Not jewelry related, but funny nonetheless…..

I was researching something on the IRS website, and I came across this gem in the instructions for taxable income:

 ”Stolen property.   If you steal property, you must report its fair market value in your income in the year you steal it unless in the same year, you return it to its rightful owner. ”

Yes, that is a direct quote from their site.  Genus!  I hope the turd who came into our house and stole money right out of my husband’s wallet claimed the $300 on his taxes.

I’ve been able to finish a few more pieces.  This week the whole family has been sick with colds, so I haven’t had much energy to play, let alone do the stuff that needs doing.  But, I’m tired, so I’m blowing off work for the next 10 minutes to post some of my new pieces.  Most of them have cooperated with me while I’m making them.  The first set is one I made for myself from vintage beads.  I’m not sure if they’re aquamarine or blue topaz, but they came from a stash of stuff my grandfather had (he was sort of a travelling pawn shop, but that’s a story for another time. 

 The pendant is a piece I received back in high school for my birthday. The rest I made myself.  I also made a bracelet out of the same beads.  I wore it for one day, then promptly lost it.  I looked all over the place, in the snow bankings, in the mud, then finally figured that if I saw it again it wouldn’t be till spring (which at this rate won’t hit us till July).  I was feeling pretty bad about it.  I went looking through the diaper bag for something else, and there it was, in a “non-pocket” on the outside.  Yay!  Anyway, here it is. 

Here are a couple of my new earring and necklace sets that I’m offering on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8928771

I made this piece with onyx and (what I believe to be) green agate.  There are also sterling silver beads distributed throughout the necklace.  The pendant is actually from an vintage set of sterling earrings.  The earwires are also sterling.  $40 for the set.

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8926181

This piece is made of glass and metal beads.   The earwires are surgical steel.  $20 for the set.

I’m planning on breaking up my next floorcloth design class into two weeks.  The next date will be January 19, with the follow-up class on January 26.  Both sessions of the class will be held from Noon-4 pm.  I found that many students take more than one session to finish their floorcloth, so to relieve the pressure of finishing in one day, I’ve broken the class up.   The cost of the class is now $80, which includes all materials.   The next class won’t be held again until May, so reserve your spot early. 

Well, I hit Rochester Fair on Sunday with Pete and Isaac.  I took a first with the floral watercolor, a second with the marine scene, and a third with my landscape.  The animal category had quite a few incredible works, so the horse didn’t win a ribbon, but since this was my first foray into the  professional division (and my first competition in over 10 years) I was very happy with how I did.  At the last minute I  also entered  a tole tray I had painted, and that piece also won a first.  Now I’m all inspired to get some new work done. 

Sunday Pete and I headed to Rochester Fair (NH) to enter some of my work in the art competition.  I entered 4 pieces (3 pastels and one watercolor) in the art division, and one tole painted tray in the craft division.  Judging is Wednesday morning.  Fingers crossed….

Here are the pieces I’ve entered: