Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays! Until next time.....

Winter Solstice

The peace and quiet of Winter is finally here. It's a grey, cloudy, warm day here in Tennessee. I would prefer it if it was snowing, but that rarely happens this time of year in the SouthEast. Two days from now will be the full moon. Two days from now is Christmas Eve. Santa will have some extra light as he makes his rounds; not that he needs it.
Enjoy the winter months that lie ahead. Until next time.....

Upstairs by a Chinese Lamp

Market in the cool white mornin'

Merchants sell while women buy

Milk, tobacco, soap and matches

Sweep the floorWhile the dishes dry

Spring whispered in her earLike soft

Mediterranean wailin'

Sleepy woman by the window

Dreamin' in the morning air

Of the one who takes her sweetness

By a chinese lamp upstairs

The steam of china tea

You could hear the woman sing

In the soft flames of spring

Spring has swept the scarlet side streets

Winds caress, undress, invite

Upstairs by a china lamp

They softly talk in the cool spring night

~~'Upstairs By A Chinese Lamp lyrics' by Laura Nyro~~

When I first saw these spiderweb beads years ago, I automatically thought about this song. These beads are as incredible as the woman who penned this song, along with countless others.

Spiderweb beads or lace beads were made in Japan between 1945 & 1952. These beads were made in the Cherry Brand neighborhood homes in Japan. The artisans were paid by the bead so they could buy food and vital goods.

I've been collecting them for years and just recently decided to share them. I have both finished earrings and pairs of beads for sale in my Etsy shops. Check them out. They are true beauties.

Until next time.....

Holiday Shipping Specials Going On Now

From now until the end of 2007, I am running a Holiday shipping special in both my shops. In my jewelry shop, I am offering free worldwide shipping on orders over $50.00 and in my deStash shop, I am offering free worldwide shipping on orders over $25.00. Plus, I will be running surprise specials on and off throughout the month of December. I have no idea when they will be happening and what they will be. They're even a surprise to me!

Take time to enjoy this Holiday Season. Until next time.....