Word Cloud

I love a word cloud! Do you all know what a word cloud is? It's a computer script that will take the random words you enter and arrange them in a creative way. For example, in the one above I used the text from my blog posts to create the cloud. Some programs will make words bigger that are used more often. You can usually pick the colors and also try the words in lots of different configurations. Really fun, and revealing too. When you see what you've been focusing on rearranged in an abstract way, it's takes on a whole other meaning. It can give your words a beauty and importance (maybe false?) that you might otherwise miss. Give it a whirl. Fun stuff.

Today I'm going to complete a stamped custom necklace for a graduating teacher. The words are in Hawaiian. How cool is that!!

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New Earrings on Website!

I just added sterling silver spiral swirl earrings in 3 sizes to the website. Check 'em out!!

M Jane Designs new earrings!

Simple Mom Downloads

I'm all about finding ways to keep myself on track. Came across these downloads yesterday on http://simplemom.net/tools/downloads . I really like the Daily Docket, which I shrunk down to fit in my notebook.

I've kept a daily todo notebook for a couple of years. It's based on Brook Noel's great book "Change Your Life Challenge". You can find it here http://brooknoel.com/shop/books-e-books-and-cd-roms/  However, with the kids out of school & the schedule being looser, I've been letting the daily list slide a bit. (OK, a LOT!) This new download has gotten me back on track - for now... : )

Father's Day Crafts

It's the day before Father's Day and I woke up this morning and realized we'd done NOTHING! I came up with some cute, fast, cheap, fun little projects that will save my you-know-what tomorrow. Maybe yours too!!

King For The Day Crown

This gift will be from my 7 year old daughter. I printed the template from  http://familyfun.go.com/printables/fathers-day-crown-900639/. When I was printing out the template, I also printed out photos of my husband and the kids. I cut out the faces and glued them onto the crown. I had my daughter color the template and put on some sticker "jewels". Then we cut it out and taped it together. Very easy!!

Daddy, I Love You Card

I found this poem on http://crafts.kaboose.com/i-love-you-daddy-poem.html . I printed the poem out and a pic of my son. Glued the poem and pic onto a blank card. Then I had my son make his hand print and write his name. Awesome!

We also did the old stand-by tshirt. Honestly, mostly because I had the stuff here! Still cute though.

Blogger will not let me rotate this pic. You get the idea.

Blue Sea Bracelet

Another bracelet from that giant heap o' beads I brought back from Santa Fe. This one has some interesting elements. Left to right: sterling silver wire shaped into a coil; next is Tagua Nut; then blue fluorite; center circle is fine fused silver hammered and textured; repeat of other side; then lastly a silver swirly shape forged out of heavy sterling wire. This was so fun! It really hangs well on the arm too. I'll post if for sale soon. I have SO many ideas in my head this summer for things to make!

Open Hands

When I was running this morning I came accross these little hand prints in the sidewalk. They are quite small - toddler size - and had filled with gravel. I must have walked past them a dozen time, but had never seen them. Little hands pressed into concrete, a moment saved for a lifetime. Being outside running clears my head. I see things more clearly & feel stronger, not just physically, but inside too. Open hands...

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