garden and metalwork

In 2010 I had a small straw bale garden in the yard.  In 2011, I let it go and didn't do much gardening at all.  This year I've picked up 12 straw bales from a local farmer to use as raised garden beds again.
Here are a few placed out.  The others are in a different spot.  Now I just need to get seeds and/or plants going in them.  The straw is new enough that I should probably put a little soil on top to help hold the seeds and the moisture.  My first time around, I found that the straw worked better after it had composted and compacted for about six weeks.  I should have started earlier!


In the studio I've been putting handcrafted clasps on vintage-style bronze, brass and copper chain.  The chain is commercially made, but I make and attach the hook style clasps myself.   I love to wear "costume jewelry" and I know others do.  It's nice to have the chains available and ready for whatever you want to put on them.  I'll put some of my own pieces on them and also have them for sale simply as chains in my shop.  I may check with Etsy support staff, but I believe that putting my own handcrafted clasps on them qualifies them as handmade enough to qualify for the site.  I'm just not sure whether I should call them a handmade or commercial supply.  What do you think?


I've been totally handcrafting the chain for the final butterfly pendant with sterling silver wire and faceted quartz beads.  It's done now and waiting for a run through the tumbler and then a good photography session.