My Boy Is Home from Iraq!

I just wanted to share in my joy that my son is finally back from Iraq! It has been a rough time but I am so very proud of him! I think he has grown and matured while being over there so the experience wasn't all bad. He is my heart and I am proud to call him my son!

♥ Support the Troops!! It is someone's son, daughter, father, or mother over there fighting for our freedoms! ♥

Hoo-Rah!!!

My Son Is Coming Home From Iraq!

The title says it all! Matt will be coming home on Thursday, Sept. 17th!! His Dad and I will be flying down to North Carolina to see him in. My knees are weak with excitement! He has been gone since January. Seems like forever!

The best part is that after we leave from down there, he will be coming home on leave for 3 weeks! AND... his brother, Sean will be coming home on leave too for 10 days! It has been so very long since all the family has been together. Party time!!!


My boys are my heart and I am so very proud of both of them! God Bless them both and all of the rest of the military that are putting their lives on the line to protect us!

Not Only Jewelry But I Have Supplies to Offer in My Shop!

I keep posting my finished pieces but that is only part of what I have to offer in my shop. I also offer jewelry supplies at great low prices! Below are some pendants I just listed. The beauty of these is that you can use them in your own designs or you can just hang one on your favorite silver chain and you have an instant necklace! These beauties are only $3.50 each-

Come on in and see what other treasures lie within! You can find these and more at www.gallagj.etsy.com

Still Cougaring!!

Think I'm starting to get these bracelets down to a science. I used a beautiful Polymer clay bead in this one made by a lovely Etsy shop:

BreathtakingBeadzz.etsy.com

Love how it turned out. The bead really made it stand out. Thank you, Cyndie! I love your polymer clay beads and plan to use more of them in my designs. Your clay beads have more color and vibrancy than any I've ever come across! Your shop name says it all!


This next one, I modified:

It turned out really good in the front although I wasn't happy with the wrap in the back. Need to practice on this style a bit more! Anyway, I have really enjoyed learning to make these and will practice until it's perfect!

A very special thank you to:

lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com - For your friendship, support, and advice in helping me learn this technique.

BreathtakingBeadzz.etsy.com - For the beautiful polymer clay beads and the great customer support.

Members of the Dedicated Beaders Thread on Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6237171 I am the Creator of this thread and I am so blessed to have these beautiful shops on my list and to have their friendship and support.

♥1. Gallagj.Etsy.Com 2. LizsDivineCreations.etsy.com♥3. krisybird.etsy.com♥4. DesignGal.etsy.com♥5. vampiton.etsy.com (RME accepted)♥6. BubblesBaublesBags.etsy.com (RME accepted)♥7. SimplyRaevyn.etsy.com- on vaction♥8. kimikal.etsy.com♥9. wimsy.etsy.com10. CreativeSpiritToo.etsy.com- on vacation♥11. Mindielee.etsy.com♥12. AffordableFUN.etsy.com♥13. UxCritter.etsy.com♥14. raevyn77.etsy.com- on vacation♥15. RhisBitsAndBeads.etsy.com16. michiganhemp.etsy.com♥17. lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com♥18. KatScratchBeadWorks.etsy.com♥19. KatsCritterCreations.etsy.com♥20. NightbirdBeads.etsy.com ♥21. GreatSupplies.etsy.com

It Is Getting Easier!!!

I threw the bracelet instructions aside and decided to try this my way. The directions had the measurements so messed up. So, I did my own measurements and the cab fit so much easier! It didn't take me as long to put it together either. I added a pretty red Paua shell cab this time and it really pops! I used more brass in this one because using a lot of the silver wire becomes quite costly so I have to charge more. Now, I enjoy putting these together and plan to start trying to modify it in different ways.

Here is the the bracelet that I did without the directions:

I think this turned out just as nice! Finally, I am moving on to a more advanced level of wire wrapping. I strive to be an outstanding wire wrap artist. I think I may be on my way!

The Finished Piece!

As promised, here is the finished infamous "Cougar" bracelet. After many hours of blood, sweat, tears, and wire, I am so pleased with the end result. I definitely will try this again even through it was a struggle. I'm praying that it gets easier with each one. Many thanks to my dear friend, lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com for her guidance and support. Couldn't have done it without you, Girlfriend!

Trying Something New!

Got the new Dale "Cougar" Armstrong book and decided to try some of her patterns. Some were really bad patterns but one is working out beautifully. I made a bracelet base that turned out beautifully but the stone is hard to set. Here is the base:

Now I just have to figure out how to get the stone in there. They do turn out beautiful. My friend, Betty ( lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com ) made this one to show that:

Beautiful job, Betty! Here is her modified version:

This girl has so much talent! I only hope mine turns out as great!!! Stay tuned...