Marbles

I came across this beautiful fractured marble at my local bead shop a couple of weeks ago. I found out that they are wonderful when strung onto memory wire because the memory wire makes them sit in the natural hollow of the neck.
I have put this blue one on silver plated memory wire with silver plated and glass beads. It will fit up to a 19 inch neck. You can see more of it in my Etsy store, where you will find some of my other new memory wire listings. Enjoy...

The Encounter

While walking through the forest
On a beautiful Spring day
I came upon a meadow
I believe it was in May.

The wildflowers were blooming
The colors so vivid and bright
I was hoplessly enchanted
I stayed far into the night.

I couldn't help but wonder
How this meadow could be so lush
When I heard a sound a'stirring
In the thick underbrush.

I sat there very quiet
When much to my surprise
A little Gnome came forward
The moon twinkling in his eyes.

He carried a rake and shovel
The tools of his trade
He went to work very quickly
And what a commotion he made.

He snipped and he clipped
Made each blade of grass stand tall
Then he slowly stepped back
And admired it all.

He looked up at the sky
And suddenly there came
A small, dark cloud
And it began to rain.

The rain was a soft mist
Just a very gentle shower
So as not to harm the petals
On even a single flower.

Suddenly, he looked over
And saw me sitting there
He smiled and winked at me
Showing no fear or care.

He walked around again
This time without a rush
When all of a sudden
He disappeared into the brush.

I awoke the next morning
Not believing what I had seen
For I was fairly certain
This had all just been a dream.

I started to rise
It was time to go home
T'was then I saw the sign
It read,'Planted by a Gnome'.

Angelika Joy

Copyright 2006

Some Fun Stuff

Dragon's Eggs...fun stuff to sculpt! I have decided to do more sculpture to feature in my Etsy shop . I have been working on some Dragon Eggs which my grandkids just love. They are totally mystified that Nana has 'real' Dragon Eggs. These eggs are solid polymer clay, embellished with little seed beads, hand applied scales and eyes or crystals. This has been a fun project.

Luvy Bugs

Time for something new...

I sat down today and started playing with some red polymer clay and came up with my first 'Luvy Bug'. I just love this little guy and there will be more to come in different colors and different types of bugs but they will all be based on a heart shape somewhere. I am so excited...I hope you like them to. A little whimsey and color! You can find him for sale in my etsy shop.

A Wonderful Montana Holiday

Another Christmas day comes to a close. It was a wonderful holiday. Once again the family was together and the food and festivities were a success even though the long list of gifts from last year had to be cut in half this year. I can honestly say that we enjoyed this years giving more than the last. We found ourselves delighted with the handmade gifts that we shared. Simple things like knitted potholders, recipe boxes complete with recipes for the young cook, handmade 2008 Keepsake Christmas tree ornaments for the kids, hand knit sweaters, polymer clay keepsake boxes and lots of grandmother's home made brownies and cookies. Grandpa made sure the room was nice and warm by tending the fire in our little wood stove while the snowflakes danced past the windows outside. There was popcorn, candy canes, chocolate Santas, spiced cider, cheesecake in a multitude of flavors, hot chocolate with marshmallows all served after a scrumptiously moist ham and pork roast dinner with all the fixings.
Outside, the deer and some pheasants were nibbling under the birdfeeders while the snow created a beautiful white blanket covering the Rocky Mountain tops and the pastures and meadows. It was a beautiful sight to behold making us all thankful for the things we hold dear.

My Polymer Clay News

A new experiment in polymer clay sculpting has turned out well for me. I started making little wish/keepsake boxes and included a gold tied scroll inside them (to write your wish on) and I am very happy with the way that they have turned out. The oval ones are a whole lot easier to make than the square ones though. The main cylinder is actually one piece simple while the square takes four seperate pieces to match, bake and then fit together. You can see them all in my Etsy store at www.ajoydesigns.etsy.com. There are some pictures here too. Hope you enjoy them. Each one is unique, signed and dated.