Thank you for visiting my blog! My name is Robin & I've been creating "wearable art" since 2003. If you're looking for handcrafted jewelry with a unique and affordable twist, I specialize in pieces that have a variety of gemstones, American-made handcrafted lampwork glass, Swarovski crystal and hand-forged/wire-wrapped metals. I use only quality components so my jewelry can become a cherished treasure for you or someone special!

If you see something here you like but prefer a different color or have your own vision of piece of jewelry - let me know - I love doing custom pieces.

Thanks and have a great day! :D

Saturday, December 27, 2008

What A Day In Atlanta!

It's no wonder why I haven't added any new items to my Etsy shop. First there was the end of the semester, then Christmas and visits with the family and today - a wonderful trip to Atlanta.

We (3 adults, 3 kiddos) began our day visiting the King Tut exhibit at the Atlanta Civic Center. Words cannot describe the magnificence. Sadly, photos were not permitted so I cannot share the various artifacts of Ramses II, Akhenaten, Amenhotep III and Tutankhaman. The beauty of the gilded and solid gold jewelry, shoes and coffinettes is indescribable. The detail in each carving was exquisite artistry. The photo below depicts a statue of Ramses II found in the exhibit.

After spending a couple of hours looking through the King Tut exhibit, we made our way to the High Museum of Art to see 3 fabulous exhibits: China's Terracotta Army, Medieval & Renaissance treasures and pieces from the Louvre. Each exhibit was unique so here are a few highlights and photos...

China's Terracotta Army was the most impressive. Discovered in 1974, the first Emporer of China, Qin Shihuangdi, constructed an underground tomb complex, complete with life sized terracotta soldiers and other figures. To date, over 1000 figures have been excavated but archeologists believe there may be as many as 7000! These figures were most impressive - from the assembly line method of production, the stamping of names on pieces to ensure "quality control" & "accountability" and the details in the terracotta costumes, hair and even musculature. The faces of each soldier is unique and different - a testimony to the expertise of those constructing the clay warriors. They stood guard over the Emperor in his afterlife, for over 2000 years! Below... 2 examples of the terracotta soldiers...

We also visited the Midieval/Renaissance treasures. Lots of gorgeous pieces and the influence of the Church was evident from an ivory carved book cover (below) to an ivory and gilded diptych. I was most intrigued with the notebook of Leonardo daVinci... how incredible to see his writings!

Finally, we visited the Louvre exhibit which included vessels, paintings, sculpture and assorted carved pieces. The red chalk drawings by Michelangelo which included the "Ideal Head of a Woman" is simply beautiful and very different from what we associate with Michelangelo!
While today was a full day, we did manage to have a little fun... here's the kids playing in front of a piece of modern art...

Educational, enlightening, amazing and fun... what a day in Atlanta!!! :D

BeadNest Designs

SOME OF THE PERSONAL STUFF...

GYMNASTICS! GYMNASTICS! GYMNASTICS!

Gymnastics rules in our house! My daughter is a competitive gymnast and we travel all over the State for her to compete. We also love the University of Georgia Gym Dogs and never miss a home meet. On March 29, 2008 the Gym Dogs won their 16th SEC Championship and it was every bit as exciting as we could hope!! In April '08, UGA won their 4th consecutive National Championship at home in Athens GA!!

In 2009 - the theme was "All In For 10" and the GymDogs successfully captured their record setting 10th overall and 5th consecutive national championship!

As the 2010 GymDog season begins, Jay Clark takes the helm as the new coach for the UGA Gymnastics program. We're looking forward to an exciting season!

Goooo Dawgs!

My Gym Girl

My Gym Girl
2009

2009

2007

So you think gymnastics is easy??

So you think gymnastics is easy??

Still think gymnastics is easy?

Still think gymnastics is easy?