Thursday, March 31, 2011

Weekly Photo Challenge - Ocean

This photo topic was a very tricky one.
Ocean.
If you live in Minnesota,
You have to travel East or West, a great distance,
to visit either of the great oceans.
The challenge then became to interpret this topic.
Challenges:
The oceans are hundreds of miles away.
I'm not even near an aquarium other than at the local pet store.
Today was not a day to visit the store.
Solution:
Think out of the box.
Oceans.
The freedictionary.com web site listed 3 definitions for ocean.
I am using #3.
A great expanse or amount.
Tell me how you think I have interpreted this challenge.
I have an ocean of packages for the charm exchange on my table.
  
There was an ocean of snow this winter.  It is now beginning to melt. 



Today, we had an ocean of clouds in the sky!


We have an ocean of dirty snow left over from the snowiest winter in years!

Today, we had an ocean of bright sun light flooding the skies.

Ocean
o-c-e-a-n
Ocean

Where do you find your oceans?
Are you lucky enough to live near an ocean?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Bead Table Wednesday - No Bills or Taxes this week. It's business as usual, again! Oooops a day early!

She started it!
(Heather Powers)
of Humble Beads.
What did she start?
Bead Table Wednesday, of course!
For me, it's back to normal.
No more taxes or bills on my bead table today, I mean yesterday.
So,
what did I work on?
Take a look.
I pulled out the micro torch and soldering supplies.
I also pulled out the bobbin beads I had made.
The glass looks great wrapped around the bobbin!

I needed to attach these bezel forms to metal.
And I did.
More on these later.
I also made some free form frames.
More on these later.
Maybe even next week?
I didn't get a chance to work on the bobbin beads, but tomorrow is another day!

So,
what's on your bead table today?
Are you working on something special?
Do tell!
We'd love to hear!


Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Ginkgo - Hope, Peace, Resillience


When this leaf blew into my path last fall, I had no idea about the revered significance of the tree or the meaning it would have in my life.

For those of you who have been following this blog for a while, you might remember that my word for this year is HOPE. Hope for the future. Hope for today.

I think of the Japanese, who are suffering so much because of the earthquake and tsunami. After reading this article, I came to understand a bit more about the reverence in which they hold the tree and why. I hope that these trees survived and bring them much comfort in their time of trial.

I have always loved the Ginkgo tree. The leaves are beautiful. In truth, I didn't know that they could be grown in Minnesota because of the climate. Obviously, I was wrong. This little leaf that blew to my feet as I was walking Pixie proves me wrong and gives me hope. Hope for today. Hope for the future.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Shopping Etsy: Search word: Mixed Media

It's been awhile since I've shopped Etsy,
so I decided that today is the day!
Search Words: Mixed Media
There were some AWESOME finds!
Take a look!

Othello Powder Rose Small Set
This is a set of 3 bracelets that slip on and off without a clasp.
Isn't this amazing?
I found this in Tamara Scott's shop on Etsy.

This is a Heart Shaped Mixed Media Brooch.
Isn't it lovely?
I found this in Desired Things Shop on Etsy.

Isn't this ring AMAZING?
It's a Bronze Boro combination and it comes from VenBead,
one of my 10,000 favorite artists on Etsy.

This necklace is called Spring Incantation.
Isn't this fabulous?
This necklace was made from vintage findings on a gloomy, snowy day.

Now, wasn't that fun?
Here's wish you a wonderful, truly spring day!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Six Word Story Sunday - A Cat Knows


Knows Better


A cat
knows
how
to rest.

All right,
this is one of those weeks.
Six words aren't enough.
Have you ever watched
an animal?
They know when to rest,
when to eat,
and when to sleep.
Marvin is no exception.
He doesn't have to think about it.
He just does it.
I wish I could be more like a cat.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

From Boobies to Roses - so it's been fun!


It's just been one of those weeks. I've made everything from boobies to roses!
Take a peek at my Etsy store,
and
you'll find them there.
Or,
with any luck,
you won't!

Have a wonderful weekend.
Enjoy everything you see,
from
boobies to roses!

Friday, March 25, 2011

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 Twin Cities Bead Bazaar went very well! I was able to reconnect with old friends and meet many new friends! As you can see from the photo, Pixie and Walter simply ignored each other, but they did get along. It was great to see the kitties and Pixie together. Marvin even got close to Pixie for the first time! Looks like she's part of their pack when we're there!

2) Since getting home, I have made progress with the taxes and catching up. I feel good about that.

3) Looks like my favorite son will be coming home in two weeks! I'm very excited about that! It will be so good to see him again! What great news!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Weekly Photo Challenge - Spring

This weekly photo challenge was a challenge!
Spring
What do you think of when you hear that word?
I think season.
I think soft yellow greens, tulips, daffodils, violets, birds, robins, green grass....
I might also think of a spring, you know, like a slinky,
but it is the season, so....
Here's spring in Minnesota.
This is what the back yard looked like early this morning when Pixie first needed to go outside.
She loved it and ran in it!
I, on the other hand, was not as excited and thrilled as she was.
As the sun began to rise, you could see a little more clearly.
Not a tremendous amount of snow,
but more than enough.
Come on, Mother Nature,
it's almost the end of March!

Skeletons of buried twigs blossomed in the snow.
Shurbs were weighted down again.
Poor shrubs.

Spring
s-p-r-i-n-g
Spring

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Bead Table Wednesday


She started it!
Heather Powers!
What?
Bead Table Wednesday, of course!

So, here's what was on my table today.

Where are the beads?

Well,
I just finished a fairly big show, so
I am playing catch up.

Today,
I have
bills, the checkbook, stamps,
my palm pilot,
and
parts of today's mail.

Hopefully,
next week, I'll have beads there again.
Today,
it was just paperwork.

What's on your bead table today?


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Beads Coming Home

One of the perks of doing a "live" bead show is that,
sometimes,
you get to see what designers did with your beads.
This happened to me twice this past weekend.
Two different designers brought me their jewelry to see,
and
I was absolutely thrilled!!

This lovely designer had bought some of my discs.
She came, and guess who forgot to get her name, to show me what she had done with the discs she had bought at the fall show.
Isn't that great?
She made a necklace and earrings out of the discs.
She then purchased more of my funky, wonky discs for the friend who was with her.
She told me, "I was hoping you'd still have more discs since you were saying you would probably not make them any more."
She plans to make a necklace and earrings for her friend's birthday.
I was delighted!
If you look at the center of this fabulous bracelet,
you will see my bead.
The designer said to me,'You said you were going to throw this out if it didn't sell.
It was perfect for my necklace!"
I had to admit, it did fit in perfectly!
I was amazed and impressed!
Isn't that a great way to celebrate that which you love to do?

Tell me:
Do people come back to you to show you what they do with their beads?
Do you show bead makers what you made with their beads?
I'd love to hear the stories!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Happy Spring 2011!


Welcome Spring!
You have been sorely missed!
Now, please, warm up the air and melt that snow. We know there are better days ahead.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Six Word Story Sunday - Pixie


Pixie

Life's good
When you're a princess.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

What the? Or Sometimes We just need to be aware of what we are saying!


I honestly debated about writing this post. I didn't want to sound negative or like I was trying to destroy someone. We've all been insensitve! I decided that in spite of these risks, I needed to say something about thoughtless remarks made by those who truly don't know what to say and speak without thinking. The persons involved will remain nameless.

1) This started after my husband died. My son and I went to the company (nameless) where we had our cell phone service. I had to take my husband off of our cell phone plan. We waited in line for our turn to see a young man who could help us. There were people behind us, too.

When we reached the front of the line, I told the young man that I needed to take my husband off of our cell phone plan because he had died. This young man looked me straight in the eye and said, "Well, you do know that he's breaking his contract, don't you?" There were audible gasps from behind and to the side of us. I suggested to this young man, and not very kindly, that perhaps he should figure out a way to make sure he didn't break his contract, and I left the store.

2)A friend of mine and I were talking one day. She said, "Well, there's another widow lady around here." All right, fair is fair, I just had never been called a widow lady before.

3) When I told a friend at church, whom I hadn't seen for a long time, that Jenny had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, she looked at me and said, "My aunt died from that. She had it for so many years. She was 88." I know she was trying to be comforting, but, in truth, I had to remind her that Jenny was only 33. I also decided I had better get into to church for Mass before this woman stuck her foot in her mouth again.

4) On Thursday, I saw a neighbor from down the street and up a ways. I told her about Jenny. Her daughter and Jenny had gone to high school together. The first thing this woman said to me was, "Well, are they treating her so that she'll live?" I was dumb founded. I didn't know what to say. Later in our conversation she said, "You didn't need this again!" (Remember, my husband had the same cancer.) At that point, I could only say, that it was time for me to finish my walk with my dog.

Of course, these were insensitive things to say. The persons involved weren't trying to be cruel. They were simple being stupid and didn't think. Yes, I can say that because it's true. Many times in life, we are confronted with the unexpected and we don't know what to say. I've learned from this. When another neighbor told me, after I asked how her mother was doing, that her mother had died. I didn't know what to say. I wanted to respond with , "Well, she's in a better place now," but I stopped. That wasn't comforting. It was just something to say. I offered her my deepest condolences and hugged her. There was nothing else to say. Sometimes, silence and a hug are enough. There's nothing wrong with only saying, "I'm so sorry." I'm still dumb founded by that last conversation. Oh, well, I know that this person doesn't read my blog. I wish she did. I truly wish she did.

Friday, March 18, 2011

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 world news has been terrible this week, but one story that touched the hearts of everyone is the story of the 4 month old baby who was swept out of her mother's arms in the tsunami in Japan only to be found alive and well, but covered in mud, 4 days later. She and her parents have been happily reunited. Miracles do happen in our sceptical world! God is good.

2) I found myself ready for the bead show a day and a half early! Wooohooo! Talk about being pleased!

3) I marvel at the story that was told to me about the sunflower photo. A friend of mine has been praying for a very special intention. She asked God for a sign that He was working on this intention. She asked that sign be sunflowers. I posted a similar photo yesterday in Photo of the Day. She told me about asking for the sign, and she said that since she asked, she has seen sunflowers every single day. Isn't that amazing!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Weekly Photo Challenge - Home


Home

Where there is

Family
Children
Pixie
Food
Friends
Comfort
Safety
Security
Welcome
Relaxation
Rest
Prayer
Normalcy

Home
h-o-m-e
Home

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Bead Table Wednesday

She started it!
What?
Bead Table Wednesday, of course!

This week,
there's not much on my table,
but what's there is very important.

These ingredients, when mixed together will be my charms for the
2011 Charming Adventure Charm Exchange
on Lampworketc
that Deb Batten and I are hosting.

Since the charms are due at my house the first week of April,
I think that I had better get to work, or I'll hold everything up! Yikes! There's still plenty of time! They will get finished before the due date!
Anyway, that's what's on my bead table.
What's on yours?

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Beware the Ides of March or No Way, It's going to be a GREAT Day!


It really is going to be a great day today!
Last night was a good night.*
I am at the point in getting ready for the show that I can now relax.


I have two things left to do.
1) Put those 3 pin backs on the flowers. I bought safety pins in case I don't get this done!
2) Add hooks to a basket to hang necklaces. That won't take long.
Whew!


I felt so good last night that
I made myself a new pair of earrings.
I don't know if you can see them in this photo.
I like them.
Yes,
that's me with the gray hair.
I'm loving that, too.
It's a pretty gray,
so,
I don't care if it shows. The dyes were just getting to be too hard on my hair. I think the change will be good!

I also worked a little bit on my assignment for my drawing class. I missed last week's assignment because I was getting ready for my show. Now, I feel that I can put more time into the class.

*I also decided that I am having a 20% off sale in my Etsy store.
All you have to do is, at checkout, put in the code: FORJENNY
You will then receive 20% off your total order
and
Jenny will receive the proceeds from the sale.
Her medical bills are adding up,
and
this will help with her everyday expenses.
She won't get rich, and I won't get poor.
It will just help.

All right,
now I'm off to enjoy the day!
With all that we see about Japan and Christchurch, NZ,
any day should be a good day for us when things are normal.
What a blessing!






Monday, March 14, 2011

For the Love of Color or I'm sick of white, gray, and snow!

It doesn't matter that it's March.
It doesn't matter that we are only a few days away from spring.
It's still cold.
We still have a lot of snow.
I'm so ready for spring!
The result is that I have been making beads that are bright and colorful.
I have no beautiful outdoor scenes to shoot that show flowers and color and green
The only flowers I have right now are these.
When I made these flowers,
I wasn't sure that red and purple would go together.
Amazingly,
they did!
More than that, the colors were
perfect for each other! I love these flowers!
These flowers brighten up my day!


I started making my funky, wonky discs again.
Look at the colors in these discs!
They brighten up any room.
Think of what they'd do to jewelry!
I can see earrings looking great made from these.

Are these orange pod head pins bright or what?
I used to be a person who hated orange.
Now, I love it, and I find that I have so many pieces of clothing made in orange.
I've read that when it comes to orange, a person either hates it or loves it.
I truly love it now!

So, what do you think of orange?
Do you love it or hate it?
Do you have color in your life now or are you like me,
sick of snow, white, gray, and winter?
What's your favorite color?





Sunday, March 13, 2011

Six Word Story Sunday - Getting Ready for the Show


Getting Ready for the Show

Six
Words
Can't
Describe
Getting
Ready.


Of course, they can't. There's still so much left to do, but I'm almost there.
Next Friday night,
I will be setting up
for the
Twin Cities Bead Bazaar.

How nice to know that all that work will be worth while!
This just a quick preview of some of my work.
I hope that people really like them!
I'll take a photo of my booth once it's set up.
I hope it empties early!
I'd like a vacation now!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

I have No Words



I have no words.
I'm so sorry.
Peace and Blessings to our
Kiwi Sisters and Brothers
and
our Japanese
Sisters and Brother.


Friday, March 11, 2011

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) As I get ready for the bead show in just one short week, I feel that I am making progress! Things, as they seem to do, no matter how much I stress, seem to come together much more smoothly than I could ever begin to expect.

2) My order from Rio Grande Jewelry Supplies came yesterday! It was a treat to have my supplies arrive! I am easily pleased.

3) At last, winter is starting to give way to spring! In spite of the fact that our snow total to date is 84.5 inches, our predicted high for today is 44 degrees! After all the snow and cold, it is nice to begin to feel the prospect of spring!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Weekly Photo Challenge - Shadows

A story of shadows on a sunny day in the winter.
Pixie and I in the driveway.

Is this a doodle by Mother Nature?
No, it's the shadows from a tree.

More trees in the drive way in an even line.
Paws prints and shadows.

At last, the mailbox.
Such a lovely shadow!

Shadows
s-h-a-d-0-w-s
Shadows

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Bead Table Wednesday

She started it!
Heather Powers!
What?
Bead Table Wednesday.

All right, it's time to show you what's on my bead table.

Whoa, nothing!
And what's with two tables?
Let me explain.

Oh, this picture isn't her except to show you that I was thinking so much about this blog,
I didn't even notice that Pixie was in the picture!
Isn't she cute?

All right, time to get serious.
I'm getting ready for a bead show a week from Friday.
I just bought these tables, and I wanted to set up a bit to see what I need and make a list.
Since I don't remember if the space is 6 feet long or 8 feet long,
I decided to set up for 6 feet for now.
Remember the basket I found at the thrift store.
It's still in the process of transforming.
I found a crate at JoAnn's.
I plan to hang necklaces off of them

I added trays for focals, and brought over the tiny dishes for spacers.

I knew I forgot a couple of things--discs, sets, and pins.
I was concerned that the pins would overwhelm the table, but, now, I don't think so.

Remember that bright orange thing? That's my list. Actually, that's the start of my list.
More to be added as the week goes on.
Yikes!

Then it was upstairs to my real bead table to make signs.
Well, that was my intent, but I've changed my mind.
They just didn't turn out like I had hoped, so it's, literally,
back to the drawing board.

Next time I set up,
I have to set up for an 8 foot space.


So, what's on your bead table today?