Taking My Love of Wine into the Collection!

I've got Shakespeare on my mind, and wine seems to be there a lot lately, too. Shakespeare -- because that's the unit I'm teaching in freshman English right now, (we just finished watching Zeffirelli's 1968 film version of Romeo and Juliet, pictured above. And P.S. -- doesn't that actor look just like Zach Efron? I'm ashamed I know who this person is, as I'm not a teenage girl, but that's what I get for reading Perez Hilton's blog daily). Anyway, wine because it appears teaching is turning me slowly into an alcoholic. Okay, not really. But some days I just need to come home and stare at a wall for about an hour before I can move on with anything else. A glass of wine is like sitting in front of a wall and staring at it. It helps me unwind a bit! My neighbor and BFF (ha ha) Catherine and I were discussing this the other night. The conclusion: in a world like the one in which we live, a little self-medication is harmless, so long as it doesn't interfere with life. Hey, I can still make jewelry after a couple glasses of wine. I grade papers BEFORE, and I never drink in the morning. Sounds pretty stable to me, right?

Anyway, that night of discussion I also had an epiphany. I bought cute little wine charms months ago that don't really seem to provoke much interest as earrings. But Catherine has adorable little wine charms for her glasses, and AH HA! I can turn this in to sweet little charms, too! :) Hence, my latest Etsy listing:

So, that's the inspiration, and that's the creation. More to come, (I have martini charms, too). I think these will be great for Christmas gifts. Easy to make and fun to use! I'm quite happy to incorporate this new stuff into my otherwise all-jewelry store.

In the meantime, another thought on Shakespeare and wine. Here's some trivia: In which Shakespearean play is wine most often mentioned? Think about it... here it comes.

Yes, that would be Antony and Cleopatra. There are eight references to wine in the play. However, in The Tempest you'll fine seven, as is the same for Othello. Wine and its effects permeate the very fabric of Antony and Cleopatra. You could even interpret the work as a struggle between the forces of sobriety -- Octavius Caesar -- and the champions of indulgence -- Antony and Cleopatra. FYI, I don't just know this. I happen to be sitting here with a box of "After Dinner Shakespeare" cards. Fun stuff. Now I'm off to study! :)