The nonstop rain the past two weeks is starting to get to me…instead of going outside (which is where I go to use my torch for metalwork, can’t beat fresh air for ventilation), I’ve been cooped up indoors with a sick toddler.

Rainy Evening

I did make some new earrings, (torch-free, all wire work) that I think are gorgeous – freshwater pearls with peridot and golden sapphires dangling below – which I’ll be sharing just as soon as I can get some decent photos. I also wired up some lovely little amethyst dangles, perfect for a February birthday gift since amethyst is the birthstone for February.

But mostly, I’ve been looking out my window and seeing this…

Raindrops

…while daydreaming about the really cool bangle designs I want to make with my torch. If I can manage to get these new designs *half* as cool as they are in my head, I’ll be really excited. Think vines, twigs, and berries wrapped around your wrist, in argentium silver. Picture yourself sipping wine in an outdoor tasting area in the Napa Valley on a beautiful, warm, sunny day, wearing a gorgeous, one of a kind, handmade bracelet inspired by the views of the vineyards. All I need is a few sunny days to get started on these pieces, maybe this weekend? Pretty please, El Nino*, can I have just a couple days without you?

[*El Nino is a weather pattern we get occasionally in California where it rains non-stop for months at a time and you start to consider just how much more rain it would take before you need to consider building a boat in your back yard. But hey, at least we're not having a drought anymore!]