healing a friend

Dear blog friends - how wonderful to know that I have friends stopping by to see what is happening in my life; however, most of what happens in my life revolves around my family and my friends. Well, right now, I have a friend who needs me. You see, my friend Teresa has recently found out she has kidney cancer. Her left kidney will be removed in the morning. Now, this is one tough cookie - she battled (and won!) breast cancer 14 years ago. I told you she was TOUGH!! Let me also mention that she is my youngest son's Sunday school teacher. She has no choice but to be a strong woman! He crawled into her hospital bed on Saturday with a picture of the two of them holding hands. So, my family loves Teresa. Please keep her (and I know for some of you that she is a total stranger) in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow.

Also, as Mother's Day approaches, other blog friends of hers will be having a blog raffle on a blog they've set up - what cool friends you can make in the world of blogging!

(http://healingmaggiegrace.blogspot.com/)

I plan to donate a piece of jewelry or gift certificate to the raffle in order to defray the expenses that insurance simply will not cover. So, if you're crafty...please consider donating. And, if you're not crafty, why don't you consider making a purchase of something really cool. Many thanks!

Hold a true friend with both your hands. -- Nigerian Proverb

Natalie, over at Natalie's Sentiments, is having one INCREDIBLE (or shall I say monumental?) mother's day giveaway! Whatever you choose to call it, it is HUGE and all about celebrating the special women in your life. I am honored to be included in Natalie's giveaway this year (thanks so much, Natalie!) and am offering a $40 gift certificate to be used for any custom piece that I make. If jewelry is not your thing, there are so many other wonderful items included. So, why in the world are you waiting?! Go now and throw your name in the hat for the chance to win some wonderful things!

http://shane-natalie.blogspot.com/2010/04/monumental-mothers-day-giveaway-three.html

Planning for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is May 9th. If you've not secured the perfect gift for the perfect woman in your life (or if you'd like to drop a hint to your husband and children,) why don't you celebrate your family tree in sterling silver. I mean it...it's the perfect gift! It is so perfect that it could be my new favorite, and I plan to make one for myself when I find the time.

(Family Tree Necklace - 1.5" sterling disc with 1" disc soldered on top; $62)

Contact me right away (lannaejohnson@windstream.net) to have one of these or one of my other wonderful and unique pieces made to remember this special day - happy shopping!

conversation hearts

I've never been that fond of them really, at least the taste of those familiar little Valentine candies. I do, however, find myself quite intrigued with the sayings they come up with from year to year. Who really comes up with those phrases anyway? Well, I have an entirely different take on those pastel hearts - in the form of jewelry, of course!

For the gal who has everything and realizes that flowers will not last forever, I introduce to you my conversation heart necklace...
What a cutie, huh? Now, I went with "be mine", as that is one of my all-time favorite conversation heart phrases; however, you could even consider a name or a date of importance. The necklace consists of a heart soldered to a 1/2" disc, a red coral rondelle dangle and a tag that is stamped and slightly hammered around the edges ($45 on either a 16" or 18" chain.) Ladies...put that bug in your Valentine's ear, as the big day is just around the corner!

a new design!

I have to say I'm loving this bracelet! I love it because it is perfectly classic. Who doesn't love a sterling beaded bracelet? Okay, maybe you don't; however, I'm not really expecting you to answer that rhetorical question. The nice thing about this bracelet, really one of many nice things, is that you can basically add any charm to it you'd like. I've shown it here with the original monogram (yet another classic element); however, we can add discs with children's or grandchildren's names, too! The bracelet is made completely by me with sterling beading chain, 6mm sterling seamless beads and a hefty lobster clasp. It is truly fantastic! Now, I know those of you that already have the monogram earrings or the monogram necklace are really itching to get one of these. And those of you that don't...what is the hold up? The bracelets will be made at the time of order and offered in both 7" and 8" lengths. Contact me to make yours today!!

in your own words

Well gang, I've reached 300 fans on facebook. This seems like a great reason to celebrate to me! It is funny, I still blame my old boss for getting me involved in this facebook thing; however, I find myself needing to thank him now. I've reconnected with so many old friends, stay connected with new ones and expand my little business at the very same time. How cool is that?! So, I'm thanking him (not that he'll want this necklace) and all of my facebook friends who support me by giving away a 1" sterling washer necklace stamped with a phrase of the winner's choice. What a great little gem hanging in the center, huh? So, if you're on facebook....get on over there and enter! Comments will be accepted until 5:00p.m. Tuesday with a winner announced shortly thereafter. Just think of all of those inspirational phrases for the new year that could be stamped and worn around your neck. You're tempted, aren't you? Oh, and you must stay in touch with me and my not-so-regularly-updated blog. I've got new pieces and techniques to share in the coming weeks! Have a great weekend.

a new year

(And yes, we all made it until midnight!)


Wishing you all the blessings this
new year has to offer!