Natural inspired bracelets.

End of summer is here... I decided to design a natural inspired stretchy bracelet made from natural seeds. It's made of coral, elephant ear and carambolo seeds.

This is also a fun raising for Lymphoma Society on behalf of Ella McNeil.

To learn more, please visit http://bigib.etsy.com

Sterling Silver Bib necklace

A friend of mine asked me to make a bib necklace for her. I grabbed a paper and pencil and starts drawing circles. I showed her if this is something she had in mind. It was better...

So, I decided to make one for my Etsy friends.

Each circles is made of sterling silver wire, cut, formed, soldered, stamped (to create details) and arranged according to the design.

The piece dangled on a 49 strand nylon coated silver plated steel wire with sterling silver lobster clasp and 2" extender.

Neckline is about 18" total. The center piece is about 4.5" wide and 3" tall.

To learn more about this piece, please visit my Etsy store.

Biking in Madison... sure...!

Biking in Madison, WI is so much fun. We started at Olin Turville park and follow the bike path by the lake. It was hot with beautiful lake view. I wish there's an ice cream store near by.
I know there are ice cream stores in the State street. We decided to go to Monona Terrace and cross State Capital. I wasn't sure how do we get to State Capital but to my surprise, they have bike elevator.

It's a pretty big elevator that could fit 4 bikes. It will take you to the 5th floor, the level where would take you to State Capital. Then you just follow the traffic and go to state street.

We stopped by the spotted cow ice cream. It was worth the trip.

Yes, we plan to bike more in Madison, WI

Vista Royalle, a great place for family camping

Once a year, we would have a family camping with our church. Last weekend, we went camping at Vista Royalle, Bancroft, WI. Even though the location is further than our regular place, I think it is one of the best camp grounds I've been.

It has lots of activities, including swimming pool, jumping pillow, playground, pool, mini golf, ice cream shack and more. In addition to that, they also have weekly activities. Last week, they had children carnival. The fire department stop by and did a water fight game. It's truly a family activity.

We stayed in campgrounds no 71,73,75,77,79. I like it as the location has lots of trees and close to shower and pool. During our stay, thunder storm came by. We survived the storm as there's no water around us. It looks like the camp site across from us, I think it's 106, has a standing water. Luckily, there was no tent around that area.

Plan to come back next year....

Traveling with kids?

Yes, it's possible.

We drove 16 hours with 2 children. One is under 5 years, one is under 10 years. In addition to games, dvd players and children dvd, snacks, drinks, stuffed animals, cooler is one essential item. A frequent stop at rest area is also essential. It's a good time for them to run and drain those energy and wash up.

We choose to stop by grocery stores and buy subs and fruits instead of going to fast food restaurants. We use cooler for the kids milk and sometimes for our breakfast or left over.

Instead of dealing with, "are we there yet", we include our older child in checking out the maps and look at GPS. We do carry extra maps so the younger one didn't feel left out.

When we did some hiking, I learned that map still works best for hiking. Most of the time, our GPS did not work due to out service area. If you haven't done your homework, visitors centers are best to get local info.

So yes... do travel with kids... they are fun...

I'm on Etsy treasury

In case you're wondering, Etsy treasury is hand pick items by a curator based on a theme. It is very competitive to get in to treasury.
My piece was picked for "First star I see tonight..."
It's an honor to be part of Etsy Treasury.

Midsummer Night's Dream at Summer Stage

Looking for family event during summer? Try Summer Stage in Delafield.
They have outdoor performances including play, dance, etc.

This coming weekend, Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare is playing at Summer Stage. Tickets available online or at the door. Brats, burgers also available.

Don't forget to bring blankets, lawn chair, bug repellent. It's a fun event for the whole family...