The practical part of these stocking is that they stretch and allow for lots of things to be put in them.  As my sister and I got older, we began doing stocking for our parents.  Once married, everyone continued to get stockings–adults and children.  I always felt bad that I was the only one in our family who had such a special “sock”.  I told a family friend about my stocking and soon afterward, she had made my husband one.  Later, she also made one for our first son.  Then, when son number two came along, Dan’s grandmother made him one.

Now I’m thinking that I’d like to continue this tradition for our daughter-in-law and new grand daughter.  I have a whole year to work at it.  I’m counting on all of you to prod me on.  I know how special mine is to me.  Thanks Aunt Lucille for a gift that has been treasured for so long!

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!

I went to the store and bought a thermometer and the rennet that is necessary.  The recipe I selected was “How to Make Mozzarella in 30 Minutes”.  I am proud to say that 30 minutes later I did have mozzarella!  It was really fun and quite fast.  This is something I’ll do again, making just one change.  I substituted lemon juice for citric acid.  Next time, I’ll invest in the citric acid.  My cheese tasted a little lemony.

I love trying things like this–especially when they’re successful.  I’m going to try adding some Italian seasoning or basil.  Give it a try.  It would be a great project for Christmas vacation with the kids!

First, it has been so much fun to hear back from so many of you about the website.  I sent the email right before my sister and I took off for Florida to take my mom’s and dad’s car down.  We’ve done this for 3 or 4 years now and even though it’s a very quick trip (3 days), it’s a nice break, a great time with my sister and a chance to see the sunshine before the long winter here in Michigan.

Some of you made suggestions and I will be working on them, but it may not be until after the holidays.  Our grandbaby is still waiting to make its arrival.  No, we don’t know whether it’s a boy or girl, our kids decided to let it be a surprise for everyone.  Now it’s time for me to buckle down and get Christmas started around here.  Dan brought the tree up from the basement, I’ve pulled together the addresses for Christmas cards, but I have done absolutely no shopping!  I hope you are all way ahead of me with your Christmas preparations.

Keep the suggestions coming.  I love hearing from you!

Sharlyn

I’m so glad you’ve stopped by.  This has, and continues to be such an adventure for me.  I am learning so many new things.  Not just about creating beads and jewelry, but also about technology, taking pictures, self promotion (I’m not very good at this) and social networking, just to name a few.  I hope to continue to learn from all of you as well.  Please let me know what you like, what you don’t like, make suggestions and just stay in touch.  You can contact me at sharlyn@bysharlyn.com.  The “Home” page shows only the most recent items I’ve posted, if you click on the “Store” link on the “Home” page, you’ll be taken to all of the posted items.  I’ll be adding things regularly, so be sure to stop back often.

If you enjoy visiting my site, please mention it to friends and family.  This is what I’ve always wanted to do.  Go get something warm to drink (it’s snowing here right now) and let’s get acquainted.  Thanks for stopping by.  Hope to see you soon!

It’s hard to see the true color of these earring.  I love the colors–greys and greens, accented with silver.  They really seem to go with everything – jeans or business casual, or even evening wear.  The bead portion measures about one inch.  I love jewelry that moves and these earring move with you.

This would be great for kids and would definitely fit in a stocking.  Frosty measures about an inch tall.

I learned how to make these necklaces at a bead maker’s retreat in May.  Paula Canant, a bead maker and jewelry designer, demonstrated her style of Treasure Necklaces.  You’ll see one I’ve made for myself in the gallery section.  Why are they called “Treasure” Necklaces?  Because there is a ring in the knot that allows you to include your own treasures.  You could attach a ring, a charm, a key…almost any small item can be included.  This particular necklace is olive green, light blue and dark blue.  The knot does slide for some adjustment in length.  I would suggest that once you decide the length you like that you put a couple of dabs of clear glue on that knot to hold it in place.  The loop portion of the necklace, when fully extended, measures 32 inches.

Another Vancouver inspired necklace.  Today we got our first snowfall of the season.  I guess these colors remind me that spring will come.  Actually, I think this would look great with some of the darker colors we wear during the winter.  Tied around the neck, this measures about 20 inches.  The beauty of these necklaces is that you can rearrange the beads on them to suit your mood.  Wear just one bead, two or three or all of them!

Some call these beads splats, some call them waves, I call mine puddles.  I think that’s appropriate because when glass is hot it will puddle just like water.  This puddle is strung on double 1/8 inch red ribbon.  Adjust the length however you would like it.  Makes a great gift for a friend or yourself.  This is the time of year I tend to buy things for myself when I’m out shopping for other people!

Okay, this doesn’t really look like a dalmation.  It is black and white…close enough.  Our family visited Vancouver, B.C. this past summer.  In one of the shops necklaces made with long, thin beads, strung on black cording, were showcased.  I made a mental note and decided I could probably do a version of those necklaces.  Here’s my first attempt.  I thought it turned out pretty well.  Black and white is always in style.  In fact, I debated about keeping one of these for myself!  When tied around the neck, it measures about 20 inches.