Golden in Passing

The magnolia tree has beauty in all seasons, but I adore
the fuzzy golden buds of November as she prepares for the long winter.
Golden fur coats for the flowers to come?

And speaking of all things golden, today's treasury, Golden Season by jewelry artist Betsy Benson tends toward luxe (while the WillOaks studio aesthetic is more towards rustico)....and if you take a peek at her shop, you will see the elegant, refined pieces that define her aesthetic! And if you could, please take a moment to click, visit, and comment on this treasury! Many thanks....

And while you're at it, go ahead, browse around Etsy! You need to reward yourself with some original, artistic and handmade "somethings" from Etsy soon! I guarantee you'll find stuff for every need, every want, every price range and every taste: their search function has really really improved! So you can casually browse...or zoom right into the object of your desire! Clothing? Mittens? A hat? Jewelry? Vintage goodies? Cool supplies to create your own special projects? It's all there and more...

Have a happy Saturday!

Wordless Wednesday (almost wordless...)

The magnolia tree is probably at it's peak for 2010.

No doubt there are buds that will continue to open,
but this could be the fullest it will look this season.

Between extreme winds and heavy rain squalls, the petals really take a beating. Notice the "petal litter?" Some days, the grass is very covered with fallen white bits.

Evidence of last night's storm--was it a touch of hail or just really large raindrops that caused all that racket? We lost power so I didn't go exploring until I checked damages in the morning light.

And a new treasury!
Creamy
and delicious
Ginny, from the Etsy shop NJEMA, Beadwoven Jewelry and More, curated this dreamy, creamy collection which includes my peach pearls and moonstones. Do stop by and leave a comment!

And be sure to visit Ginny's shop. Her woven bead pieces are stunning plus, everything sold here is to help raise money for a water project in Sudan that she and her husband will be working on for 6 months.

I think this is the wordiest my Wordless Wednesday pieces have EVER been...I'll try to do better next time!

Magnolias at the Speed of Light...and a Treasury

These are among the prettiest flowers that grace the gardens here.

Right now, their fragrance wafts over the yard and with the heat wave,

...they are opening quickly and then they don't last very long.

Dakota doesn't like the heat either, and will soon get her "summer shear job!" But here, her white coat coordinates well with the blooming magnolia.

And then, a Treasury in shades of white!

Tell me the story.....a few of my favorites

Lovely serendipity, with Magnolias on my mind, to learn tonight that my pearl and peridot necklace was included in this Etsy treasury of shades of white! It was curated by Friendly Fairies who has a multi person shop with delicate head pieces and hand carved wooden toys and objects--take a look! And if you'd like a closer look at the treasury (and to leave a comment!) please pop over here.

Winter Ready Flower Buds

I find these buds to be just fascinating, even a bit miraculous. They are formed during the summer and will go through the entire winter in the state photographed here. And the fact is, they don't just survive stretches of seriously subzero weather--but will open in about March to be large magnolia blossoms. Seems sort of incredible, especially when I think about how delicate those flowers are when opened.

I adore pussy willow buds, and these are a fair substitute and last much, much longer. I'm thinking about how I might try to reinterpret these as wearable art....hmmmmmm? To be continued.....

Meanwhile, yes, the photography continues, too. Boy, I've got a lot of new work here! I must have been "in the zone" because it seems, it all just sort of "happened!" The new widget for my Etsy shop, on the top right sidebar here, scrolls through work now listed in the WillOaks Studio Etsy shop.