tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66472006508384367172024-03-21T03:58:08.454-06:00Wild Bear DesignsAccessories for Adventurers. Handmade in Big Sky, Montana, with quality materials, unique designs, and a healthy dash of inspiration.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-64673104167719193052011-05-30T16:40:00.003-06:002011-07-20T21:59:50.055-06:00New Website!Wild Bear Buckles is now Wild Bear Designs - just click below to transfer there!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wildbeardesigns.com/"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>www.wildbeardesigns.com</b></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wildbeardesigns.com/"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AIUE4qOeXUMW8VWfrMpu6bbiQEt2GCJVO811tg7YKhyphenhyphenCBCSq9wLMwe-GS3IR1QM1pcm4mRA_P5a7cCUf_PSwvhaTjSPnqRCKT7qzRusr2pjnBMnYBe2jGm7deYvQzGtG19Mvoo2So2s/s640/logotemp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-33210492483255732382011-05-25T22:07:00.000-06:002011-05-25T22:07:02.539-06:00Belts & Buckles 101: The Right Size BeltBelts & Buckles 101 has finally returned for a short installment! One common question for anyone ordering a belt is "what size??". The answer is <i><b>not</b></i> "whatever size your waist is". So here are some tips...<br />
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<b>Keep in mind! </b><br />
<ul><li>Belts usually come in even sizes - 30, 32, 34, 36 inches...</li>
<li><i><b>Err on the side of too big!</b></i> If you get a belt that is a bit too big, you can take it to a leather/saddle/cobbler shop and have them punch in another hole. Or just do it yourself with a sharp knife, ice pick, or similar. But if your belt is too small, there's nothing to do but return or exchange it...bummer.</li>
<li>For a perfect fit, your buckle should attach to the center hole. (There are usually 5 holes in a belt.) </li>
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<b>The very best method</b><br />
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If you already have a belt that you like to wear, it is best to use it to figure out your size...<br />
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1) lay your belt out flat<br />
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2) measure, in inches, from the hook, D-rings, snaps, etc. (basically, wherever your buckle holds onto the belt)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDGL7EFocKEDkmB2G0gQsTXavr1N__inq5zJKz9HzvZzXCrDtWmf27j_xek6dVymJEfT8JFUq2KRA6pf833rIyOZcqGkc_fqTMVjHIhSKJOWa-qbZJ_o-FffCZrUbyyZuiIXpKWHBYoI/s1600/100_2710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDGL7EFocKEDkmB2G0gQsTXavr1N__inq5zJKz9HzvZzXCrDtWmf27j_xek6dVymJEfT8JFUq2KRA6pf833rIyOZcqGkc_fqTMVjHIhSKJOWa-qbZJ_o-FffCZrUbyyZuiIXpKWHBYoI/s320/100_2710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5WchOVR_F5YB4lbrwtu1iWJos53KLkWFLVsa1QXyE2fcCbOX4UdU82Xm5sj3nN7CRDwyFjnbeRzE2H0BlbrE0DTO9ZU8nla4E97_iu3BtDcH5BkDohmpO6JA8__drF-LpCyOwHxYcT8/s1600/100_2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5WchOVR_F5YB4lbrwtu1iWJos53KLkWFLVsa1QXyE2fcCbOX4UdU82Xm5sj3nN7CRDwyFjnbeRzE2H0BlbrE0DTO9ZU8nla4E97_iu3BtDcH5BkDohmpO6JA8__drF-LpCyOwHxYcT8/s320/100_2713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
to the hole that you use (or whatever part of the belt "hooks" with the buckle)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrPapnkKqO0_Gp1OofDEZs-gBQfdGUuzunjl1275vdMH5vwWhuWRhLfaaMCv35liKqaBT1e_ryyfpfaRww9Z0wcPOnixNZOsDZTutMF7j4_VeDV8_sT-VAPzcIPyACEYP6yFXZRXeRsE/s1600/100_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrPapnkKqO0_Gp1OofDEZs-gBQfdGUuzunjl1275vdMH5vwWhuWRhLfaaMCv35liKqaBT1e_ryyfpfaRww9Z0wcPOnixNZOsDZTutMF7j4_VeDV8_sT-VAPzcIPyACEYP6yFXZRXeRsE/s320/100_2707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjHpXwKb-blqtv_zOzVNRpgzcVYKwOwTjpP-zyBQNDgPN3XhyphenhyphenzmweGLnmrG1ZYdWvUbTphACFEQ3yFEumA4orQ0TwIHxx4OXjAQ9mLNL2-kb73tuXQb3_FwZ-pWdOhWWha19zBw1fOHs/s1600/100_2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjHpXwKb-blqtv_zOzVNRpgzcVYKwOwTjpP-zyBQNDgPN3XhyphenhyphenzmweGLnmrG1ZYdWvUbTphACFEQ3yFEumA4orQ0TwIHxx4OXjAQ9mLNL2-kb73tuXQb3_FwZ-pWdOhWWha19zBw1fOHs/s320/100_2717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>I use the second hole from the left, or the scrumple-y bit of the fabric belt. Both of them are at about 32 inches...so that's my belt size!</i><br />
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3) the measurement you get is your belt size - that's it!<br />
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<b>Other ways to do it</b><br />
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But perhaps you're buying a belt because you don't have one now. Here are a couple of tips...<br />
<ul><li>If you are a guy or a girl who wears pants with a waist measurement in inches, the rule of thumb is to add 2 inches to that to get your belt size... 30 inch jean waste + 2 inches = 32 inch belt size. And remember, if you are not sure, choose the size up!</li>
<li>Try on your best friend's belt, check out the size, and just add or subtract the inches that you need for it to fit.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-69427362235443863052011-05-14T20:43:00.001-06:002011-05-18T21:30:59.466-06:00Quick Alter-Art UpdateJust a quick note to say that my very first full size quilt is complete! It was a real adventure to do all of it - and especially the quilting. It wouldn't have been possible without some great instructions from my extremely talented mom. And she even answered the phone when I called for the 50th time in an hour - I was getting nervous for the quilting part. Thanks, Mom!<br />
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The whole enchilada... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX5b_6NQ4CJPJ2gE2YmUPUI496hsW16a30m-y_FF4AvmuEVFbPbQ8iNaKuDtTqd1USssaA9dGfKRvfbZMarxQAK2t-7uYjxfljBlZW2DbGMOyYOb-518r13LGjpSWQnzC7EfaPrGvg8E/s1600/100_2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX5b_6NQ4CJPJ2gE2YmUPUI496hsW16a30m-y_FF4AvmuEVFbPbQ8iNaKuDtTqd1USssaA9dGfKRvfbZMarxQAK2t-7uYjxfljBlZW2DbGMOyYOb-518r13LGjpSWQnzC7EfaPrGvg8E/s320/100_2626.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
And a couple details of the quilting. I used a simple free-form wave pattern - a great choice for my first try at quilting...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dnXQDAlq7OgFYms25g7zJ8qWds17rX0KoZcgDIKvd5DdLsPtrjQbXHUv3JDZgm1OaZPffzOGmq-xZJp2aiLcNY-QCk4htVMRbGRXA5-06WA5AFejf1BVdDhC0RQHrIq-QDUD5ZRToWQ/s1600/100_2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dnXQDAlq7OgFYms25g7zJ8qWds17rX0KoZcgDIKvd5DdLsPtrjQbXHUv3JDZgm1OaZPffzOGmq-xZJp2aiLcNY-QCk4htVMRbGRXA5-06WA5AFejf1BVdDhC0RQHrIq-QDUD5ZRToWQ/s320/100_2622.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGQCpfZroCsTLaWX-6dsvUo4AUyPQ21dJ_PSPqHTYEW1fBvv65qn8o04pEpf99xOz2IkefVfXnASohYARq3az6RMwEPMtU-fPL57oea2b4lNlwC4VzIbpkTU3NB-iXjHNtmkt_CM666w/s1600/100_2701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="245" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGQCpfZroCsTLaWX-6dsvUo4AUyPQ21dJ_PSPqHTYEW1fBvv65qn8o04pEpf99xOz2IkefVfXnASohYARq3az6RMwEPMtU-fPL57oea2b4lNlwC4VzIbpkTU3NB-iXjHNtmkt_CM666w/s320/100_2701.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Now, just in case you want your very own amazing quilt, here's your chance. My fantastically talented mom made a stunning quilt that is being raffled off this year to support the <a href="http://www.piecingpartnersquiltguild.com/">Piecing Partners Quilt Guild</a>, including their charity work with the Department of Human Services.<br />
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Here's a look at the quilt. It's actually quite big - 94"x93" - and it's called <i>Domestic Drama.</i> I've held this one in my own hands, and photos cannot do it justice, but here goes anyhow...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JXrQCB-V-RODDXVMoknIaglvTF0Bt5pYO2FPuMmv-7sUmvI03AK8Fz44k8YoZLdJQUJoDurjHFJvK773Nmwh-cR3v-1td1Mpl3S2wVZxctFmDEHxstSGieaG4Ba7YUCvFnZnW94UnEU/s1600/PPQG+2011+raffle+quilt+by+Shirley+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JXrQCB-V-RODDXVMoknIaglvTF0Bt5pYO2FPuMmv-7sUmvI03AK8Fz44k8YoZLdJQUJoDurjHFJvK773Nmwh-cR3v-1td1Mpl3S2wVZxctFmDEHxstSGieaG4Ba7YUCvFnZnW94UnEU/s400/PPQG+2011+raffle+quilt+by+Shirley+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qyfrMTOIpBiRZ3FP1BDKHpM_DHTXr66bxnoV53m1LYn9x0mbjqDSd48grepqjUStqZZ_Td0piUVZz-oVluWcoLfCtVjPItiwYaoKx6HNEGjcprnalDG9xzBTBHxPCOsQfYi8f8ePtcw/s1600/PPQG+2011+raffle+quilt+by+Shirley+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qyfrMTOIpBiRZ3FP1BDKHpM_DHTXr66bxnoV53m1LYn9x0mbjqDSd48grepqjUStqZZ_Td0piUVZz-oVluWcoLfCtVjPItiwYaoKx6HNEGjcprnalDG9xzBTBHxPCOsQfYi8f8ePtcw/s320/PPQG+2011+raffle+quilt+by+Shirley+003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
For just $1 a ticket, you can be entered to win it! So, if you want a few raffle tickets (I recommend it!), please just <a href="mailto:wildbeardesigns@gmail.com">shoot me an email</a> and I can put you in touch with the right folks.<br />
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Thanks!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-74348921678205747172011-05-04T17:19:00.000-06:002011-05-04T17:19:08.913-06:00Everyone loves free!I can't think of anyone I know who doesn't like free. What else could explain waiting in line for an hour at Ben and Jerry's for the teeniest bit of free ice cream on free cone day? And, as my nephew would say...<br />
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I don't like free......I LOVE free!!! (Except he would insert many other fantastically exciting kid things I don't know instead of "free")<br />
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And one of the best kinds of free is free handmade goodies. In fact I spent about 3 hours standing in line to get a swag bag of free handmade things from the <a href="http://urbancraftuprising.com/">Urban Craft Uprising</a> this last winter. I had good company. And a good bagel sandwich. And then got great free goodies. Hurray!<br />
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So when I got a chance to add to someone else's bag of free goodies, I couldn't pass it up. "what? free?" you ask. Yes, the <a href="http://www.etsyrain.com/shows/etsyrain-spring-handmade-craft-show">sure-to-be-wonderful Seattle etsyRAIN craft show</a> is this Saturday, May 7th. And those who are willing to wait (for about 2 hours or so) to be the first in the show get swag bags of treasure.<br />
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So, I got to work making my first pieces of Wild Bear swag...<br />
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I decided to make Wild Bear bottle cap magnets. They require resin (of which I have plenty!) and then just something cute to go inside. I played around with my soon-to-be new Wild Bear Designs logo (you heard it here first!) to make bunches of wild mountain magnets. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0Eq1xLw04XxVkRo65ogUvAtRkUcFXxujdhmoz7SPJLJY8XUv9_8KaTfItrw2EkD-MGt8DmaxmWMl8mfT6RiCEBPM5B1k2JPXCu-Y2roD3tz7IHYTEN7sr92s2s0ccinFE3sD-xcYwCc/s1600/100_2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0Eq1xLw04XxVkRo65ogUvAtRkUcFXxujdhmoz7SPJLJY8XUv9_8KaTfItrw2EkD-MGt8DmaxmWMl8mfT6RiCEBPM5B1k2JPXCu-Y2roD3tz7IHYTEN7sr92s2s0ccinFE3sD-xcYwCc/s320/100_2599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And the close-up...<br />
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I found high strength, little magnets to put on the back for a clean look.<br />
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Once they were all done, they went into bags with a card and a special little note - not to be revealed here.<br />
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Who wants one? I do!<br />
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To get yours - and lots of other handmade treats - come on down to the <a href="http://www.etsyrain.com/shows/etsyrain-spring-handmade-craft-show">etsyRAIN craft show</a>. I'll be there myself in the afternoon, so just give a holler if you'd like to come along!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-25575468797225517582011-04-23T20:10:00.000-06:002011-04-23T20:10:22.325-06:00Buckles, buckles, everywhere!Sorry I haven't put up a new post recently. Buckles and Belts 101 will continue sporadically, and definitely let me know if you have any particular belt or buckles questions!<br />
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Even though class hasn't been in session lately here online, I've been having Buckles 600 at home and all the surfaces around are filling up with buckles. Big Sky is hosting a high profile international conference in May and I'm betting some of those visitors are going to need a buckle or two. After all, buckles are a quintessential western accessory. And that means making sure all <a href="http://wildbearbuckles.blogspot.com/p/shops.html">my fabulous retailers</a> are well stocked.<br />
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So...<br />
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buckles by books... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-aOL3ovuDuIbSSIyJK-hOJamuUtW95cb8IIhnfZAufYGQ0IdZ6rg9Rt5Y0PnlSggqbQUxdJrQYH5bVsdXhCyI33003nbqTBbSi35WpecnUE97IDRoGsZzdGnuWsb8fVA4PJphDTZs7M/s1600/100_2564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-aOL3ovuDuIbSSIyJK-hOJamuUtW95cb8IIhnfZAufYGQ0IdZ6rg9Rt5Y0PnlSggqbQUxdJrQYH5bVsdXhCyI33003nbqTBbSi35WpecnUE97IDRoGsZzdGnuWsb8fVA4PJphDTZs7M/s320/100_2564.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">buckles on the mantel... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6245r5VJjnsF4ks0Jc_wWmgNbaNYJZyW6jlWQCId47BOoKQPDqyFW2mlbffl59nDD3Lw6feXYEH2Rr-FIjGjRoZQU_q6GZLb44J9bsLLC_BoqQVHbwBidRl_aUT5uPCmNAYA-h1B6xs/s1600/100_2546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6245r5VJjnsF4ks0Jc_wWmgNbaNYJZyW6jlWQCId47BOoKQPDqyFW2mlbffl59nDD3Lw6feXYEH2Rr-FIjGjRoZQU_q6GZLb44J9bsLLC_BoqQVHbwBidRl_aUT5uPCmNAYA-h1B6xs/s320/100_2546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
buckles on the ironing board...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlObEZEb5dzzY0qEOONv6FVtODBmwGoq2jlVLz_6EzsT6vExFMgZNHs0t5t_rubXyAvi67gAUAKBnU66v8kMtcCKPn9XsnD0OXD8H5ViB1wg9ovOJXIE7e4A879sw7Eh_zNaioRjV5gU/s1600/100_2550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlObEZEb5dzzY0qEOONv6FVtODBmwGoq2jlVLz_6EzsT6vExFMgZNHs0t5t_rubXyAvi67gAUAKBnU66v8kMtcCKPn9XsnD0OXD8H5ViB1wg9ovOJXIE7e4A879sw7Eh_zNaioRjV5gU/s320/100_2550.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br />
buckles on the living room chair...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhvNZoScr6T-Gp4ElORuI4za5kJW8N561mCmldg04SyciA4MT5vhBPjBBxCqK-6eaGvXAmaGGjvIxjx4p_Dbrkz-ILLa9ZqmaJQ00MmCY5Yf_iihRfoYuzLI4-ri5TAw4ehlTGfSJHRM/s1600/100_2558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhvNZoScr6T-Gp4ElORuI4za5kJW8N561mCmldg04SyciA4MT5vhBPjBBxCqK-6eaGvXAmaGGjvIxjx4p_Dbrkz-ILLa9ZqmaJQ00MmCY5Yf_iihRfoYuzLI4-ri5TAw4ehlTGfSJHRM/s320/100_2558.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and buckles in the light box...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfjeaUjJp8IKw4ksPK2sBaisStvOSD3fnlhHf6h_HA9v7ZL8M7DDUfGhjNTAQw5goc2NEL2g2bppPUUfUWp_C-DYzsZpTuiJ4EAkFlh_QoTmujxDq6qzxM_Y4Z6drJpwQZvuDPD9U97g/s1600/100_2554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfjeaUjJp8IKw4ksPK2sBaisStvOSD3fnlhHf6h_HA9v7ZL8M7DDUfGhjNTAQw5goc2NEL2g2bppPUUfUWp_C-DYzsZpTuiJ4EAkFlh_QoTmujxDq6qzxM_Y4Z6drJpwQZvuDPD9U97g/s320/100_2554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Well, so much for spring cleaning. Good thing I love buckles more than brooms!<br />
<br />
Are you spring cleaning or stockpiling something more fun?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-9225745043684831952011-04-03T21:40:00.000-06:002011-04-03T21:40:15.431-06:00A Different Craft - Quilt PreviewAs you know - and probably a lot of you can relate - I like having my hands in more than one craft at a time. While most of my time might be about belt buckles, that doesn't mean I shouldn't fit in drawing, cards, jewelry, quilting, random crafts, and anything else that sounds intriguing and uses some creativity. In my temporary Seattle digs, I so far have a place for buckles (of course), sewing, and jewelry. I did just get a book on candle making, but I'm fairly certain that wax on someone's floors is not a good way to say "thanks for the accommodations!".<br />
<br />
So, in a quick break from Belts & Buckles 101, here's a preview of my current quilting project.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUFYfq2JPy_wGyMtV3YroUEL6LxvYoQase43ev81PYgJ_triagEE11U7EE6FOUzKsTGm6g4Z6JEkYZxbG7WkegtmWs6cbawWHf71Kny4g1SJSICI90jT8NWHZURp_LJ5FKzgnjilehVE/s1600/100_2443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUFYfq2JPy_wGyMtV3YroUEL6LxvYoQase43ev81PYgJ_triagEE11U7EE6FOUzKsTGm6g4Z6JEkYZxbG7WkegtmWs6cbawWHf71Kny4g1SJSICI90jT8NWHZURp_LJ5FKzgnjilehVE/s320/100_2443.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br />
Next, I'll chop off the ends of the rows and straighten things up. Then, I'm trying to decide whether to add a plain batik border before putting it all together. What do you think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-4628662635306761292011-03-25T14:33:00.000-06:002011-03-25T14:33:03.597-06:00Keep Your Buckle On! Or...How to Make a Leather BeltSince I spend an unusual amount of time chatting with folks about belts and buckles, I've made some interesting finds about what might simply be called "General Belt & Buckle Know-How". Not surprising, most folks don't think twice about the topic, but I happen to think it's pretty interesting. So, in the spirit of increasing everyone's General Belt & Buckle Know-How, this is installment one in Belts & Buckles 101.<br />
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Today - How the heck does a person make a nice leather belt anyhow?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDPswNgA1OytKtxLhUD_CyfVbOz_2nNcuW9xTMbvEkWRdKi3jGV2OD28goWu3BB-rajOJFnh2LGkYvycT228_MTY75c4gFkn5GieXB3z_egLXuaRy0JoLQ031PWEGNJAVMnSYpruvZiE/s1600/belts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDPswNgA1OytKtxLhUD_CyfVbOz_2nNcuW9xTMbvEkWRdKi3jGV2OD28goWu3BB-rajOJFnh2LGkYvycT228_MTY75c4gFkn5GieXB3z_egLXuaRy0JoLQ031PWEGNJAVMnSYpruvZiE/s320/belts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
While I sell <a href="http://wildbearbuckles.blogspot.com/p/product-info.html">high quality leather belts here at Wild Bear Buckles</a>, I don't make leather belts myself. So, we are headed to the experts for the answer. Take it away Maine Line Leather...<br />
<br />
How to Make a Leather Belt - A complete tutorial!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tEKoBgKp55I" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-36397158792839124132011-03-18T19:24:00.000-06:002011-03-18T19:24:40.520-06:00Thinking of springWe had an epic powder day yesterday. It included<br />
<ul><li>fresh tracks</li>
<li>12+ inches of new snow</li>
<li>sunshine</li>
<li>many face-shots</li>
<li>maximizing the awesome-ness of my new (extremely fat) skis</li>
<li>general celebration of snow and winter </li>
</ul><br />
Nevertheless, today I find myself daydreaming of summer mountain trails.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReRl1xIfa0_s82dGaw0S4NrEdZrp3VxOnz4Pk25BqDH5jCVh12ZXwppeBfr_mnDURyKB_PtHP5H2WsOQCMaoFYHbuK-n8KcCet3XwHqyqmjKHxasKMX_EcThwo01H8ASHRHYQaJOPE9I/s1600/100_1003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReRl1xIfa0_s82dGaw0S4NrEdZrp3VxOnz4Pk25BqDH5jCVh12ZXwppeBfr_mnDURyKB_PtHP5H2WsOQCMaoFYHbuK-n8KcCet3XwHqyqmjKHxasKMX_EcThwo01H8ASHRHYQaJOPE9I/s320/100_1003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And thinking of summer is inspiring buckles with fewer ski maps and more color. Even though this has some autumn leaves, it also has the bright colors of summer!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-_j86wKmk_qBNqFM7H7MQmDRHQ-bHO8BWuxpqyKpX3wCoZEutko7CYpCz61N-6nJg3ecJzZl9RMkFx4fCxbBkV4u8OEi8qyd5EEf4Jyk9N9IAxtqfSl1ZKCQuiisumSoo00r-zwPVi8/s1600/100_2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-_j86wKmk_qBNqFM7H7MQmDRHQ-bHO8BWuxpqyKpX3wCoZEutko7CYpCz61N-6nJg3ecJzZl9RMkFx4fCxbBkV4u8OEi8qyd5EEf4Jyk9N9IAxtqfSl1ZKCQuiisumSoo00r-zwPVi8/s320/100_2313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Back to daydreaming now...<br />
<br />
Or putting more wood in the stove.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-45896125205590241682011-03-14T10:50:00.000-06:002011-03-14T10:50:19.090-06:00Guest post at elle.mnop!The fantastic Elle over at <a href="http://ellemnop.com/">elle.mnop</a> is featuring a <a href="http://ellemnop.com/guest-post/guest-post-twila/">guest post by me</a> today! Thanks so much to Elle for keeping up with my blog and asking me to contribute to hers. I love her sense of style, the great DIY projects she posts, and the fun things she finds around her neighborhood and online.<br />
<br />
Since things have been crazy at the Moon house, I decided I better write a post to remind me (and maybe you) to take a deep breadth and relax once in awhile. With, of course, a few suggestions...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkv_Sio9nrJwe-LyBi2YWO_ETha1-SkKLyfpSgZnYygENh_6d9gUZ9P9FiNsMVuqvo6r3Q6YO2BsaA0eAIpb0EY4axgXyksjgVicGgWdpzakVmF6wKDgqgyjelZvMyOg_MnskVWFSDKxY/s1600/100_2258_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkv_Sio9nrJwe-LyBi2YWO_ETha1-SkKLyfpSgZnYygENh_6d9gUZ9P9FiNsMVuqvo6r3Q6YO2BsaA0eAIpb0EY4axgXyksjgVicGgWdpzakVmF6wKDgqgyjelZvMyOg_MnskVWFSDKxY/s320/100_2258_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So, <a href="http://ellemnop.com/guest-post/guest-post-twila/">head on over there</a> to read my guest post and check out Elle's two-thumbs-up blog!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-91817243030344983772011-03-10T15:57:00.000-07:002011-03-10T15:57:09.248-07:00Treasury round upThings at the Moon house have continued an alarming level of mayhem. But, thanks to the superior productivity of others, Wild Bear Buckles have appeared in some colorful, full, seasonal, and moody etsy treasuries recently. Click to check out all of the unique handmade items...<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_200358258">Get Your Circles On</a></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d78814668ef6d916a292a74" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3FWV3cT_aA_zfZkEqQMxr-6dbJhhs4hyBH0QHgFeXMxTfHC9-t4S85wKGCY9iLmSawGXcPTSXgFmT_yzlx1XVwnPWWPzDn3ihljc2L3iyiDi4vCCadmODuAcqCt5mlJ4A-wPtmeGaTs/s400/treasury5.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br />
<b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_200358262">Blue Skies - Blue Styles - Montana</a></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d73c07cd4378eef3be1f10e" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOxLU_vQesqyjisqPulcdmcciVUu78UjlvElCNN1FKNJ6cDJUMGgOodKSblXSleTEK1KEyVpndkvqFP13028fdfPSZu7HsjLrG94hyphenhyphen0Q1-t2h7rtUI1BzsFn1CPyzbLyX4rgw8OrozAc/s400/treasury3.jpg" width="372" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_200358266">Montana's Stormy Skies</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_200358266"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_200358266" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjso90K9QpjCwY2sfHhipyhlLYQhwUxkRRqVw37pKH6-GyiRMUzgPTRalRH1T3q6UiYeFq9CYZJztx_Evh8QJNjpdcQPgw81sTXmKKeaPGmTIlQ5H-pk2hssrpiB6Ge-PdhLn3MiSJBhhA/s400/treasury4.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d75a796f1256d91c19f98b0"><br />
</a></div>Now, back to chaos...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-90204681291060543472011-03-04T09:52:00.000-07:002011-03-04T09:52:48.589-07:00A cornicopia of fantastic (free!) fontsAs business continues to grow at Wild Bear Buckles, I'm spending more time considering branding and a proper logo. In my quest for great design ideas, two different friends have mentioned one website -- <a href="http://www.dafont.com/">dafont.com</a>. It took me a bit to get around to look at it, but let me tell you - it rocks! I hope I'm not giving away some fantastic trade secret of text designers, but this website is worth exploring for anyone who likes<br />
<ul><li>design</li>
<li>text</li>
<li>being creative</li>
<li>writing words on the computer</li>
</ul>I'm assuming that pretty much means all of you.<br />
<br />
So, here is the deal with dafont.com. You hop on the site and you can browse literally hundreds of font designs. You can even type in your text and preview how it will look. When you find something you like, just download it and follow the (very simple!) instructions to add it to your computer's fonts. Just make sure you take note if the font is "free" or "free for personal use", so you know how you can use it.<br />
<br />
Check it out...<br />
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Wild Bear Buckles goes on a Caribbean vacation...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8ixc8lR1cQ1bJI6K_p_KG-5t8YdSAX2y0AkXnzk3kZzcHsGjcVRbChimyGyLYBFAaSRiEmDNEbgkkDYxUtgtjN4n6z8U6ZxHiaOpEMs9cZdEjJuk7fiRjrIvD0YurdfqjNYEBr7ythM/s1600/fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="35" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8ixc8lR1cQ1bJI6K_p_KG-5t8YdSAX2y0AkXnzk3kZzcHsGjcVRbChimyGyLYBFAaSRiEmDNEbgkkDYxUtgtjN4n6z8U6ZxHiaOpEMs9cZdEjJuk7fiRjrIvD0YurdfqjNYEBr7ythM/s400/fish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
...dresses up as Frankenstein and sings <i>Thriller</i>...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vdAYxs3mFwOozPxW7g5HtwlfkmDOhCFeui5xrhxl_Ud0b_WLgJUlum-rqwbn-t5mmE3k-RZ5Lnb9yMcMm7MdFsZFpbNiuFXL_pqUBB4qcjRznqSAqF3-AF-tLjr9BZ2FXKgYc5yMpYY/s1600/thriller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vdAYxs3mFwOozPxW7g5HtwlfkmDOhCFeui5xrhxl_Ud0b_WLgJUlum-rqwbn-t5mmE3k-RZ5Lnb9yMcMm7MdFsZFpbNiuFXL_pqUBB4qcjRznqSAqF3-AF-tLjr9BZ2FXKgYc5yMpYY/s400/thriller.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
...gets cultured at the avant garde movie theatre...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WKZgCbpqYEZpLEyr4-iBEUDa6VDap9c58Tj73i0qc2HRrpUtNGTmmXKttfhDS8z0ivX_pvMe7FL1meXP01WFRGCi0QcI-CF0FVcIXbwEOdMDzz3WvsbnN5ODJ0_QEnX_JH6PcPQ6UN8/s1600/movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WKZgCbpqYEZpLEyr4-iBEUDa6VDap9c58Tj73i0qc2HRrpUtNGTmmXKttfhDS8z0ivX_pvMe7FL1meXP01WFRGCi0QcI-CF0FVcIXbwEOdMDzz3WvsbnN5ODJ0_QEnX_JH6PcPQ6UN8/s400/movie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
...does time...<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKUZCfVqYHyph6wgr7LmTjfG5LDA70jOvyDwD8v6-2RoXH3CANGM4EMo32iQgkBtWu79bzk6BvRLPXwId3jSdvuvCbLHJqcA9Ag41x-tLqhbmRtCV5NwR5Xtgd2QZgokDBT-v4_yEhvc/s1600/fingerprints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKUZCfVqYHyph6wgr7LmTjfG5LDA70jOvyDwD8v6-2RoXH3CANGM4EMo32iQgkBtWu79bzk6BvRLPXwId3jSdvuvCbLHJqcA9Ag41x-tLqhbmRtCV5NwR5Xtgd2QZgokDBT-v4_yEhvc/s400/fingerprints.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
...attends a night at the opera...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb3RM8q_1AN3fITBUYpYwW9FLjLensftInpTwa0L3JlG7Q4_LnQX-BLXa8oUuEF3a8TXn3z7TWKX3z7bQQdrynyAzA3YfJ_OJAMwOaCxhicGOMxl_r1YcDmmCBDxMU7BjCTjGs6fss6U/s1600/music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb3RM8q_1AN3fITBUYpYwW9FLjLensftInpTwa0L3JlG7Q4_LnQX-BLXa8oUuEF3a8TXn3z7TWKX3z7bQQdrynyAzA3YfJ_OJAMwOaCxhicGOMxl_r1YcDmmCBDxMU7BjCTjGs6fss6U/s400/music.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
...and gets in touch with its Montana roots...<br />
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And that's only the beginning. Now go find your own <a href="http://www.dafont.com/">crazy, fun, funky, modern, vintage text</a> for your latest crafty idea. (Warning: may cause sleep loss.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-56124719211879318312011-02-26T13:36:00.003-07:002011-02-26T15:24:26.261-07:00Thanks for the dance!Clearly all of you had a great time getting your groove on for a snow dance, because it worked. Thank you!<br />
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I just got back from our <a href="http://skimba.com/bell-lake-home.html">backcountry yurt</a> trip over in the Tobacco Root mountains - 4 days of great snow, fantastic company, and some good ol' time in the wilderness. Thanks to the <a href="http://www.skimba.com/">Montana Backcountry Adventures</a> folks for keeping this yurt up and running! Here's the tour...<br />
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First off, home base yurt. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to the backcountry yurt without some wood chopping. And a dog to gnaw on all the wood chips....<br />
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You already know of my love for wood stoves, so I can't help but show off this beauty that lives at the yurt. She's even got the side car that you can fill up with snow to make warm water for dish washing. I imagine that if you were a real pioneer woman, this handy contraption would be a high priority on your pioneer husband's to do list. <br />
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The real point of the yurt ski trip, though, is the <i>ski</i> part, so there was lots of that too. Hard work going up...<br />
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pays off with lots of fantastic turns, almost captured on film! <br />
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And along to keep us entertained, was our trusty powder hound. Here he is scouting his fresh line. I can tell you that he does a lot of straight-lining and is always getting face shots. He's a real snow junky like that. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIP4wv8YLWyXNYI_sKM7dTIDXTOzz6OIqzr9vTX97maqQJy7W63BEjSGeCDmBl3BuDwL8o3lygAoOkMfurfsK-CrpFKNb7k1FnzKXNMozZPnXHuW24cxWkDnqz-la7iQr3yD8HLE4t9I/s1600/100_2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIP4wv8YLWyXNYI_sKM7dTIDXTOzz6OIqzr9vTX97maqQJy7W63BEjSGeCDmBl3BuDwL8o3lygAoOkMfurfsK-CrpFKNb7k1FnzKXNMozZPnXHuW24cxWkDnqz-la7iQr3yD8HLE4t9I/s320/100_2051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
What an adventure!<br />
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Also, since this blog of course includes belt buckle talk, I'd just like to warn you. When you return to the truck after a long ski out from a yurt, and the temperature last night was well below zero, and the current temperature is probably not too far above zero, and you are pulling your change of clothes out of the truck and putting them on, you should probably tuck in your shirt. Because that belt buckle is cold!<br />
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The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68931505/wild-bear-buckle-retro-snow">belt buckle to match this snowy trip</a>? Or course, ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4tPKvpEyxCFe1-LyZrhvtgvMMtGfmmBcysBuuyAoQpVfdbOE9m44xmzZxCFqx-ZjZ_-ajEizkwVBL2Lbe4gQpk7vzroDMTA7h13hxI5T2t9UiWpENqaNQ3v5KIZZHSYgIc4kkBB_JLY/s1600/100_1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4tPKvpEyxCFe1-LyZrhvtgvMMtGfmmBcysBuuyAoQpVfdbOE9m44xmzZxCFqx-ZjZ_-ajEizkwVBL2Lbe4gQpk7vzroDMTA7h13hxI5T2t9UiWpENqaNQ3v5KIZZHSYgIc4kkBB_JLY/s320/100_1742.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Now, back to work!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-81722968428104650562011-02-19T18:04:00.000-07:002011-02-19T18:04:59.396-07:00Snow DanceI'm starting some running around for an upcoming <a href="http://skimba.com/bell-lake-home.html">backcountry skiing trip in the Tobacco Root mountains</a> just west of us. Can't wait! In preparation, I'm also asking all of you to do a snow dance.<br />
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What? You want the snow for your own ski runs? That's okay, just add the Tobacco Roots into the chant you've already got going.<br />
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What? You don't want snow because then you have to shovel it? Well, send it here!<br />
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Because we are dreaming of more of this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD95hcc-HaoRSRTHNAMSBQje9AI-596gNKHKaO5OAiqZuHuobw_XAw0jK3VjGnFz_qBtjEARoZM3OrgYe_C46gzP3rgwJY8kbWgMYj0PmVED75ItCHI0Z5qtNjm1N6rL7Q58uvDQH22F0/s1600/100_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD95hcc-HaoRSRTHNAMSBQje9AI-596gNKHKaO5OAiqZuHuobw_XAw0jK3VjGnFz_qBtjEARoZM3OrgYe_C46gzP3rgwJY8kbWgMYj0PmVED75ItCHI0Z5qtNjm1N6rL7Q58uvDQH22F0/s320/100_0302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPLrRc81O64u2X0WDo5KoD35jkWYbswTlX5UPUwfJn2VoArEF-8_rVqDSKgJQfVQ82IjpgFQosDhCk2f1LqSwOlKVpXi7rK4n-XwvGM6UU3KAIVkTk_LEm3JOjBSDHgGE_qVSsAjOPFg/s1600/100_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPLrRc81O64u2X0WDo5KoD35jkWYbswTlX5UPUwfJn2VoArEF-8_rVqDSKgJQfVQ82IjpgFQosDhCk2f1LqSwOlKVpXi7rK4n-XwvGM6UU3KAIVkTk_LEm3JOjBSDHgGE_qVSsAjOPFg/s400/100_0262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
and this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhmrmqfwANUrWVmIlhyphenhyphen7Y87ZZoY1NQUgMzojNZby3TZgxWdkaN8oNzxl0lylGiQ5IERkfJL23tuWIlCnh755jgQZt86Or51H2dTleAEigpJkblVSKPhSJgbPNiWaUVgMtTP9ZU2gCQEs/s1600/100_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhmrmqfwANUrWVmIlhyphenhyphen7Y87ZZoY1NQUgMzojNZby3TZgxWdkaN8oNzxl0lylGiQ5IERkfJL23tuWIlCnh755jgQZt86Or51H2dTleAEigpJkblVSKPhSJgbPNiWaUVgMtTP9ZU2gCQEs/s320/100_0252.JPG" width="249" /></a></div><br />
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Thanks for shaking your booty for snow!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-62359461855699481052011-02-13T10:14:00.001-07:002011-02-13T10:21:46.134-07:00Why Buckles?Buckles, huh? When there are so many great things to make out there, why choose buckles? Well...<br />
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I've always loved to make things by hand. Several years ago I thought what better way to try my hand at a handmade business (sorry, couldn't help that one) than jewelry, right? So I made jewelry...<br />
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Jewelry for my sister-in-law's wedding... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW7hJgvllx9TIKzsMErFqdRcQl3XfRf40PtnN2K9KmxIOJhLt3bzV8NDPd65JrF0UDo6QpwPzqFz7u-ZNjMFlFV07rtOvpmyibvLUUn76pdfSsOhaZ-Q6UaLtLR7SoQAtwHDXpaYGavw/s1600/DSC02382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW7hJgvllx9TIKzsMErFqdRcQl3XfRf40PtnN2K9KmxIOJhLt3bzV8NDPd65JrF0UDo6QpwPzqFz7u-ZNjMFlFV07rtOvpmyibvLUUn76pdfSsOhaZ-Q6UaLtLR7SoQAtwHDXpaYGavw/s320/DSC02382.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAON60GAFTC-lv71LevCkgAoXu5Jtmee4gYOpE5wTAYSY4lgZqhH7E2ruRk-H-jzho10n4QGSus5ciF9qM808B-9tazR8Rs9khYGYafAHrOxwP9PafsrdVmXieRCdheAIvOLzhy5Ktic/s1600/DSC02398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAON60GAFTC-lv71LevCkgAoXu5Jtmee4gYOpE5wTAYSY4lgZqhH7E2ruRk-H-jzho10n4QGSus5ciF9qM808B-9tazR8Rs9khYGYafAHrOxwP9PafsrdVmXieRCdheAIvOLzhy5Ktic/s320/DSC02398.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Jewelry to sell at the summer market...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6lbEZekOQHOLQUqNF05eMiVwfW47_opL-ae5XbTTQ5UMCjuYRmzIFk_dF2ZzhuJ_ACHgK6cpBCXEb8buzWVnOtRHxQSFjqojJSG3Lw5wMoXEEGAgRmaKABVHoEJcHm29gjqBI1Ov4nk/s1600/IMG_1356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6lbEZekOQHOLQUqNF05eMiVwfW47_opL-ae5XbTTQ5UMCjuYRmzIFk_dF2ZzhuJ_ACHgK6cpBCXEb8buzWVnOtRHxQSFjqojJSG3Lw5wMoXEEGAgRmaKABVHoEJcHm29gjqBI1Ov4nk/s320/IMG_1356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And making jewelry was good, and I liked it and as best I can tell other people liked it to. But here is the thing - I don't actually wear jewelry. Well, I do, but only the same jewelry every single days for years. Here's the run down...<br />
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The blue lapis ring goes on my right hand and was given to me about 10 years ago by my high school (and still) best friend. She made it in a college class.<br />
The other set of rings are pretty obvious - my simple engagement ring and the single wedding band Mr. Moon surprised me with at our wedding. These go in the usual spot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuzBrdxuC_2iYRnIpgCSuv3aP4n0JviGpWobLOTDXzownQukRS_cPQDypjbRB0XnhFEjKJt0gTSg9zf436lN97DPOPLGooAtMmN8VOCKGtKDY2cyyOGZS3XLs6J0-te-Oz2ILj4A4zIs/s1600/100_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuzBrdxuC_2iYRnIpgCSuv3aP4n0JviGpWobLOTDXzownQukRS_cPQDypjbRB0XnhFEjKJt0gTSg9zf436lN97DPOPLGooAtMmN8VOCKGtKDY2cyyOGZS3XLs6J0-te-Oz2ILj4A4zIs/s320/100_1950.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then there's the necklace Mr. Moon gave me about 6 years ago. It was the first sign of true love and the only time I'm not wearing it is when the leather string breaks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the three "sleeper" earrings - 2 in the left ear, one in the right. I think I can safety say I've been wearing these for more than 15 years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9wmi1HDGjFX0_hu9UCd-7m_AajMZbi68Ls2C094svzxuVSFCH9_d3Ste0g8b3jC8LQREk0ocLhts1ll6NP02opQ_g3un0FjQDoY_NtEre9yj6cUkzYRbg4QOBDC4MQAuxmSsbCkTR6A/s1600/100_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9wmi1HDGjFX0_hu9UCd-7m_AajMZbi68Ls2C094svzxuVSFCH9_d3Ste0g8b3jC8LQREk0ocLhts1ll6NP02opQ_g3un0FjQDoY_NtEre9yj6cUkzYRbg4QOBDC4MQAuxmSsbCkTR6A/s320/100_1959.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And, of course, the nose ring. I got this on my 18th birthday at "Mom's Body Shop" in San Francisco, and nothing has changed since.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_EgHkQrnNH-CH-sgbkVyci-4tHfYnGrbFi7PN1qtvE5VuhZniXw75Mzskc9baDrzt5-O0czRVQ0ANuw-q_sBzKpTAaEEfHgR8MZ_BsM3EkgpO_cMOQ3lveyXMKYovnAfn7OLHmpg00M/s1600/100_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_EgHkQrnNH-CH-sgbkVyci-4tHfYnGrbFi7PN1qtvE5VuhZniXw75Mzskc9baDrzt5-O0czRVQ0ANuw-q_sBzKpTAaEEfHgR8MZ_BsM3EkgpO_cMOQ3lveyXMKYovnAfn7OLHmpg00M/s320/100_1953.JPG" width="263" /></a></div><br />
So, as you can see, I have a wonderful, but very, very stagnant, relationship with a few particular pieces of jewelry, and it really ends there. (Unless it's a really fancy wedding, but that doesn't happen too often around these parts.)<br />
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And here is the other problem. I'm not really a girly-girl. I don't wear make-up, I don't own hair products, and I'd rather climb a peak than go to the mall. Also, I don't really wear dresses. My power suit? It's pants and a jacket. So where does that leave me? Belt Buckles!! I could wear the heck out of belt buckles!<br />
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Belt buckles are...<br />
<ul><li>practical (needed to keep my belt on to keep my pants on)</li>
<li>have personality - of all sorts</li>
<li>do not get in the way when I have to lug some wood into the house</li>
</ul>Belt buckles with salmon shirts...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uONMhvZo_tBRSJp0ZXyGkSa4PCQkl3JZaR1SoZTYRlJiJ8oayrTMD0zJozo1eOsmodFHUXTfyrPE093qF46inF0_o0iELFqqCPR79U5FgrQr3d-gK6FtDFcTwCLW-YqHo1uV1vwrL84/s320/100_1473.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
Belt buckles with brown shirts...<br />
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Belt buckles with jeans and black...<br />
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So when I'm making belt buckles, that means that I can make a million things that I want to wear. And that is a good time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-31266103131886874612011-02-08T16:30:00.000-07:002011-02-08T16:30:46.177-07:00Ode to the Wood Stove!I know this is not particularly "on topic", but I just can't help myself. Sometimes some things require shouting from the mountain tops, whatever odd topic it is.<br />
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Weather really rules the day here in Big Sky. Summer means great hikes in the morning and finding shelter for the afternoon thunder and lightning storm. Fall and spring mean mud, mud, and mud. Did I mention mud? And winter is all about snow. Once we have snow on the ground, it's here to stay. Winter is really more than 6 months long. If you're like me and love to ski in all forms, winter is a thumbs up season. Not to mention that all that darkness at night is good for productive craftiness. Unfortunately, snow requires freezing temps, and I'm a cold-blooded woman (not emotionally, but ice-cube-toes-and-fingers wise :) ). Thankfully, there is one invention that keeps the winter cold <i>outside </i>and makes the inside feel permanently warm and cozy...<br />
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The wood stove!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnxGdl_S0EnrcaNP2GoJIRxGKcgvtF0KqwqD0F1DM8_LipS-UmGGeM3iKwDt-KO0I9cbisq_59kEuNlrJOBjJMvhmfUMCyj6l5QQKJlIaFBtj74olMC-q8AdPZTtHapU5QQPtTa-GpAw/s1600/100_1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnxGdl_S0EnrcaNP2GoJIRxGKcgvtF0KqwqD0F1DM8_LipS-UmGGeM3iKwDt-KO0I9cbisq_59kEuNlrJOBjJMvhmfUMCyj6l5QQKJlIaFBtj74olMC-q8AdPZTtHapU5QQPtTa-GpAw/s320/100_1885.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Mr. Moon and I moved to Big Sky in 2008 and first-thing-first (well, after painting the walls something besides primer white) was ripping out the lame, no-heat-producing stove insert we had (how satisfying!) and installing a winning wood stove. And let me tell you, this was 100% the best decision we could have made. First off, we figured out it would pay for itself in 2 years, thanks to our expensive electric heat. 2 years?! Wow! Wait, wait, I just realized that means we already did it. That just cannot be beat. Second, we get to have a fire everyday. Translation: heat, warmth, heat, warmth, t-shirts in the house!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvQKCMlXxLqbR92N7-6XUhyphenhyphenCPjgE9b6YSXdP3pa79sOedLut1h2YrVkb-Ur9D5OCQHq07VHiwQEmCeIEEn9f7yNHelTzvhU-GAZzN6qfzD8jU-szpdfBiSlUl1Oul4bAIKaZErEupc9M/s1600/100_1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvQKCMlXxLqbR92N7-6XUhyphenhyphenCPjgE9b6YSXdP3pa79sOedLut1h2YrVkb-Ur9D5OCQHq07VHiwQEmCeIEEn9f7yNHelTzvhU-GAZzN6qfzD8jU-szpdfBiSlUl1Oul4bAIKaZErEupc9M/s200/100_1892.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16 outside? That's like the tropics! Fortunately, it still does its job at -20 :)</td></tr>
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It's true that the fire doesn't make itself and you have to cut kindling and cut wood and build the fire and keep it going. Admittedly, I was a little scared of this before we took the leap. But the truth? With the right tools (and a wood-cutting husband), it is not hard. If it was "wood stove + build fire" versus "electric heat + no work" in the ring together - wood stove + build fire wins every time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Required for successful wood stove heating.</td></tr>
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And the payoff? A happy family of warm furry animals and somewhere for me to bask to keep my blood warm. Every day! <br />
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If I was Pee Wee Herman, I would marry the wood stove instead of the fruit salad. Just saying...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-23168056562210143412011-02-04T21:36:00.000-07:002011-02-04T21:36:20.543-07:00Your Brain on SpringAdmittedly, it is still <i>very much</i> the middle of winter here in Big Sky. In fact, after a beautiful backcountry ski yesterday we are crossing our fingers that the many inches of snow in our forecast really will fall over the next 5 days. It appear, however, that everyone is not in the same boat and <i>spring is on the brain</i>!<br />
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In fact, this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67152620/midnight-bloom-wild-bear-buckle?ref=v1_other_2"><i>Midnight Bloom</i> buckle</a>...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_909872609" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6wzV1Kt7vAn55Az0L414UuaHH-WWKeHh7V7Fe6Qz6-62__jO_0-LdcGQ57nWr_5B5sN0Mp6pfNqUpiJ7tP64tvrbOMn5APPmcP7scIdtuLjI7h6A7LamhP0g3YxySv_C_5pt3E58TDY/s320/100_1767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67152620/midnight-bloom-wild-bear-buckle?ref=v1_other_2"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyFw1_q71V1iuxYXIQ-7G0_9p6_74v4jSfyTQpqHrL_47gboxJ0K0OfrXUlJPdllk75iEZ0FoF1FkoZKiWK2p9SkiBy_R8pJ9n7ZVB5jXFejfajhBqnXwQBsfIicFE5lsEN_esGRKKmc/s320/100_1786.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
appears to be putting its spring-inducing fever powers to work. Luckily, its had some help in these two fantastic Etsy treasuries. I love that they both make me think of spring, yet are so different. Just clicking on the titles will take you to the real thing, where you can explore all the colorful and life-affirming creations included. Enjoy your spring tour!<br />
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<b> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_909872621"> Rainbow BRITE Baby</a></b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_909872621"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d4cc9ffcfd08eef2d51397f/rainbow-brite-baby?ref=pr_treasury"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzw9Q-sG5IoVpybwkZ-n3BpQlwwGpivQyyxxeTqD6bRtOeDs4-5vObo5XNmjql8J0t3A9XMTJLG4n4UFizt75mHWrizp61qWQ2mOtvWHUmN1rC0kTvrSM57eivpCcLcEv4Jts5E3JRwic/s400/treasury1.jpg" width="377" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_909872625"><b>Dreaming of Spring...on the coldest day of winter! </b></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d484d6ef3b48eefc90b80df/dreaming-of-spring-on-the-coldest-day-of" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJnUqxVSqCrMSq8SzgxunVzKPmCqJ9rcbxNAKMbXJZWgCbaFipSJ5v2NS_yX0_lhrlwGBWQzzAU3B6uHLzFp5FlYVb_0YmBq8rVsRp2oAwwVYN-5P0QnuxXF3JBa7hUIlKFMTzqMcOVY/s400/treasury2.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-28680038816237193362011-01-31T19:23:00.002-07:002011-01-31T19:36:19.058-07:00Sunsets: Nature-made and HandmadeAfter sharing the stunningly beautiful morning we had last week, I can't help but share the orange/pink/salmon/corral/yellow/red evening that we had just a couple of days ago, too. This photo is totally unedited - exactly how it came out of my camera. Nature makes the most amazing art!<br />
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Sure is hard to match. But, since I like all things <i>hand</i>made too, I thought I should add the best competition I've sound so far...this "wowza, amazing!" quilt by <a href="http://www.amazingquiltsbygrace.com/">quilt artist Grace Errea</a> (of course, the image is from <a href="http://www.amazingquiltsbygrace.com/">her website</a>, too - please go visit).<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think this one really speaks for itself, or at least it better because it just makes my mouth drop open in awe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How's that for inspiration?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Believe me, when I can put that sunset in a buckle, you all will be the first to know!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-60042442114150223852011-01-26T12:57:00.002-07:002011-01-26T13:07:20.553-07:00Big Sky, Blue Sky, Belt Buckles!Living in Big Sky is often like living in a beautiful paradise. I have to pinch myself and remember that these gorgeous mountains and awe-inspiring landscapes really are my backyard! And, of course, during ski season town is abuzz with skiers and tourists who have come to enjoy our champagne powder and blue skies. Not to mention that there's never a line at the ski lift.<br />
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To celebrate Big Sky and ski season, I'm sharing a photo I took just the other day - while running an errand! Paradise...<br />
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Blue skies and perfect powder runs do tend to inspire a few buckles, too. Lately, I've been making a whole variety of ski map buckles and I also love this recent Snow buckle...<br />
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As always, if you see a buckle here that you'd like to get or something similar, just let me know and I can probably post it on <a href="http://wildbearbuckles.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> for you. <br />
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And if you haven't ever been to Big Sky - or Montana - I would highly recommend a visit. Once we arrived, we were hooked!<br />
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All the best from Wild Bear Buckles in the great Big Sky!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-64390445414111235602011-01-20T08:17:00.001-07:002011-01-24T21:17:46.181-07:00Crafting: Finding ideas for inspiration!Some days I could spend hours making buckles and never stop to take a breath, but other days I just sit and stare at the piles on my desk. What's the difference? <i><b>Inspiration</b><b>! </b></i><br />
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Here are some of my favorite ways to get inspired and things that I find inspiring...<br />
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- I'm a frugal person (that's the nice way to say it :) ), so I always keep old greetings cards and fun scraps of paper around - you just never know when they'll be perfect for a project. So take a look through your piles of saved scraps.<br />
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- When my husband and I want to think about adventure, the first thing we do is pull out maps. We have piles of them. So why not create fun items from the maps I love to look at. What do you love to browse through? How can you use that item in a project? <br />
The beginning of a new buckle...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68yHwuLgfvoT-YiF27vIIuHbcxHsxZJ_F8vntrp0Nycyn2jo1kHhnNBL1hcsIADgJPtiPOSUDPeqVCG9efq_pOuFLzgwPrCOdOAzoU9PibHz_kA1TI5zV0jJWGiPDm7yrlfpAkVMOx78/s1600/100_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68yHwuLgfvoT-YiF27vIIuHbcxHsxZJ_F8vntrp0Nycyn2jo1kHhnNBL1hcsIADgJPtiPOSUDPeqVCG9efq_pOuFLzgwPrCOdOAzoU9PibHz_kA1TI5zV0jJWGiPDm7yrlfpAkVMOx78/s320/100_1524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
- Around town I keep my eyes open for things I like and that are eye-catching. All the beautiful colors at the paint store - put them to use!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvt9mOv_gkaSO7qiILCt5RApgqewHItrKo71au7ZnQlWrtzMzMuf-4aGtsh6WLNCIX98VfpGKUALvL92pZq9Z4JJ2k9OVfMuXrLVjj__LR1fRkNEHtOW7wAdbe7F611UV51aK6Gwghuw/s1600/100_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvt9mOv_gkaSO7qiILCt5RApgqewHItrKo71au7ZnQlWrtzMzMuf-4aGtsh6WLNCIX98VfpGKUALvL92pZq9Z4JJ2k9OVfMuXrLVjj__LR1fRkNEHtOW7wAdbe7F611UV51aK6Gwghuw/s320/100_1519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42NdyWljdhhhn3R3qgoSFlaEQe70wvpJj56G-ctZFRnfas5WHDcryYlWLpU2itqqA7SoFRJeMNimtrx_auasQ9PA0WOEhMe6PgBCsjWA8IQxG40eFh5JN2tkKCAWRwimRBFcD_grY9D8/s1600/100_1456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42NdyWljdhhhn3R3qgoSFlaEQe70wvpJj56G-ctZFRnfas5WHDcryYlWLpU2itqqA7SoFRJeMNimtrx_auasQ9PA0WOEhMe6PgBCsjWA8IQxG40eFh5JN2tkKCAWRwimRBFcD_grY9D8/s320/100_1456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
- Borrow from one craft to give to another! Besides making buckles I also love to sew. Turns out there are a million fun fabrics with great designs. Why not borrow from my sewing stash for my other favorite craft? Blanket or buckle...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiano04yotL_gXoTjqT17OgplTbofgcrkDLECDAEyl0z22TYuNS_KFkjCnPFFphmQBspAhIHEBNFcgQ8j6sfFwOdDkwo_fhuw0BJQWamnDa3tuCGEZbJoOsMgXersPKhRhusjmgTXJrlQc/s1600/100_1531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiano04yotL_gXoTjqT17OgplTbofgcrkDLECDAEyl0z22TYuNS_KFkjCnPFFphmQBspAhIHEBNFcgQ8j6sfFwOdDkwo_fhuw0BJQWamnDa3tuCGEZbJoOsMgXersPKhRhusjmgTXJrlQc/s320/100_1531.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHDpWKZDguWuKGAuIWhRmLGIN5vn3fm5BCrB0y0mWoQZaPm8Nsvv5i8UFbYipY1uQjrqqy6HS9KTB04esF8ptgP17NYBXmrxe2u84Aa0u8-y59OkVTxc_0Zzzc2CxRKI0XQwvKuHPcLY/s1600/100_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHDpWKZDguWuKGAuIWhRmLGIN5vn3fm5BCrB0y0mWoQZaPm8Nsvv5i8UFbYipY1uQjrqqy6HS9KTB04esF8ptgP17NYBXmrxe2u84Aa0u8-y59OkVTxc_0Zzzc2CxRKI0XQwvKuHPcLY/s320/100_1539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XOhyphenhyphenRdR5nOY26mOsZCBthcxQdT7wJjv0FyEilSh3Rgs0O0BdZUPKVFwmE9GwtospcHQ24R1LgDRf65BnlaNAfgiR4fHttCD731-sJEz6GCZyttMI6vhTy0lRlC9hQVUrFK3vWEalWxU/s1600/100_1541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XOhyphenhyphenRdR5nOY26mOsZCBthcxQdT7wJjv0FyEilSh3Rgs0O0BdZUPKVFwmE9GwtospcHQ24R1LgDRf65BnlaNAfgiR4fHttCD731-sJEz6GCZyttMI6vhTy0lRlC9hQVUrFK3vWEalWxU/s320/100_1541.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
And, finally, there's always inspiration to be found online...<br />
<ul><li>Browse the amazing crafts and great photos at <a href="http://craftgawker.com/">craftgawker.com</a></li>
<li>Look at the beautiful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/">treasuries</a> on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">etsy.com </a></li>
<li>Find a few blogs that have a great aesthetic. My choice today is <a href="http://ellemnop.com/">elle.mnop</a> - a pleasingly simple website with beautiful photos, fun ideas, and a mishmash that's fun to explore.</li>
</ul>What items inspire you?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-29698362377206810932011-01-16T11:06:00.000-07:002011-01-16T11:06:16.556-07:00Calendar of owl illustrations - free!It's half way through January and you don't have a calendar on the wall yet?! Don't despair. Check out this fantastic free owl calendar. You can choose just the illustrations you like and...tada!...a calendar for the whole year. What a great idea! I just couldn't help but share...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myowlbarn.com/p/owl-lover-2011-calendar.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Owl Lover 2011 Calendar" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadZW3xu2ZUWusH06e3jDskgKzceMStteFH6ec-75VYWUe8j2RcmYlspV-jGi9-tbT47urt2x8hxYuP_LA0f-GrWfS6m2EsyQ21y7Pz9zqSsSfon2gfaDuGTw-BNEGsUr6MgeByite8uru/s1600/share-logo-170.gif" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-39387050931649960972011-01-12T17:18:00.000-07:002011-01-12T17:18:21.962-07:00Montana made belts?While I've just gotten in some genuine leather belts at Made in Big Sky...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5U2ORY-Isnh250jTz07d3dkcZrhsjvANs-vrkeJsw7YfKkbF6nLvNedW9ST7oinE80INlLCyxZT2O13QYOL-6VV__qQaQnLIGDZiB2SN0qZhCh37eC39v-TcicazcDtrBgKoyLuGZbE/s1600/100_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5U2ORY-Isnh250jTz07d3dkcZrhsjvANs-vrkeJsw7YfKkbF6nLvNedW9ST7oinE80INlLCyxZT2O13QYOL-6VV__qQaQnLIGDZiB2SN0qZhCh37eC39v-TcicazcDtrBgKoyLuGZbE/s320/100_1506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'd really like to find some local Montana made belts to sell with Wild Bear Buckles. With all the cattle around here and handy craft people making chaps, holsters, leather decorations, etc. you'd think there would be someone making some perfect leather belts.<br />
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Do you know anyone making (or interesting in making!) leather belts in Montana? If yes, please send me a heads up! I'd love to do business...<br />
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Thanks!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-49084527156763366322011-01-10T11:36:00.000-07:002011-01-10T11:36:58.936-07:00Up on EtsyThanks to the encouragement of so many folks, Wild Bear Buckles is now on Etsy.com! You can visit the shop at <a href="http://wildbearbuckles.etsy.com/">wildbearbuckles.etsy.com</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wildbearbuckles.etsy.com/"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8FrkoVZl1Gwx8ON9XOVVp3FbD4LW9YKom4ePmiHmMuxNxAXLW3iEzP968SbyU4l2KvkIhjmSB-8Hxjb8D2gNhcg_pXPmJ-oQIxG0uWR9crYos5f9l0WZSQYbx8bTKVW-2qgEN9PZ6D0/s400/etsy+shop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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For any of you who are also craft folks and considering Etsy - just do it! The shop was easy to setup and has lots of fun tools. For example, it only took a few clicks to create the EtsyMini that you see on the left bar of this blog page. Perfect! <br />
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Using PayPal for payment service also makes it easy to accept credit cards and get things rolling right away. While they do remove a small fee (just like Etsy) it is probably well worth it if you are a very small business, like I am.<br />
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So, check out <a href="http://wildbearbuckles.etsy.com/">Wild Bear Buckles on Etsy</a> and feel free to <a href="mailto:wildbearbuckles@gmail.com">ask me</a> any questions if you are considering a move to Etsy yourself!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-37464153317699564512011-01-07T15:32:00.001-07:002011-01-08T15:09:57.190-07:00Featured in the Big Sky Weekly<i><b>Wild Bear Buckles is featured in the Big Sky Weekly's first Gallery of 2011! Check it out...</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMOd9xzv2il0bMK76O-TWiKF_sUBHGbJTdc073uC_9DwpZRX5ZMlzJCmbEM2bjMcHVCQhptUcJ5XRiVltPeapMMpTzOS4H8sHdkqyvhu-41T30ham_cyFGHNP5OUaVcist30dmr51HIo/s1600/wildbearbuckles_BSW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMOd9xzv2il0bMK76O-TWiKF_sUBHGbJTdc073uC_9DwpZRX5ZMlzJCmbEM2bjMcHVCQhptUcJ5XRiVltPeapMMpTzOS4H8sHdkqyvhu-41T30ham_cyFGHNP5OUaVcist30dmr51HIo/s640/wildbearbuckles_BSW.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><i><b><br />
</b></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-13214105662179876332011-01-07T14:52:00.001-07:002011-01-08T15:10:44.955-07:00For sale @ Made in Big Sky!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74ZLsceBDKhOxdGuNpuPkT4z8CYVTU6BUurHNOVwi1pyw2o9A-c_xBTRhkDi-EqPrgpljpEGq6yX6junZFwHJJo2Tgt68_H6Y5HwkwPUXt_1eQ_WaEfT7wWi4T9Ygl5lzhLLAzzubXdI/s1600/100_1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74ZLsceBDKhOxdGuNpuPkT4z8CYVTU6BUurHNOVwi1pyw2o9A-c_xBTRhkDi-EqPrgpljpEGq6yX6junZFwHJJo2Tgt68_H6Y5HwkwPUXt_1eQ_WaEfT7wWi4T9Ygl5lzhLLAzzubXdI/s320/100_1445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>Wild Bear Buckles is the newest vendor at <i>Made in Big Sky</i>!</b><br />
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Made in Big Sky is an art and craft coop in Big Sky where all items really are...Made in Big Sky! Also, the artists and crafters staff the shop, so you can always find out a little something special about the items in the shop just by stopping in.<br />
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<i><b>Stop by and visit! </b> </i>In January, I'll be staffing the shop:<br />
12-2pm, Sunday the 24th<br />
4-6pm, Friday the 28th<br />
4-6pm, Sunday the 30th<br />
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Made in Big Sky is open 7 days a week 12-6pm and is located around the corner from the Country Market in the Meadow Village (close to the post office). Stop in and pick up Wild Bear Buckles and perfect fitting genuine leather belts to show them off. I'm sure they will be your new favorite!<br />
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<i><b>See you at Made in Big Sky!...</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzHcTLc1xUbnSFk988VQH8W_NHstZ2FsqUfVdoGjSoXYotHODWDtrQEpVnPJpFkcu8bDjhl8pu7UHc6DcGNdt9eU3KxDzbcc3fTwYDOgdWNdejdOLwFRFcLkakaE2VnEyGEzZ-G2lGho/s1600/100_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzHcTLc1xUbnSFk988VQH8W_NHstZ2FsqUfVdoGjSoXYotHODWDtrQEpVnPJpFkcu8bDjhl8pu7UHc6DcGNdt9eU3KxDzbcc3fTwYDOgdWNdejdOLwFRFcLkakaE2VnEyGEzZ-G2lGho/s320/100_1453.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyQzpdXilzEQMwi4GfG9QAANi9gLnDcw4HEwL_KYiMvGRf1E9nxGbUvmmFbEU1ifyEAI2i6CFDSx8k3ehu4UwuH34FbeBtSyv3awlIVBCZ2M33Zohq7Vmyn_sUfJFFT8r9xshyU_kFrg/s1600/100_1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyQzpdXilzEQMwi4GfG9QAANi9gLnDcw4HEwL_KYiMvGRf1E9nxGbUvmmFbEU1ifyEAI2i6CFDSx8k3ehu4UwuH34FbeBtSyv3awlIVBCZ2M33Zohq7Vmyn_sUfJFFT8r9xshyU_kFrg/s320/100_1449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647200650838436717.post-38830212307378896212011-01-02T16:37:00.001-07:002011-01-08T15:11:31.105-07:00New buckles for the New YearHappy New Year!!<br />
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We better start the year out right...<br />
Here's some of the buckles from the newest batch. I know you'll love them!<br />
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