Beat The Heat and Buy Something Cool!

Drew's San Francisco Blues print

It's hot here in California during the summer. I prefer this weather but, boy-oh-boy, it can get incredibly warm some days! These are fan your skirt and do-I-really-hafta-wear-a-bra kinda days. 

Today, while standing in front of the open refrigerator, pretending to look for a snack but really just enjoying the body freeze, I realized that I had the urge to buy something. Anything to make me feel good and happy. But I didn't want to brave the heat to go to the mall and rub elbows with other schweaty people. With my fan turned on high, I turned to my trusty computer for relief. Oh what a relief it is! I can shop at will in the comfort of my own home with next to nothing on (don't tell me you've never done that!). With that in mind, I thought you might like to do a little "comfort shopping" of your own. I happen to be having a summer sale of my Etsy merchandise and it's hot-hot-hot!

Scarves, handbags, jewelry, notecards, oh my!

After you've browsed there, check out my Society6 goodies. Here's a sampling of the sale on this sight: 

Wild Thang Leggings

Zen Lily Bedspread

Sunny Delight Clock

Cherry Delight Phone Case

Rockin' Rooster Tote Bag

Heavenly Hydrangeas Shower Curtain

It's not too early to begin your holiday gift buying adventure. Make your list, check it twice, and get something for everyone whether they've been naughty or nice. And, treat yourself to a little something too. You'll feel the heat of the summer melt away. That's more time to put your feet up and enjoy a frosty beverage or two!

Simply Sensational Starfish, She Shrieked!

I just love jewelry and seashore stuff. Wanting to combine these two, and needing something new to wear this summer, I happened upon these adorable rhinestone starfish connectors at my local craft store. 

Ideas nearly always hit me when I least expect them, and usually when I'm at the craft store looking for something in particular. My eyes wander just past the particular and land on something else. Those clever craft stores see me coming and place all their goodies right where I'll see them, and sometimes in places I have to get down and dig through!

To make these oceanic beauties, here's what you will need:

Materials

• 2 packages of a set of 3 starfish connectors
• 12 silver-toned jump rings
• 2 pair of silver-toned toggle clasps
• 1 package of silver-toned chain for the necklace
• 2 pairs of pliers
• 2 margarita's (just checking to see if you're paying attention!)

How To Make This

Bracelet

• Use the pliers to open the jump rings, twisting one half of the jump ring opening towards you and twisting the other half away from you. Don't pull them straight apart because this weakens the link.

• Link one of the toggle clasps to a starfish connector with a jump ring and twist the ring closed.
• Join that starfish connector to another connector using a jump ring and twist the ring closed.
• Continue linking connectors until you have enough to go almost all the way around your wrist. Keep in mind that adding the final toggle clasp will add a bit more length. I used 5 starfish connectors plus the clasp which then measured about 7 1/2 inches in length. Plenty of room to allow the starfish to dance freely around my wrist!

• Link the final toggle clasp to the other end of the bracelet using the last jump ring and close it.

Necklace

• Determine how long you want your necklace to hang down. I have mine at about 22 inches.
• Cut two even lengths of chain to your desired size (11 inches each piece, in my case).
• TIP: You can choose to use a toggle clasp or not. If you make the necklace long enough to go over your head, you don't have to cut the chain into two lengths nor use the clasp. I chose to make a longer necklace and use the clasp.
• Open 2 jump rings and join them to each side of the starfish connector.
• Slip the ends of the chain onto the open jump rings and twist closed.
• If adding a toggle clasp, open two more jump rings, connect them to the chain and toggles, and twist the rings closed.

Be prepared to be stopped on the street when wearing your new beachy-keen jewelry! It's dazzling, it's fun, it's so you!

Signs Of Summer Ahead

Oh, the pleasures of summer! I love the warm weather, long days of sunshine, more time to play outside.

My poem was inspired by sports memorabilia on a table.


Take me out to the ballgame!
Peanuts, popcorn, crackerjacks, and beer.
Signs of summer ahead.

Shorts, skorts, t-shirts, and flip flops,
Children playing hide-and-go-seek in the yard.

Watermelons, pink and juicy,
Oranges with a zest,
Peaches, fuzzy and sweet.

Corn on the cob,
Fresh apple pie,
Barbecued burgers on the grill.

Friends gather at the end of the day
Enjoying the last sunshine
With a dance at the park.

School's out,
Vacation's on,
Everyone can hardly wait
For those lazy days of summer.

These are signs of summer ahead,
My favorite time of year.

Sarah - 2006