Wow!

Well, it took a week, but I finally recovered from the IPCA Retreat. I'm going to borrow an idea from my friend Christi Friesen and let our friend Angela (The Crafty Goat) tell you about it at her blog here. Hopefully soon, I'll have the pictures of the clay creatures I made posted, as well as Jacob Black's Charming Cluster- it's finished, but not photographed yet.

What I do have a picture of is the swap I participated in during the Retreat- funny little story there. You see, I had tried to decide several times if I was going to sign up for a swap or not. I thought I had decided not to, and was pleased with my decision, what with the wrap up of school, and being out of town, etc. So at 10:30 the night the swaps were due (at 8 that morning), the swap captain stops me and says, "Do you have your swaps yet?" and I say, "I didn't think I signed up for a swap," and Suzanne says, "Yes, you did." So, I get busy and make the little green glittery cactus you see in the picture. Has nothing to do with the theme, but represents Texas nicely.

Finally!

Well, I've mentioned a couple of times that I had something new to show, and I finally worked all the bugs out of my version. Presenting... Charming Clusters! Right now, they will be available in my Etsy shop and possibly at some local gift shops. I'm posting 2 that aren't in the Etsy shop here- both are going to friends, although they will probably be available if there is a demand. All clusters have lanyard hooks on the top so they can be hooked to a  purse, backpack, jacket- anything!

First up, the Pink Princess! With lots of pink beads and charms of a tiara and a prince and princess at the ball, this is a special order from a work friend (Hi, Cindy!).

Next, for all you Cullen fans, we have the I Love Edward cluster. The charms say "I Love Edward" and "Bite Me" with a cute little apple hanging down. I Love Bella and I Love Jacob are on their way- wait 'til you see Jacob's moon and wolf! Edward's is in the classic red/white/black combo from the books- I'm thinking shades of blue for Bella and green/brown for Jacob. Twilight fans rejoice!