Winter Wonderland...

So for those of you that aren't aware,

 my area of MN,

 has thus far received

 40 + inches of snow this year.

I can continue to be depressed about it,

or figure out a way to enjoy it.

My husband, Jon

found just the remedy.

Well, it's high time I decide to enjoy it,

since I'm living here.

This photo was taken 

on the way to our new adventure.

This little one lane bridge

is such a quaint site.

Jon and I after skiing - self portrait :)

My husband, Jon,

 has skied 21of the last 25 days

and has been loving it.

He finally got

me to join in on his adventure.

There was the most

beautiful

fluffy

white

stuff

falling

from the

sky.

 It

was

magical!

Look out, rookie...

having fun!

 Can't beat it,

than join it.

 Jon

skiing

on

the

groomed

trail.

 a Beautiful

day...

Jon

skate

   skiing...

 Beautiful

Park Reserve

setting with

cool bridges

natural

surroundings.

Both groomed trails,

for backwoods

style skiing

and

non-groomed

trails

for the

new craze,

skate skiing.

Jon loves his new skate skis.

He's loving the speed

they provide him...

a true man.

They feel the need for speed!

We're both happy!!!!

What a fun adventure

we had,

and will continue to have.

A Word to Live by...2011

Wow!  Is this ever a challenge for this girlie.  I am so not a "one" word person.  Anyone that knows me knows that my detailed personality translates over from my jewelry design details right on through to my details in words.  I am such a wordy person that it takes me 100 words to say what my dh would say in 7.   Long story short picking one word for 2011 is a major task for me.

I promise I started thinking about what this word should be way back on December 26th.  :)  ha ha  I had a very short period of time where our family snuck away to our cabin for a little after Christmas rest.  Most of it was spent with the family, but I did sneak outside in the freezing cold to capture a couple of photos for this post.  The above photo is our cabin which has been layered with a "word" texture .

  

I spent some time outside at our cabin looking at this gorgeous sunset, noticing how cool my flower gardens looked buried in the snow, and just generally photographing the beauty surrounding our "Lakeview Cottage" and  than reflecting on what my word for 2011 should become.

And I waited, and waited, and pondered some more... A lot of words came, but I was only to pick one. How would I ever be able to do this? What do I want 2011 to be about? How could I choose between all of the words in our vocabulary?

        rec·re·ate (rek′rē āt′)

to put fresh life into; refresh or restore in body or mind,

 esp. after work, by play, amusement, or relaxation 

I was feeling the pressure ...it was between Christmas and New Years.  Almost New Years Day.  What should my word be?  I thought and thought, and thought and came up with the word "Redesign".   You see I am a jewelry designer that does "Vintage Redesign" with each object I create.  I need to "Redesign" my blog, so that it is a better tool to interface with my followers as well as my customers, and easier to purchase items from my blog.  I need to "Redesign" my Studio space.  I need to "Redesign" a large portion of our living space in our home that has been awaiting my attention.  I need to "Redesign" my body and get back on my healthy lifestyle choice, and I need to "Redesign" some personal areas in my life for my future 50 years of my life.  So, "REDESIGN" is what I chose.  But was I sure?

in·spire (ĭn-spīrˈ)

to motivate; to stimulate; to provoke;

to influence; to encourage

Nope...I wasn't sure.  The word "inspire" kept coming to me.  I "inspire" to be a better person in 2011.  I "inspire" to be a better Mom, Wife, Friend and Sister in 2011.  I "inspire" to grow in my jewelry design business, and as a jewelry designer.  I "inspire" to learn to do more effective photography and photo editing.  I "inspire" to learn new things in 2011.   I "inspire" to be a better blogger.  I even plan to "inspire" some of you in 2011 through my blog.  I "inspire" to share more tutorials and how-to's on my blog as well.  So, "Inspire" is what I chose...

Wait you say...  That's two words.  "Redesign" and "Inspire".  Guess what?  I'm breaking the rule.  I am so not a rule breaker, but I'm starting 2011 with being a rule breaker.  I'm choosing two words to live by in 2011.  I maybe should have chosen "motivation" as both of my words are motivational words, but "Redesign" and "Inspire" are what kept coming to me through my pondering.

What about you?  Are you sharing in on the fun?  Have you spent time thinking about a word for 2011 to represent your aspirations?  What have you chosen?  Do share...

For those of you that haven't heard of this movement.  Take some time to think about your hopes, your dreams, your goals and your plans for 2011, and see if a word doesn't pop up to claim as your own.  It's kind of fun!

Below is a list of words that a group I'm involved with as well as my addition are some great words to get you started.  Go ahead, spend some time and ponder too.  What do you want  your 2011 to be about?  Now remember, you can only choose one, unless you're like me. :)  A rule breaker...   :)

*Persevere*Practice*Believe*Family*Rekindle*Pursue*Restore*Happiness*

*Conversation*Healthy*Trust*Spirituality*Quiet*Learn*Art*Creativity*

*Forgiveness*Gratitude*Simplify*Risk*Love*Momentum*Patience*Shed*

*Pursue*Grow*Friendship*Fearlessness*Nurture*Restore*Know*Relax*

*Adventure*Ignite*Improve*Completion*Change*Yes*Work*Cherish*

*No*Ignite*Inspire*Challenge*Discipline*Knowledge*Recreate*Faith*

Jewelry for Sale on Blog - (D14-D33)

Here are more items available for sale.  Please email me at : gretchen.schaumann@comcast.net if you're interested.  A $3.00 charge per item for shipping (multiple item discount available), and in state tax for Minnesotans.  Thanks for taking a look.

D14

Baroque Pearl Bracelet

$39 SOLD

7 1/2" bracelet is created from links of vintage glass baroque pearl beads, and 3 lovely charms.  A goldtone charm that read "I Love You", a bird, and a gold charm with a layered mother of pearl element and a vintage gold crown on the top.

D15

Goldtone Bracelet w/Bird

$19 SOLD

7" goldtone bracelet has a single unique charm dangling from it.  The charm is a 1" gold charm layered with a mother of pearl white layer and than a gold sparrow bird.

D16

JUNK GIRL Necklace

$39 SOLD

                                          

This Junk Girl Necklace is 28" on a silvertone ball chain.  The 2 1/2" x 1 3/4"  flattened spoon with hand stamped JUNK GIRL and silverplate crown charm as well as the cutest vintage metal cracker jack blue/silver alarm clock charm is sure to please anyone that loves Junk.  The ball chain can easily be shortened with a snip of a scissor between the ball links if you'd like a shorter length.  Very fun and one-of-a-kind design.

D17

Optical Lense Necklace

$45 SOLD

The 19" necklace length is made from chunky silver grey detailed chain with a large spring clasp closure.  The unique focal is a a hand with wire-wrapped wire connecting it to a vintage optical lense.  The lense may be used to magnify.  This necklace is definitely a conversation starter.

D18

Castle Necklace

$32 SOLD

This is a very unique piece of jewelry.  All elements in it are vintage and make this a fun piece.  The 15 1/2" length of chain and pearls are made up of chain, faux vintage pearls and fluted gold vintage beads.  It is connected to a beautiful 1" round focal.  The mother of pearl back ground is hand cut and has been layered with the most beautiful vintage castle antiqued gold button.  One of a kind!

D19

Vintage Rhinestone Butterfly Necklace

$34 SOLD

Please note that this butterfly rhinestone focal is truly an "as is" time worn feel piece, as the look this piece is created to have reflects the vintage feel of this necklace with missing rhinestones.  Do not buy it if this is an issue for you.  It purposely was created to be authentic.

The goldtone chain is a great vintage heavy chain which has vintage faux glass ivory pearls added into it.  The length is 18" with an additional 2 1/2" extension chain which is shown in the photo below.

This is the 2 1/2" extension chain portion of the butterfly necklace.  It is accented with a vintage faux glass pearl and a vintage rhinestone drop.

 D20

Crucifix with Rust

$49  SOLD

16" necklace length is made from chunky silver grey detailed chain with accents of antiqued coppertone double chain near the focal to accent the patina on the hardware.  The crucifix and hardware both are patinaed and accent one another and create a beautiful vintage look.  The focal is accented with a touch of palest blue silk ribbon.

D21

Mosaic Cross

$49  SOLD

The photos just don't capture how detailed and beautiful this unique mosaic cross truly is.  The 2" goldtone chunky hardware backs up the gorgeous 2" length x 1" across mosaic cross which is beautifully made.  The chain is a chunky antiqued mellow gold large detailed linked 19" length chain.

   D22

Antiqued Gold Crucifix

$49  SOLD

This crucifix necklace is a mix of antiqued gold and antiqued silver elements.  The chain portion closest to the focal is the antiqued gold and gradually becomes the antiqued silver portion leading up to the large silver spring ring clasp.  The length of the chain is a generous 21" and connects to the Art Deco style 1 3/4" round hardware and vintage crucifix.  The crucifix is a mix of silver metal, wood and gold.

  D23
Antiqued Silver Oval Crucifix
$49 SOLD

This crucifix necklace is a mix of antiqued gold and antiqued silver elements. The chain portion closest to the focal is the antiqued gold and gradually becomes the antiqued silver portion leading up to the large antiqued gold spring ring clasp. The length of the chain is a generous 20" and connects to the gorgeous antiqued silver detailed 2" x 1 1/2" oval hardware and elaborately detailed vintage crucifix. The crucifix is wire-wrapped onto the hardware and is a mix of silver and gold, with gorgeous intricately detailing on it.  It is marked ROMA on its back.

  D24

Antiqued Gold/Silver Necklace

$49  SOLD

This crucifix necklace is a mix of antiqued gold and antiqued silver elements. The chain portion closest to the focal is the antiqued gold and gradually becomes the antiqued silver portion leading up to the large antiqued silver spring ring clasp. The length of the chain is a generous 18" and connects to the gorgeous antiqued silver detailed 1 1/2" round antiqued gold intricately detailed hardware. The silver and gold vintage crucifix is very detailed and on the back it has engraving that reads  "Andrea"  "From Grandma".

 D25

Small Antiqued Silver Crucifix

$49  SOLD

18" antiqued silver oval links make up the chain on this lovely piece.  It is more delicate than many of the other pieces in this series.  It is linked up to a 1 1/2" round vintage hardware piece that has a gorgeous Italian made 1 1/2" x 1" vintage crucifix wire wrapped to it.  It would make a  lovely addition to anyones collection.

D26

Small Antiqued Gold Crucifix

$49  SOLD

A 21" antiqued double chain of gold oval links makes up the chain on this lovely piece. It is more delicate than many of the other pieces in this series. It is linked up to a 1 1/4" round vintage hardware piece that has a gorgeous Italian made 1 1/4" x 3/4" vintage crucifix attached to it. It would make a lovely addition to anyones collection.

D27

Crown Layers

$42  SOLD

Another multi layered gold necklace with 5 total chains.  They are in the lengths of 28", 26" and 24" with a vintage glass crown focal created with a vintage round pocket watch prism, which is backed with a large gold flat element.  The focal is a geneous 2" round.

D29

Men on Bikes

$32 SOLD

A vintage scene of two men walking beside their vintage bikes is the focal created for this necklace with the use of a vintage round pocket watch prism, which is backed with a vintage pocket watch case silver back. The focal is a geneous 2" round.  The chain is a 24" silvertone vintage chain, which then allows for layering of pieces with it as well.

D30

Paris Ferris Wheel

$34

A vintage scene of the French ferris wheel is the focal created for this necklace with the use of a vintage round pocket watch prism, which is then backed with a vintage pocket watch case silver back. The focal is a geneous 2" round.  The chain is a generous 30" silvertone bar link chain, which then allows for layering of pieces with it as well.

D31

Snake Chain with Pocket Watch

$39

Goldtone snake chain of 16" is accented with a bakelite brown swirl piece that has a vintage 1 3/4" white porcelain pocket watch face and an antiqued gold flying sparrow bird.  Gorgeous piece.

D32

Gold Filigree Beads with Pocket Watch Face

$42

Large gorgeous filigree goldtone vintage beads compromise this 16" necklace and than an additional 2" chain is added as an extension.  It is then attached  to  a vintage 1 3/4" white porcelain pocket watch face and an antiqued gold flying sparrow bird.  The beads on this piece are incredible.

D33

Eiffel Tower Necklace

$39 SOLD

This chunky goldtone chain is really quite beautiful and accents the focal perfectly.  The eiffel tower image is again a vintage pocket watch glass piece that has the Eiffel Tower image encased underneath it.  It's been set into a beautiful large coat button and looks as though it was made for it.  The focal is 1 5/8" round with a 18" chunky gold chain with a heavy duty clasp.  Very fun piece that can be layered, dressed up or worn with jeans.