On My Bookshelf ~ Summer Reading List

My summer reading used to include a much anticipated trip to the bookstore  

where I would emerge with BAGS of new books, excited and

 ready to settle in on the porch or the beach and enjoy.  I would bring them home and stack them on my bedside table, loving the pile of them there, ready and waiting, offering worlds to visit without leaving home.

While I still love the feel of reading an actual book and miss that beautiful stack,
my Kindle is

much easier to carry, travel with and I use it ALOT!
I downloaded my 'library' today (8 new books!) and

here is my list for Summer 2015!

 

 

 

It's a rainy morning, perfect for a cup of tea and curling up

for an hour or two of reading - enjoy!

Music Box ~ My New Ukulele

I'm excited! After a year of learning and having SO much fun with my first little ukulele, I knew that even if I'll never be an expert, I really wanted continue playing...and get a 'real' ukulele.  And, here it is! One evening, while we were in Maui this winter, we wandered into a close-by shopping center. A new ukulele shop had recently opened! The owner was working and encouraged me to try any and all I wanted - there were some amazing instruments and a huge selection made right on Maui! I loved the sound, gorgeous woods and metal G string of this lovely!

The front is made with Koa wood that is native to Hawaii.  The body is mahogany,
with this gorgeous inlay which is a mix of both.

And, since I knew I would want to travel with it back to Canada, I got the
hard case to protect it.  I feel very professional! :)

 

Now, back to practicing!

 

happy weekend, all!

xo

From My Bench ~ SAVE 50% at Wild Woman's June Clearance Sale!

Making room for new pieces, we've increased your savings to 50%!

June 12th through 26th

SHOP NOW!

From My Bench - Photo Shoot Today

A peek into one of my photo shoots!

 

The light is great today - bright but overcast.  My little 'set' includes the windowsill (if the sun comes out, I can just pull down the blind), my NikonD80 SLR, a piece of cardboard I covered in tinfoil to reflect back the light, a piece of chicken wire that I've folded in half to support several sheets of white cardstock that I tape together and slope slightly to eliminate seams and shadows in the background. 

 

My 'go to' props are this little tin candleholder which I use ALL the time, a penny and ruler for scale, and sometimes a small ivory china dish. 

 

I have about 35 new pieces ready to photograph which means several hours and probably about 500 images - it's a ton of work and 80% will be too dark, blurry, too light or just plain bad! The other 20% will likely contain enough decent shots that I can edit them and use them for my listings in the shop. Some may have to be redone again- I'm on the third time for a pair of sterling silver hammered hoops that I just can't get the light right...maybe today's the day!

 

Here's the set up - pretty simple, eh?

ok. I'm off.  You know where I'll be :)

xo

Life at the Lake ~ June Nights

It was a beautiful evening last night! I wandered our yard and took a few photos - I couldn't resist the soft light of magical early summer.

 

Make a Wish

My favorites!

 

Fresh chives

 

Watching four deer in the field...

Sunset behind our field

 

From My Bench ~ Eye Candy!

 In yesterday's mail - my fingers are actually tingling!

 Prepare for some new bracelets and necklaces!!

From My Bench ~ A Bit of Boho

I've been keen to play with copper lately - saw it, hammer it, shape it, oxidize it, enamel it - and set up at my bench yesterday to explore.  Turns out I'm going to make a few pieces (bracelets for sure!) with words, flowers and some natural stones, and some whimsical enameled heart earrings too. 

 

I'll keep you up to date!

xo