A few pictures from my backyard. (I see them making an appearance in some new patterns I’m working on.)

Thanks so much to cally creates for featuring my work on her blog. Cally always manages to find the most lovely pieces, including these stunning Maria Phillips brooches that are a collaboration with Sarah Turner. Thanks again, Cally!

If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, be sure to stop by Handmade Arcade on Saturday and Sunday from 11-7. I’ll be there!

Alyssa Ettinger‘s knitware coasters.

Whale print from Badbird.

The Fraulein Tote by moop.

I always thought I had the best husband in the world, but today I got proof. A few months ago, Joe pulled a chaise lounge almost exactly like the one pictured above out of a dumpster at work because he thought I might like it. (The one he found is in need of a new coat of paint, but otherwise in good condition.)

Imagine my surprise upon seeing this chaise on Design*Sponge today in Grace’s chaise round-up. After a little digging, I learned that it is a Vladimir Kagan lounge from the 1970s and the price online is listed at over $3,000! If that isn’t a score, I don’t know what is! Now I can’t wait to fix mine up.

Thanks to everyone for their nice thoughts on my birthday and for entering my little giveaway.

And the winner (randomly chosen) is… virtuallori!!! Congratulations!

Virtuallori please email me at meauman(at)yahoo(dot)com so I can get details and send you your bracelets.

I always tell my students not to blog about their pets, etc – but with a face like this how can I resist? Joe and I picked up Grizzly on Thursday from the SPCA. There were so many animals at the shelter that needed homes, and I hope that if anyone else is thinking about a new pet, they go to their shelter as well.

In honor of our new addition, I’m donating 5% of sales from my jewelry shop this month to the York County SPCA.

Joe and I are back from our weekend trip to St. Louis for Corey and Nathan‘s wedding. Congratulations Corey and Nathan! It was a lovely wedding and I couldn’t be happier for you!

Thanks to everyone for your nice comments on the Metalsmith article. Its great to see the article get so much positive attention.

There’s still time today to enter my birthday contest. And, be sure to check out Annie‘s birthday contest as well.

If you haven’t picked up the copy of the new Metalsmith magazine yet, I highly recommend it. In addition to some excellent articles, there is also an opinion piece on blogging that Corey and I wrote. (This is the part where I’m jumping up and down because I co-wrote something that was published in Metalsmith!) You can pick your copy up in bookstores now.

In honor of my birthday (today!) and the one year anniversary of my blog (upcoming), I’ve decided to run a little contest.

I will be giving away not one, but TWO sets of fine silver on steel bracelets. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that answers the following question – Who would you give a set of my fine silver on steel bracelets to and why? Maybe its your mom, your sister, your best friend, or anyone who deserves a nice treat!

The contest will run until Sunday, November 4. Next Monday, I’ll choose one lucky winner and send both you and the person you’ve picked a set of three of my fine silver on steel bracelets!

Presents all around! Happy birthday!