I haven't posted in a few days! It's been a very busy week over here. On top of my normal Mommy duties I have had a teething baby, and have been doing some crafting as time permits. I've been taking some Jewelry classes over at Michael's Craft Stores and also getting my shawls and scarves squared away. I finally got my dress dummy so I've been able to determine what needs more yarn and what's ready for other stuff, like beading, ribbon, etc.

Michael's has been doing crafting classes again finally after a 3 year break in their classes. All this time they've limited it to wilton cake decorating. Finally they are branching out again. I am the sole student in the beading class so am enjoying the one on one time with the very nice instructor.

This week I took a wire wrapping class that left me with lots of inspiration as to how to use my funny paper beads on earrings and pendants. Next month the class is on how to make memory wire bracelets. Here are some pics from my first wire wrapping efforts at this week's class:

Anyway, it's fun, and I am starting now to develop a huge fondness for copper wrapped jewelry (the ones above are silver or gold wrapped) because I love copper, and I think it's very neat that you can recycle electrical wire to make something beautiful.

The beading all ties to the crochet as well because I am getting more and more interested in adding beaded embellishments to my crochet projects (not on items for babies!!!!) and I have to get used to working with beads again.

Family is being ever more supportive as they understand my sleep disorder and my fibromyalgia better. It's easing the stress in the house and making us all generally happier. This is sometimes not an easy hurdle for fibro patients to get over, but I am finally starting to get there.

My family is happy to see me doing some art/crafting that makes me light up inside and brings some joy to my life. Fibro patients go through a phase where they can give up on everything, and I am leaving it finally.

It's so important to do things that bring joy to us and express our feelings, be they good or bad. If you're creative those feelings can come out in an artistic format.  So often we're all so concerned about our everyday pressures and stress that we forget or neglect to make that time for ourselves. It's important, even if it's only 20 minutes a day. Do something that makes you feel great.

It nourishes the soul and well being. I've had my creativity stuck in a bottle for 20 years and am enjoying surprising myself, and my family by what I am seeing flowing out. I hope I'm teaching my daughters to create too.

If you're not taking this time for yourself, to do something that gives you joy and peace, find it. Force the time if you have to. Life is way too short!!!

We are having fun over here this evening drinking Mojitos and getting the easter baskets ready for the little ones. Yesterday I stuffed eggs and there was  nothing left for the golden egg so I was up until 5 am making a beaded bracelet to go in  there. It turned out pretty cute and easter-ish looking.

Nothing fun and crafty to say in here tonight. I just hope you all have a wonderful Easter, or any other day you may be having this weekend. Most of all I hope that you have family close to you and that you are enjoying time with them!