Patty Rose Design

Beading Fool

I've been a beading fool lately.  I've made (well almost made) four bracelets in the last couple of weeks.  This one as a birthday present for a friend who collects bracelets and appreciates something handmade....

Special thanks to Carol Ohl for teaching me!  Parting with it was a little difficult.  I have another one like it in the works because I love it so much!

These are my latest obsession...I just love their earthiness.  I saw them everywhere in Colorado and now on line since I've been looking for a pattern.  Wow, and they are crazy expensive!  Anthropologie has one for $170!  Most are over $100.  Of course now that I've made one, I can almost see why...not as easy as it looks.

My first attempt was too big for two wrap arounds and too small for three.  I was so excited to be reaching completion that I totally forgot the all important last step, to double check size before I ended it and cut the ends.  So, two evenings of eye crossing work, down the tubes.   Plus, I have to drive across town to pick up more crystals!  I will conquer this pattern!  I used purple and brown AB rounds and brown leather cord.  I ended it with a silver vintage button that has this slight tinge of blue patina.  It looks stunning...if only it fit and I didn't have to start over!  Photos when I have it right. 

I made another right angle weave bracelet last weekend only to be short three rows of crystals that I have to order!  What gives here?  Certainly not my determination! 

 

 

 

Colorado - Part 2

For the second half of day 2, we headed down Beavercreek Mountain, made a little jig through town and then up to Vale Mountain.  Our ski lift pass was good for both mountains so we decided not to waste the opportunity for another ride up for more great views. 

The walk through town gave us a few opportunities to capture all the beautiful flowers. We decided it was a lot easier and more fun to see the sights when both people are carrying a camera around their necks.  The constant stopping for the next best shot is not quite as irritating to someone who is doing the exact same thing!

Before heading to Vale, we decided to stop by a great little consignment shop in a little town called Minturn. Seriously, don't blink or you will pass right by.  Small but charming as can be.

I picked up these cute little Born sandals for a steal.  Not the slightly broken in, black cowboy boots I was hoping for, but one of us ultimately scored the boots too!  So it was a successful score!  I also picked up the cutest little hobo bag made out of recycled silk saris in one of the other little shops in town.  It was my constant companion for the rest of the trip.

Then back up the mountain for another lovely ride on the gondola.  I preferred the open, breeziness of the lift, but the views were still stunning and the ride the catalyst for a few more deep sighs of appreciation and happiness.

The grass and flowers on the mountain side looked like they were glowing from the inside out.  The sunshine was crisp, bright and magic.  We even witnessed a mountain top wedding complete with kilted groomsmen and Celtic music.  Closing the eyes for a moment easily transported the soul to somewhere on a hillside in Ireland.

 

We capped the day off sitting at a table with the view above, great conversation and a little of this...

Each and every bite was delicious.  We shared a bottle of great wine and headed back down.

Another beautiful, big sky day came to a end.  Time sure flies when life is good.

Tomorrow, Part 3 - The Ranch.

Colorado - Part 1

I went out to Colorado to spend a few days with a great friend who has a place near Vale, in Beavercreek.  We had an amazing time, almost non-stop for 4 days! 

The day I arrived, we high-tailed it (sorry, I couldn't resist)to the local rodeo for wild bucking horses, handsome cowboys, homemade beef jerky and the best barbeque and corn on the cob I've had in awhile.  It felt so good to have those boots on!

Sunglasses came in handy for checking out the beautiful scenery, if you get my drift sister.

 

Are those horses gorgeous, or what? ;) Yow!

This poor guy got thrown in the dirt and kicked in the leg.  His ankle was blue.  Not sure if it was her or the bronco.  Just kidding, I'm pretty sure it was the bronco.

Day one came to a beautiful end.  Home for a glass of wine, a little more conversation and off to rest and get ready for day two!

The rodeo was a little dusty!

Day two was spent riding the ski lift up Beavercreek Mountain and doing a little shopping around town.

The ride on the lift was exhilarating.  We soared high above the ground with the breeze blowing through our hair and the warm sunshine on our faces.  There were breathtaking, panoramic views in every direction.  It was one of those moments, when you really have to close your eyes for just a second and give thanks as to just how wonderful life can be. We had lunch on the top of the mountain, literally and kind of figuratively.  I was singing John Denver, Rocky Mountain High all day.

We sat outside (of course!) and had a delicious lunch.  Yes, we cheated a bit.  High altitude requires lots of energy!  Honesty, we didn't think they would be this big!

And, besides that, you might need to run from a bear!  A girl's gotta be prepared!

 

Wow, that's a little intimidating....makes me think twice about that big ole burger.  Maybe eating one of those things is like slathering yourself with bear perfume.  What self respecting bear wouldn't hunt down the source of a big juicy burger scent? 

So back to happy thoughts.  I found this a little entertaining.  Of course, you know me, I'm easily entertained.  I guess big sky means big sun which means BIG sunblock.

So after lunch and a few more photos, we headed down the lift and back to town. 

Is that view amazing or what??!

Another beautiful, big sky day. What an amazing summer it has been.  I'm so very thankful for great friends, good times and the stunning beauty of this beautiful planet.  Don't wake me up.

Part 2 coming soon!

 

 

 

 

Butterfly Cards

Spent Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago making cards with a friend.  We have such a good time working in the studio surrounded by a mound of paper and supplies.  The table is large and perfect for even as many as four, so we have plenty of room to spread out. 

Add a little iced green tea, triscuts, chicken salad and fresh fruit and we are on our way to a pile of handmade cards. 

Here's the last bunch of cards.  I bundled them up and sent them to my sister for her birthday.  She loves butterflies too.

I had to spent a bit of time cleaning up the table.  By the end of our last session, the supplies were so scattered about on the table that we were in jeopardy of burying rather large items.  It's cleaned and reorganized ready for the next paper hurricane.