:002015-01-02T14:34:07.835-08:00Taking Better Care Of My Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Small Victorian/compass rose design in blues.<br />
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My primary goal in taking better care of my physical self in 2015 is by eating healthier. So this year I'm working to eliminate excessive sugar and salt from my diet. I want to get away from processed foods that are full of chemicals and other junk that drags us down and I want to get away from GMO foods and go organic where I can.<br />
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My plan is to take slowly and keep it simple. Right now no more store bought commercially made junk food. No more than one soda a day and it cannot contain brominated vegetable oil. Home cooked meals from scratch instead of processed junk. Prepping ingredients for meals ahead of time. Spending a day or two a month cooking and freezing meals for those days I just don't have the time of energy to cook. Little things and choices that will add up to a happier healthier, more energetic me.<br />
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And I bet at this point you are wondering "What about exercise?" Well as a checker I get a great work out at work! Getting out of my chair and keeping up the house and yard are also excellent forms of exercise. Combined with healthy eating and portion control I shouldn't need extra exercise and should still lose weight. <br />
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I am doing this more for the short term health benefits than the long term. I haven't felt or looked like the person I want to be for too many years. In the past six months my blood pressure has risen into the high end of the normal range and high blood pressure medications scare me. Good nutrition should improve my mental outlook while improving my energy and over all physical well being while helping me to lose weight and lower my blood pressure. I am also hoping it will help with my dry skin issues as well.WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-23621126103665301342015-01-01T15:58:00.000-08:002015-01-01T15:58:38.175-08:00BLOOM, My Word For 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Round pinwheel design in amber, orange and gold accented with pink. <br />
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I've chosen the word "Bloom" for the year 2015. I considered the words, "grow" or "rebuild". Quite frankly I'm sick of feeling like I am rebuilding my life. And grow just wasn't positive enough for me either.<br />
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The past two months I have made a great start in becoming who I want to be. I want to continue that growth. I want to thrive and bloom! I know if I keep up the hard work and living my life right I will reap the rewards. I'm not saying it will be easy. But if I stay the course it will become easier. Learning and instilling necessary good habits may be difficult, but once those habits are in place they will make my life much easier. Not to mention the time it will free up. To begin with I need to start taking better care of myself. Physically, environmentally and mentally. (For me mentally includes spiritually as to me they go hand in hand.)<br />
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Now I thought about going into more detail but I decided they will make great fodder for future blog posts. So tomorrow I'll blog about improving my plans and goals of taking better care of myself physically.<br />
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<br />WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-75773481887540959092014-12-31T15:30:00.001-08:002014-12-31T15:30:41.002-08:00Good Riddance 2014<br />
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Victorian oval in teal, seafoam and light purple.<br />
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2014 has been an extremely rough year for me. Physically, financially and mentally. Let me just say reality sucks....<br />
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Physically I discovered I was a lot more exhausted than any of us (friends and family) thought. I think we all thought after a month or so of good sleep I'd be caught up, healthy and ready to go again. It took months. For months I slept 12 to 14 hours a night. Towards the end of June my body started to get into a more regular sleep pattern. It was towards the end of October before I really started to get my energy and stamina back and to feel like myself again.<br />
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Financially I am finally (although extremely slowly) crawling out of the financial hole I've put myself in. I was hired as a checker at one of our three local Safeway's stores at the end of June. I still enjoy being a checker. At this point I have volunteered for closing shifts. I am hoping for three, eight hour shifts a week. This leaves me most of the day to work for myself in the glass shop. I can work in the shop and still go to work checking without any problems. It doesn't work in reverse as I am too tired from checking to work on glass projects in the shop afterwards.<br />
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Mentally/emotionally this year has been another one from hell and ranks in the top three of the most horrible times in my adult life. I've had to give up a lot more life long dreams and expectations. I've dealt with a lot of guilt and resentment and self hatred. Not to mention feelings of loss, inadequacy and worthlessness. Confrontation of denial. Who and what I thought I am was destroyed. My foundations were thoroughly rattled. My self confidence, self respect and self worth were left in tatters. <br />
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I have been blessed with my beloved sisters of the heart, new and old who have kept me going the past six months. They have been there for me. Listening, supporting and loving me. They have been an inspiration in my darkest hours because if they survived so can I and I don't want to let them down. They have been my anchors throughout this depressing time. I hope they realize that. I am so grateful for them and my sons for all their love and support.<br />
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<br />WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-20280011721254930682014-09-12T00:43:00.000-07:002014-09-12T01:03:09.595-07:00July & August 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The past two months have been quite the rol</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ler coaster ride. Extremes in every aspect of my life. </span><br />
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Due to all the new and increased demands in my life and on my time I have had to make the painful decision to put my Etsy shop on vacation. I am available through the Etsy e-mail/contact system and also on my Facebook page. I can always do a custom listing for something one might of had their eye on! </span><br />
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I started a new job as a grocery checker on July seventh. Due to "new job" fatigue and illness I pretty much ate, slept and worked the first six weeks. I am finally starting to get into the swing of things I think. I am feeling more energetic than I have in years. I am getting a great work out while working and I am re-discovering how much I enjoy being a checker. (I was checker at a pet food store many years ago.) </span><br />
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I am starting to learn to balance my time in the glass shop when I'm not at my checker job along with housekeeping, yard work and fixing up my garage. My relationship shriveled up and died along with some dreams. Reality is cold, hard and brutal. It has made me look hard at myself and I think I've learned a lot about myself. </span><br />
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So for now I am learning to balance the most immediate concerns in my life. With learning that balance I will be able to gradually add other things back into my life. Part of this is also catching up where I left off about three years ago home and yard wise. A good topic for another day.</span>WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-36481625891034974662014-01-11T18:48:00.000-08:002014-01-11T18:48:12.150-08:00Welcome 2014, Another New Year & A New Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some pictures of the necklace I made to go with the earrings that are on the top. This lovely set I named "Dawn's Promise" after a food friend and the fact that the colors of the dichroic glass cabochon reminded me of a morning sunrise's light glowing on our Cascade Mountains. This set and several pairs of earrings went to a local jewelry store. The owner has them displayed in her front window even! And this set was sold a week before Christmas. What a wonderful boost to my jewelry making ego.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was convinced to quit my paper routes and did so at the end of the year. In hindsight I am very grateful that I did quit. This past year has really worn on me, ground me down. I have been ill pretty much every six weeks. And so I have not had nearly enough energy to even keep up with things let alone get ahead. And ill health doesn't just mess with me physically, it also screws with me financially. I'm tired-so it's easier to get a pizza or some fast food. Too icky to work, but not tired enough to sleep means I want distractions-like a book. Etc;, etc; </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so grateful to be free of this awful cycle. I look forward to a happier and healthier new year. To finally be able to do so many things that I need to, want to and have been putting off for far to long. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of these things will be a thorough housecleaning from top to bottom. Every nook crevice, cranny and storage hole included. I will sort, give away, toss and so organize this place from top to bottom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another one is to eat healthier. More cooking from scratch and meal planning. I have most of the grocery shopping done. I do need to get a few more things, but I have already started by cooking a nice, big ham for dinner tonight. Tomorrow night my other half will be making us ham and cheese omelettes. I've already put another two meals in the freezer, the ham bone for a nummy pot of beans and a nice chunk of ham for a ham steak meal. I will divide up the rest of the ham slices into packages for future meals like sandwiches, omelettes, frying or what ever else I choose to do with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel so much better and healthier already. I have so much more energy. I believe I forgot what it was like to feel human. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll write more later! </span><br />
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<br />WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-78896653634462296832013-12-13T16:08:00.001-08:002013-12-13T16:08:13.729-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tigger</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A lot has been going on around here lately and in other ways not a lot at all. This is Tigger, he is one of our newest family members. He has one brother and one sister. They are now over three months old-where does that time go?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the end of this year I will be done delivering newspapers. I will miss it in some ways-I will miss seeing all the does, bucks and fawns along with all the other wildlife. I will miss the peacefulness of the wee, early morning hours, sunrises on the horizon and hanging with my sons. In many ways it has been one of the coolest jobs I've ever had.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I won't miss is being constantly sleep deprived with reduced brain function, never having a day off and not knowing the pleasure of a good night's sleep. Waking up enough to get started on the day and finding it already over. Rarely getting to see family and friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found that the world runs in the day and if you work nights/early mornings the world doesn't care. You are expected to give up your sleep to do the everyday, mundane tasks that daytime never even think twice about. </span></div>
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WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-20179885677180497832013-06-20T17:09:00.000-07:002013-06-20T17:09:51.305-07:00So Many New Possibilities!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not sure how many of you remember this simple pendant I made as a commission piece for a lovely lady to match her earrings. </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">After my friend who makes silver jewelry returned the cab to me refusing to set it because of it's irregular surface </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I had to really think and improvise on this piece as I don't like making "traditional" bezels where they are backed with sheet metal. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"> Why? Mainly because of the grinding, sanding, polishing and buffing required to finish it. Without a proper ventilation system I won't set up the Genie for this. I can do it with a rotary tool, BUT working on that small of scale takes forever and I don't have the patience for it. Also I really wasn't all that happy with the few pieces I have previously set.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">After a bit I had the brilliant idea to use flattened wire shaped to fit the bezel and solder them to the bezel back. It worked wonderfully. Simple, easy and so little finish work to get it shaped and shiny.</span></div>
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Since then I have discovered paste solder which I love as it allows me to precisely place and control the amount of solder I want. </div>
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I have finished my first pair of earrings this way and am finishing up a similar necklace. And another pair of earrings.</div>
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As time passes I see more and more ways I can design and create beautiful jewelry. So many possibilities have opened up for me creation wise!</div>
<br />WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-22443217176394594202013-06-04T16:34:00.001-07:002013-06-04T16:34:39.032-07:00Three Day Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I took a mandatory, necessary three day weekend. I "took" Saturday, Sunday and Monday off due to a nasty head cold. Bottom pictures shows me napping with Noa and Brutus prior to the weekend. This cold left me exhausted and achy-of course. As much as I wish I could of slept through the whole thing I can't spend that much time lying down. Also my whole head ached less sitting up. <br />
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So to keep myself awake and upright I made earrings while I hid out in my bedroom. I enjoyed my time hiding and feel like I had a sort of mini-vacation. I left the housecleaning, cooking etc; to others along with refusing to worry or stress about anything. Boy it was nice and rather refreshing too!<br />
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On Friday I finished last week's WIP pair of earrings. (top picture) I LOVE how oxidizing them dark makes the dichroic glass cabochons come alive, they seem to glow. Did I mention I've started a similar necklace because of them?<br />
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Saturday I started on the Emerald Rose Gemmie Earrings. I found the second cabochon in my stash cupboard and made the frames up. Then I realized that cab #1 was no longer in my pants pocket. <br />
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So then I started on the Peach Blush Drop Earrings.<br />
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Sunday I ended up cleaning my bedroom and locating the missing cab. I finished both pairs of earrings in between cleaning spurts. <br />
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I still have a cluttered bedroom, but the clutter is clean again. Bed stripped and re-made, laundry washed folded and actually put away.WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392889744842944530.post-4433306376302016532013-05-29T12:31:00.001-07:002013-05-29T12:33:34.859-07:00Sneak Peek WIP Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am <i>finally</i> working on some of my "newer" ideas! Combination soldered and wire wrapped earrings.<br />
<br />WillowWalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11433303245870542735noreply@blogger.com0