My new obsession this year is Barefoot Sandals! Yes! Those dainty and floppy beaded things otherwise known as foot thongs! With each new dawn, I wait (or worry?) for inspiration on how to create an ornamental ribbon resembling a string of beads or a cross section of a bracelet or necklace. Do I have the right stones?  Do the colors coordinate? Will anybody like it? I have to say, there has been a meteoric rise in popularity and positive feedback from fans most of which come from women who love foot jewelry as much, if not more than I do (if that's possible)!

Here in Texas we grow fine green grass... as fine a grass as you will find anywhere in the world. And like all good green grass, it's wanting for the prettiest of bare feet. But... we also grow FIRE ANTS! Yes, Solenopsis! For those readers who are unfamiliar with these formidable critters, they're red, they bite, they STING and then they itch! FOREVER! So, wearing barefoot sandals outdoors in Texas (and in other parts of the Southern United States) is probably not something I would recommend unless you're at the shore.
I remember the passed-over beach parties my employers set up over the years to help improve interpersonal relationships between co-workers; the Friday night pool parties ignored for feeling shy, and a tad inadequate. And the long weekend boat excursions where beer was as plentiful as the worms used to bait the fishing hooks.
With age comes maturity (at least for most of us) and a softening of fears. We have a greater appreciation for all things beautiful, including jewelry.  I can slip on a pair of attractive foot thongs, for instance, and feel like I'm walking in paradise! I experience increased adrenaline, increased self-worth and confidence. Increased everything! It's quite remarkable really that beads strung together with an otherwise understated elegance can have suchst reached paradise. I experience increased adrenaline, increased self-confidence and self-worth. Increased everything! It's quite remarkable really that beads strung together with an otherwise understated elegance can have such a powerful effect on the psyche.

For me, wearing barefoot sandals is kind of like donning new underwear in the morning knowing I will be the only one that sees them. Does it make me feel fabulous? Of course it does! Brand new underwear always boosts morale.  And so do foot thongs when worn for our own enjoyment! They not only boost morale but they can foster team spirit as well. The new shapes and styles offer wild glam-rock vibes that can work an entire crowd.

Whether in the comfort and privacy of my own home or at an outdoor rock concert, it's all about the feet! But don't take my word for it. Try a pair for yourself and fall in love! Then go tell the world about Barefoot Sandals!
Here's wishing you dreamy dreams and vivid visions!

The most common misperception regarding chain maille weaves is that they originated in the ancient cultures of their namesakes but the reality is, most weave designations are indicative of style and not origin.

Chain maille begins (and ends) with linked rings. Families of weaves such as Byzantine, Persian and European are defined by the particular motif or dominant patterns they express. Because their origins have not been determined, the Byzantine and Persian weaves cannot be attributed to Byzantium nor Persian cultures, as much as we would love to romanticize they were.

The classic Byzantine weave is rooted in jewelry antiquity. It is a 4-in-1 weave meaning each ring in the pattern has four other rings passing through it.

The Persian weaves (Full and Half Persian) are variations of complex linkages that produce patterns with both depth and weight. Most are contemporary designs.

The European 1 in 4 weave is thought to have been in use for greater than 3,000 years and was likely introduced by the Celts. The Romans subsequently adopted the designs for Centurion armor.

Today, the art of chain maille continues to flourish not only as a means for protection (industrial settings) but also for purposes of adornment, where the possibilities are limitless.

It's my great pleasure to know about this remarkable and ancient art form. The learning process never ends and each new project never fails to astonish.