Mama's Got To Doodle

Altar Sneak Peek

2011-10-30T20:21:00.000-05:00

Tuesday is the Day of the Dead celebration here. I am making an altar for my friend T. This is a sneak peek.

Soup Is Done, & So Am I

2011-10-09T02:54:00.000-05:00

Well it was a fabulous journey. I saw some really great ideas,was awed by incredible seed bead work,wowed by wire wrapping & inspired to use more fiber. Thank You to everyone who left such nice comments, it is always good to get feedback from like~minded chicks!
I'll leave you w/ a bracelet I made for my sister. She isn't much of a jewelry wearer(a totally foreign concept to me) but I wanted her to have something w/ this great orange Sue bead I got in a miniswap from the BSBH group.

It's Soup!

2011-09-17T11:51:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to lie, when I opened my Soup, I felt a little like I was on 'Chopped'! I don't always use a focal, & this focal had a palm tree which was so different from anything I usually use.The colours are gorgeous, but the shapes were so...shaped.As I mixed beads & played w/ different combos nothing was really clicking. I was started to feel a little frustrated when Lori sent out a BSBH email w/ an idea. "If you get stuck, break up the beads into more than 1 project" ~major breakthrough! As I doodled w/ my mix I came up w/ a necklace right away. I laid part of it out, sketched the whole vision & moved on to the next groupings of beads. Last week I strung the necklace, tried it on & hated the way it actually looked,too large a bead too high up on my neck,total design flaw.I then turned to the bracelet portion of my soup & tried several ideas, none really wowing me. Then I remembered the bracelet I bought my sister for Christmas, I had really liked the chain detail, how would that work?Not having any black leather cording I used some very old waxed cording & tried different chains. I found one that gave me the effect I was looking for & I was ready to start stringing. I hadn't thought about the peach shaped ovals as much more than accent beads, & then I read a comment that they couldn't wait to see what I did w/ them,(no pressure or anything!) I thought about a wire wrap technique I have always admired but never tried. A little dark copper wire later & I had the wrap I wanted. Did it work as well on this shape of bead? I haven't decided yet.For the necklace I wanted to do an illusion type of stringing w/ the m.o.p. ring. I really like the way that turned out, but I also think the bead is almost too bright for the rest of the beads. I used a couple of the red beads & some wrapped dagger beads for earrings.The only thing I added to Andrea's mix were some pearls & copper beads to the necklace, & the chain in the bracelet. I really wanted to stay 'in the Soup' & use the beads I was sent w/o too many of my own. All in all I'm very happy w/ the way my Soup came together.Now get out there & hop some blogs. Lori~our fabulous hostess has the master list if you lose your way,( a trail of comment crumbs will help you w/ that!) stay hydrated, pace yourself & have fun!

My Soup Is Here!

2011-08-22T22:15:00.000-05:00

My soup is here! I got these from my partner Andrea Trank. I am lovin' the pearls she sent along w/ the fabulous mop rings. I've taken a big step(for me) & poured them all together to start the simmering required of a soup.

Colour Inspiration Blog Hop

2011-08-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Copper Diem threw a little blog hop handing out etsy treasuries as colour inspiration. I loved my treasury. All shades I already had in my studio, yay! As an added bonus I had the perfect orange enameled bead from my last mini swap w/ Valerie . I wanted big chunky charms w/ no 2 alike, so I looked through my stash w/o regard to material.This led me to the enameled bead, coral, horn & gemstones.I stayed w/ the big chunky theme & wire wrapped a stone donut for the clasp.I had a nice dark chain that I doubled for balance. I'm really happy w/ this bracelet & I predict it is going to be a much worn fave.Copper Diem has the list of the participants, head over & take a look!

It's Soup!

2011-08-01T19:50:00.000-05:00

Okay it isn't soup yet per se, but it IS time to sign up. As w/ all the prevous soups, this is one is going to be bigger than the one before, so head on over & sign up here http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/p/bead-soup-blog-party.html see you @ the Soup!

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T13:24:00.000-05:00

Have a safe & happy holiday!

Welcome July

2011-07-02T12:57:00.000-05:00

I took this picture of the thermometer on my front porch yesterday about 6:00, & yes it was in the shade!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T08:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T20:54:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful day.If the date on the photo can be relied on, I am a little over 5 yrs old. And yes, of course I still have the hat!

7000 Bracelets of Hope Hop

2011-04-16T07:56:00.000-05:00

Hi, Thanks for stopping by on this Hope Hop. I'm #2 on the list.For my bracelet I used some great polymer beads from BeadsbyEarthTones, (Thanks Alison). I added some wooden beads from Michaels & some cool little glass beads I got in a mini swap.Your next stop is Creatively Kim, have a great hop!

Blues Table Wednesday

2011-04-13T05:36:00.000-05:00

Today my bead table has the blues.

A little Auto Contrast

2011-03-13T20:56:00.000-05:00

I think the previous post's photo was a little dark so I tweaked it a littl w/ auto contrast.

Lanterns by Juls

2011-03-13T18:43:00.000-05:00

Juls

Sorry, I did get the best set, but Juls still has some of these yummy sets in her shop.

Finally Finished ALL the Soups

2011-03-13T10:33:00.000-05:00

Finally~ I finished seeing all of the Bead Soup pieces! Usually I would h ave sat down & read all the posts, pretty much in 1 or 2 long sittings,(yeah, I'm obsessive like that!). This time I got a call from my niece the morning of the reveals & we ended up spending the weekend together,& for the next 2 weeks after!So this morning I got up & finished the last 50, which also happened to be the first 50. I started @ the bottom & read my way up. I also commented on approx 180+ blogs. I didn't leave a lot of comments today since it has been so long. I also had read many of the first 50 in my regularly followed blogs(300+)the weekend of the reveal.
I have seen some really beautiful pieces & found some new blogs too.Thank you to all you stopped by & left such nice comments( & even became followers!) & of course a huge Thanks again to Lori!

Is It Soup Yet? YES!

2011-02-26T10:01:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Bead Soup Saturday! First a reminder of what my partner Hilary from Fryestyle sent to me. A beautiful silver floral focal,some additional silver accent beads & some really pretty lampwork in Spring colours. She rounded out the soup w/ some dyed horn squares,green glass leaves & some tiny little glass flowers. A simple silver S hook is the clasp.

Here is a close~up of the focal.

I did add a few beads from my ~~hoard~~ stash. The frosted 'grape~y' bead is by the talented Sue of suebeads. I was lucky enough to be Sue's partner in a swap last summer & I have become a big fan of her work(you owe it to yourself to check out her enameled headpins!). She had sent 2 frosted purple beads in light & dark & they were perfect w/ this mix. I also added some solid colour lampwork beads by J C Herrell. I discovered her last summer when I saw her glass toggles. These are some of her spacers in green & purple.

Above is a pewter heart I won from the uber talented Llyynn . This was a new design for her, a headpin w/ an extra long pin. I really felt like it went w/ the feel of the prettiness of the whole mix. You can also see the green pearls I added to my soup.

The finished soup.
I am currently intrigued w/ double wrap bracelets that can also be worn as a necklace, so I wanted to try that for my soup.

I want to thank Lori once again for putting all this together. I also have to apologise for not having the link list, but I waited 'til the last minute to try & post it & I was unsuccessful. Enjoy your hopping & thanks for stopping by!

B T W

2011-02-23T21:24:00.000-06:00

Happy BTW! These are some wire beads I made. The one n the left is my first try. I like the size so I break out my brand new green Soft Flex wire.I was the lucky winner of a package of Soft Flex wire in the new colours.,(the other colours I got were gunmetal, blue, red, gold & silver).

See that bokah* in the background there? That is my Bead Soup piece. I made it 2 weeks ago & I liked it just fine, thank you. Now that I have some green wire beads I realize that is exactly what my Soup needs,parsley, anyone? So I am going to start over~Whoo Hoo.

These are my daffodils. Yesterday I saw that I had shoots w/ 8 buds. Please remember I was under feet of snow 2 weeks ago, where did these guys come from? Today I found 6 had bloomed~ Yay Spring!

*a fancy word for blurry background~ the ultimate in a sneak peek

BTW on Thursday3

2011-02-03T08:35:00.001-06:00

BTW on Thursday 2

2011-02-03T08:35:00.000-06:00

BTW on Thursday

2011-02-03T08:32:00.001-06:00

BTW

2011-01-26T17:33:00.000-06:00

I am working on a necklace for myself. Pink bamboo coral on ribbon w/ a button/loop closure. The ribbon wasn't my first choice,or even my second choice, but the thin leather cording & the waxed linen wouldn't go through the holes. I'm knotting a simple overhand knot between each bead. I don't 'do' a lot of pink, but I loved this old colour & had to have it @ the November bead show.I took a wider shot of my bead table today so you could see the real story.It's a mess,full of bowls, beads,tools,& other various items.I use a tray to work on so I can have a little space, (it also keeps projects together so I can switch out as needed).Come back on Friday & I'll show you a mess!

Giveaway @ Pretty Things

2011-01-21T18:24:00.001-06:00

Lori over @ Pretty Things is having a fun giveaway! PJ Tool & Supply sent her some stamps to try out & she is giving us a chance to win them. Head over to her blog to read all about it, see what she made & how to enter. Good Luck(but not too much, I really am lusting over this set :P )

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-01-19T22:32:00.000-06:00

Here is a shot of my bead table for BTW.
Some stone donuts from Rings & Things,(post to follow)some odds & ends, a fave silver bracelet.
Tonight jewelry class started again, I made the clasp for my Bead Soup.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T16:06:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T08:24:00.000-06:00

Presenting~~~~ The Ring

2010-10-15T22:51:00.000-05:00

     I finished my ring in class Wednesday night! I'm not sure what the stone is, I bought it a year ago, I think it might be labradorite.
     We are sandcasting next week. I haven't decided what I will cast yet, I have lots of little trinket type thing around the house. While I wait to use the sandcasting equipment I have another ring that is close to completion I'd like to finish.

Giveaway

2010-10-08T08:55:00.000-05:00

I just found out about a giveaway & wanted to share. http://reginaswritings.blogspot.com/ is having a giveaway .You can win a $25 gift certificate to The Beadchest for African Trade Beads. Good Luck!

Juls Beads part 1

2010-10-07T12:08:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the beads I got from Juls a few weeks ago. I love the cream & teel combination under the clear. Okay I love them ALL to be honest! She sent earring pairs,2 sets w/ a focal & 3 more sets. These are all so beautiful, I just hope I can come up w/ jewelry worthy of the beads. I have stocked up on some sterling wire, so I may be leaning in the direction of wire links. I will keep you updated.

Juls Beads Part 2

2010-10-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the beads I got from Juls. I posted 2 shots of the pink beads to show how a difference in background can really affect the colour.My hats are off to all the glass artists, taking pictures of shiny beads is HARD,:P

Success!

2010-10-06T22:15:00.000-05:00

Tonight my bezel soldering was successful~YAY. I didn't have time to solder the setting to the band but if next week's work goes as well as this week's I should be able to finish the ring.

Tulsa State Fair~ Sugar Art Show

2010-10-03T21:16:00.003-05:00

If you watch Food Network, you may have seen the Sugar Art Show from Tulsa. I took my niece & nephew today so we could ~~gorge ourselves w/o adult supervision~~ see the cakes. The cakes are unbelievable.These are just a few of the pictures I took.The one thing that always surprises me about them is that it doesn't smell like cake?
Are you wondering what we ate/shared? Corn dog,fried shrimp on a stick(HOT & spicy!), fried chicken breast on a stick, lemonade,fried cheese on a stick, apple slices w/ hot caramel,funnel cake( because it WAS the fair!),pineapple whip, caramel cinnamon roll, a mango/strawberry smoothie & a smoked pork chop sandwich. Mind you, this was over the course of several hours & much walking all split between the 3 of us. I also may not eat again until Wednesday! P/S I totally forgot the gyros until monday !

Jewelry Class 2nd Meeting

2010-09-30T22:24:00.000-05:00

Last night I had big plans of finishing a ring. I straightened & filed the band. Then I attempted to re solder the bezel. I had soldered it @ the end of the last class, but there were a few places I missed. I fluxed, cut the solder, placed the tiny little pieces of solder & lit the torch. As some areas of solder melted & flowed just like they were supposed to, others weren't so cooperative. As I watched the BEZEL melt, the *%^#&())(&^(*^%&%$*)(&^&(*^% * solder didn't. Craziness I tell you! So what I got done after that was removing the bezel & getting most of the rough areas left behind filed down. I'll be ready to try again next week, & hopefully have a picture to show you :)

Pinwheels for Peace

2010-09-25T23:24:00.000-05:00

This past Tuesday was International Day of Peace. One of the ways to celebrate/acknowledge IDP is Pinwheels For Peace. The studio where I take my jewelry class was participating & my nephew & I made pinwheels @ home. These are some of them before I cut & folded & the finished baker's dozen. I tried my hand @ zentangles for a few & did some collage/decoupage for the rest.

Jewelry Class

2010-09-23T17:43:00.000-05:00

It was touch & go there for a week if my advanced class would have enough students to make or not. It was on then off & on again, even getting pushed back a week to see if enough would enroll.. We met last night, in spite of the fact that one student did change her mind about enrolling. We didn't do a lot of work, K showed us how to hide solder on copper( my personal bane!) by using some steel in pickle& soaking the piece in that. He used some steel wool & pickle in a small cup(not the whole pot of pickle!) & let it all soak a little bit. When I checked it, the steel wool had gone the colour of the copper, & when K pulled the piece you couldn't see the solder @ all.!The strangeness of the timing is I had just read this tip earlier in the week.We wrote down goals we had for ourselves this class so K could be ready for our questions/needs. I also helped someone make some earrings for a quick gift. She hadn't made head pins or done any wire wrapping before, so I helped out a little.
One of my goals was to finish the 2 rings I started @ the end of our Spring class. I also want to try more enameling, maybe even some headpins.
Tomorrow I'll have pictures of my fabulous beads from juls.

JULS needs your help & a giveaway

2010-09-14T22:35:00.001-05:00

Juls @ http://julsbeads.blogspot.com/ needs your help! She has to raise approx. $500.00 for her darling little pup's medical needs.She has several special deals going right now so head on over to shop for a good cause. She is also accepting donations. Seriously, who could say no to that face?!

On a lighter note, the lampwork diva is having a giveaway to celebrate 5 years of blogging (wow) so head over to http://lampworkdiva.blogspot.com/ & enter for a chance to win

We Have Winners!

2010-09-06T12:29:00.000-05:00

Maddie has picked two winners~ #2 & 3#. So Francy send me your mailing info so I can get your goodie box out to you. If you are as local as I think you are, we can also arrange a pick up. Cindy, I have your info. Expect a package soon! Congratulations Chix!

Bad List

2010-09-04T20:38:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure just when my niece wrote this, so I can't know just what it was her brother & I did. But as you can see, it's official, we made the 'bad list', (she's 7). If you can't read it it says "Boot C and Logan ure in my bad list" . If you click on the picture it will enlarge & you can see it a little better.

End of An Era

2010-09-03T14:42:00.001-05:00

I've just heard from my sister & sister in law by text message & phone call that our drive~in has burnt to the ground. The wooden screen structure was not insured(wood= uninsurable) & will probably not be rebuilt. Such sad news.

Bead Swap 2

2010-09-02T13:05:00.000-05:00

Once I joined the Bead Soup group there was no turning back! I've participated in both Soups & both swaps. Swaps don't have any pressure( you know, besides making sure you send good stuff!), just send a little stash & ~~hoard~~ enjoy. This time around I was partnered w/ Sue, http://suebeads.blogspot.com, who does AMAZING glass & enameled beads. She showered me w/ assorted handmade goodies & then, as if that weren't enough,sent along some beautiful gemstone & plastic goodies . She also sent some really great coins ( how did she know?) & tied the box up w/ fabulous sari string. A big Thank You to Sue, stop by her blog, or her store http://suebeads.etsy.com you'll be oh so tempted!

this is a picture of the beads I sent to Sue
If you're reading this, please take a minute to sign up for the Blogiversery giveaway on the post below. I'll be putting 2 boxes of goodies together much like this one & choosing a pair of winners on September 6th.

Happy September & Giveaway!

2010-09-01T13:42:00.000-05:00

I know I know, you thought I had surely melted away given my last post & no real entries for July & August.
I'm still here & trying to start my one year blogging month w/ better intentions. First the giveaway~ on September the 6th,the one year 'bloggiversery' I am drawing for a name. The giveaway is inspired by the bead swap Lori Anderson has done & will be a box filled w/ beady goodness.Some pairs, some batches, who knows what all I'll put in there? There is a good chance I could even put in some mixed media items. Please leave a comment on this post don't forget I will need to contact you if your name is drawn(sounds simple but I did have someone win w/o leaving contact info for the charm day giveaway I did). I will probably choose 2 winners so both my niece & my nephew can pick a number. I am low tech over here, friends!What kind of comment do I want? Well,..... you could tell me what kinds of beads you hope you win, based on all my bead show stash posts, you could tell me what you like about any of my posts, you could tell me about a great site I need to visit, a studio organizing tip that worked for you or you could even give me a great chocolate recipe!Talk to me & good luck :)

The photo? That was a pair of crossed bones under the gel cling skull. When I came home a few days ago they had MELTED! :O

Hot Hot Hot

2010-08-14T21:25:00.000-05:00

Today the thermometer on my front porch read 114 @ 6:00.

Additional Photos

2010-06-30T00:16:00.000-05:00

Here are the photos I couldn't download earlier.The rewired focal on a handmade paddle.The swap beads w/ the pearls & chain I added,(not sure where my green pearls I added are...?) & 2 more shots of the necklace. The large bead hanging from the toggle is part of the original focal, in keeping w/ the spirit of the swap I made it into a second focal.

Finished Necklace

2010-06-29T17:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am having more problems than I thought & only 1 picture came through the download process, :(. I am only posting the finished necklace in this post.

Bead Swap for My So Called Junky Life

2010-06-29T17:53:00.000-05:00

Today is the reveal for My So Called Junky Life's bead swap.. I was paired w/ Julie of Legacy of Love Artistic Crafts. We sent our partner 20 beads & a focal. Let me tell you trying to stay close to only 20 beads was tough! I got some beautiful beads in all my favourite colours w/ a twist, instead of the chunky gemstones I usually work in, these were faceted glass beads, some w/ an AB finish. I added a few pearls in the same colours, a copper toggle & some copper chain. I reworked the focal that Julie had made since I used copper instead of silver. I really enjoyed working w/ the glass beads & I am REALLY digging the faceted rondelles. Thanks Julie, I hope I did your offering proud, & a big Thank You to Sarah for putting it together. Once again I can't post direct links,I'm sorry for the inconvenience

Last of the Bead Show Goodies

2010-06-24T21:51:00.003-05:00

What w/ the Poor Beader's post & then Bead Soup Reveal I never did show all the loot from the bead show. I will use some Black Max on the copper beads to give them a little more depth. I am fascinated by this red bead. I have been seeing them for the last year or so, & even tho' I KNOW they are hard glass I still expect them to feel like red velvet! The third shot is a mix of this & that, more red glass, some stabilized turquoise & assorted stones. I got these two strands of green just to be a little different. I have lots of green stone in chunky nuggets, but these spoke to me & the price was right. The last shot is all the pearls I bought from all the different stalls together. I fell in love w/ pearls when I got some in the first bead soup. Now I have a little stash of my own built up. I let you know how that works out!

BIG giveaway!

2010-06-21T09:38:00.001-05:00

head on over to Bling It On, http://deniseyezbakmoore.blogspot.com for a fabulous, Bead Soup inspired giveaway, you do NOT want to miss this one!

Blue Soup

2010-06-20T19:49:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone, welcome to my soup! Filomena of Pink Velvet Bird is my partner. She makes these cute floral pins & sent me one in blue for my focal. She also sent pearls, squares,faceted beqads in various blues, a pretty hammered silver toggle & some cording. Now for me this was almost a triple challenge; blue,cording & a fiber focal. As Lori has pointed out, this is a chance to stretch your creativity, break out of your (self imposed) comfort zone.
At the first of the month I saw a necklace on Fanciful Devices that remeinded me of the mix Filomena sent. I used this necklace as a starting point for my inspiration, (in a very loose, round about sort of way). I wanted to use the cording so I added two chains,one on each side. When I went to the bead show I got two add'tl beads, a larger silver pearl & a small dark blue crystal. I only used a few of these, Filomena had sent LOTS of beads, I just wanted to add to my options.I started w/ the three large blue crystals on one end & a few of the bigger pearlson the large chain. I did a 'cha cha' style mass of beads on the other end on the small chain. I wire wrapped the cording & made loops on each end so I could attach it to the clasp. The flower is a pin & it is pinned to the cord. I hope you enjoy my blue soup!

Bead Soup Delay

2010-06-20T08:42:00.003-05:00

I was hit w/ a bug this week that took me out for a couple of days. When I could get back up & around I had to concentrate on the 2 day show I am doing this weekend. I'm there now, I have my soup w/me & I hope to have it finished & posted this evening, after 7:00 central.I'm very sorry for the delay.

Poor Beader's Post

2010-06-19T19:46:00.003-05:00

This bracelet is one of a pair I made in 2007. My best friend of 30 + years came to visit & we pulled charms & trinkets, drilled some holes & I strung everything.This quickly became a go~to bracelet, I usually wear it @ least once a week. This is one of my most treasured pieces. Last year, when it was time for a long over due visit, T died the morning of the day she was due. I'm so glad we made these together.
I'm new to blogging & the picture taking that goes w/ it. I just have a basic point & shoot digital but I have found that the micro setting combined w/ the text setting( if you have it) can do a nice job of taking up close & personal shots of my work. I also am always on the lookout for a good background. I remembered a couple of wallpaper books I had tucked away & I have found some really great backgrounds. Some of the pages have great textures in a range of colours from light to dark.

Gem Faire 3

2010-06-17T10:40:00.004-05:00

New flower jade & some pearls. I bought similar jade from somewhere else & thought these would be good w/ what I had.The big pearls may be used in my bead soup,(yes I know, I should have it done by now!)I just wanted to have them in case I needed them. The second photo has some chunky green stones(we all know I can't resist those!) & more little colourful glass beads. I make & sell a lot of anklets & these felt like summer to me.

Gem Faire Goodies 2

2010-06-16T16:16:00.003-05:00

Here are today's goodies. A beautiful Opalite Donut, some matte green glass beads & some happy little floral beads. I see anklets out of these.

Gem Faire Goodies 1

2010-06-15T10:13:00.004-05:00

I will show goodies by booth. I thought these metal beads were something I could use in a lot of ways. The small bumpy beads are small spacers/caps.I am going to try using my Black Max on these to see how they patina. I couldn't resist the cherries, I almost have an idea for them, maybe as a 'hang bead' on my etsy items? Yes, I am working on an esty store, details coming soon!

Tulsa Gem Faire

2010-06-14T12:16:00.003-05:00

Last weekend was the summer bead show here in Tulsa. I will be posting over the week on all my goodies. I went twice. On Friday I went 1/2 hour after it opened. It was so crowded you really couldn't do much shopping. Any tables w/ good deals were 3~4 deep & you couldn't get close enough to shop.The aisles were also full of groups of friends visiting(come on chix, go to the empty part of the show to visit, see that other 1/2 that isn't full of people trying to get around your group?) I had the kids w/ me,(I keep them on Fridays when they don't have camp)so we were only part of the crowd problem, not a solution! I went back on Sunday about 20 minutes after they opened. What a difference! I had a good idea of the layout from my previous visit & walked around the show one time to be sure of where I wanted to buy.I shopped for about an hour & was done as it was getting crowded again. First shot, all the purchases in their bags

more bracelet shots

2010-06-07T21:47:00.004-05:00

just a few more...

Bracelet Photos

2010-06-07T21:28:00.004-05:00

Here they are,as promised.All the bracelets have the same copper medallion & ribbon bead on the left & @ the end of the right side, after that they were all different from each other

Avon Walk, Day 1

2010-06-05T14:57:00.002-05:00

I just got an update on the walk, my aunt walked 13.1 miles today. They have stopped for the day & will finish tomorrow. I couldn't be more proudof her. As for the bracelets, they all fit & were well received.

Bon Voyage, Chicago Bracelets

2010-06-02T23:14:00.002-05:00

The bracelets are finished & have been delivered to my aunt. She flies to Chicago tomorrow& the walk is Saturday & Sunday. My Aunt met her goal of raising $ 1800.00 Pictures will follow this weekend!

Chicago Bracelets

2010-05-31T14:52:00.003-05:00

I'm using this weekend to finish the bracelets for my aunt to take to Chicago. She is walking in the Avon Walk to raise awareness & $$ for breast cancer. I'm taking lots of pictures during the process & will post them when I'm done.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend!

Giveaway

2010-05-27T11:11:00.004-05:00

vintiquitiesworkshop is having a giveaway to celebrate 100 posts.Head on over if you like vintage papers & other goodies!

Bead Soup & A Bead Swap

2010-05-25T15:58:00.005-05:00

I got my beads from Filomena @ Pink Velvet Bird. She sent lots of pretty blues, some cording & a great flower pin she makes for the focal.She also sent some tea, a magnet( I love magnets, you can barely see my fridge!)some cool earwires, a bracelet wire, embroidery floss & a great little metal box(another weakness!).Now I have a small confession, I don't usually work w/ much blue, but I think this is a good way to step out of my comfort zone. I am going to use this a an opportunity to step up my game. In a funny coincidence, I also sent blue to Filomena! I won't say any more about that because hers are still on the way.... ;)
There is another Bead Swap going on @ 'MySoCalledJunkyLife' blogspot, (sorry I am having trouble posting links today)There aren't many sign-ups yet, so if you are interested, check it out.

Monday Shots

2010-05-17T23:26:00.003-05:00

Today's shot of my henna is SO different than last night's! The colour has deepened & the design is defined much better.
As a little bonus, I am showing you my latest attempt to simplify & organize the bead table. Old glass flower frogs to hold my head pins. The smaller,deeper frog is the better of the 2. The larger frog is good for larger quantities though, so I use them both. The holes do go all the way through, so I have a coaster under the small frog & a small plate under the bigger frog.

Henna Tattoo

2010-05-16T19:08:00.003-05:00

I got a henna tattoo @ the festival today. This is a shot of it right after it was done. I'll post more as it ages.

Blog Mention

2010-05-15T08:43:00.003-05:00

I just got an email that told me I was a featured blog. The site is http://makingjewelrysupplies.com . I'm not sure just what it means but there you are. On a weather note, it was miserable until about 1:00 when it finally stopped raining. There was actually foot traffic by the afternoon & a few customers! Today it is cool,60 degrees, but NOT raining! yay! As always, support your local artists & festivals, :)

Blue Dome is tomorrow!

2010-05-13T21:57:00.003-05:00

Blue Dome Arts festival starts tomorrow. I am almost through packing the car & then I'll be ready. I did sneak a tiny bit of time this week for a couple of more skulls, so I wanted to share them. Yes, you see more skulls in the background, a small corked jar pendant, & a new bic lighter. My beadroom is decorated primarily in Day of the Dead accents.
Think dry thoughts for me, the weather forecasts call for lots of rains & storms.Happy Weekend!

Friday Misc

2010-05-07T17:33:00.005-05:00

Today's post is a little scattered. A Friday portrait, a class project & a new idea.
The ring is a gift for my niece, it is small, size 4, so it was a little more difficult bending it than I thought it would be. The stone is one she picked out @ the March bead show. It is some kind of quartz & no matter how I try, I can't get the pink in it to show in a photo. The skulls are howlite I ordered on ebay & in addition to using them plain, I wanted to use fine tipped sharpies to turn some into day of the dead skulls. This was my first try w/fairly new regular tipped markers. I think I will have fun w/ these. I plan on using them for a friend's shrine. This June will be the 1st year anniversary of her stepping on a rainbow & I want to have a shrine ready for Dia De Los Muertos.

Bead Soup 2

2010-05-06T11:31:00.004-05:00

Lori is at it again, she's hosting another Bead Soup. You still have time to sign up, deadline is May 7. http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/ Head on over & join the fun!

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-05T12:32:00.001-05:00

More Winners

2010-04-30T13:11:00.005-05:00

Jennifer has chosen the black dangles. I have drawn the other winners & they are...
#9 Crystal, she chose the pentacle~I don't have a way to get in touch w/ you crystal!
#3 Kimber, green dangles( & #3 comment was #3 winner!)
#8 Elizabeth gets the hearts.
Thanks again for stopping by,
Boot~C

Winner #1

2010-04-30T11:42:00.003-05:00

Congratulations Jennifer~commentor #5. You are the first winner drawn. When I hear back from her about which charm she wants, I will draw the second winner & post those results. Thanks again for playing!

International Charm Day is Here!

2010-04-28T13:39:00.006-05:00

Charm bracelets.... as a child I envied my Mama Jayne's. I loved the sound, & all the tiny little treasures.I wanted one of my own, but only got the costume jewelry ones, you know the ones, they always had a ballerina in the middle whose head was a pearl.It never ended well w/ those. I always managed to twist the head off making her twirl. In my 20's I shopped a local flea market that had booth w/ coins & silver charms. Cigar boxes full of charms from gutted bracelets of yesterday. I still didn't have my bracelet though, so the charms stayed in the cigar boxes. Finally one Christmas I got my bracelet! Suddenly everyone I knew was going someplace where they would bring me back charms. I even got several doubles from 2 different European travelers. I went crazy @ the flea market. Soon my bracelet was full, overloaded even. I found another chain & restrung my single bracelet into 2. I did it right ,sterling split rings & a sort of organization between them, (romance & travel, in case you were wondering).I think because I wanted a charm bracelet for so long, I make them. Years ago, after a reunion w/ a friend I hadn't seen in too long, bracelets were made to observe the occasion. I made charms for both of us,not always matching but complimentary, & strung them w/ a beaded bracelet. I continue to make bracelets like this, as well as the more traditional charm from chain style

I have made 4 charms for giveaways. A gemstone pentacle, hearts,green dangles & black dangles. Please indicate your choice in the order you desire them. I will pick four winners from the comments~first chosen will get their first choice, second will get their choice(as available) & so on.I will pick the winner Friday morning. If you mention this giveaway on your blog I will enter you a second time. Good Luck & thanks for reading!

International Charm Day

2010-04-26T14:24:00.003-05:00

It's coming~ International Charm Day April 28th!

head over to read all about it http://internationalcharmday.blogspot.com & sign up.

I am working on several charms & will have give aways

Back Among the Living

2010-04-19T10:12:00.004-05:00

Yes, I'm still alive! It was a busy time getting ready for the Herbal Affair & I neglected my blog during the prep time. The push I needed to get back today was a giveaway. As much as I hate to let everyone in on it, Lorelei is having a giveaway ! She has tried out some new techniques & is letting go of some of her first born, so to speak. just head to her blog,http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com/ & enter to win.

The show got off to a strong start, I was really busy in the morning, but by 12:30/1:00 it was raining enough to really thin out the crowd. There were times it was flat out raining, & times it was just a drizzling mist. It got colder & colder & a lot of the crowd went home early. I did have sales through the afternoon, just not nearly as busy as the morning. My 9 yr old nephew was my morning helper, he was great, @ the ready w/ bags for the purchases & eager to make runs for snacks. My 6 yr old niece was the second shift. This was not her first rodeo, she has a few shows under her belt & can break down a booth & pack the car w/ the best of them!

I'll post jewelry class news tomorrow, I need to take some pictures.

March Bead Show

2010-03-26T10:24:00.003-05:00

Last weekend we had a bead show here in Tulsa.We usually only get 2 a year, Summer & Fall, this is only the second time this one has been here in the Spring.It was a small show,attendance wasn't helped by our 'First day of Spring snowstorm', but I found a few things.

My niece & I had planned to go on Saturday, but we let the weather dictate & we waited until Sunday. The crowds were small so shopping was easy. I was on the hunt for some pearls since I really enjoyed working w/ the brown pearls I got in the Bead Soup Swap. I was also looking for something small & chunky/chippy to string some of my nests into necklaces I also wanted something red to string w/ my turquoise. I think I found some real gems(sorry, I really tried to resist!)In addition to stringing supplies I was on the lookout for stones to set in a ring

I've posted some pictures , & after looking at all of them together I just have to ask myself, "Is it a defined palate or a rut?"

Bead Swap

2010-03-22T17:53:00.003-05:00

After the great Bead Soup exchange, some of us signed up for a bead swap,not as large & no real rules,just get a partner & send them some beads.This was a whole different kind of fun! We did have some parameters, fill an old fashioned matchbox(large/kitchen sized) w/ a variety of beads & send them to your partner. No 'junk' beads, "stash not trash" as Lori put it! I gathered an assortment of gemstone nuggets, added a couple of Cindy Grimbrone lampwork beads & bought a while back , let go of some of my treasured snake vertebra, & polished up some horn beads. My original plan called for making little origami boxes to fit inside the matchbox, but that didn't pan out.Too much box & not enough bead As I started to cover the matchbox I realized I could just make one out of cardstock as easily. I fashioned some dividers to make little compartments & I was set.

My swap partner was Cathryn of Chile Cats blog in New Mexico. She sent a great mix, including findings, really nice polymer beads & some beautiful large gemstones that I cannot wait to figure out how to use!

Pictures for the previous post

2010-03-21T23:05:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures I meant to put w/ the previous post. Sadly it has been SO LONG since I posted, I forgot how to add the pictures! I thought the burlap bottle bag was a natural for earrings, but I thought the earrings were a little lost. I had several props to use & I thought the bottles worked a little better. The copper paddle pins are some I made in class. I really like how they turned out,just a simple loop that crosses itself.The turquoise bracelets are on a small birch log that is part of a display rack. I think it is a pretty decent shot for a simple point & shoot.The next group of bracelets are part of my "Everyday JuJu" group.These have old trade beads,bone beads,glass,horn, & gemstones, a real eclectic mix,( two of these are mine, & I wear them several times a week).The copper elements are the beginning of the team bracelets. I'll show more as they progress.

Since I am so behind in my postings I will post more tomorrow & tell you all about the bead swap from the beginning of March & yesterday's bead show.

The Big Round~Up

2010-03-21T22:48:00.002-05:00

I know, it's been way too long since I posted! It was a busy last few weeks. I went on several job interviews,took photos for an application to a local show, worked on new jewelry for class & this past week had my niece & nephews for Spring Break. To answer any questions that might have come to mind from all those happenings, yes I got one that starts in the Fall, yes I got in( now I really have to get busy!) ,I finished a few projects & started some others & we had a blast! In addition to the show in April I have also agreed to do a show in May in downtown Tulsa that runs concurrent w/ a big($$$) art festival. Busy times.

Since this blog has focused on my jewelry class I'll recap what I've been doing the past few weeks. I made a second cross for my oldest nephew( he really liked the one I made for his brother), riveted a charm I started in last year's class & started team bracelets for an Avon Breast Cancer Walk in Chicago this summer.

I've posted some pictures, enjoy....

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T12:01:00.000-06:00

Bead Soup Members

2010-02-09T21:31:00.002-06:00

It's here, it's here, no, not the Ice Cream Man, but Bead Soup! You all know the premise~, sign up, receive a partner, send a mix, make a masterpiece. I was partnered w/ Kate Clawson, (#46 on the list) an artist who works in polymer clay. Kate sent a beautiful focal she made along w/chinese turquoise,copper chain & beads, & brown pearls just to name some of the goodies. I let this soup simmer a long time, there were several variations as I moved this & rearranged that. I decided on a double wrap necklace using the chain as a choker. I used Black Max to darken the copper pieces,added some carnelian & turquoises of my own & started working in earnest. I originally thought I would use links for one of the turquoises,but decided against that in favour of shorter stringing. I had some of the same chinese turquoise Kate had sent, so I added mine & used that as spacers in the different sections. I used some old twist beads for the back section. In theory this can be a long necklace, but I wanted something that would lie flat against the back of my neck. I made some earrings so I would have a 'set'. I'll debut this tomorrow night @ jewelry class
I want to thank Lori again, this was a really fun chance to break out & meet new people, work w/ some different elements I look forward to my next swap. Now I'm off to read a few blogs!
Party Participants
1. Lori, Pretty Things and the link to the party is in my sidebar
2. Mallory, For the Love of Beads
3. Terri, Blooming Ideas...You Are Here
4. Cindy, Sweet Bead Studio
5. Lorelei, Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
6. Kerry, Kabs Creative Concepts
7. Erin, Treasures Found
8. Jeannette, Jeannette Blix Wire and Metal Jewelry
9. Adrienne, Adrienne Designs
10. Nan, Spirit Rattles
11. Laurel, Rue's Daftique
12. Nancy, Beading From the Heart
13. Mary, MK's Creative Musings
14. Cassie, The Glass Beadle
15. Dot, Winchell Clayworks
16. Sharon, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
17. Lisa, Lo and Behold
18. Norma, Bead Dreams and Moonlit Fantaseas
19. Judith, Judith B.
20. Debbie, Prairie Emporium
21. Maria, Garden Path Beads
22. Susan, Kaplan Creations Jewelry and Glass Design
23. Melissa, Melissa Meman: Art, Love, Life
24. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things
25. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa
26. Cristi, 2 If By Sea
27. Sandra, Marbella Jewelry Design
28. Maria, Greene Earth Originals
29. Barbara, Jewelry of Distinction
30. Leslie, Bei Mondi
31. Loretta, Designs by Loretta
32. Linda, Bella Bead Jewelry
33. Kathie, The Bead Cult
34. Patty, Plays With Fire
35. Nicki, Nicki's Reef
36. Anne Marie, Heart's Desire
37. Mary, Mary Harding Jewelry
38. Jayne, mamasgottodoodle~you are here!
39. Emanda, Artemesia's Studio
40. Whitney, Whitney Lassini
41. Marcie, La Bella Joya
42. Suzann, Beadphoria
43. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks
44. Julie, Credit River Art Glass
45. Janiece, J Birds Garden
46. Kate, Organic Odysseys
47. Laurie, The Mermaid Tale
48. Michelle, My Crazy Crafty Adventure
49. Sue, Sue Beads
50. Janeen, Janeen 365
51. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse
52. Kristie, Artisan Clay
53. Regina, Regina's Writings
54. Tari, Pearl and Pebble
55. Lyn, Lyn Foley
56. Beth, Sunshine Daydreamz
57. Cathryn, Chile Cats
58. Emma, Fred Bean's Nook
59. Connie, Cetta Cheese Chatter
60. Juli, Jul's Beads
61. Julie, RockerJewlz
62. Libby, LibbyLeu and Glass Too
63. Melanie, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
64. Katie, My Life and My Beads
65. Zuleykha, Zuleykha's Polymer Clay
66. Rekella, Me But a Little More in Depth
67. Ricki, What's New at Ricki Voges Design
68. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio
69. Jo, Daisychain Jewellery
70. Lynette, Rock Hill Designs
71. Lynne, Island Girl's Insights
72. Chas, One Woman's Haven
73. Chas, One Woman's Haven
74. Ruthie, Rose Works Jewelry
75. Elizabeth, Turquoise Sky
76. Maire, Maire Dodd
77. Janet, Singing Woods
78. Eileen, Dorset Hill Beads
79. Julie, Miss Kitten's Jewels
80. Joann, Jo's Jewels
81. Patti, PJ Clark Designs
82. Mel, Kookie Designs
83. Erin, Every Heart Crafts
84. Dale, Flights of Fancy
85. Dee, Runako Designs

Lucky Valentine

2010-02-09T21:02:00.000-06:00

I just got word I won a gift basket from Tulsa Food Blog! There are lots of goodies, including a certificate for two people to attend a cooking class @ a local cooking supply store & a gift certificate to Shogun's Restaurant. We had to tell our Valentine's plans to enter. My plans are simple, I am watching my 14 yr nephew when his parents come to town for dinner & an overnight date. Since I was going to have him, I volunteered to take my youngest nephew & niece as well. We have reservations for PF Chang's & then movie night & a slumber party here. We all love chinese, & my oldest nephew has been wanting to go to PF Changs so it will be a fun night.
I am working on my photos of my Bead Soup. I don't love the pictures yet, necklaces are just so much bigger than a bracelet! See you tomorrow for the big reveal:)

Bead Soup Is Almost Here!

2010-02-08T21:35:00.000-06:00

Tonight I finished my necklace for Bead Soup. It is a different style than I usually make.I'm wearing it now, I think I like it! Reveal is Wednesday the 10th, see you then!

Sweets Update & Show

2010-02-04T22:06:00.000-06:00

Well the heart bracelets were such a success they were a distraction in class,taken away & put in the 'May Basket'(maybe you will get it back ,maybe not @ the end of the year, in May). I didn't go to jewelry class tonight. I took a tumble a few days ago & was pretty stiff & sore. I'm not hurt badly, just enough to be a little banged up, a few bruises & moving slowly. I used the time to finish getting ready for the craft show I am doing @ my niece & nephew's school. Honestly, I'm not sure I really expect to do big business, but it never hurts to get your work out there. I've been working on simple collaged heart shaped boxes along w/ some heart themed jewelry for this show. I'll post again on Sunday, & maybe I'll even tease you w/ a small sneak peek @ my Bead Soup. Don't forget the big reveal is Wednesday the 10th!

Sunday Sweets

2010-01-31T14:31:00.000-06:00

You may remember I won some beads a few weeks ago from Earthenwood Studios. My six yr old niece loved them in the picture when I entered the giveaway & I promised to make her something if I won. I finished the bracelets I made & I wanted to share them before I gave them to her. I made a pair of tiny little bracelets, one for her & one for one of her best friends. These are small, not quite 5 inches. I used my niece's 'bead mix' on her tray,(yes, she has her own mix & tray for her to work from when she is over) which consists of a lot of stone twist beads,(remember those?!)seed beads,tiny pearls & the plastic chunky pink beads she bought @ this summer's bead show here in Tulsa.It was all I could do to drag her away from the crystals strung on silk w/ tassels @ that show, she was in L~O~V~E! Have a beady Sunday.

Snowy Saturday

2010-01-30T10:50:00.000-06:00

I'm 'snowed in' but as much by choice as anything. The roads have a layer of ice under all that pretty snow & I'm well stocked up on essentials, so why not just stay in? I'm using this time to finish getting ready for next week's show. I have a couple of new booth display pieces, & I'm going to use heart shaped cards for earrings. Bead Soup unveiling is 4 days after that, so I have plenty to work on! Don't forget, Bead Soup Party group on flickr has lots of pictures now, & will be a great single place to see all the pieces together.
I'm leaving you w/ a shot taken from my front door yesterday afternoon. It was about 4:30 & snow was still falling.

Snow Days?

2010-01-27T12:01:00.000-06:00

Here in Oklahoma we are preparing for big weather tomorrow.Rain turning to sleet & ice tomorrow followed by snow. I can deal w/ being snowed in, but I do hope the power stays on,dealing w/ the whole fridge full of food thing & all. I can bead fairly well w/o power since my beading table has good north light, but it will make for early nights if it does come to that. I can even cook on the gas grill outside if I need to.
On the bead soup front, I'm still moving beads around, haven't committed to a design yet. I have one in mind & even had a little breakthrough last night. Updates soon!

Sneak Peek

2010-01-24T13:55:00.000-06:00

I'm working w/ my bead soup mix & while I have a couple of ideas I am torn between, I did make a quick pr of earrings. I don't think this is breaking any rules to show them, so here they are!

Bead Soup Arrives!

2010-01-23T10:12:00.000-06:00

I got my beads today, WOW! Kate's polymer focal is really fabulous. She also included a copper wire bead, square copper toggle & some really nice green stone beads,I think I actually have these same beads :).She included lots of other beads too. The packaging was fun, a handmade envelope, stitched from magazine/catalog pages,very cool. Before the beads got here I had thought I would end up making a bracelet,(my jewelry of choice) but now I am going w/ a necklace. I've already started moving them around on a tray. Now I'm off to post some photos on the Bead Soup Group page on flickr. Have a beady saturday!

Giveaway

2010-01-22T20:09:00.000-06:00

Stephanie @ www.soigathered.typepad.com is having a fabulous giveaway. You can win her wonderful copper/enameled house, shown here. Head over & throw your name in the hat!

Class Session 1

2010-01-21T20:52:00.000-06:00

Metalsmithing class made & met tonight.Three of us from the previous class & 3tonight,5 in total from previous advanced classes. We didn't have any special assignment for the evening, we ordered supplies from Rio Grande & went through some new jewelry books someone had brought in to share.I ordered 2 different widths of flat wire for rings. I still have a small sheet of silver so I'll wait until I have a specific need to order more.I'm not going into class w/ any hard & fast ideas about what I want to make yet, I'll focus on techniques again & see what develops. 'Teach' brought up a few things we'll be looking into & enameling was one of them, yay! He also said he could help me make bowls from the rounds I got in my collage package of scrap metals last class. All in all a good first class.
On another note I got a sneak preview of my Bead Soup items.Funny thing, we sent almost identical colour schemes! The main difference being copper vs. silver. The irony of that is, of course, I had chosen copper first, but switched to silver when I went w/ a second swap grouping(see Bead Soup Confessions for the tawdry story!). I guess the sneak peek means it is on the way & should be here any time now. If you haven't heard, there is a flickr group for the all the Bead Soup participants to show their works.

Bead Soup Confessions

2010-01-19T22:08:00.000-06:00

I admit it, I have a confession to make about my Bead Soup Swap. When I was putting together a mix of beads, I liked it so much I had to keep it for myself! I don't ususally use a 'focal' bead so when I put together my mix I was trying some different combinations from my usual style.Now don't get me wrong, I had very comparable beads to swap, (an even better clasp truth be told)the main difference was from copper metals to silver. Now I am moving beads & pieces around trying to decide just what I am going to do w/ this grouping. I am planning to mix chain & stringing, maybe even some wire links added in. I want to step out of my confines w/ this piece. I've seen some really inspiring pieces during my daily blog readings & I want to try my wings a little,push myself for more.
On another note, I got a call about my metalsmithing class. The class may not 'make' w/ enough students. I'll know more on Thursday, which is the first night of class. If class doens't make, I may just rent studio time to keep my hand in @ using the torch. I'm not set up here @ home yet, & I don't want to rush into that while I am working on so many other things. I bought the rest of the supplies I need to start soldering glass charms yesterday & I'm getting my soldering tray ready. Pictures coming soon!

Saturday Seconds

2010-01-16T15:32:00.001-06:00

I'm 1/2 way through my 'to~do' list for the day. Basketball game,check(we won) & photos? Well I have the tent set up(maybe a 30 inch square was a bit large, I'm thinking 16 inches would have sufficed!) & I have taken a couple of test shots. These are the beads I won last weekend on www.earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com . In addition to the string of beads & sweet little hearts, I got one of her fabulous pendants. Is it wrong to be even more excited about that? So here it is, a shot of my winnings,first one out of the tent.

Basketball & Light Tents

2010-01-16T09:35:00.000-06:00

Today's to~do list is pretty short. I am going to go watch my 9 yr old nephew's basketball game & then I am going to try out my new light tent. The tent came this week & I haven't cleared a space to set it up yet. I rarely have a clear tabletop & this tent is pretty good sized.It came w/ 2 lights, but I will still be working w/o a tripod,baby steps.I forgot to take photos of any earrings 2 weeks ago so those are first on the list. I am still working out just how I am going to hang them for the shot. I really like earrings best when they are hanging. I'm going to go through my inspiration pictures & see what strikes me. I already want to try using a big spindle of natural coloured string. I've also seen bottles used effectively. & Lord knows I have PLENTY of bottle! Happy Saturday, hope yours is as productive as you want it to be~

It's Not Too Late!

2010-01-15T23:58:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder,KC Willis' Marketing Mindset Workshop hasn't started yet, you still have time to sign up. Just reading the forums & exchanging comments w/ the people already signed up has been informational & inspiring. I can hardly wait to begin.

Tuesday Tidbits

2010-01-12T08:34:00.000-06:00

I have my partner for the Bead Soup swap, Kate Clawson. Her blog is http://organicodysseys.blogspot.com Through that link you can also find her shop.After seeing her work I am sticking w/ my original grouping of beads. I could agonise(some more)but I've been messing w/ them since the announcement was made & it's time to let them go.
On another note I have downloaded some photos of jewelryto my flickr account. I'm still figuring it all out @ once, photos, downloading, & manipulating this blog's layout.Until I can get this layout just right, you can see some of my work there. I can be found by going to flickr & searching people for Boot~C. Oddly enough there is another Boot~C but w/ a small 'c', that isn't me!
Now I'm off to the post office to mail Kate's beads.Hope it's warming up where you are, who would have thought 35 would be considered 'warming up'?

Bead Soup

2010-01-10T09:20:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder, today it the last day to sign up for the Bead Soup party over @ Pretty Things. You have until midnight eastern time.

Bead Soup

2010-01-02T23:19:00.000-06:00

I have decided to break out of my comfort zone & enter a swap. Since growth is my word for the year I really think this is a perfect way to get started. It is so easy to sit back, read blogs & admire work thinking ' I could have done that' or ' I would have done that so much differently', well you get the picture. www.lorianderson.blogspot.com of pretty things blog is throwing the party. You gather a focal, some coordinating beads or spacers & an interesting clasp(of the non~lobster variety). If this sounds like fun, head on over & sign up!
On another note, KC Willis is having a giveaway on her blog www.kcwillis.blogspot.com Please head over to see her fabulous angel. She teaches classes online, (how easy) in her techniques & even marketing. Her upcoming schedule is listed for you to drool over, & yes even choose one! Enjoy your growth this year, Boot~C

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T10:27:00.001-06:00

2010's Word

2009-12-31T16:44:00.000-06:00

I have read on a few blogs about picking a word for the coming new year. I am going to go w/ "Growth". I hope everyone has a safe & happy New Year's tonight. Goodbye 2009....

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T09:57:00.000-06:00

..." may your day be the bowl of cherry~est, & to you the merriest!.."

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-12-18T00:33:00.000-06:00

I have started my birthday @ midnight as is my custom. I am drinking champagne & going down memory lane on youtube w/ much loved music videos. Madame Butterfly started it all off, followed by.... well too many to name & I was a 'punk' back in the day, so many of my faves would be a mystery to many of you. Suffice it to say I have varied tastes & am indulging them tonight!Hope w/ only 1 week til Christmas everyone is where they want to b e in preparations

OPHA Yule Fair

2009-12-14T18:46:00.000-06:00

The show is over, packed up & still in the car. I had a good time, it was interesting & the drum circle hours(w/ belly dancing) were really fun. Saturday was deadly slow, my only two sales were people I know,(Thanks SIL & Laura!)but I made tons of nests. I have also started making nest earrings & got 5 prs of those.Sunday had lots more traffic & I had sales slow & steady through out the day. I didn't make much money when it was all said & done, but I think I may have made a few new friends in beading.I went to a workshop on angel messages & had a reading(visitaion, consultation? I'm not sure of the term?)that was interesting. I hope I don't have a move coming(packing the bead room is the stuff of nightmares!)but the other advice was very insightful/ helpful. The organizer was impressed w/ my work & gave me info on the next show.I do plan on doing more OPHA gatherings in the summer & fall that are established & better attended. I was happy w/ my table set~up. The tablecloth from hell didn't lie flat & the skirt was bigger than I needed for my 6 ft table but it still looked good. I had rented a(I thought) 6 foot long table & made the table cloth accordingly.When the tables got there they were EIGHT feet long, no way was the tabletop piece going to fit. I was able to switch out my 8 ft table for a 6 ft planned for the silent auction & go on from there.I really liked the way the branches showed off the work, but I did have some problems w/ people walking into to talk to the reader next to me. I'm also not sure how well it will work outside here in Oklahoma w/ our wind that 'comes whistling down the plains'!It is an ever changing,evolving thing I guess. Today I did some last of the list shopping for me & some personal shopping for my SIL. I only have 2 gift cards to get for my oldest nephews~ boys love their Sonic* $$ (*local burger drive in w/ car hops for those of you not in the 'Sonic Loop')& it does make a good stoccking stuffer. Tomorrwo is the big shopping trip to Sam's to get supplies for upcoming do's.Baking day, middle nephew's & my B~day dinner this weekend & next week's Christmas Eve appetizer dinner. You should see the lists! Hope everyone's days are going smoothly & plans are falling into place.