Feelin' Crafty

It was just by chance that I found out a neighbor of mine makes jewelry. So while walking the pups last week, I saw her outside and immediately went over to introduce myself. I said, "I heard you make jewelry...so do I!" She said she does make jewelry and she also sews. "So do I," I replied. We continued talking, got on the subject of our book clubs and she said she makes her book club friends bookmarks every year. Is this person living my life? I told her about the article I wrote for Wire Wrap Jewelry Magazine about how to make sterling silver bookmarks (on stands September 11th) and she told me she made some cute ones from old photographs and fabrics. I couldn't wait to see them.





On Wednesday she came by and I've been a busy little bee ever since. Yes, it's terribly early to be thinking of Christmas gifts already, but I don't enjoy being rushed during the holidays. By making gifts now, I'm enjoying the whole process... sifting through the fabrics, the photos and the quotes...scanning, printing, cutting and sewing. I'm wondering if I should add some embellishments. Perhaps a little ribbon, or buttons or a charm or two. Haven't decided yet about that...but hey, I've got plenty of time. These are just two of the six I've made so far.

;)

Hallo von Deutchland!

What a gorgeous place I've come upon here in Germany. We're at a hotel called the Sofitel Tegernsee which is not too far from Munich in an area called Bavaria, and I feel like I've been transported back in time. The women here still wear the traditional clothing (not all of them - mainly on special occasions) -- and often one can see men wearing the shorts and suspenders, as well. Just picture "The Sound of Music" and you'll know what I'm talking about. Most of the buildings have flower boxes hanging from the balconies, overflowing with flowers.



Stepping out the front of hotel I am greeted with the gorgeous view shown below. It's peaceful and is populated mainly with Germans. I'm wondering if this might be a well kept secret from the rest of the world. Very few people speak English, so that has been a bit of a problem. Today I was trying to order some chocolate ice cream and a coke and the woman thought I wanted her to put the coke on top of the ice cream. :)


I've never seen a cemetery like this before. It's located on the outside grounds of a church right here in town and each grave has a elaborate headstone, as well as a little space for flowers. Quite lovely.



Last night we had a crazy evening at a Bavarian Bierhaus. The waitress was...well...let's just say a little rude. Everyone was starving and she wouldn't let anyone order a dinner until we were finished with our appetizers. She said, "I'm the boss!" Hmmmm...perhaps a cultural difference? We're all laughing about it now, but no one was laughing at the time. Of course, they had no gluten-free beer...not even any wine. She would say, "NO WINE! THIS IS A BIERHAUS!" Um...okay, sorry. Lemonade will be fine, thanks. :) I didn't dare ask her if anything contained flour. Just had a nibble of this and a nibble of that and hoped for the best.

Here's Amy and I, I hugging our new friend upon returning from that memorable evening.



Tomorrow we're off to Salzburg.

Auf Wiedersehen!