Chez Jason. Would like to mark that I finally got the sapphire and pearl bridesmaid's necklace done in a way I am completely satisfied with. I get the bride's approval/feedback tomorrow, then make two more. I'll take pictures when I do, but truly, after being frustrated for about two weeks, I finally hit on the right combination. I decided on a simple, pendant-focused piece with tiny, ornate details. 2mm-4mm ivory pearls clustered atop a faceted, night-dark 15mm dumpling-cut sapphire briolette. The delicate sterling chain is accented by four tiny pearls and eight 2mm sapphires that fade from deep blue to light periwinkle. The dresses she chose are very classic and frill-free with clean lines-- navy blue and V-necked-- so I think the necklaces will accent that perfectly, drawing in the eye but not distracting.

So happy about it There's nothing like that final sigh of relief when an important commission ends up just right.

So yeah, the bride loved the design. Very exciting. Will be making the other two just as soon as I buy more 26g wire. I really should buy a full ounce of it soon, as 24g is just a scootch too big to fit through some of the teeny briolettes I've been working with lately.

Anyway-- I'm going to Faire opening weekend after all! I will be there on Sunday-- looking forward to seeing familiar faces and making new friends. If you see me, say hi. If you know interesting people, introduce me, please. I'm always looking to meet interesting people, and faire people number among the most interesting people out there. I've already figured out what I'm gonna wear-- mizjawnson likened the first weekend of Faire to the first day of school, and she couldn't have been more right. I've been going since I was about seven or so, but when I was little, my parents never had enough money to rent me a costume or what have you. But I always oohed and aaaahed at the pretty costumes I saw. Now that I'm older, I go to faire three or four times a season, and dressing up for faire is something I really enjoy and relish. J is coming on Sunday, too-- he's also a total Renfaire nerd who's been coming for years, but has never gotten his own garb. This must be changed, and I am to have him kilted by October. Funny story-- I actually saw him at faire last year while we were milling about. I shouted his name and he looked straight at me, but didn't recognize me. I got closer and gave him a big hug and he finally realized who the flower-laden bellydancer was. He said that he had no idea in retrospect what we talked about, as the only thing going through his mind was, "keep your eyes on her face... keep your eyes on her face..." Hee. So chivalrous, that boy.

Faire also really piqued my interest in bellydancing. I was just a baby dancer with maybe two months of classes under my belt when I saw Kittarina (who dances with Gypsophilia) and Stacy (who dances with The Rogues) perform. They both seemed so joyous and playful and I was completely mesmerized. I more or less decided right then and there that I wanted to get to that level someday, too. Going to faire and seeing the dancing-- the real dancing, not just the bellybunny gyrating-- is so much fun for me, and I look forward to it every year. I even danced a little myself with some friends last year; hopefully I'll work up the nerve again this year.

Anyhow, tonight J and I are going to an Orioles game. I'm all bedecked in orange. Wish us home runs!

I just saw that one of my friends and repeat customers just posted a sweet review of my shop over on her beauty blog, A Babe In The Woods. Here it is. It made me all blushy and stuff.

But really, things have been great. I love hearing feedback from my customers, and I got a great email from my largest order to date last night that made me bounce in my chair. I love that I get to do something that is both personally fulfilling and brings a little bit of sparkle to someone else's day.

I call a do-over on today.

Nothing dire or unfixable; just... yeah. Do over, please.