My Passion - Fine Silver from Clay

Hours spent in my studio are truly "stolen moments." My typical day goes something like this: up before dawn, do my aerobics, out to the barn, feed the horses, out the door to work by 7:00 am, teach students ALL day, back home to fix dinner, feed the hungry horses again, if any daylight left, ride the horses, then back to the computer to grade tests, papers, etc. Whew.... What did Women's Lib really do for us?? I ask you.... Sigh...

Wanted to share a few sane moments from my studio. Making silver jewelry from clay is truly a labor of love. Each piece begins as a small lump of clay. The clay is composed of silver shavings in a clay base. I form the clay design, add jewels or sterling components, fire the piece in a kiln, where the clay burns off, leaving the silver. I polish, buff, and shine...then, wa-la like magic I have this solid, silver creation! The end product is such a delight! I'm always stunned and elated that such a beautiful, shiny thing can come from such humble beginnings.

And the best part, the final silver piece is a "forever" treasure. Composed of 99.9% silver, each piece can be handed down for generations to come. They truly are heirloom pieces. You will find several examples on our "Items for Sale" pages. I also have a few pieces in my Etsy shop at: lyndacadejewelry.etsy.com

The best thing about making silver jewelry from clay... it is truly therapy for a crazy world.
Warmest regards,
Lynda

Are we addicted to the Internet?

Daphne and I were musing the other day about why we enjoy spending sooo much time on the web, browsing beautiful blogs and websites. It reminded me of a project my research students completed about 3 years ago. The students found this interesting survey by Dr. Kimberly Young (a leading researcher in the field of internet addiction), entitled, the “Internet Addiction Test”. You can take the survey here: http://www.netaddiction.com/index.php?option=com_bfquiz&view=onepage&catid=46&Itemid=106

When I first took the test three years ago, I scored 32 - nowhere near “addiction” status. The web was a place of work for me, not for fun. I took the test, today. I'm still not "addicted" but now scored 42....interesting.

Electronic social networks allow us to share a small part of our personal lives without having to mop the floors. We can invite friends in for “electronic tea” without worrying about whether or not the house is clean. And, we don’t have to synchronize our watches to visit. We can come in, chat, go about our business, then come back to chat some more. Never before have we been able to share so many beautiful things with those who enjoy similar passions. A pretty table setting, a lovely light fixture, an elegant china pattern, ahhhh....so many pretty things to share with just a click of the mouse. Maybe Internet addiction isn’t such a bad thing after all, is it?

Warmest regards,
Lynda

Serendipity Market

Serendipity Market is this Saturday Feb 20, from 9am-5pm
Laurie Anna's Vintage Home in Canton Tx.

Valentine's gift

My valentine's gift from my husband.

no not flowers.


not even candy.


yes a computer, just what I've been wanting!!! My husband said, he thought about getting me jewelry, but knew I would rather have a new computer ,and boy was he right!!!

The Valentine's Giveaway Winners Are...

Thanks to all who participated in our Valentine's Giveaway. We really enjoyed reading all of your comments. It's been such fun sharing Valentine's with you in this way.

And a special thanks to those of you who advertised our Valentine's Giveaway on your blogs.

Deb - Talking Trash
Laurie - LaurieAnna's Vintage Home
Teresa - Garden Antiques
Teresa - Time-Worn Interiors
Lori - Katies Rose Cottage

And the HAPPY winners are:

1st: Teresa at Time-Worn Interiors won the beautiful Daphne Nicole Bag.
2nd: Lynnette won the lovely Lynda Cade Fine Silver Necklace.

Winners, please drop us a line at: viperharkins@valornet.com to share your mailing address. We'll ship your prizes, right away.

Thanks again. Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day.
Daphne and Lynda

Valentine Giveaways: You'll Heart These Offers

We're celebrating Valentine's Day in a BIG way with these heart-stopping giveaways. You don't want to miss these special offers! Earn your chance to win this Daphne Nicole purse or Lynda Cade fine silver necklace, by signing up as a follower and leaving a comment. You'll be automatically added to the blog drawing. Two happy winners will be chosen (one for the purse, one for the necklace) via random.org.

Entries will be accepted until 3 pm on February 13, 2010. The winners will be announced on Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14th. Be sure to include your blog link or email so we can contact you after the drawing.

"And the greatest of these is Love..." necklace measures 18 inches. The Faith, Hope, and Love charms are handcrafted from fine silver clay (99.9% silver). The chain, lobster claw clasp, and beads are sterling (92.5% silver). You'll treasure this Love necklace for a lifetime. "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13.