August 13, 2008, my grandmother really wanted to be here for this day; she would have been 100, but unfortunately she passed away four months too soon. Her spirit will be remembered, cherished, and celebrated always. On this special day, I've been looking forward to sharing some pictures. Enjoy!

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The question I'm always asked, since I am one, is "Linda, where really do fairy princesses come from?" On this special day, I guess it's OK to let the family secret out. Below, with my grandma in the center, is the truth. But, Shhhhhhh... Remember, it's our little secret and it will never be spoken of again.

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Opal Van Valkenburgh with her six great-grandchildren on December 26th, 2001.
(From back-to-front, left-to-right) Henry, Dusty (mine!), Christopher, Alex, Great-Grandma, Francis, and Dylan (yep, this one's mine too!). And yes, Francis has got the fairy princess thang goin' on too. Grandma's great-granddaughter doesn't fall far from the tree. Oops... Ok, this time it will never be spoken of again. Swear...
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Happy Birthday Grandma!
Love you!!!

Funny story to go with the picture:

Last week I saw this Woodland Fairy Tutu on http://www.hitree.etsy.com/. I showed it to my husband and mentioned that it would be fun for me to wear during our walks in the woods near our home. Or another idea, I wear it when my teenage sons are having their friends over. My husband thought it would be humorous too. For Easter, he told me to order it as a present from him. I did.

Tina, the gal that makes the tutu, just emailed me and asked, "how large is your daughter? Would you like the tutu in a toddler or child size?" Too funny! I emailed her back, and while dragging my foot across the ground in embarrassment, I told her it was for me. I explained that I was an average 49 year old: not too big, not too small, a little on the eccentric side, so a large child sized tutu would probably fit. Tina replied back, "I wondered when this was going to happen..."

Am I crazy or what?! Probably scar my boys for life! (She said, while rubbing her hands together and nervously giggling...) Now I just got to find a magical woodland fairy wand...

I am in a wearable arts - spring fling charm exchange, at wetcanvas.com, and I just finished my charms. In the exchange, you submit 10 charms that you've made, and get back the same amount from other wearable artists. Fun! I ended up making form folded copper, sterling silver, turquoise and coral Morning Glories. Something new for me and I LOVE THEM!!! Other than needing a tetanus shot, for all the cuts on my hands, they turned out fantastic. I'm hoping to make more to incorporate future jewelry pieces.

The Process

The Result

Onyx, Carnelian and Sterling Silver Earrings - SOLD

Garnet, Freshwater, Tourmaline and Sterling Silver Earrings - SOLD

Carnelian, Onyx and Sterling Silver Earrings - SOLD

Apple Jade, Freshwater Pearls, Amethyst, Turquoise, Tourmaline,

Peridot and Sterling Silver Domed Earrings

Dun Du Du Duuuuh... It's my birthday!!! I turned Ooooh-My-Gawd I'm 49 today. Yes, and thanks for pointing it out; I do realize that next year I turn I'm Freakin' Ancient 50... Anyhow, I spent my Ooooh-My-Gawd I'm 49th birthday morning digging through some old, old, old, almost Freakin' Ancient family pictures. And I got the idea, rather than posting pictures of jewelry, I thought I'd post a picture of the birthday girl (me) when she had her Ahhh, She's Sooo Precious, 1st birthday. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I'm still precious, but Ooooh-My-Gawd...

Have a great day everyone!

Making a Sterling Silver Bracelet

Using Beginning Wire Technique

with Linda Van Valkenburgh-Mills

Saturday, May 3, 12-4 p.m., $80

(includes kit to make your bracelet. You supply your own beads.)

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Wire is everywhere in jewelry today. To learn the basics and more, this class is what you need to get started, or to expand your wire skills. Students will be introduced to wire working tools and their proper use. They will then explore single and double wrapped eye loop, coil caged beads, headpins, jump rings, clasp and finishing techniques. You will leave this class with a solid knowledge of wire working skills and techniques, and your own beautiful sterling silver wire and bead bracelet.

SOLD

Paisley Earrings ~ Tourmaline and Sterling Silver

Available Online at www.rivermoon.etsy.com
Rock Crystal Briolette, Freshwater Pearls, and Sterling Silver

Available Online at www.rivermoon.etsy.com

Onyx and Sterling Silver

Available Online at www.rivermoon.etsy.com
Opalite and Sterling Silver

Available Online at www.rivermoon.etsy.com
Freshwater Pearls, Labradorite Teardrop, and Sterling Silver