A Charming Post

I have really enjoyed writing about and sharing the adventures of my recent trip to Greece with all of you. It has been nice to hear from so many of you though blog comments or via e-mail that you have found them enjoyable to read as well. Believe me there is so much more to share but I thought I would take a little break this evening and share some recent projects that I have been working on.

As many of you know I love to work with paper---scrapbooking, card making, altered art projects--- as long as it involves paper. But from time to time I feel adventurous and like to try something new. I have always admired those sweet soldered charms and several months ago I thought I would try my hand at it. I wasn't sure that I could actually use a solder iron. The only experience that I had with soldering was in high school in my Technical Education class. Let's just say those poor little electrical circuits that I had to solder needed some work. But this time would be different---I actually wanted to do a soldered project. I set to work doing some research and with the help of a wonderful lady named Robin and her etsy shop Glass Supplies I soldered my first charm. I was hooked. It took some practice but I was so inspired by these tiny pieces of art behind glass I made charms for everyone.

These little charms were made from vintage handkerchiefs.

When I found this piece of vintage lace at an estate sale, I knew it would make a beautiful charm. I completed this cheery little charm for a weekly challenge with my friends at Etsy Cottage Style.
This next group of charms were inspired by my son. Alex is a junior at North Allegheny High School where the tiger is the mascot. He also plays on the football team. Being the proud mom that I am, I wanted something to were to his games to let the world know that he was my son. I created a charm with the tiger paw on the front and his name and number on the back. After wearing it to his first scrimmage, I have been happily soldering many more for all of the other proud moms.

Just so you don't think I have abandoned my paper projects, I will share some photos of a sweet little nursery banner I created for a local craft fair that I will be participating in.

I hope you have enjoyed this little break from my Greek travels. Stayed turned for further adventures...............