Charming

I bought this book a few years ago at Anthropologie. I have loved charm bracelets for a long time and when I saw this book I had to have it. Here is an excerpt from the synopsis of "Charmed Bracelets" over at barnesandnoble.com : "There is something oh so adorable about a charm bracelet. Is it the jingle and jangle when the wearer moves around, or the fact that you have to get up close and personal to ogle over each quirky little charm? Laden with fond remembrances, tiny figurines, and sweet forget-me-nots, a charm bracelet shows a woman’s history on her wrist." My Mom still talks about the charm bracelet she had as a young girl in the 1960's, a popular time for charm bracelets. Two of her favorite charms were a typewriter eraser and a bust of President Kennedy. She remembers all of her charms even though sadly she lost hers some years back. I wish I could have seen it. My grandmothers wore charm bracelets. I actually have one of my Mimi's. It includes a charm with her monogram and charms with pictures of my brother and I when we were little enclosed in glass with our birth dates engraved in silver on the back.

I received my first charm bracelet when I was 16 years old. My Mom and Dad gave it to me for Valentine's Day. What a treat! It had one charm on it, a heart with my monogram on one side and the date on the other, 2-14-92. I added to the bracelet for years. I would buy charms on trips or get them as gifts. It is such a joy to collect charms. It is so fun to tell others the meaning behind each charm and where it came from.

My First Charm Bracelet from Mom and Dad

The Brighton bracelet my husband gave me for Mother's Day. I fell in love with this bracelet because it reminded my a ladybug pin that belonged to my Mom and was worn by my Mimi when I was little (the lady bug pin is in the center). I wish the picture did it justice. It is amazing.

My latest purchase. It is made by a company called "Realities". I picked it up at Beall's Outlet for a mere $3.99! The original tag was still on it and read $50.00. I swear! I thought when I went to check out they were going to tell me there had been some mistake. It was definitely the bargain of the century for me. The suitcase with travel labels opens up and there is an enamel bikini, flip flops and sunglasses. The genie bottle opens, the globe spins, the hula girl has a chain link skirt that shakes, and the travel log (next to the globe) opens and has a place for two tiny photos. The details on this bracelet are unbelievable. I can't wait to wear it.

I hope I have inspired you to start a charm bracelet of your own. I have to warn you, it is addictive :) Have fun!

Sew Inspiring

I saw this book at Joanne crafts today. It is the best sewing project book ever, ever, ever! Can't wait to add this one to my sewing/craft library. I want to make everything in it. If you love to sew, want to sew, need to sew, or just want to ooh and ahhh over beautiful fabrics and creations, check this book out. You won't be disappointed... I sound like I am on Reading Rainbow for crafters. P.S. I finished Lilly's shirt dress. It came out too short so I got some leggings to go under it. If I can get her to cooperate and model for me I will post it tomorrow.

A Brilliant Book!

I went to Barnes and Noble today and I found the most awesome book ever! It is like a book I have always dreamed of but didn't even know that I was dreaming of until I saw it. It is called "How to Be an Explorer of the World". It is a creative book for anyone. It is for creative people who want to find new inspiration and ideas, it is for people who want to tap into their creativity, and it is a great book for children to explore their imaginations. The author, Keri Smith, wrote the book one night when she couldn't sleep. She realized that scientists and artists explore and analyze the world in very similar ways so she wrote a book to teach others how they do this. Each page has activities and assignments that will allow the reader to explore the world around them and find inspiration all around, even in the most unlikely places. One assignment is to sit outside for 10 minutes and record all the sounds you hear. Another is to sit in a familiar room and list 10 things you did not notice when you first walked into the room. One of my favorites was to make a sculpture using things that are around you at that moment. It is just packed with awesome new ways to look at the world and observe. I didn't buy the book today because I am going to order it from Amazon. I will let you know when I get it and begin exploring. Let me know if you get one too and we can share experiences. Enjoy your weekend!