Gypsy's Ramblings

The dolls are rolling in and out again

2011-11-04T09:14:00.005-04:00

It is so interesting to me how some beaded dolls sit there and refuse to give you a clue as to what they want, and others just jump into your stash of beads and fling what they want at you!

I know this is figuratively, but really-some you can just stare at for weeks, then you pick what YOU want to put on, but don't really know if you are happy with what you have done, or not.

Others seem to whisper into your intuitive ear, and the design flows.

Aline's Persphy, a felt doll, had that wondrous flow. She came with her grape leaves about her face, but they were a bit floppy. Folks at the retreat enjoyed seeing her, but were hesitant to hold her with the loose beads. Sherry noticed her face cabbing was loose, and then the face just popped off.

I reglued it, but the cabbing threads had been part of the same threads for the Czech pressed glass grape beads, so they were loose. Plus, they were not permanent finish, but just gold galvanized, so the gold coloring was coming off to show the clear inside. Used some lapis colored size 8s, then 11s in Toho permanent finish gold, and finished with transparent purple and dk bronze 11s to tie the face to the grapevine design.

That grapevine was the fastest design that ever happened for me. Used a sharpie to do a basic outline, used 6s, 8s and 11s for the base, then went over it with 15s to create the twisted look a grapevine has. Added the grape beads with a separate thread, in case they break it (used 6# Fieline) and went through each 3 times. Sort of kicked myself for not doing to greens swirls under those grapes first, but they actually went very smoothly, not catching on the beadwork except once or twice!

All in all, she is a wonderful Grape Harvest Goddess, and I am happy with how we collaborated on her designs..off she goes in the next round of this RR! The pics show before and after. As always, clicking on them makes them full size.

Yippee! Yippee!!

2011-11-04T09:08:00.002-04:00

I finally got to hold the Bead and Button magazine with my Herringbone Highway bracelet project- pg 80, Dec 2011! They did send an advance copy during the retreat, but it got shuffled under things and I didn't come across it til this morning. Now I have a magazine to send to my Godmother, Aunt Bunny. She always supported any of my creative ventures, and I am proud to be her God-daughter!
I couldn't have done this without the help of the editor, Stacy, as she took my step-by-step photos and written instructions, then created wonderful illustrations that should help you make one of these slinky bracelets for yourself!
Woo-hoooo!

How the Time does fly

2011-11-03T08:00:00.005-04:00

Though it feels sometimes like a snail's pace at those same moments. Finally getting to drive a bit was certainly freeing, but the payment was in aches and pains later. This, too, shall pass. It does feel good to get out and around; to be able to go where I need to go without having to impost on friends and family for needed ventures!
And it's funny- I feel guilty for being home and healing, while creating in my beady world, are excited about going back to work a bit outside the home, yet, like a horse that hasn't been ridden in awhile, are a bit barn sour. Just want to plant my feet and say NO! But, like the carrot used to get the horse to come to bit and saddle, that extra money to pay off bills and allow even more mobility are coaxing me out.

Today I will try my leg and body in this mode by volunteering at the Marianna Friends of the Library Bookstore....4 hours with only a stool for rest. If that goes well, then I will be most open to seeing where the Universe thinks I best belong on the next part of my journey!

These are a few of the things I have done while at home, healing. There are more, including many things that needed fixing. Nothing like time to get to those projects I kept putting off!

The Mermaid in the boat necklace was for BFAC. Had a devil of a time getting a photo of her!

More fish pics

2011-09-03T11:42:00.001-04:00

Just some closeups of my new fishies..

Barb Grainger's Pinecone pattern as Lotus

2011-09-03T11:40:00.003-04:00

Get the pattern at http://beadlady.biz/ tell Cindy I sent ya!

Bebee in orange

2011-09-03T11:39:00.003-04:00

What to do with chicklets and her lovely watermelon bead bracelet- my, the woman does love Orange!

Paso Double tut- short version

2011-09-03T11:33:00.004-04:00

RAW center first, with 3mm rounds and 1.5mm cubes. You can use larger of each.

Then seed beads- start with 4 on outside channel made by 1.5 mm cubes, then go through

next 1.5mm cube, pick up 3 seed beads and circle around (RAW) using closest seed bead from last RAW circle. Continue to end. Do other side. Go through outside seed beads with another color 1.5mm cube, one between each seed bead. Add clasp. Add single loop of seed beads to connect if using a magnetic clasp as shown. Peyote back down that single loop. It looks more finished that way.

You may wish to make the bracelet center about a half inch longer than you think you need, as it pulls up nicely, even if you don't bead tightly.

Enjoy your bracelet!

Paso Double updated

2011-09-03T09:13:00.003-04:00

Susan Council did a version using cubes instead of the usual crystals, at the Fall Bead Retreat for MSEBRG.

Riza and I finally got to do one of our own at the Beadalot the other day. Hers is lapis rounds for the center, with 24K plated seed beads and mine is Jasper rounds for the center. I have worn it nonstop for three days and most times forget it is there- so comfy!

It is a fast bracelet to make up, whether you do it in two needle or single.

Why not try one of your own?

Happy Creating!

Mermaid RR in progress

2011-09-03T09:00:00.003-04:00

We finally got the Mermaid RR off the ground and into the water! So many of us had health issues this summer, either with ourselves or our family, that it just paid to wait a bit.

Here is Andine- body by Sherry Grove and face by Sharon 'Harry' Solly. I think Sherry gave me the sequins, as well, and the little Czech fish. The button was from Bebee Goddard, so this is going to be full of memories, as well.

I can't wait to see how he looks when he comes home.

Happy Creating!

Some Fish Tales

2011-09-03T08:55:00.003-04:00

Now that I can sit for more than a few minutes at the computer, I hope to catch up on posting AND reading blogs...I have missed it more than you will ever know.

We have a Challenge/Swap ongoing at Beaddreamz- beaded fish! It has caught on like nothing else and folks are making lots of fish in all different sorts of shapes and sizes.

Here are my two offerings, so far! The BFAC took all my beady and sitting effort, but it is done and now I get to play!

I see many, many more of these fish. They do take longer to make the embellished ones, but those hold their shape so much better than the peyote-only fish bodies.

Maybe I won't even have to get the tree decorations out, and as the tree is pre-lit, can just hang all my fishies and some beaded dolls on it this year.

Being a grown-up is SO much fun!

Happy Creating! Click on the pic to see it full size..

Whew- glad to be back

2011-08-01T13:55:00.003-04:00

Taking on 'real work'- caretaker for an elderly couple and helping out at our local antique store- has eaten up all the creative energies I had stored up over the past two years. Nice to have the money, but....
Spirit took care of all that two weeks ago, when the band riser I was helping to construct gave way and I took a tumble to a carpeted concrete floor. Managed to do a good enough break on both my tibia and fibula that the surgeon was impressed "Best break he had seen in 20 years!". Don't know if that is a good claim to fame or not, but am healing nicely, with the help of some titanium additions to the bones, lots of rest and plenty of time to create.
It really had me thinking- "why am I burning myself out just for 'money', when what I really want to do is create?" I am a much happier, nicer person to be around when being creative, according to my DH, who has to put up with me in all my moods, so why not bite the bullet and make it happen?
Others have.
So, NobleElf's Etsy shop is being built; patterns, beadwork, dolls, assorted vintage goods I have collected and decided to let go of before they take over the house...I am excited!
So, how is YOUR Life coming along?

Your Muse and you...

2011-05-17T07:22:00.003-04:00

(Image by http://www.sandrophoto.com/ )

There is a great post about what to do when you and your Muse just seem to have lost the desire to create, and what might be behind it. Read all about it at http://beadmavens.blogspot.com/ .

(Image by http://www.originalimpulse.com...seduce_your_muse.htm/ )

Right now, I am having the opposite problem; deciding which direction to go, figuring out how to get my Muse to realize that I DO need sleep, and finding some way to pick one of the many beady roads ahead of me.

( Image from http://howtowriteshop.loridevoti.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/SparkleHand.jpg )

I am talking about that Beading For a Cure Challenge and Kit. From the moment it arrived, my poor brain and my Muse have been in collusion to keep me focused on that, and only that. I dream in those colors, I look around as I drive, to see if anything that passes adds to the myriad of ideas in form or color; my DH is going to get sick of hearing me ask 'What do these colors remind YOU of?

(Image by http://sodahead.com.jpg

Don't get me wrong- this sort of being-on-fire is just what the doctor ordered to chase away any leftover Winter blues...but please, is it OK if I just get a little rest??
Not according to my Muse, it isn't.
I think I'll put her on the task of arranging for me to have some time to see how some of her ideas flesh out...now THAT will be useful!
Happy Creating, Everyone!

What to do...

2011-05-09T07:24:00.006-04:00

when a friend wants to join in a beaded doll RR, but just finished surgery and doesn't know about keeping to a set schedule with many beaders?? Have a private round robin, that's what!

Stacie (Squirrely Ducks blog - http://squirrellyduck.blogspot.com/) and I are doing just that, and she sent me a form, so the round robin is a sort of sisters exchange.

Here is her doll, which I wanted to stand up. I tried some smaller beads, but the size of her face and the pattern of the material cried out for something larger. We settled on 12mm smokey quartz rounds, left on their original stringing material (which was tied into a tight, glued knot), and then attached with Stealth Spiderwire 10# braided thread at each thread juncture between the beads. Add some 4mm roseAB bicones to fill the gaps and a line of copper-lined 11s over the tops of the beads and she looks as if she has a fancy ruffled edge.

Plus, she stands proudly!

The fabric is so beautiful that I am going to use much of the pattern for beading inspiration....

Click on any photo to make it full-size. Feel free to right click and save, if you wish.

Happy Creating, everyone!

Off to The Races!

2011-05-09T06:52:00.004-04:00

(Doncha just love it when blogger turns your photos sideways! LOL)

Our area held a community chest fund-raiser this past weekend, that centered on the Kentucky Derby. Cameras were not allowed, or I would have gotten some pics of the very interesting hats that almost all the women wore.

I loved that most everyone, men included, wished hats like these would come back in style. I see no reason for them to not!

Just wear them! It is fun to dress up and go out to dinner now and then....and I do love hats!

Here is mine, which began as a simple tulle spectator hat, with a bit of tulle flower and two small feathers.

Add some brown satin ribbon with a flourish and curl, a couple of embroidered butterflies and silk leaves, some trailing silk wisteria and a pin of two horses racing and VOILA`- instant fun!

To be in the hat contest, you had to go upstairs, and my companion for the event had health issues preventing her from joining, so I just accepted the complements that came my way for this gorgeous creation while sitting on the downstairs deck.

How about some hats for yourselves??

Happy Creating!

Fun at the Bead Retreat, Robbinsville, NC

2011-05-07T10:23:00.002-04:00

Just a couple things finished; Ukraine-style netted necklace, pattern by Maria Rypan of Rypan Designs and a Beez to Butterflies chainmaille, done in parawire, taught by Genny Smith of New Bel-Gen.

Lots of fun, and a GREAT time was had by all!

Face Swap at Beaded_Art_Dolls!

2011-05-07T10:19:00.003-04:00

These are the faces I received from the swappers- there are slips by

most of them, so you can see who made which face. Click on the photo

to make it full size! What fun....so much inspiration!

These are some extras from the hostess- Sherry G shared

some bits and bobs for dolls with me, and I passed the rest

onto Joetta, so Joetta gifted both Sherry and I!

Fun at the Wholesale Gem show!

2011-05-07T10:18:00.002-04:00

Just a few goodies...about $20 worth.

Was good this year :-).

Fun with Maze Lace

2011-04-26T06:24:00.004-04:00

Sabine at http://trytobead.com/ has this lovely pattern, which is free on her site.

http://www.trytobead.com/index.php?id=122

She offers many versions of how to lay out your colors to get different effects.

I like mine, created with older stain glass windows in mind- the type of windows where the colors have softened over time.

What look could you create with this pattern?

Do check out her other patterns....they are all well-written and easy to follow, with drawings, photos and wordage.

Squirelly Spring

2011-04-26T06:13:00.003-04:00

Nothing like Spring-cleaning those big ol' windows to clearly see the young squirrels playing in the tree outside the studio.

Or to see Mama Squirrel keeping up her figure, working on the corn.

We never realized squirrels eat the new leaves, but they have been enjoying the maples, as well as keeping us entertained as they attempt to reach the very smallest at the tips of the tiniest branches.

Sabine's 'Verticals'

2011-04-16T19:45:00.002-04:00

I wanted a thinner look, so made it only two rows and left off the outside picots, as well as exchanging the outside 3mm pearls for 3.4 mm Miyuki drops or fringe beads. Don't do well with using jumprings and lobster clasp, so used 12mm Swar Volcano buttons- they fit neatly inside the last squares and so far, seem easy to put on and off, without any danger of coming apart.

Russian Super Triangle pattern

2011-04-16T19:41:00.003-04:00

http://lilija.aylabs.com/index.php?lang=english_gb

Just follow the diagram...and Tetyana has lots of nice eye-candy and tutorials on this site.

I wanted mine to look more 'collected', so gathered the two bottom points together. I also added a faceted drop to the center, beaded a small bail, hung it from a macrame necklace, and added two more drops to the macrame cords it is tied onto.

This is easy IF the size 8s you choose aren't too tubular. I had a hard time with it until I changed to the softer-edged ones you see in the photo.

Happy Beading!

Dragon Bangle tamed!

2011-03-30T20:47:00.002-04:00

A great pattern by Nancy Jones in the Beadwork Feb-March 2011, but I don't do well with bangles, so....

This one stays on nicely without any clasp. Comfy. A bit fiddly to get the magatamas to lay right, and to get the first rows of the brickstitch done, but smooth sailing after that.

Makin' Faces

2011-03-27T13:09:00.003-04:00

Way too much fun. Mica powders, acrylic paints (left over from a paint-by-numbers set my daughters had), Alcohol Inks- sealed with Future.

The round blue plate are those going to the Beaded Art Dolls yahoogroup swap, and the others are for my personal stash, though some of those might switch around. Not too many folks like the larger faces, so the golden sort-of-Oriental one and the blue one might switch over to my group, and the turtle woman and owl woman to the swap group. I can always make more of those.

Hope you enjoy looking.

Smaller Honeycomb bracelet

2011-03-24T19:52:00.002-04:00

Using 2.5mm X 4mm faceted roundelles, 7 rows of delicas, and less 15s for the crossover. Otherwise, everything else is same as variation in earlier post.

Variation tips for Honeycomb Bracelet

2011-03-22T07:01:00.003-04:00

These are the changes made to the bangle pattern, not the pattern itself.
Here are the variations as I found them to be useful. I would definitely suggest to folks that have not yet bought this current April 2011 issue of Bead and Button to do so, to have the full pattern at your disposal. It is well-written and easy to follow!
Make a flat peyote band the length you wish to have go around your arm, minus the clasp length. I did mine 9 rows wide. You could do it less wide, and use the smallest faceted roundelles, or wider, like in the pattern, and use the larger 6 X 9mm faceted roundelles, as in the magazine pattern. I think it would be 7 rows for the 3 X 4mm roundelles. Some folks like their bracelets tight, others loose, and mine is in-between and ended up about 6.75 inches long. I used the two needle method, so that the peyote strip, which is worked lengthwise, lies nice and flat. You can use whatever method you wish.
I find using a different thread from Fireline for the base, which doesn't get much wear and tear, to allow for a bit of 'give', so I used Sono Japanese beading thread- it is 1/4 the price of Fireline and lets me save my Fireline for where it is truly needed. I started with two yards, and ended up with two pieces about 5 inches long.
The outside was done just as in the magazine pattern, with the size 15s making picots, down both sides.
I changed the next step to using 3.4mm drops in place of the pearls on the pattern and completed both sides as instructed.
I now added a piece of about 36" (1 meter, for you metric folks)Fireline to add the roundelles- 6# weight.
Instead of putting all the faceted roundelles on a thread and making a circle, I came out through the drop at the end, picked up a size 11 seed bead, a 4 X 6mm (length by width- hole to hole by side to side) roundelle, a size 11 seed bead and went through the opposite 3.4 drop, then back through the last size 11 seed bead added, the roundelle, the first size 11 seed bead added in this step, and through the drop- this should have you going in the correct direction to go to and through the next drop, following your thread path down the side and continue to add roundelles all the way down.
ADD YOUR PICOTS BETWEEN DROPS, as shown in the instructions in the magazine pattern, before you go through the drop to add the next roundelle. I used a size 15, size 11, size 15 rather than three size 11 seed beads, because the roundelles are smaller than what was called for and were turned the other way, so my last picot beads had to be smaller as well.
I found it easier to add just one side of picots as I added roundelles- on the beginning side-and add the other side of picots after all the roundelles were in place. I had less thread paths that way.
At the ends of the bracelet, I used the end of the first threads to do brickstitch, bringing the piece to a point, and then added a clasp.
I hope I made all this clear- Happy Beading!

Honeycomb Bracelet

2011-03-21T13:47:00.004-04:00

Cynthia Rutledge has a bangle on front of Bead and Button magazine, April 2011 issue #102. I am not fond of bangles, as by the time I make them large enough to get over my hand (which matches the rest of my 6' personage), they are WAY too large for my wrist and arm.

I wanted to make it with a clasp, but as she has the faceted crystal roundelles held onto the bangle with thread, tying it into a circle, that was not going to work for a clasped bracelet. (And I would use Beadalon or Acculon braided coated beading wire for that, with a crimp, before I trusted ANY thread, even doubled and going through the circle of crystals twice...those crystals are SHARP!)

Finally worked out on on a smaller base (9 rows, instead of 11 wide), smaller roundelles turned the other way, and less of those, size 15 seed beads on top and Miyuki 3.4mm drops on the sides, instead of 3mm pearls. It has a similar look, but the clasp makes it so much better for me.

Hope you like.

Click on any pic to make it full size.

Happy Beading!

All Done!!

2011-03-17T18:20:00.004-04:00

I realize beetles are not to everyone's taste, but I happen to like them; big, small, colorful or plain, beetles are always interesting to me.

This one began as a beetle-in-resin pendant, from the NC Childrens' Museum in Durham, NC. It came on a faux leather cord, and most folks ignored it when I wore it.

Try and ignore it now- he he he....

Happy Beading, Everyone!

Just foolin' around with RAW

2011-03-15T15:17:00.003-04:00

I like RAW crystal bracelets, but are too hard on them to

have the crystals at the corners, so this one is made with

the size 11 seed beads at the 'corners', to give the thread

a fighting chance!

Happy Beading!

Still Guessing??

2011-03-15T15:15:00.001-04:00

Can you figure out what the focal is, yet?? Boy, fringe takes

a LONG time!

Tutorial-RAW and netted bracelet

2011-03-15T08:32:00.007-04:00

A friend sent me this pic of a bracelet bit, and asked if I could help
her figure out how to do it...mine is done in all one color- a RAW chart
can help her, and you, figure out how to do the color changes.
Enjoy- just follow the steps below, and feel free to share. If you click on the
photos and save them to your computer, you can use the free pdf creator
cutepdf to make them into a pdf to save for future use, offline. Of course,
you can use whatever program you wish for this.

If you follow the steps top to bottom, making the bracelet as long

as you want with the first RAW steps, remembering that adding

the netting will 'shrink' it about 1/2" (and remembering to figure

in whatever clasp length you are using!), you should be able to

create a beautiful bracelet for yourself!

Happy Beading!

Winters Queen

2011-03-09T08:33:00.001-05:00

It is a wonderfully rainy day- great for the plants and us, but lousy for taking photos. Still, I wanted to share Winter Queen, as she is finished. Each of her snowflakes has a Sterling Silver spacer bead, inside which nestles a 2.5 or 3mm Swarovski bicone, held in place with a 13o charlotte, supposed to be silver plated, but the plating comes off with wear. Each snowflake is different, and is done with circular peyote stitch. Her bodice reflects the different colors of the dark we know in the Northern Hemisphere's Winter, as well as the phases of the moon, which stands out so clearly without leaves to obscure its faces.Dark blue swirls for the winds of Winter, swirling the snowflakes.

As always, click on any image to enlarge.

I hope you enjoy her.

What is it?

2011-03-08T08:55:00.003-05:00

Just playing around with some bits from the last wholesale gem show, and one from the NC Children's Museum in Durham, NC...can you tell what that is?

Fun Trades and Gifties from the Retreat

2011-03-01T08:44:00.004-05:00

1940s double-swirl center-hole button

Austrian Crystal Triangle pendant

1940s Heliotrope 18mm X 13mm Swarovski

early 1900s red glass hearts, transparent 13mm X 15mm

All the above were from a trade with Sherry Grove, for

a pair of crocheted wristers (fingerless gloves), plus she

gave me more yarn to make something pretty for her

and me!

Czech glass 2-sided hands (way cool!)

Harry Solly polyclay faces

And these were waiting for me when I got home;

18mm X 13mm Swarovski ovals, Tabac Golden.

From Ebay seller rystonesamanda- great price

and fast service!
Now, what to play with first??!!

Viking Knit!

2011-02-28T16:58:00.003-05:00

Gotta love it...the two-tone picks up the blue in the polyclay lentil bead- my first, made over two years back out of leftover cane ends. I don't know why I don't do more of this, as it is very relaxing. I do want to order a draw plate from glasshopper.com as the one they offer has many graduated holes, as well as being made of soft plastic (tho hard enough to do the job without falling apart), so it doesn't pull the finish off my Parawire. I do find some of the Parawire finishes to be not as dependable as others. The jewel-like tones seem to come off with very little use, while the more satin finishes seem tough as nails.
I hope you like it as much as I do!

Gig's Love

2011-02-21T19:55:00.001-05:00

Form by Sherry Grove of VA. Round Robin at Beaded Art Dolls

Yahoogroup.

North Wind Pin

2011-02-21T19:49:00.002-05:00

It's both fun and a challenge to work in a single palette...I am happy with how he came out!

Pinnucia Bead of Love

2011-02-21T19:43:00.002-05:00

Free pattern- check the link on the photos. Lots of fun to make.

See what YOU can come up with!

Sherazade, a lesson thread management

2011-02-21T19:37:00.003-05:00

A free pattern by Corrine Cros, www.serial-beader.com

Used 8mm Ocean Jasper, 6mm Ocean Jasper and Botswana Agate and 4mm Ocean Jasper, Botswana Agate and CZ bicones. Foldover copper clasp by Mobile-Boutique.

Now for the good stuff.

Long before I first used Fireline, I fell in love with a fishing line called Stealth Spiderwire- the braided version. It had a bit of Teflon, and so would hold nicely inside beadwork, but would also develop a great drape with wear. It took the extreme pulling that created the wavy herringbone bracelet on top of my blog, and the 10 pound weight went nicely through the smallest of beads several times, even with a #10 beading needle, straight or curved. That bracelet still gets alot of wear, and the thread has yet to give out on me. It has some sharp-eged square beads that surely test it every time I wear it.The new bracelet, Sherazade, I used 50 pound weight Stren SonicBraid for the body of the work- the center bit of stones, done in RAW. I wanted those sharp-edged stones to stay put, even with a bit of rubbing. I used 6 pound Fireline to add the embellishment on top- size 15 Miyuki seed beads and the 4mm CZ bicones. Wore the bracelet last night, and what did I find this morning? A section had popped at the bicone and the seed beads were missing. I had gone through the outer embellishment a couple of times, as I knew the holes in the stones and bicones were large enough for that, but wasn't sure the 15s would take a couple of passes. Besides, I thought they would be nestled inside the larger 8mm stones and would not get pushed back and forth enough to cut the Fireline.Boy, was I wrong.So, pull the top embellishment apart. Redo, using PowerPro braided fishing line, 10#- same stuff as my beloved Spiderwire but easier to find here-AND- let the bracelet drape in its natural shape, like it would to fit my arm, as I added the top embellishment, to give it a bit of slack and less stress on the thread at the bicones.So far, so good, things are holding. Went through the outside embellishment for good measure.Will let you know how things go.I do not 'baby' my jewelry- it has to be tough to stand up to what I do while wearing it. I think the PowerPro is the answer.Hope this helps someone else.

Let It Snow

2011-01-21T06:35:00.004-05:00

While everyone around me moans about 'more snoooooow!?!', I revel in the stuff. Having grown up in NW Ohio, I am used to Winters with lots and lots of snow, below freezing temps, ponds and 'cricks' that actually freeze over that you can skate upon, not to mention roads that were rarely plowed (except maybe the main roads) but we still drove to work, the buses picked up children all over the rural county, and the snow was just a way of life.

Did I mention I adore snow? It has so many facets and types of snowflakes that someone actually wrote a book about it, and how to identify the many types, as well as what to expect when the humidity, air temps, and changing fronts might produce in the way of these lovely bits of frozen water.

The colors of snow reflect our world around us; the skies, the shadows cast by trees and buildings, the sunlight refracting through its crystalline structure.

To this end, I created 'Let It Snow', and have tried to capture just a few of the myriad shapes of individual snowflakes, as well as what it looks like to be in a night snowfall...

Using just four colors of delicas, plus one of charlottes to edge and some size 15 around the clasp and underneath the two-hole CZs at the clasp ends, this creation worked itself bit by bit to its end.

I love it!

I do thank Margie Deeb for posting her version and getting me inspired to create my own.

Enjoy!

What a fun set of earrings!

2011-01-17T11:20:00.009-05:00

I have had my eye on these earrings and this
pattern ever since I saw it done by Kassie of
The Beading Butterfly, way back when the mag
issue first came out. I was doubly reminded of
the pattern when Genny S of A New Bel-Gen
did her own variations using Swar glass pearls.
I hope you like the ones below, and do try this
pattern for yourself! It is fast and easy, making
it a wonderful gift item for the last minute, plus
being able to use any style bead allows you to
fit it to the giftee easily....even wooden beads
would work nicely!

Probably the closest to Amy's pattern, using
6mm, 4mm and 3mm Czech faceted FP, but did
them double sided, with the FP held firmly in
place with the netting, and carrying the netting
around to the 'back'. Which side is the 'original'?
You will have to guess!! I love them both.
SS earwires.

Purple Velvet Satin and Satin AB Swar bicones
in 6mm, 4mm and 3mm, with PF gold Tohos in
11s and 8s- additional 15s on either side of the
8s used near the base of the 6mm for looks and
to prevent thread wear at these points. My
birthstone, so my fav pair!
GF earwires.

Again, Swar bicones in 6mm, 4mm and 3mm,
but with all the netting in the same blue, so
as to not distract from the crystals and be a
bit more subdued in look.

These were done using Chinese 6mm faceted
roundelles, Chinese 4mm bicones, and Czech
3mm FP, with titanium wires.

Here they are done in 6mm and 4mm Indian

agate, with 3mm garnets, plus PF Toho Rose

Gold seed beads.

Copper earwires.

Just think of what possibilities YOU can do!!

A New Year

2011-01-08T09:05:00.007-05:00

Another January, looking back on last years 'resolutions'- be more organized with my beading area, get up regularly to play with the pups and cats or just go for a stretch, every-other-day yoga, drink more water- I did pretty well with all of them.

So, here are the new ones; submit more pieces to the beading mags (actually got accepted for the Bead and Button Dec 2011 issue!), bead immediately on RR pieces that come my way, create at least 2 pieces a week for sale at shows.

Not a whole lot.

But added to moderating several yahoo groups, keeping up with the beady challenges there, and having a great life with my DH, that is plenty!

To this end, I did triage in both Facebook and Yahoo Groups, removing 'Friends' who weren't, and whose interests I no longer shared, like games, etc, and whose group owners were more about crowing over their creations, then generally ignoring what the other members did, as well as group owners whose groups have 'died'- no messages for two years. While this isn't a huge deal, it is one less thing to clutter my mind.

In the beady world, did a bit of exploring the Dec 2010 issue of Bead and Button- what IS it with the size 10 delicas everyone seemed to have required for those projects???? I don't have a good local source for them, and don't want to start acquiring alot of one-size-up from the delica 11s I finally managed to get enough of.

I will be trying 'The Right Connection' bracelet by Eileen Spitz from that issue, but using size 11 delicas- funny that the opener for this pattern states 'enjoy the time-saving design that uses 10o cylinders for faster stitching'. Really? Faster stitching? Do they stitch themselves? Faster stitching as far as making a wider bracelet, perhaps, but if you use the same bead count, it goes at the same speed LOL! Geez Louise. It does look like a great little bracelet, and I am going to see if using the 11o delicas and maybe 3mm bicones or even CzechFP doesn't work just as well. I do like that they mentioned using any pattern for the base.

However, in the realm of 'WHAT THE HECK WERE THEY THINKING?', I tried starting the 'Grand Circles' pattern from the same issue, by Jonna Ellis Holston. My DH tried to dissuade me, as he pointed out to glaring markers for this being a failure (the creator teaches at the Sawtooth School of Visual Aaaarts in Winston-Salem, NC- a hoity-toity wannabeeanwishtheywereNCSchoolOfTheArts place, and she uses her maiden name as her middle name), without knowing anything about beading. I should have noticed that there was absolutely NO indication, except in the materials list, that this was a necklace. It appeared to be a bracelet from the photo.

Add to this that I didn't even subscribe to B & B in 2008, because I didn't like many of the projects that year.

I should also have known that the stitch, herringbone, used with size 8 hex on the outside, was NOT going to be strong enough to keep this circle flat, instead of floppy even with 6# Smoke Fireline. Still, I liked the look and so gave it a try.

Even adding more beads to the center didn't help. You can see how wide these babies are! I will not make another, but feel this one will make a good bit of decoration on a beaded art doll, with a nice cab captured in the center and beaded flat onto the doll. Too bad the latest doll from Dian requested bright colors LOL!

So, on to the next, and Happy Beading, everyone!

'SUPER' Beadwork Magazine

2010-12-29T08:35:00.000-05:00

In case you hadn't seen the news, apparently Beadwork is going 'super', including a newsstand price tag of around $15?Bead-Patterns the Magazine, every project will include step-by-step photos, drawings & complete instructions to insure your success & enjoyment! Each exciting issue features wonderfully wearable jewelry, great gift ideas and colorful beaded pictures in a variety of stitches including Peyote, Brick, Square, Herringbone, & Loom. You will also find friendly, informative articles, interviews, news, book & product reviews, hints & tips and so much more!
Issue Previews: http://www.bead-patternsmag.com/cms/content/view/491/171/Bead-Patterns the Magazine project albums: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bead-Patterns-the-Magazine/123716310991589?v=photos&sb=8

http://e1.interweave.com/dm?id=3BFFB7B3A95C0C03845DD1C36CF92669A8A08A1C4125C7AD
I hope I got all the spaces removed so the links work.I just re-upped my subscription for two years, after contacting Beadwork, and they are so far keeping the subscription price at $22.95 for one year, $39.95 for two years.I bet they were losing alot of money on the issues shipped to stores and then not being bought.It is a great time to renew or subscribe!

Whew!

2010-12-27T14:38:00.008-05:00

Lots of snow, lots of great times with family, plenty of good food, and a whole sh#tload of snow! To me, that is the recipe for a perfect Winter Holiday!

But yes, I did bead- a bit.

Here is a pair of earrings I made to go with the Holiday Donut- that went to a friend who fell in love with it, and whose birthday is generally ignored by her family(Dec 28- she gets 'Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday' all in the same sentence!).

Here is a few photo of the early snowfall- we ended up with 8-12 inches, depending on which side of the house you walk.

May the Love in your Life ever grow, your thread remain free of knots,

your beads sorted, your Muse happy, and your tree always upright!

Best of the Season to you all!

Slightly demented, but still fun

2010-12-21T22:10:00.003-05:00

I don't know why, but I like Hello Kitty...but trying

to make a peyote version for the top of a reclaimed

container didn't work out as planned. Still, I think I

like this one just as well, and call her Hell Kitty-

check out her eyes-she got attitude! Carrying an Uzi,

well, a girl has to do what she has to do! Especially at

those after Christmas sales!! She is wearing her best

purple Prada shoes, and means business!!

Enjoy!

Santa's and Mrs. Santa's belly buttons...

2010-12-20T21:00:00.008-05:00

These turned out to be alot of fun!

Susan Elliot of http://playswithneedles.blogspot.com/

showed these made with circular pretzels and milk chocolate

kisses the other day. I was intrigued, and as I wanted to

make alot of small food gifties for principals, etc, they seemed

just the ticket!

I liked the idea of trying it with the Hugs- the white

chocolate striped kisses. Here they are, ready to go

into the oven. Had to lower the temperature from

350 to 300 degrees, but still baked them for 3 minutes.

These I call Mrs. Santa's bellybuttons- they are the

peppermint striped flavor, and really appreciated the

lower 300 degree temp for baking- also chopped off

30 seconds of baking time, for a total of 2.5 minutes

for these pretties.

Don't they look yummy??!!Just try making them

and NOT eating a few...

Happy Holidays, everyone!

It's not only official, but it shows!

2010-12-19T09:12:00.004-05:00

OK, I admit it....I am a BEAD SLUT! Can't leave them alone....walk the aisles in WallyWorld, sneering at most of their beady offerings but still fondling, even as I leave the area. Can be found poking about in the 'mens' section, looking for yet more storage that works, is easy to transport, and that I can actually SEE my beads without opening.

And the kicker? I, sob, couldn't leave them alone long enough to finish one measly little scarf! Told myself it was because I wanted fatter knitting needles(those 6s were going to take the rest of my life, nevermind how nice the scarf was turning out!). So, bought the 15s, but did I knit?? You MUST be kidding....I heard these cute little glass ornaments, about an inch wide calling out to me.....'we want beads',' pick us-pick us', and 'you know you want to do it'!

So, not being able to resist either them OR the beads, I took a few hours (netting always takes longer than you think, on the first project of a different size-for me, anyhow) and covered them with netting after gluing the tops securely in place with Gluesmith Glue. Then shoved 3mm and 4mm Czech FP rounds into any spaces they would fit, filled in others with more netting, and VOILA! Wore one to lunch with friends, and they liked it!

Callie Catt tested them for sturdiness by pushing them off my beading table 3 foot to the hard wooden floor. They bounced nicely!

I wish I had bought more- they came 12 to a plastic box for a dollar....

Back to the scarf...happy beading, everyone!

It's ba-ack!!!

2010-12-17T09:27:00.002-05:00

Lynn M has decided to re-open Beaded Art Dolls yahoogroup, with the hopes that the folks who join will be as excited about beading, dolls, and harnessing your Muse to those, as well as sharing photos of your creations!
I am so happy about this- Bead Embroidery is my first love in beads, and when BAD went silent for this past year, it took a little something out of my creative process. I don't know about you, but being the only person for miles and miles and miles that loves this, I depend on sharing via the internet, to push my techniques, sense of color and reach for new styles.
If you are interested, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beaded_art_dolls/ and hit that 'Join this Group' button at top of page.
Hope to see you there!!

The colors of snow

2010-12-15T13:16:00.003-05:00

The Eskimos have, well, I forget exactly how many different words for snow, but there are many. Surely some of those words have to do with all the different colors snow seems to have.

Much of the coloration has to do with reflection from its surroundings, as well as from the sky. Still, I have always loved the subtle shifts and play of color found in a fresh bed of snowfall.

Here are a couple for you to enjoy!

OK I tried, I really tried!

2010-12-15T13:02:00.003-05:00

There is the old Yoda saying 'Do, or do not-there is no try', and boy, did he ever have it right.
I tried to stay away from beads, long enough at least to complete all my crocheted gifties, but all I thought about were my beads, and what I wanted to make. It didn't help that the yarn colors I am working with are black, soft grey and a mix from LionBrand; not exactly exciting enough to keep my mind off beads, colorful beads, beautiful beads!!
So, I thought I could just sneak in a little beading time-he-he-he. Most of a morning, that turned out to be. And I helped 'the cause' along by trying to make my circular knitting needle shorter by snipping off the center wire, then re-attaching it. Tried heating with a candle and mushing together- nope. How about some of my Gluesmith Glue??Pah! Forget it. Oh well, resort to duct tape? That works, but then there are those nasty edges that will catch the yarn...so how about some Aileen's white glue to fill in the gaps, and of course, it needs several hours to dry, so why not bead????
Excuses, excuses...still not sure my 'fix' of the circular needle will work, and as our Walmart sees not fit to have the double-ended needles for sale (and yes, I was drawn to them last Saturday, while perusing AC Moore and trying to figure out how to spend my 51% off coupon-twice!), I am going to have to put with however it does work to finish what I had in mind.
Still, I now have another beautiful ornament/pendant- Heirloom Treasures by Cathy Lampole is the original, found in the current Bead and Button magazine (Dec 2010-Jan 2011)pg 34. Great pattern, but didn't want to haul out any more glass balls, so got myself free of making all the little components. That led to 'why not embellish a little more', seeing as I had all that time waiting for the glue to dry on the knitting needle? It turned out two-sided because of that; one fancy- one not so much.
This is the result- I hope you like it- I do!

'Vintage' findings??

2010-12-13T13:24:00.005-05:00

Who cares if they are true vintage or not? They look great, and were certainly priced right at $3 each- now I have to figure out how to get the magnets glued on the back off. It isn't hot glue, probably something like E6000. The woman said they were parts of old belts- I think they will make lovely cabs for pendants or cuffs.

Click on any photo to make it full size.

Winter fun!

2010-12-13T13:17:00.004-05:00

SNOW! Finally, snow for US! Enjoy the pics..

Still more

2010-12-11T05:22:00.002-05:00

Gotta love the metal beads, even though the plating sucks. If your project won't be in contact with the skin that much, they are perfect with RAW!

I actually used mononfilament fishing line with these. I know, I know, but it tolerated the pulling tight with the sharp edges of the metal beads and the 2.5mm bicones.

More Gifties

2010-12-11T05:13:00.003-05:00

I always forget how much I enjoy working with crochet and soft yarn, until it gets cold! Here are a couple of gifts that are from a free pattern at http://lionbrand.com/ called 'Wristers'. I have seen longer versions in the younger-set's clothing magazines, like Alloy. They work up fast (once you get over having to admire how each row looks, before starting another LOL).

I tried using the fuzzy yarn with the fat yarn, but had trouble keeping all those ends from tangling up, so just went back over the tops when they were finished, and added the furry bits.
Try THAT with your knitting needles ROFL! Really, I am truly the knit-impaired, but can crochet just about anything.

Enjoy!

Time for Gifts!!

2010-12-01T15:08:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you, but I love making and receiving

handmade gifts! Whether they took hours or minutes to

create, something of the giver remains in these, unlike the

'very best' store-bought gifts!

These are two pair of Hawk feather earrings, for a very

good friend's daughters.

I hope they enjoy them!

Breaking with 'The Big T'

2010-12-01T14:41:00.007-05:00

Most folks don't even give this a thought...the Big 'T', or Tradition,

rules many holidays in our lives. Indeed, Tradition rules

much of most aspects of our lives. We go to certain restaurants, visit

certain relatives (and avoid others), etc, etc, all without thinking

of whether we really enjoy any of it.

I am tossing Tradition out this year, at least as far as

decorating my tree with the things I want to see on it for a month.

If my two daughters want the traditional decorations, they will have

to drag them out of their boxes in the spare room and put them on

when they come to visit.

What a relief it is to not even THINK about hauling all that mess out!

There were bits and bobs of unfinished pendants, pendants I would

ever wear, beaded dolls (including my Fish!), as well as some

honest-to-goodness beaded ornaments or ornaments with beaded

covers- all these are going onto the tree.

Everything on the tree this year is something I made, and will be fun

to look at in the softly glowing lights of an evening.

I wonder if anyone else will be inspired to toss some Traditions out

the window, and begin one of their own??

You may notice doubles of some of the photos- I tried to get Blogspot

to not turn some sideways, but gave up, and it is a pain to remove the old!

As always, click on any photo to make it full-size.

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Round Robin doll going home!!

2010-11-30T10:09:00.002-05:00

The Jungle Dolls Round Robin @ Beaddreamz yahoogroup is coming to a close this Dec 15, and I worked hard getting Jo Adam's doll finished and ready to go home early! There are many gifts I have still in my head that need to come out and get into my hands, so they can wend their way to friends and family, so Orchis, the beads, Diane Fitzgerald's The Beaded Garden and I sat down for a two day marathon, in between cooking for eight! LOL!

I hope you like the results!

Beaders included; Dian, Gail, Jo, Sherry, Ruth and myself.

I can't wait for mine to come home- she is going onto the tree..

Come join the next Round Robin at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beaddreamz/ and have some beady fun!

And, as always, click on either photo to make it full-size.

Challenge at Beadmavens!

2010-11-24T16:20:00.003-05:00

You have until November 28, 2010 to enter this challenge, and it is open to all, internationally!

http://www.beadmavens.com/Bead_Mavens/Challenges.html

Just email the photos of your piece(s), along with a paragraph about it or them- how easy is that?!!

I just had to enter my Ice Queen's Delight!

Not about beading, but a bit about BLING

2010-11-21T07:59:00.004-05:00

Ah, what can you say? Thousands and thousands
of Swarovski crystal rhinestones?? No 'accidents'
allowed!! If you've had 'too much', please do it
over the railing, outside!!

For the more 'gentile' among us.

Awwww, you could get in some great toilet-training
with this one, or make them hate fish, whatever!

Not only fun, but supposedly the 'correct' positioning?
yeeee-hawwww!

If you like snakes, this is for you!

Calling all Rolling Stone fans!!

Acoustically sound??

After we were pissed on, and pissed off

who wouldn't want to return the favor??

Who says bathrooms have to be 'boring', especially the more functional bits? I know I would be hands-up for one of these urinals or toilets, but the Swar-covered one???LOL! That would be a cleaning nightmare!

Another 'donut', or perhaps a fritter??

2010-11-21T07:16:00.002-05:00

Donuts have holes in the middle, fritters are bumpier, but both are delicious!

This just cried out for a rivoli in the back, and the 3mm Czech FP held it perfectly with a bit of netting.

Now, what kind of strap should I make????

More corrections- what's in a name?

2010-11-18T07:07:00.004-05:00

See, it isn't only beading we learn from other beaders....

Laure is from Belgium, and is female! The spelling with Laurence is female and Lawrence is male.

Ta-dahhh!

In the USA, it is Laurie for both male and female, Lauren for female and generally Laurence or Lawrence for male. Though all rules are off since the 1960's!!

There! Your fun for today.

Bead for me...I am off to the Emerald City to visit my oldest and her baby Taylin, our first grandchild...wonder if he will be a beader when he grows up?

SO much better now

2010-11-17T14:11:00.002-05:00

After culling the size 8 beads as I went, beginning with the thinnest, then adding the wider on the outside rows, I get a nice, stable, flat donut beginning!

Hooray!!

More of this and that

2010-11-17T11:38:00.009-05:00

This is what happens when you get beads that just scream to be used in herringbone, but you want to embellish afterward! Swar 4mm gold glass pearls, purple velvet Swar bicones, Czech reproduction button. Gifted to Bebee G of NC/FL!

Playing around with teaching myself RAW 3D, using el cheapo Chinese bicones, came up with this lovely cross, which will be part of a Christmas gift to a close friend. See, you CAN make something nice with those bicones- $1 for a 16 inch strand!

Riza C, a fairly new beader (since April 2010!!!) did the top two using the Alhambra pattern by Sabine Lippert. I like how she used the semi-precious Chinese Turquoise, Turquoise R/S, Indian Jasper and Autumn Jasper in hers.

The top of the three is Jan Wasser's Diamondback pattern, done with Indian Red and Indian Pink Swar bicones, the other two are Alhambra variations, original pattern by Sabine Lippert. I wish the 3.4mm fringe drops on the black and silver (Miyuki) didn't lose their silver coating, or that I had used the FP version, but I still like it. The charlottes are Tierra Cast, and they are holding up beautifully, though now that we are using our gas logs for heat, have to keep all the silver that I cannot put into the tumbler to clean in ziploc bags, because they tarnish from the sulphur in the propane. The stones in the black and silver are black tourmaline (the 8mm), smoky quartz R (6mm faceted) and black agate D (4mm). The lighter bracelet uses the glass pearls from FMG- not Swars, but they are holding up nicely. Both of these use the C clasps from Claspgarten, and I highly recommend them as easy to put on, yet do not come apart during wear.

Happy Moon, indeed! Face by Solly Creations, Kato clay with alcohol ink, embellished herringbone base. Gifted to Riza C of Bryson City!

What have YOU been up to?

Correction!!!!

2010-11-17T09:22:00.004-05:00

Laure's blog is
http//laurebijoux.canalblog.com

I got a personal reply- so very kind and sweet! It is wonderful to hear from another beader on the other side of our world.
I didn't realize that most beaders there use Miyuki and Toho brands, almost exclusively. Here, we fight to find suppliers that carry those brands of seed beads in prices we can afford, or think we can afford. Charlottes are hard to come by, as are the Czech seed beads. Interesting, when you think of how much closer the Czech Republic is to them, than it is to us.
Again, I thank Laure for sharing the donut pattern- it is pretty, and teaches much while attempting it.
What I learned last night; all size 8 beads are not the same- the Matsuno brand gave me fits, as it was not only uneven in width from hole side to hole side, but also very tubular, with thick walls. I went to the Miyuki, which also had much width differences, but the walls were very thick as well. If I had culled so that the thinner width size 8 were in the first row, then the thicker used on the second row, I would have gotten it to lay nicely. However, see the photo for the wobbly look!!
If I am good at nothing else, I am great at frog-stitching (pulling out the beadwork!). So, I do love the color combo that is happening and will pull out and try using the thinner Miyuki on the inside row and the thicker on the outside. If that won't lay nicely, I am going to use a Toho, which I KNOW is very uniform in width from end to end.
I laugh when I realize now how quickly and easily the first donut went- I didn't even pay attention to the size 8 beads and it was nice from the start. My bead choice on that one? Toho!!
I am determined!!
Why not try creating your own?
Laure has posted the directions in pdf format on her blog, in 5 parts, with both photos and written directions. Using yahoo's babelfish gave me MUCH better translation than did Google.
Happy Beading!

Gotta love the glass!

2010-11-16T13:20:00.005-05:00

What is it about dichroic glass that is so fascinating? Is it the color

play? The depth? The sheer extravagance of both? Whatever it is,

I am in love with dichroic glass!

Not all is created equal, and it takes a certain eye to put combinations

of color, metallics, size and shape to create a really special piece. I am

lucky to have such a person in my dear friend, Sharon 'Harry' Solly,

of Solly Creations! She was 'just playing around' with dichro, and I was

gifted with this amazing peacock patterned piece.

Being the Queen of Procrastination ( it is really how I manage to collect

and ahem, sit on my treasures, so to speak - a la Smaug the Dragon

from The Hobbit- you can imagine that I surprised even myself when

I created both the netting for the glass AND a herringbone-based

bracelet within days of receiving the piece!!

And I adore it!

Hope you enjoy! Click on any photo to make full-size.

Whoa, where HAS the time gone?

2010-11-16T13:06:00.004-05:00

I could have sworn it was only a week or so since I last posted, but there I go again, beading away and not paying attention!
We have a new challenge at Beaddreamz http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beaddreamz which will run for a year, ending December 31, 2011. Those who wish to take part will bead either one or two pieces every two months, and use either current or older Bead & Button magazine patterns or Beadwork patterns, if they subscribe or buy those magazines. Free links to patterns that both magazines offer are to be published at Beaddreamz in the Files section, for those who do not get the magazines, to use. It promises to be fun, and I have to admit, I was one who never made any of the projects. Now I not only use them as inspiration to jumpstart my own creations, but enjoy making some of the patterns just as they are.
Well, for those who know me, as close as I can come!!

As you can see by these photos, I ended up accidently taking liberties
with Laure's free pattern, offered by her on her blog
http://laure@canalblog.com . My donut's two sides did not match up,
so I zipped them up nonetheless, added the inside components
as best I could (if you try this, make sure your size 15s have large holes!),
and love the result. It will do double duty as both ornament on the tree
and as pendant, hanging from silk ribbon.
Thank you, Laure, and I hope you forgive the changes! I hated to tear the
beadwork apart, but are
already working on another that will be correct, as well as translating from
the French to American English. I will be happy to share that translation, if you want it!
Click on either photo to make full-size.

Happy Fall!

2010-11-03T07:15:00.001-04:00

Fall is here, though going fast, and Callie Cat

is sleeping with her Big Kitty, by the fireside!

Jeweled Links Variation

2010-08-26T21:07:00.005-04:00

Nancy Cain published this lovely pattern in the February 2010 Beadwork magazine, and a friend of mine, Sherry Grove, followed that pattern to create her own Blingy Jewel.

You know me, I can never leave well enough alone, so played with the pattern a bit. I didn't have many 3mm bicones and no 3mm pearls at all, so the first change was making those 4mm. I left the numbers alone, as the original pattern created a 7.25 inch bracelet- a bit tighter than I prefer. I did change the number of pearls near the toggle end, as Nancy suggested, to make it fit perfectly.

I added embellishments in the form of 3 bead picots on the outsides of the rings, which also stablized their form. The slider base for one bead was done in 15s, rather than delica 11s, and I added 3mm matagamas to those ends under the outside 'stars'. I also added matagamas between the pearls at the outsides of the toggle, as well as alternating pearls and bicones to the toggle connector.

All in all, I am pretty darn happy with my version, and hope Nancy would be as well!

Click on any photo to make it full size.

ALWAYS WITH YOU set

2010-08-20T11:28:00.003-04:00

My own design- had it without any of the bling, but decided to poke about in my crystals. I like it alot better with the Swar button, roundelles, drops and bicones.

Icy Blues Earrings

2010-08-20T11:26:00.003-04:00

From Gwen Fisher's pattern, Deco Lotus, in Beadwork Magazine, November 09. Used Chinese faceted roundelles in place of the seed beads and it worked up very nicely.

Puffin loves that fish tank!

2010-08-19T09:12:00.003-04:00

The fish are getting older, so is Puffin.

But still, they seem to enjoy watching each other.

I gave the tank a good cleaning, taking out some of the duck weed that was helping to keep the water sparkling, but was beginning to take over the surface.

All of a sudden, the duckweed left was spinning over and around in circles, as the filter sent new water into the tank.

Puffin and the fish thought this was great fun.

Man, I hope I am that easily entertained when I am nearing 100 years old (in cat years!)

Ask, and I shall do my very best

2010-08-19T09:07:00.003-04:00

DH Kurt wished he had the old knife pouch, a tattered nylon and velcro affair, that he used to carry pens and attached to his waist.

I had already rigged an eyeglass case and a leather ID to attach to his belt, so thought 'what the heck, I can prolly do this, too'.

Here are the results.

Soft leather from sofa samples, cut and stitched with fireline, then brick picot edged, and a wonderful greenstone cab to accent the front.

Boy, am I ever glad he teaches at a school where beadwork is prized, and many of the guys, as well as women, wear beaded objects.

He loves it, it works, and folks are intrigued by the cabwork, something the Cherokee are pretty new to.

Ta-dah!

Snowflakes to Celtic Crosses

2010-08-19T09:01:00.004-04:00

Robin, of We Got The Bead online store (check her out folks, she is awesome and new stuff came in!), created this snowflake pattern, then posted it free on Beaddreamz yahoogroup ( come join us, if you haven't already!).

I made one, then changed the stitches, added some beads here and there, and came up with the white Celtic Cross.

Wanted one that was more Medieval looking, so did the one in ruby and gold- and love the results.

Doncha just love how the mind takes one thing, and goes down a different avenue??

Gotta Wonder

2010-08-19T08:58:00.004-04:00

Interesting that my DH, Kurt, found his book on sale via an Amazon seller, for less than he can buy from his publisher..

He bites the bullet, gets the books, of which one is actually his book, but the other is his cover, with another book inside!

He writes the publisher, who wants the 'damaged' book, sends it after we get some photos, and they send him TWO replacement copies.

How nice is that!?

Gotta love Outskirts Press!

Fyre, companion to Pele, Goddess of Volcanos

2010-08-19T08:53:00.003-04:00

Many of the beads that were put on her during the round robin were falling off, due to thread that was literally rotting. It looks like regular cotton thread, and I think the beads that were used had sharp edges, and cut through it til the thread gave out.

So, off with the old, on with the new.

Her fabric patterning cried 'Fire' to me when I made her, so am working with that patterning to showcase the different aspects of fire, some helpful, some harmful, but all just fire in its many glories and colors.

I hope you enjoy watching her 'grow'.

WOW, Whew, great to be back!

2010-08-19T08:48:00.002-04:00

Nothing like opening your computer and having it not wish to turn on.
Then getting home, and finding your area is part of a large DSL outage.
WOW.
Am I an internet junkie or what?
Yes, I took the spare laptop down to the front of our friends' deli, and got online with their wireless cable hookup, thank goodness.
But uploading pics and such was more than I could bear, in the extreme heat we are experiencing, as well as while trying to fend off the flies that found me more interesting than the old, spilled ice cream from the shop next door!
So, a few updates.
The retreat was so very relaxing and fun.
Made things, haven't done pics of them yet.
The ladies had a great time with their fish, and are still working on them.
I am sending the extras to Mexico, so some lady beaders there can have fun learning bead embroidery.
Do have some pics of things I worked on while having no internet- does wonders for letting you just sit and bead!
Next post....
Hope you all are well, beading happily, and staying either cool or warm, depending on where in the world you are!
I missed you all!

OK, I can't stand it anymore LOL!

2010-07-29T10:06:00.004-04:00

We have a Beaders Retreat in Tennessee, at a friend's home on the lake near White Pine. As I absolutely love bead embroidery, I thought it might be fun to find a way to teach this to newbies. Folks seem to like my beaded, stuffed dolls, but those can be intimidating, even in a 5 inch form. Less than that in size, and you have to work to get in detail, if you are the type to get stuck on making things look 'real'.

So, came up with a simple fish pattern, stuffed and flat (the flat is fabric, attached to Pellon 70) with a basic line pattern drawn on that can give ideas as to what stitch might work there. Of course, I would encourage them all to 'color outside the lines' and put whatever stitch THEY feel they want in that area.

All the fish are stuffed, the flats are connected, so onto the designs.

Of course, I had to do examples for them to fondle, as that is what fires us up-being able to hold a finished product and imagine ourselves doing it.

Here are some photos of the fish for the class, and the examples. I am still working on the second half of the 2 piece cuff, and will work diligently so that I will not only have it to wear, but can post a photo of it later.

Click on any photo to make it full-size.

I WAS going to wait til I had them all done, BUT just couldn't wait any longer!

Enjoy!!

'Fake' Chinese Bloggers

2010-07-16T07:41:00.003-04:00

Found yourself being 'hit' by 'Chinese' bloggers in your comments section?
Set your comments to being moderated.
And know that many of these are not Chinese at all, but just pretenders.
Case in point- http://isaacjensen85.blogspot.com/
was one hitting my blog with so-called ancient wisdom-nothing to do with my blog.
His blog was removed- report those blogs that seem suspicious or spamming.
This is a recent post he tried to put on, but I removed
我們老得太快，卻聰明得太遲
and here was his blog name
惠萍
If you went to google translate, you got
'We're too old too fast, but smart too late'
Wow...are you not impressed?
Do these folks even have a life?
If you clicked on the blog name, and watched the toolbar, you could see the isaacjensen85 address come up first, then it would switch.
First clue that this was anything but a Chinese person.
Thank goodness Google listens when we complain about spam.
And there should be no question about why I have all comments moderated first by me.
Get a Life, Isaac Jensen, wherever you are- you obviously have creative leanings, so why not use them for something beautiful or inspiring, instead of annoying.

Single Bead Crochet at last!

2010-07-06T09:30:00.003-04:00

It took the 'make a bead ladder for the first row' to get this to work for me- talk about painless! I also made certain my bead ladder was tied securely with the tail to the working thread, so it wouldn't pull open as I began the first actual crocheted row.

To my chagrin, the galvanized beads I chose lost their color after I had completed only one inch of crochet....sigh. Pull off beads. Hunt through all tubes and remove all but the new, permanent finish galvanized beads (those go to the thrift store, or maybe just over the mountainside into the wild woods, for the fairies), put the new PF beads on, redo.

Ahhhh, THAT is how it is supposed to look!

Now, to teach myself to crochet with a bit less tension LOL!

We LOVE our Earth Fare Grocery Store!

2010-07-05T15:17:00.002-04:00

Great organic fruits, veggies, flours, nuts and dairy- much of it local, including milk in the glass bottle :-). Online coupons, plus now through the 22nd of July, get rid of your HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) products like jellies, pnut butter, soft drinks and salad dressings by turning them into the store (even if they only have a little bit left in them!) for full, new containers of Earth Fare products that are not only good for you, but taste great!
And meats that taste like they did when I was a kid....not like ash and cardboard!
If you live in GA, SC, TN or NC, check out an Earthfare near you, and find yourself eating better, tastier, and less!!

Going home

2010-06-29T21:34:00.002-04:00

Opal is on her way home to her mom, so she can get the rest of her beady little self together!

I enjoyed the challenge of working with only pastel, opalescent seed and glass beads for her.

Safe journey, Opal!

Opal

2010-06-28T16:47:00.004-04:00

is a doll that was created by Dian of AZ, and went on her journey during an ill-fated Round Robin, the last of the Beaded Art Dolls group before that group closed. It finally made its way back to me, and has been patiently waiting beads, along with Ann of OR's doll.

Now is the time, and here is a sneak peek of what is happening. Opal is a birthstone doll, to be done in opalescent colors, which opens an entire palette of soft greens, pinks, creams, blues, purples, oranges and yellows!

I am sure having fun, and hope to have Opal ready to travel back to her mom, for a bit of beading to be added by Dian, before she joins the ranks of the dolls living in Dian's AZ home!

A wonderful learning experience..

2010-06-27T18:25:00.002-04:00

I went with a silversmith friend, Harleen Powers, to the Summer Solstice show in Greensboro, NC. We shared a booth, and while we both sold only one item apiece, the value of me finding out how much folks enjoyed my beaded art dolls was worth all the travel time, money and heat exhaustion! People actually came to the booth after being told by their friends that they needed to come see, and several gallery owners were interested in me bringing the dolls to their galleries.

Of course, it goes without saying that Harleen's silver, gold, copper and bronze creations were much drooled over, but the crowd, which happened to spend an awful lot on tattoos (from what we observed) just didn't have it in them to purchase one of a kind, real jewelry.

That's OK, there's always another show, and Harleen has her own gallery owners to satisy with new pieces before Fall.

But this whole thing got me re-inspired to finish Celebrate the Dance- a doll in honor of the Mardi Gras and Carnivale style celebrations world-wide, held under the same sun and same moon we all enjoy....I hope you like her as much as I do!

All done- what do you think?

2010-06-09T07:36:00.003-04:00

The chunkiness of this stone with double triangle bail begged for something with more texture in the rope, so did a Turkish loop crochet, with 4mm flat jasper circles, 4mm dyed onyx rounds, 11° in two colors and some awesome glass beads that were the last packet left at my LBS. I wanted the glass beads to be on either side of the bail, so put the beaded toggle and loop on the side, where everyone says it is perfect! Glad it worked out that way.

What do YOU think?

Now, if only Take Me To Your Leader would get in step and tell me what to do next- sigh.

Still More- We Got the Bead!

2010-06-04T17:43:00.005-04:00

Robin, of We Got the Bead, is a new supplier for me, but has already turned into a very nice online friend! She closed her store, so that her DH could get on with his soon-due project, and she can be home with her children when need be. I am so glad she decided to do online selling, as she has the nicest selection of Jeans thread, Japanese seed beads (15s, 11s, 8s and 6s!) in great colors and finishes, as well as a plethora of other tempting goodies, like these crinkly round wavy metal bits, that are just crying out to be used in a bracelet similar to those shown in the latest beady magazines!

Her prices, without or without a sale, are awesome, and her shipping is free over $40! Everything came nicely packed, easily undone and drooled over...especially those permanent finish 8s and 11s in gold! I wanted to have those particular beads to do a Paso Doble bracelet, as I don't want to make something and have the finish come off!

Robin also included two vials of seed beads as a gift; a sweet matte peach 11 and a transparent peach 15!

Enjoy the pics, click on them to make them full-size, then get thee hence to http://wegotthebead.com/ and see what treasures YOU can find! Tell her Aryd'ell sent ya!

Oh, and you get bead bucks!! A buck for every $10 you spend, with no stipulations except an expiration date! Now that is a great incentive!

I'm Ba-ack! Check out Beadwright goodies!

2010-06-04T17:24:00.008-04:00

With our first grandbaby about to be born ( any time now!), getting my little Sweetie car back after a 3 month+ hunt for a part no longer made (but found by our most excellent mechanic, Rich), and a beady friend from FL visiting town ( and wanting to play!), I haven't gotten to my blog.

However, two really great reasons to get on today and show you pretties arrived in our mailbox; beads and bits from two really wonderful suppliers- Nicole Campanella ( http://beadwright.blogspot.com/ ), and you can link right to her artfire and etsy sites via her blog. Many of you may have been following the events with her brother, and his and his family's love for each other shines like the beacon we could all use in our lives! Still, Nicole got back home, found an order waiting from me, emailed me to say it would go out soon as the holiday mail would allow, and here it is today- the flat Egyptian cabs are wonderfully detailed, and the swirls of green in the turquoise glass just beg me to get out my bead emboidery bits and use them in a collar Nefretiti would be proud of! The 'tiny beads' are just that- really, REALLY tiny bugles- way cool, and in a color I will have lots of use for. The colored squares of backing are stiffer than I am used to, so am looking forward to giving them a try, and the colors are varied enough and dark enough that I don't have to even think about taking colored pencils to them before adding beads. Nicole also thoughtfully added three charms, again, in an Egyptian theme; dragonfly, beetle and hawk!

You rock, Nicole!

Now, everyone go shopping while I get the next post ready...and remember you can click on any pic to make it full-size.

Why some bugles won't behave- a pictorial tutorial

2010-05-28T14:47:00.003-04:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...click on any pic below
to view it full size, and get all the details.

HELP! I can't stop!!

2010-05-27T13:26:00.004-04:00

I do love making these- so fast, so many color/finish combos that can work, and everyone who has seen me wear one loves it!

Hope you like this latest; matte gold iris bugles (from Jane's Fibers, I think) with 4mm Czech jet AB firepolish, copper lined 11°, and gold iris 15°.

Glad to be back!

2010-05-25T10:04:00.005-04:00

Helping to put on a bead retreat for 25+ women in one cabin for a week was both fun and a challenge! Lots of beautiful beadwork, sharing, caring and learning went on, and I think everyone went home with something beautiful to show for it.

But, I am happy to be home and finishing things I learned....there are still kumibeado ropes to be strung for the peyote bail pendants, a clasp change for the netted roundelle bracelet (gotta LOVE those Chinese roundelles!), and work some more on my beaded doll...but everything is unpacked, in its place, and I can actually find things without having to open every single box, bag or tin I brought!

The Beadsmith Bead Tower was a purchase from a friend who didn't care for how it worked, but it is perfect for my 'odds and ends' beads; drops, glass pearls, Chinese glass roundelles, rounds and bicone, daggers and lentils- things I will not remember to use if they are put away into a drawer, no matter how organized that seemed in the first place.

And I found an art spinner, the kind you keep your colored pencils, scissors, etc in, and is now my project bead holder, especially for bead embroidery, which seems to go better if all the beads I want to use on that project are available and in sight, yet not where the cats can knock them all down, or where my threads can catch on them. $2 at a yard sale...but worth it even if you paid full price!

Now I need to catch up on what you all have been doing- being without internet all week was tough!!

Happy beading!

Nope, Just Can't Leave Things Alone!

2010-05-07T07:41:00.004-04:00

Oh yeah....no 12 step program, either...LOL!

There is a pattern called Try Triangles, a lovely bangle by Shelley Nybakke

http://www.beadandbutton.com/bnb/Objects/PDF/bnb-ons0509.pdf

Lots of discussion going on over at Beaddreamz yahoogroup about this pattern, and of course, having alot of those metal 8o beads from kandrasbeads.com in several colors, I had to make one in vintaj bronze. The base is two units of RAW wide, the sides are one unit each, with 4mm Czech firepolish at the top, and 8o hex beads, culled for size- the larger used at the top and thinner used at the base- between units on the sides, which made for a naturally curved piece. I didn't want a bangle, so used homemade jumprings of Parawire, and an S clasp of same, to close.

I love how it feels, and will be making more of these...those metal beads rock, and fit so nicely in RAW!

Oh, and used 10# smoke Fireline..

Happy Beading!

Pearly Heart Double-Sided Bliss

2010-05-07T07:31:00.005-04:00

Bead and Button offered an online pattern by Susan Eisemann, called Two Hearts Forever. It is fast enough to work up, if you have the materials ( calls for 4mm glass pearls, 4mm bicones- but you can do it in two colors of pearls, 11o seed beads) and if you are fairly proficient in RAW, that you can make it up for Mother's Day!

I absolutely did not want to make two RAW bases, as the pattern called for, because the one a friend made, that I was able to fondle, felt bulky and sort of pooched out in the middle. So, I wanted to see if I could make one base, then embellish both sides.

YES! It can be done. I used Miyuki 11o beads, and culled as I went, to be sure that the holes were not small, as they were going to have to take multiple thread passes. I should have used 4# Fireline, but only had the 6# with me. It worked out fine, doncha think?
Instead of the beaded bail, I am going to attach sterling jumprings or the like to the top, so that a sterling chain can go through it.

Happy Beading! And Happy Mother's Day!

Jaycee's Silvermoon pattern..

2010-05-07T07:21:00.005-04:00

I admit it...I can't leave patterns alone! So, beat me, will ya? But with pearls, or something soft like that...

Her original is a lovely pattern, fast and easy, and she offered it free at her site if you email her.. http://jayceepatterns.blogspot.com/

I did mine in copper metal beads, because I LIKE copper. In all its colors; bright, tarnished, liver-of-sulphured...but after doing hers, I had to see what would happen if I ignored Jaycee's advice and pulled my thread nice and tight ( like I usually bead), then kept adding beads in the center!

Voila! a bumpy version.

Hope you are not too offended, Jaycee...I just CAN'T help myself....and there is no 12 step program, I checked!! LOL!

Happy Beading, everyone!

Grrrrr!

2010-05-03T09:07:00.005-04:00

I hate it when I am right.

It is so not fun to spend hours creating something, and then have it fall apart.

Especially when it is a gift, and doubly so when it is to my Beloved!

Don't believe them when they say Nymo D on the large spool will hold.

It will fray over time.

DH was given, and followed, instructions as to how to be gentle with the 4 bead tubular herringbone rope on this bolo.

You can see in the one photo that it is a soft leather backing, that I stitched in place just snug enough to barely hold the rope in place.

The nymo stretched, and finally gave out, despite pre-stretching.

I would rather pay the extra, and use Fireline!

I hope it can be redone before his Spring concert this Thurs...grrrrrr!

Pooh on you, Nymo!

That Old Spiral

2010-05-03T08:27:00.004-04:00

I have never had much luck with the plain spiral- the one where you add the next bead and the beads that spiral around, then continue as long as you need? Mine were always floppy, and wouldn't keep a spiral shape, despite me shoving the spiral beads to the same direction each time. Funnier still, is that my usual overly tight tension was not used when I attempted this previously.

This time, I kept the newly added spiral beads in place tightly with my fingers, as well as keeping thread tension nice and tight.

It is holding nice and tight, for once!!

Faget da pics, whaddabout da beadstuff??

2010-04-27T11:51:00.009-04:00

There are a few blogs now that feature the 6th photo ever posted.. I would like to challenge everyone to post the first beadwork they ever did, if they still have it, and do a critique. What would you keep? What would you change? Mine is below, and I had a lot of fun doing this...now, where ARE my scissors???

Ah, beads, shiney beads, tiny beads, color, shape, FUN! Yes, learning to do offloom beadweaving was a milestone in my life, but the actual first beadwork was, and for a short while still, leaves much to be desired. Yes, if you have magnifiers on, the colors in these are wonderfully interesting. But, from 5 feet back? Not so much. Not at all, really.The technique, while not awful, especially as I remember doing the frogstitch on each of these at least 3 times, left alot of room for improvement, IF you don't count that I had such tight tension as to make the beads pop out of place and that I didn't really know what I was doing, just beading by the seat of my pants.

No matter. These two were the 'first' real beadwork, and I was proud as a new mama of her firstborn child!

Hey, look! It's a beaded bead, no, two beaded beads...well, isn't that just special (snide tone here)?

Both are done over wooden beads, both are so monochromatic as to make me cringe. Nuff said.

I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread when I made them.

Maybe I can use them elsewhere?? Nah. I can do better than that. And that overly tight beading thing- where the beads stick out all over? That has GOT to go!

How about this clasp? Not too shabby, and it shows that I already had a penchant for beaded clasps, rather than all metal. I loved the dragonfly enameled button, which matched the two I added to an emerald cloak stitched up earlier that year, but couldn't figure how else to get it to work. These 15o hex and seedbeads deserve better than this, so it will meet the scissors later.

This feather I still like, and was my first 'creation' using graph paper from an online free source and colored pencils, not to mention lots of erasures. I need to make another and have earrings, after I cut this all apart.

What was I thinking when I did this 'crow' feather, using Czech beads for the spine and delica hex for the feathers? Well, I was thinking it was pretty darn cool...til the thing began curling (check the previous pic), and never really laid straight. Probably that overly tight beading I mentioned earlier, and that I still work to correct.
All in all, it was a learning experience, lots of practice with stitches, and after today, I still have the beads and clasp bits, as well as the blue jay feather to show for it.
How about you? Do you still have some of your first beadwork?
Are you brave enough to share it with us?
Go on...it's a good thing!
As always, click on any pic to make it full size, and have a good laugh on me!

All done- Summer Fruits

2010-04-26T21:11:00.003-04:00

Here it is, with a lovely clasp gifted to me from Vicki-Anne of Australia...I am going to have to find these- they are wonderfully easy to put on, and beautiful to boot!

Remember, you can click to make these full size.

Enjoy!

6th photo posted...what do yours look like?

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

I guess I won't get shot for re-posting this pic of my DH at his birthday party...though it looks better cropped, now.

However, the 6th beadwork photo- let's just say there is nothing nice to say about either the photo, or the doll in it! Out of focus and just not well thought out...that's what happens when you begin learning..

Lynn at http://beadingheartart.blogspot.com/ had this on her blog, so I joined in..why don't you take a look at your 6th, and see just how far you have come!

What Would They HAVE Been?

2010-04-26T13:38:00.004-04:00

If they hadn't been such huge PITRs! See my blog on March 4... http://gypsysramblings.blogspot.com/2010/03/wonder-what-these-will-be.html

for an idea of what I thought I might be doing. Let's just say that using the charlottes in the corners was NOT my best idea. They were too small-holed, as well as brittle, to be able to go through them enough to hook them to the rings..broke enough of the charlottes that out came the scissors, and snip-snap, we were ready to create again.

I didn't really like the huge contrast in color, the dark of the satin amethyst next to the jonquil, so it was a good time to dig through the Swar bicones. Lo and behold, there were those lovely fire opals, and they looked really nice with the jonquil yellow. Round and round we went, substituting some 15o Miyuki S/L lime for the charlottes, and folks, we have a winner.

Now, to put them together.

Actually had them, well, a couple three of them, together as part of a bracelet, so I put it against my arm to see how I liked the look. The look was great. The look was awesome- just like warm Spring sunshine and flowers against my skin. The feel, however, was awful! I hadn't realized how scratchy and scritchy Swarovski bicones can feel against the underside of the arm. Didn't want to do an entire bracelet that felt nasty, so they parted company from each other, and just sat and stared at me for the next few days...

So, here is my solution- I love herringbone, love the look of the Swar circles, and the 11o matte lime just fit between herringbone sections, top and bottom of each circle!

Voila!

My eyes AND my arm will be most happy with this combo...now, back to beading!

It's Good to Be BACK!

2010-04-24T19:02:00.005-04:00

It's been a busy week, helping to get the Friends of the Library bookstore ready for the grand opening, driving to the Emerald City to see my pregnant oldest ( and again, just to visit a friend, and wouldntyaknowit- President Obama was coming in, so I just about didn't find a way out!), everything but beading.

It has finally warmed up enough that the plants who live in the front part of our home all Winter, and who have been inside 7 months now, with the early cold weather we had last October, got to go outside. No small chore, as many of them are 8 foot tall, and just small enough around that I can squeeze them through the doorway. Either some of them are going to have to get haircuts ( I hate doing that) or they will have to find somewhere else to live this Winter!

But they are outside, and it is raining, so they are as happy as can be.

I have moved back into the front part, with all the windows, as have the kitty-poops( you can see Puffin on her new throne) and Al Byrd, the cockatiel, who likes to watch me bead.

Life is good!

Enjoy the pics- click on any to make full size....now, back to beading! And reading some blogs- I have missed you all, as well!

OK, couldn't resist- one more time!

2010-04-14T09:47:00.013-04:00

The blog police might come after me....two awards in one day?? But the last group was beaders, and as I am divided exactly in half, with my love of both beadweaving and bead embroidery, I am giving the award again, but this time to Bead Embroiderers!

This group of folks has the patience of Job, to stitch tiny beads to fabric and leather, creating pictures that delight the eye! Some of them also create beaded art dolls with this technique. Whatever they choose to embroider, it is definitely worth the time to follow the links to each of their blogs, and enjoy the fruits of their labor in photos..And no, it is not any easier picking just 6 of these!
Without further ado, my 6, and in no particular order (as well as the link leading to a post at their blog about Bead Embroidery that I particularly loved;

1)Kaite http://kaiteyarngarden.blogspot.com/2010/03/march-bjp-in-autumn-colours.html

2) Lynn http://beadingheartart.blogspot.com/2010/03/lesson-from-tim-gunn.html

3) Jean http://jeanhutterbeads.blogspot.com/2010/04/forest-floor-bead-embroidery-collar.html

4) Bobbi http://bobbianncook.blogspot.com/2010/04/shes-finished.html

5) Marty http://crackpotbeader.blogspot.com/2010/04/meditations-in-shades-of-gray.html

6) Stacie http://squirrellyduck.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-patricks-day-doll-swap.html

And the Awards Go To...

2010-04-14T06:39:00.014-04:00

Nicole of the wonderfully entertaining and informative (not to mention beady bit offerings!) blog, Beadwright, http://beadwright.blogspot.com/ awarded 6 people this sweet pat on the back. I am doing the same, and asking these 6 to pass the award onto 6 folks they feel are truly nice!
Not an easy task, but having to choose from folks that have active blogs helps somewhat. Therefore, I pass this award on to (in no particular order!!!);
1) Olga http://lovingbead.blogspot.com/
2) Stephanie http://stefaniessammelsurium.blogspot.com/
3) Jaycee (Juanita) http://jayceepatterns.blogspot.com/
4) Ralonda http://beaded2bless.blogspot.com/
5) Victoria http://artntheheart.blogspot.com/
6) Beth http://bouncingwolfcreations.blogspot.com/