POPPIES...

 "I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers"...Claude Monet

One of my favorite artists, and one of my favorite flowers.  I've never had any luck with growing them here, in the desert, but my parents have the most beautiful red and orange ones (some from my grandmother's garden) growing in their back yard.  I live vicariously through their flowers, when I'm there.

A new piece is heading for the Etsy shop this evening - finished yesterday.  Made from a vintage, 1920's plate - broken, with tiny "crazing" lines from age (much like my face these days), and now with a new purpose in life...as a necklace.  Bezeled with sterling silver; seed beads galore; fresh water pearls; Czech glass leaves; a few Swarovskis; and some beautiful antique frosted glass beads...I love this little piece.  The pendant itself measures 2-1/8" long by 1-1/2" wide (from ruffled petals to bead embellishments), and hangs from a 20" gunmetal chain, with the toggle incorporated into the pendant, itself.

Trying to stay out of the heat as much as possible this past week - what few flowers I do have are barely clinging to life in our 110+ temps.  Each year I try, and each year I am disappointed, knowing what I am missing out on.  Ah, well...I give the "hanger-ons" that I do have, lots of water, and then come inside, pull out a few pictures of "home", and do lots of imagining/wishful thinking.  Hoping your summer is cool, and brightened by lots of flowers!