Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!!!! Begin this journey with me.


It's an Eye Pod!
So weird and wired, but he's ready for a new home.
It's a FOR JENNY item, too!
Remember, this is not necessarily a Halloween item.
This and all the other items are
simply a
Journey
into the hidden recesses of my mind
where these creatures lure
waiting for their chance to become real in
Glass!

Eye've got my Eye on YOU!
This ring will keep a true eye on you.
It can be worn any time of the year, day or night.
Eye know you'll like it!


How about these headpins?
I think they'd scare me if I hadn't made them!
They can be used any time of the year to add a wee bit of the
unexpected to what you make.


This red hatted skull is not just for Halloween.
She can be worn any time of the year.
Know a red hatter you want to surprise?
I can assure that Chloe will surprise her!


Well, that's it for today. I'm closing up that part of my mind from which these sculptures came.
I'll release it again someday, in the meantime,
Enjoy
Happy Halloween!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

I Love it! I Hate it! Yesterday, I loved it!







I pulled out the Chalcedony glass again.
If you know me, you know I, both, love and hate this glass!
If I can make it strike, I LOVE IT!
If not, well, you know.
Yesterday, I absolutely, unconditionally loved this glass!
Isn't this tab beautiful?
(Before I forget, if you would like a chance to win this tab, go to
Facebook,
make sure you "Like" my page,
Then leave a comment.
On Halloween night,
I will choose one lucky winner for the Trick or Treat Giveaway.
Read more about it there.

More love here! There are some really pretty colors in this bead!
Nummy!
This photo does not show all the beautiful colors in this bead!
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh, my!

Even though these flowers didn't strike, I LOVE THEM!
They have such a wooden texture to them.
The rings remind me of an ancient tree.
When I made these flowers, I knew there was a good chance that they wouldn't strike
because of the heat control and the flower shape.
Doesn't matter.
I really like them.

It was a very, good day!
I wubs Chalcedony today!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Three Beautiful Things This Week






Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.




1) The best news of all came from Jenny's doctor visit! The results of her pet scan showed that the tumors she had were no longer considered hot spots, and, might be gone! The major indicator of her cancer, the M Spike, was down again to 0.2. She started out at 0.9. She is nearing remission!!!!!!!! Thank you, God!

2) The Twin Cities Bead Bazaar was a good show. We were busy on Saturday, but on Sunday it was dead. I guess the kids were getting ready to go back to school. I enjoyed the show and meeting people! It's also nice to see what people do with your beads!

3) In spite of the horrific winds, Pixie and I had safe travel home. As soon as we walked in, Pixie headed for her couch, and slept. I actually had to check to see if she was still breathing. She was so worn out from our visit with Jenny and kitties. I do think she had fun, though!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

New In My Etsy Store


More about this later, but I'm venturing into the world of metals. I plan to keep lampworking, too, but I think I've found a new love! I am taking online classes (later blogs) that are helping me with this new love task.
You can find this pendant here.

I'm slowly but surely restocking my headpins. They were a big hit at the show last weekend.
I hope to add more soon.
These are called Poker Face. Don't ask why. They just are.

I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I cleaned out my closet today, and
I found this bag of unused recycled braided sari yarn, 100% silk. I bought it a while back with full intentions to use it, but now, I can't remember why!
So, I listed it in my Etsy store! I have way too much and plenty to share!




How about some new murrini? They are so relaxing for me to make! I almost go
zen with murrini. I guess that's why I have so much here.
You can find this, newly listed, in my Etsy store.




These floral headpins were so much fun to make! I love poking glass and moving it around. I used dark annealed wire to make these headpins! They'd look great on earrings or a pendant.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for more!


Wednesday, October 27, 2010

This, That, and The Other


Look what Nicki, from Nicki's Reef did with my headpins! What a great idea! She's got a blog, too. Be sure to visit her blog, too.
















I'm participating in a jewelry swap. Check out Lori Anderson's blog to learn more about this. This is the jewelry I received from Stacy M. Curry. I can hardly wait to get started on this exchange! The reveal will be November 17th. Stay tuned. This is going to be fun!














I've been gone a week, and look what came in the mail! I won this gorgeous necklace from Julsbeads giveaway to pay it forward! Thank you, Juls! Now, I have to find something to pay it forward, and once I get organized again, I will pay it forward!














This was also in the mail! Nikki of NLC Beads had a sale in her Etsy store. I bought this alien. Isn't it great? I love him!

















All right, I'm tired. See you later! More to follow later.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

How Nice! I was featured in a TLUT Treasury!


Isn't this nice? I'm in a treasury. Be sure to check here to see this great treasury!
Thanks so much!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Jenny and I went to Babani's for Lunch

Babani's is a Kurdish restaurant in St. Paul. It's near where Jenny lives, so we were able to take in the atmosphere of the restaurant and enjoy a fabulous lunch there while I was in the Twin Cities for the Bead Bazaar. This small restaurant is full of the culture of the Kurds. The food is exceptional! I took a lot of photos while we were there. The only thing I forgot to do was to take photos of our food! Ummmmm! Nummy. Be sure to check out the link where you will learn more about the history of the restaurant and family who started it. Babani's was the first Kurdish restaurant to open in the United States. This is the view of Babani's when you walk in. After you look at this, scroll down. I won't be talking, I'll just be showing you how fabulous this place really is!






Sunday, October 24, 2010

My Favorite Summer Accessory


I stumbled on some questions today that I thought would make interesting blogs. These questions all dealt with summer. Since summer has faded and we are in the heart of autumn now, I wondered: Would this work?
Sure, why not.

If you're thinking, "These were her favorite summer accessories?" You are so right. These shoes were my favorite summer shoes, except for my white sandals, but it's too cold to wear them now. These shoes took me places. We went on walks together. We went shopping together. We visited Jenny together. We went to the grocery store. We went to lunch with friends together.

Now, if you look closely, you can see the elastic ties are stretched out. I have socks on with them. You might even see the grass stains. I've started to wear these favorites when I rake the leaves and mow the lawn. Next year, I'm going to miss them, but right now, I can wear them to transition into winter. Their days are limited, but they've had a good life. They have been good friends. I can let them go.

Now, my question to you is: What was your favorite summer accessory? Why did you enjoy it so much?

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Pixie's Walk Today


Well, she's tired now. We had a good walk. Some days our walks are very quiet, and we don't see anyone as we trek along the roads and sidewalks. Other days, like today, we met so many people, and Pixie was the star of the show.

Our first meeting was with a yapper. That little dog yapped and yapped and yapped. Pixie had enough of him, and she did something I had never seen her do before. She pounced at him. He was shocked, and he shut up. The owner was apologizing for her little mutt, but Pixie would have nothing to do with the little yapper. He was, clearly, not her friend Buck who lives across the street.

Our next meeting was with a runner. If I didn't know better, I would say that he was our Govenor, Tim Pawlenty. This jogger sure looked like him, a lot, but since there were no body guards running with him, I don't think it was. Anyway, he smiled at Pixie, yelled, "Greyhound?" as he ran by us. "Yes," I said, and the curtains of time and space parted for us both.

Our next meeting was with a gentleman and his dog. He covered his dog's eyes up as we neared. He told me, "I rescued him." I replied, "Good for you." "Yes," he said, "From next door." We kept walking though the dog looked calm as he went in the opposite direction with his owner.

Our next meeting was with a teenaged girl. She seemed a little afraid, so I assured her that Pixie was gentle and loving. She didn't want to get too close, which was all right. She asked me what kind of dog Pixie was. Of course, I told her a greyhound. She said that she and her mom were thinking about getting one. She then told me that her ex boyfriend had pit bulls. She said, "They were really sweet, but we want a small dog, my mom and me." We both left with smiles on our faces.

Our last encounter was with two gangly teenaged boys who were across the street. "Hey," one shouted, "Great dog!" "Thanks," I said, and we were home.

Now, Pixie is sleeping, and she has no idea of all the bits of joy she brought to people on our walk today. She was clearly the star of the show, but she's just too tired to care!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Three Beautiful Things This Week




Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.




1) The weather has been beautiful! The leaves are falling from the trees.
The colors are amazing. Nature is at her best now.


2) Before I raked the leaves, I walked around the yard to hear the snap and crackle of the leaves under my feet. I didn't think the neighbors weren't looking, so I jumped in the leaf pile a little bit! That was fun. When I finished the raking and went inside, I grabbed an apple just to hear it crunch when I opened my mouth and took a bite. I could feel the sweet juices swirling on my tongue and dripping down my chin.

3) I've decided to take a couple of online classes in metal smithing and, get this, photography. I'm looking forward to these classes. As they go, I will report more about this in my blog! Life was good this week.

3)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Easy Peasy Rice Bag Tutorial





A rice bag is fabric bag filled with uncooked rice which can be heated in the microwave.
When it starts to get cold, my
rice bags get a workout in the microwave.
What do you need to make one?
100% cotton fabric
uncooked rice
thread, sewing machine, scissors or rotary cutter and ruler.









Begin by cutting a 5" strip of fabric. You can use scissors or a rotary cutter and ruler like I did. Make sure the fabric you used is 100% cotton. I used flannel on this bag, but you can use any fabric as long as it's 100% cotton.














Sew both long sides of your tube 2 times. You want it reinforced so that the rice doesn't leak out. Your bottom side should be on the fold. If not, sew up that bottom side.








Leave the top of your tube open. Turn your fabric to the right side and fold over the top a little bit. This makes it easier to get your uncooked rice in the bag.








Make a funnel out of a piece of paper. Insert it into the top of the tube.

















Add the rice and fill the tube 2/3 full. I used about 2.5 cups of rice.
Remember, you are not using cooked rice but raw rice.














It should look something like this.



Sew up the top of the tube. Use two rows of stitching for the top. See photo #1. You are finished!







How long should you put your rice bag in the microwave? That depends. Be careful with it until you learn how much heat you like. I put my rice bags in the microwave for about 2 minutes when I put one around my neck. JUST BE CAREFUL SO THAT YOU DON'T BURN YOURSELF!!!




Enjoy your rice bag!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Autumn Comes to Minnesota


It's Autumn.
It's Beautiful.
Take a look!
What do you think?




This is how it started.





















The leaves started to fall,
and
they were beautiful!


















These gorgeous apples
came into season.
Oh, they are so good!




















Even in the
cemeteries,
Autumn is showing..
Cemetery art
is
beautiful.




















The leaves are still falling,
but now
they are brown and crisp.
They crunch
under your feet.
They blow
in the
wind.

















Even now,
there are still
a lot of leaves
to enjoy
and rake.
Soon it will be winter,
but I have loved this
autumn.











Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Shopping Etsy Search Word - Birch Trees


I love birch trees! Try this search word yourself. See all the wonderful items you can find.









This set of coasters was made from a fallen tree. They were handmade, soaked in water, and any warping was sanded off. I love them! You can find these coasters in This Fine Day, which is a store full of bridal accessories.















Aren't these great? They are handmade wooden buttons! I found them in Wood Buttons store! Aren't they great? I can see them on a gorgeous scarf, hat, or coat. Wouldn't they be fun?














Have you ever seen earrings like this? I found them in Gauge Dear which features both faux and real gauges for the ear. These earrings are faux and will fit any piercing.













These autumn bridal shoes are amazing! I want them! They are in Nora Karen's store on Etsy. Take a look at all the wonderful shoes she has there! I think they are good for any event, and I would love these!





I'm truly pleased to see all the wonderful items I found searching birch trees. I didn't even begin to show you everything. Search for yourself and see what you find.

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Story of the Wine Bottles


I had honestly forgotten I had these. They were gifts from friends. I do want to set the record straight. When I was given these bottles, they were empty!

As you know, I have a passion for melting glass, and that does include glass from recycled bottles. I let it be known that I would love to have any and all empty wine bottles. In answer to my request, these bottles came to me during one week.

As they were given to me, I put them on my kitchen counter near my dishwasher. There they sat in all their glory waiting for me to put them in hot water to soak off their labels. The most I was able to do was to rinse them out. I left them in their place of honor on the counter hoping to get to them very soon.

As luck would have it, my dishwasher broke. I called the repairman, and he was dispatched to my house that afternoon. I had things to finish in the eating area and the living room, so I would pass by the repairman as he worked on the stubborn dishwasher. I noticed every time I walked by, he would give me a strange look. He'd look at me then at the counter, and then he'd shake his head.

He was very polite and reserved as he handed me the bill. I paid the bill, and he shook his head in disapproval. I was puzzled. I didn't think I had offended him in any way, but, he seemed in a hurry to get away.

It was later only later, as I loaded the newly repaired dishwasher, that I saw what he was seeing. He saw all the wine bottles on the counter - all 18 of them! I started to laugh. No wonder he was so anxious to get away from the woman who drank all the wine!!! I had to laugh.
It was then that I put the bottles in the garage and forgot all about them. No more will they sit on my counter--especially when the repair man is coming to fix the dishwasher. Never again!!!
It really was funny!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

The Reveal




On October 2, Lorelei Euroto challenged her blog readers. I decided to take up that challenge. Believe me, I am so glad I did! Here's the blog post.

Summarizing quickly, Lorelei challenged her blog readers to go to Michael's and find beads and chain that matched as closely as possible to the ones she chose. Of course, if we weren't able to find the exact matches, we were able to choose those beads and chain that were close.

Here's a look at the beads. I came very close to the ones Lorelei chose.


Now, for the reveal! Be sure to scroll down a bit.





Saturday, October 16, 2010

Only 2 Sales to Go to Reach 400 on Etsy!



Here's What's Going On In My Etsy Store!

Only two sales to go to reach 400 on Etsy!
These beads are called Fire Opals!
They are gorgeous!

Need an ornament full of fire?
Then this is the one for you!
The person who makes the 400th purchase will find extra goodies in their package!

Need some headpins? These headpins are very special.
They are attention getters no matter what you do with them!
Go, 400!

How about some funky earrings!
They are in the FOR JENNY Category!
All the money goes to Jenny!

Remember: My 400th Customer will find a nice SURPRISE in their box!