Pretty Palettes January: Marsala Inspired Jewelry

This month's challenge is to create a jewelry design using the Pantone color of the year:  Marsala.  This color reminds me of merlot or cabernet sauvignon wines.  Very rich.

The most challenging part of this challenge was the weather.  Everytime I wanted to go out and get beads, it was too cold, to wet, or to icy.  So I went to my stash and found a few Marsala beads from Halcraft:

I planned to make a wrap bracelet, but with school delays and closings, time just got away from me.  However, I did manage to finish two designs.

Bracelet made with 4mm and 10mm dark ruby red rounds and 2-hold sliders with rhinestones.

This necklace was made with some leftover chain, Czech dark siam drops, and crystals.

If I get the wrap bracelet finished, I will post it later.  I would like to thank Halcraft and  Erin Prais-Hintz for hosting the Pretty Pallettes challenges.  They are a lot of fun.  

Here is a link to other participants:  Marsala!

I Am Mom, Hear Me Roar!

Today I was talking with my 19 year old son, Victor.  He was telling me of his day at the local college he attends.  In addition, he tells me of his day on the job, which is also at the college.  He is in his element.  I felt so proud of him when he said how good it feels to actually have an answer to the question "what do you do for a living?".

He proudly "flexes" and says he is a student and he builds guitars.  He gives tours of the building he works and attends classes in.  He was feeling so happy that he now co-teaches with his boss, showing students from local high schools how to build guitars.

I knew he was going to grow up, but it hit me hard today.  He really is and adult, he's happy, he's employed, he's getting a great education, and he's learning what's out in the world.  I am so proud of him that I am giddy and tearful at the same time.

Have I said that I love challenges?  Well I do, and raising kids is just one of many.

Renetha