Funny Friday

Hoppin' Hibiscus! it's Anne Arundel or not...

Check this out!

This gorgeous little hardy hibiscus (hibiscus moscheutos) turned out to be something completely different than expected. It is ok with me because I think it is gorgeous, but after looking at tons of images through google and Davesgarden.com  I have kind of identified it as  ( hibiscus moscheutos) Moi Grande of course without a definite id, I can't list it as anything except a hardy hibiscus. I love it though. I am planning to take cuttings and root some more of these before it freezes.  In fact, as soon as they finish blooming, I think I will cut back all of my hardy hibiscus plants and "spread the love" around different places in the yard.  I am running out of dirt and in some cases sunny spots, but I just can't help myself. ( I even harvested seeds from a hotel where I stayed a couple of weeks ago. I know they are hardy hibiscus, but don't have a clue what color.)
Speaking of cutting and rooting, now is the time. You can take cuttings from softwood and semi-hardwood plants now and root them for next spring. I have a long list that I would like to start, but I laugh at myself when I think ok, "Where will you put them.?" If you happen to be interested in cuttings or seeds, please check out my shops at Etsy, eCrater and eBay. You can find me on all 3 listing as Sandypetals. If you have something you would like to trade for a hibiscus, drop a comment for me and I will email you.

Oh by the way, this is a picture of the Anne Arundel hibiscus I knew I had planted ... Somewhere.

Wednesday's Word

                            The times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19 ( KJV)

Have You Seen....

One of my favorite artists of all time has opened a new Etsy shop called Shenanagans. And she sent me some of the beads she has been making so that I can make some things too. Campbell Jane paints the most wonderful Angels and mermaids, and now she is doing all kinds of things crochet, bead making, who knows what else she may be doing. I've made some earrings with the beads she sent me, and I still have enough to make several more things. I love them. The colors she used are awesome.

I accented the beads with little blue agate faceted rounds and a forged spiral swirl. They are lightweight and comfortable and have just the right combination of colors. It was so sweet of her to send me beads that she made.

 I also made this pair of earrings. The colors don't show up as well in this photo, but it is only because I need a new camera phone. LOL Campbell Jane, keep making those beads! I can probably keep you in business for a little while.

Fresh from the Forge... Well sort of....

My mind went on vacation last week and left the rest of me home pouting, but I still kept busy. I managed to spend some time making jewelry, but not enough time in the garden or on the beach. Anyway, I thought I would offer a sneak preview of some of my new jewelry pieces. I will list them in my Etsy shop later on this evening. I will also be listing some things at eCrater as well as ebay. Most of these involve more chain maille than forging, but I just couldn't resist the title.

This bracelet and earring set features turquoise dyed howlite rondells with little wooden spacers and hand forged sterling silver infinity symbols.

These earrings might just be some of my new favorites. The little crosses are made from mother of pearl and indoors they look kind of gold, but outdoors the colors looked a little more rosy. The gemstones are garnet rondells and the ring is a gold plated solid twist circle. They are light weight and easy to forget you have them on.

I've also been playing with pearls and chain maille. I just love doing this. It's so much more fun than going back to work.

If you would like to see more, check out my shops at etsy and ecrater. I don't have an ebay store, but you can find my listings there as Sandypetals.

Have a wonderful Monday!