Fun Friday: For the wanderer (or lost) in you

When Dad sees this one, I know he's going to laugh. You see, your correspondent has a tendency to get lost. Breathtakingly lost. The first time I drove out to visit now-Hubby in Pittsburgh, I was got so badly lost on the way home it added about 3 hours to my return trip. 

So it's safe to say that this compass ring would definitely come in handy for someone like me (provided she remembered to wear it). Of course, it might also come in handy for hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing trips, don't you think? But if someone asks whether you get lost often, you can just flash them a winning smile, laugh, and say, "Not when it comes to style!"

Just $6 from Aoi's Art, where you'll also find adorable things like this singing donut stuffie for baby girls, a pretty rose ring,  and a very happy felt tortellino pasta.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Fun Friday: Whimsy from Lori Delisle

Friday at last! First of all, I want to alert those of you who live near the Lincoln Highway that tomorrow is the final day of the High-Way Buy-Way, which spreads across the Lincoln Highway (primarily in WV, OH, and IN, though) from sea to shining sea. Really, I'll have to let you all know well in advance next year, because rumor has it there's a lot of vintage beads and jewelry to be found along this sort of nationwide yard sale. Anyhow, we're heading out tomorrow...if we had a bigger car, we'd take Ben with us and stay out all day!

With that out of the way, let's head to the cute. This Provision ring, from Lori at Delisle Designs, is just so cheerful and hopeful, isn't it? Made of turquoise and silver, it is appropriately named; Lori's inspiration is one of my very favourite verses: Matthew 6:26.

"Look at the birds of the air, for the neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

Such a humbling and comforting reminder of God's care for us in all things. The ring itself features a pretty little bird safely ensconced in its nest atop precious eggs. $18, the ring is sized especially for you. A matching key ring, bracelet, and hair sticks are available as well. Whether you like it because of the meaning or just because it's pretty, it would be hard to glance at it, knowing the inspiration, without recalling God's word that He will always care for us because we are worth so much more to Him than the sparrows, for whom He provides everything.

In addition to fanciful but meaningful treats like the Provision ring, you'll also find extremely elegant, beautiful jewelry at Lori's shop as well. I must admit that the Rose of Sharon bracelet and the very lovely matching ring caught my eye, with the sterling silver, coral, and jade (also: red, hello). They make me think of representative jewelry from the 20s and 30s, never a bad thing. You'll also find the cheery mother-of-pearl Go-Go bracelet and Living Water ring, which features a dyed freshwater pearl set in a swirl of silver.

Very beautiful things...I could go on and on. The Salt of the Earth collection is beautiful as well, but you'll just have to visit the stop to find it for yourself. ;)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Beautiful, From Turkey

Wow. Popping onto Etsy this evening, I was greeted by this beautiful ring and simply had to see more. My click-through was well-rewarded; Star of the East has some beautiful, exotic, borderline glorious jewelry. 

The $59 ring, for example is made from a sea urchin found on the seashore. Yes, you read that right: a sea urchin. After being collected, it was cleaned, filled with polyurethane foam, covered with epoxy for protection, and then...well, decorated. And well-decorated, too. Silver thread and a rhinestone were added before the unique cabachon was set onto a detailed, handmade sterling silver ring. Spectac-u-rama! Isn't it gorgeous? Elegant? And oh-so-different.  Coordinating earrings are also available for $37.

Several more sea urchin and seashell rings are available at a broad range of prices (roughly $30-$60). I know that is a wee bit on the pricey side, but for what you are getting...no. It's worth it. Talk about Creation at your fingertips!  There are also some delightfully charming rings, like this one that reminds me of a garden. This mother-daughter team is coming up with some spectacular stuff!

Star of the East has so many beautiful things...it's going to take a while to thoroughly peruse and enjoy the shop. It's one of those where just window-shopping is an experience well worth taking the time for. Also be sure to check out their blog, where a giveaway is going on, their supplies shop, and their more eclectic Gifts & Stars shop.

Fun Friday: I'm thinking of candy...

Well, designer Shannon calls this ring a cake ring, and I can see that too, but most of all it makes me think of a marvellous little piece of candy...maybe something with caramel. The top is clearly made of upcycled buttons, but the neat thing to me is that the ring part is actually made of reclaimed leather. How cool is that? The buttons have been sewn onto the ring with waxed thread so everything fits nicely and snugly. The colours are understated without being boring, too. $6.50 from Greenbelts. Her shop is packed with all-recycled items like belts, rings (this is another cute one), and cuffs.

Have a great weekend!

Reading Ring

Like many ladies, I'm a big Jane Austen buff. As most of you know, there's a big Jane Austen movie-fest occurring one one of the networks. Unfortunately but perhaps unsurprisingly, rumor has it things are beyond horrid and that the newest Jane-based movies are a far cry from the books' original intent, not to mention their delightful charm and sweetness.

Of course, there are many splendid movie renditions of some excellent books, yet as a bibliophile, it seems to me that the film never quite measures up to the discoveries, joys, and (enjoyable) sorrows found on the printed page. My suspicion is many of you, my dear Pretty/Modest readers, feel exactly the same way. Am I right? Does anyone else have a collection of books creeping about the house, a collection one might actually consider, oh...family? Or at the very least, dear friends?

Well, if so, you too shall fall deeply into like for this darling ring featuring proper, pretty ladies clearly engrossed in their reading. The rings are shrinky-dink acrylic stamped with a waterproof ink. The edges have been painted gold as a finishing touch. Best of all (other than the fact that, at last, we will have an unobtrusive way to let one another know we, too, are Book People), this sweet little treat is just $7.50! At that price, you'll have enough left over to buy a book (or several, if you're like me and haunt the used bookstores).

From the mother-daughter team of dillonDesigns. The ring is available in your size, and for a selection of dillonDesigns' ring collection (featuring cute birds, begging bunnies, retro owls, damask, and more) be sure to visit their shop.

Fun Friday: Knitting Circle

Now this is a distinct little goody of a kind I've not seen before: a hand-knit rosebud ring, complete with a bright green leaf to set off its beauty. Your long-lasting bloom is set upon an antique adjustable copper ring. Handmade from Manda Holden, who has three knit-flower rings. $15.

By the way, on Wednesday, I featured MikaRose, purveyors of truly pretty dresses. Owner Michaella shot me a thank-you email, and is offering a 10% off discount to us with the code "newcustomer". She also let me know that her new line comes out at the end of February, so we'll have to keep our eyes peeled, because she's quite excited about it herself. Shop away, everyone!

I'm recovering from a bit of a cold, hence the brevity. Have a wonderful weekend!

Candy-like

This ring is so simple yet still very pretty and sweet. Sweet because of the soft, pale, shimmery pink pearl button; pretty and simple because the button is set on an austere and unfussy clear button made of Depression glass. All is mounted to a silver-plated ring. Best of all, it's just $12!

If you think this has a vintage feel even aside from its components, it's because the artist adores vintage. She uses many vintage materials, so this is sustainable chic to the max less the snideness. Her entire shop is full of darling, whimsical, and very pretty jewelry you're sure to love, at affordable prices, too. If you like this ring, be sure to check out the Valentine's ring, which actually makes me think of a snowflake.

Hope everyone had a great weekend...I spent most of today at the doctor's, so I'm ready to relax with Hubby and Rem. ;) See you tomorrow!

Fun Friday: Jewels from the Broke Down Barn

Well, all, it looks like this is the last post of the year (more than likely, anyhow). Isn't it amazing that Christmas is Tuesday? I hope everyone has plans to see family and friends.

For our final treats of the year, I've selected two colourful pieces of jewelry from the Broke Down Barn. The artist is selling her work in an attempt to save, literally, the family farm from being sold off at auction. She'd like to save it and eventually turn it into an animal sanctuary.


First up is the very cheery ring, featuring handmade lampwork beads atop a sterling band. It reminds me of the hats worn by the in habitants of MunckinLand in Wizard of Oz, to tell the truth. Regardless, it's smile-inducing, don't you think? $65.

The other fun little goody is this owl necklace. His sweet but mildly befuddled expression is what really gets me...those eyes! He hangs from a 14 karat gold filled findings & chain. Very cute and full of personality, don't you think? $40, and both from the Broke Down Barn.

In case I actually do decide to not pop on before then, do have a very, very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year's! Stay safe if you're going to be on the road, and enjoy the time with your family and friends. May God bless you with His love and peace for this and the coming year.

Fun Friday: Leopards in Small Doses

Not everyone can (or wants to) wear an item of clothing that features a riotous leopard print. For some, even a skirt or top or cuffs are far too much. But what if you still want that fun jungle flair once in a while? Well, why not this leopard ring in a cool turquoise instead? It's small, cute, and chic without being too much for even the most print-phobic among us. $19. This and other lovely fused glass treats are available from Sour Kitten Glass (fabulous name).


Have a wonderful weekend!

Jazz Square Ring

This red jasper ring is so simple yet so pretty, especially with all of the lines running through the stone. The 3/4" bead has been wrapped with sterling silver wire and topped with a funky sterling swirl. The square shape of this ring is what really attracts me; it's unique but not gaudy or difficult to wear. Just $16 from JeweLyrie.

Remember when Jasper used to be a fairly common name for men? Well...it's doubtful any of us, personally, remember, but surely we've read enough older books where the name popped up regularly. I'm enjoying Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath again in my free time (!), and while I don't believe there is a character by that name in the book, it's certainly an era in which one wouldn't be surprised to come across the name; perhaps that's what made me think of the fact that "Jasper" used to be a fairly common name in the States at least, so this isn't entirely apropos of nothing, right?

Y'all have a good night anyhow. ;)

Seasonally Appropriate

This adjustable metal wire ring is just that, don't you think? The glass centerpiece of the ring showcases original artwork of a branch in what most of us are seeing more and more of as the days pass: nearly-bare tree branches. Handmade by Julie, this ring is entirely of her design and $20. You can even get the matching necklace, or how about a coordinating one with a bird singing away on one of the branches? I'm also rather partial to this copper-wire owl ring, featuring a cute little retro-style owl.

Available from Handmade Julz, whose shop also lets you choose from nearly 100 regularly updated designs created by the artist herself to create your own ring, necklace, or bracelet. Her graphic art is varied and fascinating to look at, from retro to lovely to fun to urban.

I spent the entire day carefully painting our garage door and get to put coat two on tomorrow. I say "entire day" because the colour I initially chose (and the colour that looked perfect in the store) turned out to be rather yellow on the door itself despite a healthy coat of primer! This necessitated a trip to Lowe's for new paint (the charmingly named "Lettuce Alone" from Olympic Paints that is more of a celery, but who's complaining?), re-priming when I got home, and impatiently waiting for the primer to dry before putting the first coat on.

After all that, though, the garage looks very nice and we both love the colour, one coat to go or not! Unfortunately, none of my other work got done, which means the backlog will continue to pile up until it curves over me like a slow-motion tidal wave...

Perhaps it's better to not think about that.

;) Have a great night!