Wire Work Class

We had so much fun last night!  As you know, if you read my blog, I enjoy lots of creative outlets.  Jewelry making is one of them. So last night my friend Lynnea taught a basic wire wrapping class that included some benchwork ( the steel block that you see in this picture). The bench is for pounding your metal....which I truly did enjoy.....you can get out a lot of frustartion by doing that!

So here is my first spiral wrap.....it turned pretty good, but I have to say I liked hammering it the best! Now I wasn't the only one who liked to hammer and pound.  I would say all of us ladies enjoyed doing that.  It really was group therapy!

This is the group shot that I took. From left to right: Lynnea, Star, Dianne, Elaine. 

Elaine is the owner of La Vie Boheme Bistro....where we had our class.

We also learned how to make a triangle head pin....and I would just like to say that Lynnea was patient with all us, especially with me because I needed extra help!  Thanks Lynnea.

Here is my open spiral that I finished off with some hand made lamp work beads.  It is all ready to be hung from a chain.  This wire work is so much fun...just another addiction to add to my list.  At least it is a healthy addiction!

Another group shot with me in the picture.  I had a great time and I look forward to the next class ladies!  I think Lynnea and I will teach a joint class at some point..... with a project that includes some bead work and precious metal clay. Do something creative to feed your soul!

chocoholic

I don't know what it is lately, but I have been a complete chocoholic.  Now I seriously have an addictive personality and have kicked some more serious addictions like smoking, but I thought I had this chocolate thing under control.

Now the good news is I at least know that if I am going to indulge in chocolate it should be dark chocolate so that I can get the benefits from it.

MMMMM.......past the lips hello hips!

Dark chocolate has plant flavanoids....specifically a compound called epicatechin.  Now flavanoids help keep cholesterol from gathering in your blood vessels.  They can also slow down the immune response that leads to clogged arteries. 

Other benefits of chocolate include antioxidants. 

So when the urge strikes, you need to find a dark chocolate that has a high cocoa percentage because this has the most flavanoids and antioxidants.  Milk chocolate may taste good, but it has been processed more and does not contain enough of the epicatetechin or antioxidants to give you the benefits......just lots of fat and sugar and you know where that will end up...on the thighs, stomach, hips....need I say more!

Just looking at these pictures is making me want a nice thick chunk of chocolate!

So be a smart chocoholic....and eat dark.....your body will thank you later.

The Kids Art Project

The kids art work is in!   Oneida's Downtown Association has been filling 3 empty window spaces here in Downtown Oneida with local Elementary students art work. All 3 windows are located on Main St. ( 1 in the old Salerno Buliding next to K&K Dance Wear and 2 across the street in the old Libbeys Newstand Space.)

Today the last window will be filled and everyone is invited to come down and take a look at what our Kindergarteners through second graders have been working on this year.
 I don't want to show you anymore pictures because I want you to make that trip downtown to see for yourself.

We are trying to bring the community together by getting even the youngest members involved.

This exhibit will only be up until April 30th.  We will then rotate the displays to showcase all of our 3rd and 4th graders...... which will then be followed by our 5th and 6th graders. 

We want to thank all of the Elementary School Art Teachers from the Oneida School District for partnering with Oneida's Downtown Association for this project.