New Babies

Oh! What an exciting week it's been. Emma and I had so much fun over the weekend in our "Girls Only" clubhouse. I can't believe the boys are coming home today already. Can you believe the kitchen and toilets have stayed clean for FIVE STRAIGHT DAYS? Who knew such miracles could happen?

But the REAL miracle that happened this week was the birth of my newest family member, Nephew Charlie:



Isn't he just perfect? I've never seen a more beautiful newborn. (Yes, I have two children, and yes, they were perfect because they are my kids, but no, they didn't look as good as little Chuck here.) I just can't wait to spoil this kid rotten. And to give him toys like drums and firetrucks and other loud things to drive his parents crazy.

In other news, today on Beading Daily I write about how to tie a sliding knot, which is a very cool technique if you don't know how to do it. I got out the pleather (plastic leather) cord to do it. I love this stuff and have often made attempts at making "real" jewelry with it. Well, after examining the gift I received from Rose Hanley in Chicago, I came up with this new little baby:



What do you think? I think it's pretty sassy. A little bit biker chick, a little bit girlie girl...



I wear it wrapped around my wrist three times, but you could also wear it as a necklace. It's a great no-needle project for those fearful of seed beads--very straightforward with fancy results. (The resin beads are from Natural Touch; the metal seed beads from Beyond Beadery; and the button was a gift from my friend Jamie Hogsett--I think she got it from Fusion Beads?) You could go with any selection of cord, beads, seed beads, and button, to suit your mood, and I think the technique is just ripe with possibilities.

I need to track down more cord, though--got a good resource?