The Savvy Crafter

Heartsy Artsy Idea and Ornament Thursday!

Ornament Thursday is back every third Thursday of the month!  Yay!  And this month's theme is Love Story.   

Love Story.  This March, Butch and I will have been together for 10 years.  What can I say except for the time has flown.  Finishing college, buying a house, selling a house, adopting a dog, changing jobs, moving towns, moving to the opposite side of the world, all the while still decorating the Christmas tree, holding hands on walks, paying the bills, and fixing dinners...together for 10 years.  Making that little list makes me think about all the changes in my life except for one thing.  Butch.  We've been side by side climbing the mountain of Life for the last decade.  I think it was my Grandpa (who's been married since 55' (i think)) how much he has enjoyed sharing his life with someone all these years.  I've kept that little thought in my back pocket and refer to it when I'm feeling that sharing isn't always easy, but it is rewarding.  It's true and it's what makes the love story all the richer.

This project sort of fell together the past couple of weeks.  It all started when I bought some ring forms.  I wanted to collage them with paper and charms and then pour resin in.  But then, I thought about setting them with a clear cabochon.  So yesterday when I was in the craft supply head-quarters of the world/Hong Kong, I found some clear cabs...faceted too!  And they sat a wee bit raised from the base.  Hmm, I thought, seems kind of kaleidescope-y-y.  Luckily, when inspiration strikes, you have a resource.  I ran to the sequin shop and started filling my bags with small shapes. I couldn't help myself, so on the ferry ride home, I started assembling and I know the man sitting across the way secretly wished he could make one too.  Paper+sequins+cabochon=Super Easy and Fabulous Ring!  I moved my finger every which way, watching the sequins slide and rearrange themselves all the way home.

This is not the one I made on the boat.  This idea didn't come to me until this morning when I was laying in bed looking at our black and white wedding photo.  The only picture I have here.  I scanned it in, reduced the size, printed and cut the oval shape.  Sprinkle with red hearts and pearls and set the cabochon.  Rocker watched me from the couch zipping around like a mad scientist.  Eureka!  Love Story for your finger!  The downside is these look so much cooler in person.  I'm not so savvy with a camera and I feel sorry for anyone who has to photograph shiny or faceted objects now.  What a challenge!  But, I made another version with just pink paper, hearts and pink cabochon. It really glows in person.

I want to continue experimenting with these.  I have so many ideas!  Also, I will give away one Ring Kit--including ring form, clear cabochon and sequins---you provide the photo or paper. Leave a comment on this post by midnight EST on Sunday the 3rd and I will do a drawing on Monday.  Watch this space for the winner because I'll need your address! Okie Dokie?

More Love Stories....

Art Bead Scene 
The designers at Art Bead Scene have two jewelry love stories for you! Elaine Ray links together a little love with her ceramic heart components while Melanie Brooks Lukacs tells a little tale of romance in a Gothic Garden
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday-two-love-stories.html

 

Cindy Gimbrone Beads 
Cindy's Love Story is about a hook and beads
http://lampworkdiva.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-love-story-spirals-n-shay.html

Earthenwood Studio Bead Blog 
What is sweeter than a mix CD for your Valentine? A yummy gift box in which to present it, filled with candy themed decorations, including a cute bracelet and cell phone charm!
http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday-sweet-sounds.html

 

Hali's Blog 
Hali's flowers of love in Ancient Bulgarian. Two paintings in stylized Cyrillic spell out L-U-V.
http://labyrinthgal.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday-is-back.html

Heart mobile 
painted paper pulp hearts
http://pomly.livejournal.com/43236.html

Humblebeads 
Heather shares her favorite bracelet design in a Valentine inspired color scheme.
http://humblebeads.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday-love-story.html

 

Jennifer Heynen of Jangles 
Jennifer has made a fun "Ornament" for her neck that looks good enought to eat.
http://jenniferjangles.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday.html

Joolz by Lisa 
This "Love Story" will last all year long! Lisa shares how beads and books work together.
http://lisaliddy.wordpress.com/2008/01/30/ornament-thursday-love-story/

Katie's Beading Blog 
Here's a happy little heart project for you - use it to embellish a bag or your jeans, or as inspiration for a necklace or bracelet.
http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/01/happy-hearts.html

Kriss Cramer - Art Interrupted 
Grow Love! Nuture and care for your loved ones every day. Use this heartfelt book, you can make yourself, to remind you of all the love you have to give.
http://art-interrupted.blogspot.com/

Linda Augsburg at Make It Mine magazine 
Linda's love story project is a dress she embellished by stenciling dancers and a big band along the hem. Read why and learn how to do it yourself on the Make It Mine blog.
http://cs.makeitminemag.com/mimcs/blogs/makeitmine/archive/2008/01/31/ornament-thursday-january-love-story.aspx

Michelle's Love Story... 
The band is getting back together again! Ornament Thursday celebrates the story of love...
http://fromichelle.blogspot.com/2008/01/love-story-by-ornament-thursday.html

 

Ornament Thursday Blog 
January is coming to an end and Valentine's Day is looming on the horizon. Whether you wish to shower the people you love with love or show yourself a little well deserved affection, the Ornament Thursday Gang has a bevy of beautiful ideas to inspire you!
http://ornamentthursday.blogspot.com/2008/01/love-story-ornament-thursdays-most.html

Savvy Crafter 
Candie's love affair with big rings continue...she's making her own now! Love Stories and more over at the Savvy Crafter! XOXO!
http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2008/01/heartsy-artsy-i.html

 

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 
Ah, Love ! This satirical creation of Jean's immortalizes certain women's profound affecton for their ... handbags!!!
http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/01/love-story.html

Strands of Beads 
Love speaks many languages. Learn how to say "I Love You" in an untraditional way with Melissa Lee's whimsical jewelry project.
http://strandsofbeads.blogspot.com/2008/01/ornament-thursday-language-of-love.html

SwellDesigner 
Alexa shares with you her truly swell and punny Valentines!
http://www.swelldesigner.blogspot.com

The Impatient Blogger 
Love is in the air at The Impatient Blogger! Margot shares two vintage inspired jewelry designs that are oozing with romance...in a good way!
http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2008/01/most-auspicious-return-of-ornament.html

Please help...

 

Some of  you know, we adopted Rocker from a lady here who rescues dogs that are sick and homeless.  Rocker had skin problems, been scratched up by wild cats, and could barely stand up when she found him under a tree.  She nursed him back to health and three months later we took him.  I don't have to tell you how much we love this dog and how much joy he has brought to our lives.  If you hop around blog-land you may have seen calls for donations to A Place to Bark-Bernie Berlin's shelter.

Here's the scoop copied and pasted from her website....

HELP A PLACE TO BARK WIN A $50,000 GRANT !!!!!
A Place to Bark is participating in a challenge being offered Six Degrees, partnered with the Case Foundation and Parade on America's Giving Challenge. The four USA charity badges that have the most unique donors through the America's Giving Challenge will receive $50,000 for their cause. We are entered in this contest and need the help of each and every one of you. The Challenge ends on January 31, 2008 at 3:00 pm EST. Each $10 donation gets us one step closer to winning a grant of $50,000!!!

So please, go to A Place to Bark, follow the instructions, and donate. You can also see photos of the animals you will help by donating.  If it weren't for people like Bernie, there would be no Rockers.  Let's help her to give these animals a safe and loving shelter.   Remember---You only have until January 31st at 3:00 EST!!!  Thanks in advance, you guys are awesome!--XX, Candie

**Edit 1-30-08--I finally got the badge (below) to work so you can donate directly from here.Yay!**

DIY Bedazzled-Motorcycle...

The other day I was with my friend Doveen in Hong Kong and we both stopped, jaws dropped when we saw this machine rocked out in studs and crystals.  Top to bottom, end to end, helmet, gloves, every square inch embellished and this was no mini-bike!  It was a lot of bling.   Shamelessly, I whip out my camera so I could show you all.

Those gloves were totally scary.  I later came across one of those silver index finger cover thingies.  Somehow, I just don't think it would have the same effect with my knit gloves from Nepal.  The rider loved the attention as he asked, "do you want to take my picture?"  I got a muscle power pose and I think Doveen maybe got a peace sign.   Dude, you are so cool!

Soup and Links....

It was a fast weekend.  My lease is up on the studio so on Saturday I moved out and into the spare room of our apartment.  Sad?  A little.  But, there are a few headaches caused by my landlords that I will not miss.  It got really cold here again and as you know we have no heat.  Marble floors, cement walls do not go well with not having heat.  I feel like I'm in a cooler.  What does go well with "no heat?"  A sweet little lap dog, a nice blanket, tea, and soup.  I tried a new cream of broccoli recipe after the big move---it was delicious and soothed the aches of the day.  You can get the recipe here.  Note* I may have done a hit and run on the recipe with a Kraft single.  ;-)

Bead Babe Blogger Links...

About.com Jewelry Making
Not feeling inspired to make any Valentine's jewelry? Tammy's got some ideas to get your heart jewelry going on.
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/b/2008/01/22/some-heart-jewelry-ideas.htm
Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene has the scoop on Spring jewelry trends!
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/01/2008-spring-jewelry-trends.html
Jewelry & Beading
Deborah Kwitney is the featured artist this week on Jewelry & Beading. You'll be amazed by the wide range of styles that Deborah has mastered!
http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/2008/01/24/artist-profile-deborah-kwitney/
Katie's Beading Blogs
If you're going to the upcoming gem/bead shows in Tucson, don't miss Katie's workshops at the Swarovski Event!
http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/01/swarovski-tucson-workshop-2.html
Savvy Crafter
XOXO! Love is in the air over at Candie’s blog as she kicks off the first installment of “Heartsy and Artsy”; Valentine Ideas for your Friends and Family. XOXO!
http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2008/01/heartsy-and-art.html
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean has a son getting married and her thoughts turn to wedding jewelry: specifically, one of her Party Dress Charm bracelets entitled "Marry Me". It is a dream all in white: Venetian heart shaped beads, Swarovski Crystals, white pearls, sterling, and a sweet special charm which is an "open heart": always let the love in!
http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/01/so-happy-to-be-receiving.html
The Impatient Blogger
Going to a big tradeshow for some shameless self promotion? Margot has a little hard earned advice to share about how to maximize your time and energy.
http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2008/01/show-prep-101-with-your-host-miss.html

Heartsy and Artsy Idea #1

I've been knee deep in thinking about book ideas, CHA samples, rearranging and organizing our apartment, and leaving for home in a week.  Actually, knee deep doesn't describe it, but whatever! 

In honor of the fast approaching Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share some Heartsy Artsy Ideas over the next few weeks.  I love this holiday because you can make whimsical treats to surprise friends and family.  Here's idea #1... 

Last night, I was looking for some beads and I came across these pinky red sparkly crystal-y ones that I had forgotten all about!  (Don't you love it when that happens?)  These little beauties really were the perfect sidekick to the silver heart beads I picked up in Hong Kong last week.  I added in some orange 4mm beads--love that pink and orange combo!  It took me about 20 minutes of stringing and fussing to get the size right.  Here comes my favorite part though, finishing the ends.  I tried out Beadalon's EZ (TM) crimp clasp ends for the first time.  Yes Virginia, there really is an easy way to finish the ends of beading wire.  "Easy" doesn't begin to describe it.  Fast and awesome!

Love Token Delivery Idea:  Cover a white card in a pretty piece of paper.  Lay the bracelet on the card and poke holes on opposite sides of the bracelet.  Thread pretty ribbon down through the hole and back up through the other hole and tie the bracelet in place.  Write a note, slip in envelope, and drop it in your friend's mailbox.  I promise she'll love the surprise.

Materials:

• EZ (TM) Crimp Clasp from Beadalon
• Cool Cardamon background paper from the India Journey series by Dove of the East

Links...

A student brought this Post cereal add into class for me.  High-fives to Post for this one and to Brenda for tearing it out and giving it to me.   I love it.  Makes me want to have a bowl right now....for eating or stringing! About.com Jewelry Making Tammy talks about an article she recently read which deals with various jewelry-related ethical issues such as free trade. Even though many of us are "small time" designers, that doesn't mean we can't at least listen to this on-going conversation which is a hot button issue in the jewelry industry right now. http://jewelrymaking.about.com/b/2008/01/15/jewelry-making-and-ethics.htm
Art Bead Scene The Art Bead Scene editors are sharing a little Valenine's love early, with a post full of love related eye candy http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/01/get-ready-for-valentines-day.html
Jewelry & Beading Amazing fiber and bead artist Rebecca Brown is profiled on Jewelry & Beading this week. http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/2008/01/17/artist-profile-rebecca-brown/
Katie's Beading Blog The February Triple Take from Simply Beads is online now. Visit Katie's blog for pix and links to this month's fun, hearty projects! http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/01/triple-take-online.html
Naughty Secretary Club This week’s link is not about jewelry, but instead about supporting fellow crafter Bernie Berlin in her quest to expand her animal shelter A Place to Bark. Bernie saved over 500 cats and dogs last year and with our help can save even more! http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2008/01/bernie-last-year-saved-over-500-dogs.html
Savvy Crafter Oooo, Baby it's coooold in Candie's apartment!!! In honor of having no heat, she whips up some Sweet Snowflake earrings to go along with the chill in the air. Brrrrrrr!!! http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2008/01/simple-snowflak.html
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Eni Oken (www.enioken.com) is a famous wire working star. I just had to try my hand at her fascinating ring. She was really kind and encouraging to me by email, and enthusiastic, too! That is what I love in a teacher! It makes you WANT to learn from that person! http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/01/ebay-aircar-you-know-we-love-air-cars.html
The Impatient Blogger So you sold a project or a book, now what? Summon your inner pirate with Margot Potter as she tells you how to negotiate a fair deal. Arrr... http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2008/01/contract-negotiations-or-take-what-you.html

Oooo Baby, it's cold in here!

Today was a good day.  We had a note from the post office to tell us we had a parcel waiting.  Botch had to go into work so Rocker and I strolled over to the PO.  Little did we know that the package was at the other branch which is 6 or 7 blocks away.  Now the last time I had a package we walked to the far away branch first only to find out it was at the closer branch.  I'm sure it says where it is on the slip, but I can't read it.  Rocker was loving it because we walked and walked and walked.  Finally, got the package and oh, boy!  2 magazines from Katie!  It was meant to be because I ran out of the house before drinking my coffee and all the way home I thought how lovely it will be to drink coffee and look at these; Dec. issue of Simply Beads Magazine and the new Make It Mine.  Somewhere in the middle we may have treated ourselves to a bouquet of flowers.  I immediately fixed said cup of coffee and savored every sip and fabulous page turned.  Thank you Katie! 

This afternoon I chipped away at some work and squeezed in these earrings.  Sweet Snowflakes in honor of us not having heat in our apartment.  Did I tell you that? Yep, no heat and boy has it been cold the past few days.  You would laugh in my face if I told you the temperature compared to other parts of the world, but it feels very cold.  I even bought Rocker a jacket, specifically a letter jacket that reads "Beijing 2008" across the back.  It's a hair too big so I roll up the sleeves.  He looks like a nut and I'm pretty sure he knows it because he wears it for oh, 5 minutes to please me and then gradually his two paws escape, then shoulders, then belly and so on.  I put it on him the other day because he was shivering and then he started hopping and dancing around like a rabbit because he thought we were going outside.  I later had the realization he started shivering so I would pet him.  So dramatic.

Here are the earrings in aqua...

Apparently, most apartments don't have heaters here.  I guess we lucked out in our old apartment because it did. Hmph.  And don't you love it when you bundle up like it's 10 below to go outside only to find out it's warmer than in your apartment?  Oh yeah, we've looked like a couple of dandies a time or two here recently.  I do love the cold and dreary days, perfect inspiration for hunkering down and creating something bright and fun. 

Sweet (and simple) Snowflake Earring components:

• 4mm Swarovski Crystals in Comet (love that name)
• Shell charms/tags from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
• Snowflake sequins
• Envirotex Lite (this stuff changed my life)

I think-now I'm saying I think you could use the 3-D glaze stuff over the snowflakes too, but I've not tried it myself.  This is just a thought that maybe a tad faster in terms of drying time.  Let me know if you give it a go.

Why?

I was just going through some pictures...  This is from a trip to a cool water town up North a year or so ago.  This woman was cranking out some serious crocheted figures and kitsch.  I bought a neat little bird from her.  After looking at this picture again, I'm wondering why I didn't buy the two pandas and the strawberries, and the, and the, and the!!!  I have to learn how to crochet so I can make some of the Amigurumi stuff.  And because I need to learn another crafting technique, right?

Soup and Links...

The other day I was reading Posie Gets Cozy, a lovely blog, and she talked about comfort foods.  I was thinking about my comfort foods and how they've changed over the years.  In college, it was pizza, chips and salsa with orange juice.  In early marriage, I remember making carmel corn and baked croissants with meat and cheese in the middle.  Now it seems to be anything that isn't local to here---baked apples, soups, casseroles, but also those seem kind of traditional comfort foods to my Midwestern up-bringing.  My mom sent a bag of egg noodles and they were gone in a weekend--used in Chicken and Noodles.  I'm going home in less than a month, perfect timing for baking Valentine cookies with my grandma---something I haven't gotten to do in two years.  I wasn't forgotten, I've gotten a parcel of cookies both years, but this year I will be there to eat them in person with my grandpa, fresh cookie baking aromas and all!  It is about smell too, isn't it.  After living here (or getting older), I also think comfort not only comes with the flavors or warmth, but also with making something by hand because it takes your mind off everything else.  I look at the list of foods and each takes a little bit longer to make than the last.  Hmmm.  Food for thought, Thanks Posie.  And this cream of tomato soup was also one of her comfort foods.  I gave it a whirl today and it was so simple and delightful alongside a ham n' cheese wrap.

About.com Jewelry Making 
Do you like two tone metal jewelry? Are you a metal clay jewelry maker? Tammy tells us about a new product to help you mix up metals using metal clay techniques.
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/b/2008/01/10/go-for-gold-with-metal-clay.htm
Art Bead Scene 
We are feeling groovy here at Art Bead Scene, as we celebrate our own Tari Sasser's recent press with her tie dyed beads. What trippy thing would *you* make with them?
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/01/fit-to-print-tari-sasser-in-bead-style.html
Jewelry & Beading 
Cyndi has a free book giveaway going on! You can enter to win a copy of "Crazy About Jewelry" simply by leaving a comment on this post! What could be easier?
http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/2008/01/09/book-review-crazy-about-jewelry/
Naughty Secretary Club 
Thinking of selling your jewelry for a living? Jen has some tips on free promotion and suggested reading to get you started.
http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2008/01/few-small-business-tips.html
PearlEsq. 
Check out the latest adventure of a rubber stamp that's made its way to Australia!
http://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2008/01/journey-of-strange-stamp.html
Savvy Crafter 
Finding the findings is always an interesting experience in Candie's part of the world. This week she shares a couple of pictures from a trip to Hong Kong.
http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2008/01/find-the-findin.html
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 
Beautiful (...possibly even...sexy?) champagne coin pearl chandeliers by Jean!
http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/01/its-psych-marathon-on-channel-usa-and-i.html

The Impatient Blogger 
Need a dose of inspiration? Check out this video blog post by Margot Potter as she traverses a whole new dimension of bloggy goodness!
http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2008/01/say-it-dont-spray-itoran-inspirational.html

We have a glass coffee table that we often eat at.  I'm not crazy about the table, but it is kind of fun when a little white dog sits under it looking up at the food or us.

Ring-a-ling...

I've been collecting big and funky rings since high school---essentially 10 years.  I find them in thrift stores, garage sales, boutiques, and many have been gifts.  Old and new, I love them.  This is my latest find from Pylones, one of my favorite stores on the planet. I have four Pylones rings now and I adore them because they are fun and cost friendly-my kind of style.  I think the collection of rings started because I wore a lot of vintage clothing from the thrift store.  With a love for jewelry, I was always picking up chunky bracelets or dinner rings.  The rings stuck and after all these years I have quite a stash.  I think Carrot Box's "before and after" is the best illustration of why I think big rings are so cool.  Check it out here.  Every time I see her photos, I think, "exactly!"  Check out her fabulous collection too!

P.S. Off topic, check out Ornamentea's Hearts page....some perfect valentines for your favorite jewelry maker.

Find the findings!

Candie: Um, do you have any of those clip on findings in the black metal?

Shop keeper: Yeah, right here.

Candie: ok, I'll check them out. (there must have been 400 variations on this finding)

Shop-keeper:  What size do you want?  What color?  Black or (no idea what she said here) black?  What size?  Square or round?  Oval or cone?  What size?  This kind or that kind?  What size?

Candie:  Uh.  I don't know, I'll take a look.

Shop-keeper:  How many do you want?

Candie: Two. (that much I did know)

Shop keeper: Two?!?!  You have to buy 3 dozen.  You can either have two for 30 HKD or 3 dozen for 30HKD.  You might as well take the 3 dozen.

Candie: Uh, 3 dozen? Ok. (30 HKD is about $3.00ish)

Shop keeper:  OK!  I'll start counting.

Candie:  I need one of these too (pointing to a different finding).

Shop keeper:  You just want one?!?!?!  Take two.  Go wash your hands.

Candie: ok.  thank you.

It was just another day of shopping for findings in Hong Kong.  Thankfully the lady let me off the hook with two dozen of the findings and my other latches thrown in--all for 30HKD!  She was hilarious.  It took a long time to adjust to sifting through and shopping in bulk (not to mention a different language).  It's sort of like the first time you buy a case of mac and cheese from Sam's Club or Cosco.  At first it's totally bazaar and then after awhile it becomes absolutely normal.  I think.

Links....

About.com Jewelry Making
Along with a blog, Tammy's jewelry making web site has a pretty active forum. She gives you a peek inside at a few hot topics.
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/b/2008/01/01/happy-2008.html
Art Bead Scene
It's a new year, a new month, and thus a new challenge! Bundle up and break out your art beads for January's Ice Storm theme.
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/01/abs-monthly-challenge-january.html
  Jewelry & Beading
Artist Irma Peredne is profiled on Jewelry & Beading this week. Irma has the most wonderful story about the origin of her business name, The Amber Box!
http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/2008/01/03/artist-profile-irma-peredne/ 
Katie's Beading Blog
Katie's Dreams of Topaz necklace is featured in Beadalon's new ad campaign. Get the scoop and links to the instructions on Katie's blog this week.
http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/01/dreams-of-topaz.html 
PearlEsq.
Check out Robin's collaged and soldered Birdies! A fun way to start off the New Year!
http://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2008/01/little-birdie-told-me.html
  Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is excited to particpate in the Art Bead Scene competition, as always!
http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/01/its-psych-marathon-on-channel-usa-and-i.html
  The Impatient Blogger
Need a kick start for the New Year? The Impatient Blogger has a few thoughts about creating success.
http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2007/12/some-advice-for-new-year.html

Sorry Rocker...

I've been working on some projects lately that are for Rocker's people.  I made the mistake yesterday of letting him test-drive one.  He loved it so much, I had to wrestle it away from him!  Which is good and bad.  This is him staring up at it on the shelf...whimpering. I tried to explain to him that the folks probably don't want these things pre-blessed with his slobber.  He didn't care.  Fifteen minutes later he left the sewing room.  "He's ticked," I yell out to Butch.  "I know.  He's trying to tell me all about it."  I go out to the living room to find Rocker curled up on Butch's lap, sulking.  That's life with the perpetual 3 year old.  It's on the list to make Rocker a toy of his own.  Have I told you he sleeps in the bed with us now?  Suckers.  We are (happily).