Znet Shows Creative Spark

I've been remiss in blogging. Life changed lanes a few months ago and I was blessed with a new opportunity, which I am loving. However, being part of this new thing meant letting go of others, and I am no longer teaching jewelry classes or doing as much jewelry making. I'm also working an extra day a week, again, a blessing, but life got really busy very quickly. So, I'm sorting through beads and commitments to figure out what exactly needs to stay and what can be let go of. I've also discovered bangles, which are ever so much fun. I grew up in India, and bangles were a staple from the time that I was little. I love making them, I love wearing them and I love sharing them!

Znet Shows  is a great company to be part of. Their products are beautiful and their prices are amazing. For the fall issue of Creative Spark,  they came up with something different for us designers. Some would make fall themed jewelry, some would write tutorials and some would play with found object jewelry. I was fortunate enough to be part of the fall themed jewelry group.  Look at the gorgeous beads that came my way!

I went looking for some inspiration and found it on Instagram with my friend @DenesiaChristine. You'll see one of her stunning pictures inside the magazine, but please take a peak at her other breathtaking pictures.  They're a treat for the eyes. (And while you're there, I'm @CharisDesigns.)

I mentioned earlier that bangles are my new plaything, and so I got to playing. These were the first things that got made? Don't they just embody all the colors of fall?

There's a lot more beautiful things waiting to be seen inside. I hope you'll click on the link and take a peek at all the jewelry my fellow design team members have created. And, oh look!, I'm on the cover!!! How's that for a splash and dash of grace and joy?

   

        

And then it was Fall....

How did it get to be October already? The DH and I hit the road for two weeks to visit several ministries that have been birthed out of Dunklin Memorial Church, where we live and work. It was a joy to see dear friends who are now running their own alcohol and drug regeneration programs. I've had a lot of goodbyes during the 26 years we've lived here, and hellos are always a welcome change! We'd hoped to make the trip for the changing of the leaves, but that didn't work out so I guess there's always next year now that we don't have to plan around the girls' school schedule. Being an empty nester has its advantages!

We stopped in South Carolina, and then made a side trip to Forest City, NC where I took was able to take a beading class at Off the Beaded Path where Darlene and Patty made me feel right at home. The very talented Kelly Dale was off on maternity leave, but I was delighted when I heard that familiar voice from all the videos and was able to meet her and her sweet baby boy. Because the DH was waiting patiently out in the car due to a change of schedule I didn't have time to poke around the store, but next time? Yep. It's part of the game plan. Then it was off to Franklin, NC, for a couple of days.

Up in Franklin, NC

Dry Falls

 From there we drove to his home town of Bonlee, where we had a lovely couple of days with his brother and wife and went to the church where he  grew up.

Bonlee Baptist Church

Next stop? Virginia. Gorgeous scenery along the way, with wonderful friends waiting for us.

Pilot Mountain

From there we made the circuit back to Florida stopping to see each of our three girls. During some down time, we hung out at Lake Ella in Tallahassee, after I made a stop at Glasswork by Susan. This is her Facebook page link, and it's one of my "have tos" when we get up there. I snagged a few lampwork beads and always love her stained glass pendants and other goodies.

Lake Ella, Tallahassee

After stopping in Gainesville and Orlando, it was home, sweet, home where our cat was elated to have us back. Two weeks is too long, even with a dear neighbor girl watching over her. She( the cat) has developed a medical condition which means that we won't have her around for too much longer. That will be hard.

Someone's happy to have us home!

My other big news?? I AM SO EXCITED!! While we were gone, I got an email inviting me to be part of the Znet Shows design team. I am beyond thrilled!

I'll be part of a couple of blog hops at the end of the month, so stay tuned for those.

Until then, may your October will filled with colorful splashes and dashes of grace and joy

Christie