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

Thursday, June 11, 2009

3 Months Later... Lots of Changes...

Blog neglect, blog neglect, blog neglect. Yes, I'm guilty as charged. It's hard to believe that it's been 3 months since my last post. What have I been doing all this time? In a word or 2... work and kitties. It's been a busy 3 months. We've closed out another school year and have begun to get ready for yet another (ugh!). On a personal note however, there have been a few changes around the house. My beloved 10 year old kitty, Smokey, went to kitty heaven last week. A few months ago he was diagnosed with kidney disease and we've spent these months treating him with subcutaneous fluids and frequent visits to the vet. Our efforts helped keep him comfortable for a few more months, but the disease finally took him from us. He passed away in the early afternoon of Tuesday, June 2 and thankfully my husband was with him. I don't think little animals understand what happens as they approach death but I know they are aware when their people are near so having human comfort was important... and I'm thankful.

Smokey was my faithful companion for 10 years - he knew all my secrets and deepest fears. He was a loving lap cat and if you sat down in 1 place long enough - he would plop down and purr for as long as you would let him. He was patient as his house was overrun with 4 orphaned kittens - he welcomed them and loved them as if he were one of their clan. He was an escape artist - as an indoor cat he loved to run outside and roll in the dirt whenever given the chance. He was loyal - he would follow you all over the house and spent many hours at my feet as I worked in my studio, often looking at me as if to ask "why can't I play in the beads too?" He was unique - a solid black, long-haired cat with a few "freckles," random white hairs atop his head and neck. Smokey was adopted from our local cat shelter when he was 5 months old and the worker said she had never seen a solid black cat with wisps of white fur, they always had white patches... but not Smokey.

I've owned cats all of my life, I still have those 4 once-orphaned kittens (they are now 2 years old), but never has there been a kitty like Smokey. He will be missed and I'm so thankful to have had 10 wonderful years. The picture above represents him well - big ole Smokey and his little "little sister" (orphaned kitten) Princess. Princess loved Smokey, she always sat near him, groomed him and followed him around. To post his picture with her is a tribute to his kind and gentle demeanor. Smokey... you were the best and we love you. Rest in peace my dear furry friend...

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?