some disconnected thoughts

v and i are thinking about a new mantle. let me clarify...I am thinking of a new mantle and v is thinking about finishing the basement, but i digress...
we have a colonial-style mantle, and would like an arts and crafts-style one. lucky us, v can MAKE IT for us out of quarter-sawn oak when we decide on a design and gather together the funds. i would like to use Motawi tiles as the art above the fireplace. isn't this art nouveau bleeding heart tile lovely?

i'm also partial to this one...


tomorrow i'm taking the day off to undergo an unpleasant further investigation into the disk problem in my neck. i'm bring home lots of grading (still life drawings) to do afterwards, but doesn't it seem that after lying perfectly still for a 1.5 hour mri i should just allow myself to make jewelry all afternoon?

also, here's a fun pile of my children and their cousins...