Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween and the egg...

Happy Halloween!
 
 An egg?
Happy Halloween?
What does an egg have to do with Halloween?
Absolutely nothing
but this egg bead has absolutely everything to do with
Patience
and
good luck.
Over a month ago, this bead was stuck on a mandrel.
I debated whether I should smash it or...
Well, or won out because I put it down and forgot about it.
So, as pure dumb luck would have it,
I found the bead on the mandrel yesterday.
As is my habit,
I twisted the bead, and it moved!        
I soaked it while the rest of my beads soaked in the kiln.
When they were ready,
I twisted the egg bead again.  
It came off the mandrel!
Patience and dumb luck won again!
 
Happy Halloween!   

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

What I Think Is AMAZING!

These roses are still blooming after several hard frosts and some very wet snow. 
I don't know how they survived, but it was a welcome sight today.
These roses give me
Hope.
Even when times are bad and trying, 
even the roses can survive.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Thoughts...

 I had planned to talk about these glass flowers.  However, as I write this, I am trying to keep up with the news reports on Hurricane Sandy.  I wish I had words.  I don't.  I don't know if any of you live on the East coast, but if you do, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.  I hope you recover quickly from this horrendous storm.  I hope that no one is hurt and that property damage is small.  I'm rambling because I don't know what to say.  I'm sorry.  I wish this weren't happening.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

I Heart Macro - Leaf on My Window

I found this leaf on my window.
The photos are of the same leaf from different angles.




I'll "leaf" you alone now.

I Heart Macro!!!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Easy Peasy Wire Disc Tutorial

These little cyclonic wire discs make great components in your jewelry.
They are easy peasy, and I'm going to show you how to make them.

Here's what you need.

You need about 18 inches of 24 gauge copper wire or any other light gauge wire.  24g is a good gauge.
A mandrel of some kind. 
I used a Size 3 knitting needle.
You'll also need a pair of chain nose pliers and a pair of wire cutters.
See, this is going to be easy peasy.

Make a wire bead by wrapping the wire around the mandrel.
You can either cut off the extra or tuck it in. 
It won't matter.

Using your pliers, put the bead in between the edges with the hole side up.
Smash away until the wire is fairly flat. 
Mine usually end up being around 1/8 of an inch high.

Ta-da!  You're done!!!
Easy Peasy!
Now, you have fun!!!

Friday, October 26, 2012

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) Rain!  Rain!  Rain!  Almost an inch of beautiful, wonderful rain, with just a touch of snow.  Hopefully, this will end the drought!


2) I made a trip to Michael's yesterday after a long drought there.  'Nuff said!


3) Meeting friends for dinner.  Always fun!!! 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Shhhhhhhh, It's a quiet walk....

 An autumn mist
blanketing 
my world,
my world of small blocks,
my world,
where I hear the sound of mist falling around me.
Walking on this quiet day
with only the sound of the mist in 
my world,
Pixie and I walking, we hear the mist fall,
my world,
alone,
near heaven
on a quiet day
walking
in the rain.

 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

I'm Entering This Owl in the Hooters Challenge On Artisan Whimsey

I think he's a cute little Hooter.
If you like, you can vote for him 
when the challenge is over, 
but,
you do have to be a member of 
to vote.

It's a great new site full of information!
You can also chat, if you like.
So,
think about it.
You might even want to submit an owl design to the contest.
We'll see what this little Hooter does.
I'll post a link later to the Hooter!

It should be listed after today!
If you'd like to purchase this little hooter,
you can find him
in my Etsy store.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Some of My Favvorite 10,000 Sculptural Bead Artists!

Feel free to Visit these Etsy stores.
You won't be sorry.

Let's start out with Right Turn Art Werks
curated by Sharon Driscoll.

See this elf?

 He's a great little guy?
Wouldn't you like to find him under your tree?
Click
to find him. 
 
 
Look at this realistic pine cone in 
Studio Marcy's store
curated by Marcy Lamberson.
Click
to find this great sculpture.


Look what Lauren made!!
I love this little owl.
This is in Maybeads shop curated by
Lauren.
Click 
to find this little guy!
 
 
How about this T-Rex from 
NLC Beads
Curated by Nikki!
Click 
to find this little guy.
 
I love these artists, and they are some of my top 10,000 favorite bead artists!!



Monday, October 22, 2012

October is National Popcorn Month

If you know me,
you know that
I Love Popcorn!!!
I will eat it in any sauce.
The only type of popcorn I haven't tried yet is
Bacon Popcorn,
but that is on my bucket list. 

I have these popcorn beads in my Etsy store.
Click HERE to see them!
 
As I searched the internet, 
I found some interesting links about 
POPCORN.
 
Want to know some fun facts about Popcorn?
Click

Want to learn the history of Popcorn?
Click

Want some tips for Poppin' Popcorn?
Click
 
I Love Popcorn!!!
 



Sunday, October 21, 2012

I Heart Macro - Broken Beads using my IPhone

I have an effective macro lens for my IPhone.
I'm learning to use it.
I decided to photograph my broken beads using my
Macro Lens
for my 
Iphone.

Broken bead #1

This one looks like a bug!
Broken bead #2

Another cracked bead.
Broken bead #3.

I Heart Macro!

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Just a small Experiment to Share with you

No, this is not something that will cause me to blow up my house.
It's an experiment in glass.
 
I set up some rules, and I wanted to see what the results would be.
I'm really pleased.
I made 7 focals using these rules.
 
The rules were these.
1) Use a base of white glass.
2) Add a bottom layer of dark ivory.
3) Encase the white glass with a transparent color.
4) Roll the hot glass in raku frit.
5) Make one swirl on the front and one swirl on the back.
6) Add 3 dots on one side and two on the other.  Use transparent colors for the dots.
 
Ta-da!!
 
The reaction of  the frit on the transparent glasses surprised me.


The first focal was made with transparent gray glass.
I like the way the raku frit reacts with the gray.
The blue bead on top is just pretty to me.
It felt like everything went well.
The grape bead with the red dots reminds me of a kid when grape and cherry were my favorite colors and tastes!!  I like it.

The green bead is gorgeous!  I love the way the greens came out in the frit!
The pink bead next to it surprised me.  I thought the pink would be darker.  There wasn't much of a reaction with the glass. 
That's okay, I do like it anyway.

The bead on the bottom left reminds me of a honeycomb.  
The frit reacted well and blues came out in the flame.  
I added black dots.
Normally, those aren't my colors, but I liked this bead.
The red bead is one of my favorites!
I dotted it with green glass.
It just seemed perfect for the seasons.
I liked the way blues popped out of the frit.

I am hoping to list these in my Etsy store soon, 
so
stay tuned!

Friday, October 19, 2012

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 write this, Pixie is cuddling with me.  When I first got Pixie, she didn't know how to cuddle, and now, she loves it!


2) Yesterday, we received some much needed moisture.  It wasn't a drenching rain, but it was a day of misting and moisture.  I don't know how much moisture we received, probably not much, but the moisture was welcome.  We need the rain.


3) The leaves are almost off the trees.  This year the leaves fell off the trees in the front yard, early, very early.  As a result, most of the leaves from the yard have blown away, and I don't have much left to rake!  Now, is that great or what?

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Pssstttt! Wanna' Know a Secret?

Etsy changed their search engines
AGAIN!

So how are you going to find handmade lampwork beads now that they are all mixed in with vintage beads and (shhhhhhhhh) imported beads.  I've heard that those don't really exist on Etsy and that they are all handmade.  Right!

This list is thanks to Amber Van Meter of Naos Glass and Jewelry Supply on Etsy.   You've seen her work on my blog.  She is an amazing artist!!!!!

Here's her list for searching on Etsy to find true handmade lampwork glass beads.  I emphasize HANDMADE.   She posted this list on Lampworketc

handmade lampwork beads
lampwork beads
lampwork beads sra
handmade lampwork beads sra
handmade glass beads
handmade glass beads sra
lampwork glass beads
lampwork glass beads sra

Just type in these words in the search box.  They will help you to find the handmade artists who sell their lampwork beads on Etsy.

Thanks for your support, and shop Handmade.  

Oh, the Eye Guy, you can find him HERE.  I guarantee, he's handmade!!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

My Manuela Bead--It arrived!!!!!!!

Manuela's bead arrived, and I wanted to show her my reaction when I opened the package.  Here it is!  Get your ear coverings ready!
Needless to say,
I. WAS. THRILLED!
Still AM!!!!!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

An Easy Peasy Recipe for Shrimp Soup

This was delicious!!!

Easy Peasy Shrimp Soup

Ingredients
1) I used 6 ripe tomatoes.  I think you could substitute 1 large can of tomatoes.

2) 3/4 pound of shrimp

3) 2 Tablespoons of rosemary dried

4) Salt and Pepper to Taste

How I made it:

1) I put the tomatoes and the rosemary in the crockpot to simmer all day.

2) I used a hand held blender to smooth out the tomatoes at the end of the day.

3) I added salt and pepper.

4) I added shrimp and let it simmer for half and hour or until it's cooked.
(The shrimp are curled up.)

Serve.

It was good!!!

Monday, October 15, 2012

So, What would you do with this?

I made this pendant.

I made these mini nugget beads.

This is what I've done so far.

Would you stop here?
I tried it on, and it looks cute.

Would you add more components?
If yes, what would you add?

Would you add more strands?
If yes, how many more strands would you add?
What would you put on the strands?

I'm stuck.
Advice?
Please?

Thanks.

My goal is to make a non-traditional Halloween necklace!
Really?
Yes.
:)

Sunday, October 14, 2012

I Heart Macro - Around the House

Some photos from around the house.

Silk Flowers

Silk Pods

A ribbon!

I Heart Macro!!!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

How Many Steps Does it Take to List Murrini On Etsy?


1) Open listing page on Etsy.
2) Fill in the first question:  Who Made it?
3) Answer:  I did.
4) Look at Pixie who is looking at you with eyes of love.  Stop and rub her ears.
5) Read:  What is it?
6) Answer Supply or Tool
7) Read: When did you make it?
8) Answer 2010-2012
9) Categories:  What is it? Glass
10) Look for socks.  My feet are cold.
11) Find socks and put them on.
12) Wait, is that a bead under the bed?   How did that get there?
13) Okay:  Glass - Bead - Lampwork
14) Pictures.  I thought I took pictures.
15) Take pictures.
16) Edit pictures.
17) Did I close out the photo program?
18) Open photo program.
19) Export photos.
20) Upload photos.
21) In a minute.  Does Pixie want her ears rubbed?
22) Rub Pixie's ears.
23) Does Pixie need to go potty?
24) Take Pixie potty.
25) Where was I?  Okay.  Upload photos.
26) Add a Title.
27)  Pixie, what should I name this murrini?
28) Mango?  Okay Mango Murrini.
29) Add a description.
30)  Hmmmmmm.  Did I wash my jeans for tomorrow?  I really like these shoes!
31) Put jeans in the washer.  Turn on washer.
32) Description added.
33) Rub Pixie's ears.
34) Tell Pixie I love her.
35) Select Shop Section.
36) Add tags, oh, look at these beads!  I forgot I made them.  How did they get here.
37)  Pixie do you need an ear rub?
38) I wonder if I should buy new shoes?
39) Add tags.
40) Check other listings for tags.
41) Pixie, no butt sniffing!  Such a naughty girl!
42) List Materials.  Easy
43) Pixie, do you want a treat?
44) Pixie, do you want an ear rub?
45) Laundry is done.  Put jeans in the dryer.
46) Add Price.
47) Shipping Profile.
48) Pixie, move over.  I don't have any room on the bed.
49) Add Shipping Profile.
50) Preview listing.
51) Publish listing.
52) Oh, look, shoes!!
53) Mango Murrini Click Here.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Three Beautiful Things This Week or How Awesome Can a week Be?

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.

How awesome can a week be?

1) It was my birthday this week!  How awesome can a week be!!!!!  Friends getting together and celebrating with me!!  Wow!  It was a week of celebration!  Awesome!

2) Phone calls from the kids made my week even more special!

3) The bead I won from Manuela Wutschke arrived yesterday!  OMG!!! Is this an amazing bead or what!!!!!!  I am so thrilled to have won this bead.  It made my week even more amazing than it was!!!  Wow!!!!
Thank you, Manuela!!!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

My Little Army of Snow People Begins

Thinking snow and winter now.
My little army of snow people is starting to grow.
These will be for 
when my army has grown enough. 

If it doesn't get cold enough for the snow to fall in Minnesota
(not likely, but I can dream...)
these little snow people might be able to bring a smile to the face of a child.
That makes me happy!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

A Quick and Easy Fall Meal

 Sausage, Apples and Onions in a Skillet.

Ingredients:
I used
1/2 low fat Italian Sausage
1 small onion sliced
2 small tart granny smith apples sliced
a pinch of rosemary
1 teaspoon ginger

If you really want to be good,
brown the Italian Sausage and drain completely.
Clean the skillet.
Spray with Pam.
Add the sliced onion and apples.
Brown a little.
I used a medium heat.
Add the sausage and cook until the apples and onion are brown.
Serve!

Serves 3-4.
Let me know how you like it!
I love it!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Me and the best things that ever happened to me!!

I can't believe that I am really getting old!  I'm not just saying that, but I am!!

I'm so grateful for everything that God has given me, especially Jenny and Nick.  We've had a lot of rough times, but we are a family!!  We made it through the darkness.  Better times are ahead.

So, to celebrate my 21st birthday, I'm having a 25% off sale in my Etsy store.  Just use the coupon code:  BIRTHDAY  at checkout.  

What?  21st birthday?  Yes, I didn't have that much fun that night, so I'm celebrating it now!!! 

Happy birthday to me!!!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Keiara by bykeiara on Etsy! How fun!!!

She makes such cute critters.
She makes earrings, too.
Let's visit Keiara's store on Etsy.
It's called 
Here we go!!!

Are these owl earrings cute or what?
Keiara made these.
She made the beads then turned these precious little owls into
earrings!
Click
to see these on Etsy.

Doesn't this necklace remind you of the ocean?
Keiara made the beads and the necklace.
Click 
to see these on Etsy.
 
 Need some beautiful beads?
Take a look at these made by Keiara.
There are other colors, but since pink is my favorite color...
Click
to see these on Etsy.


All right, I've switched colors.
Isn't this bracelet nummy?
Keiara made both the beads and the bracelet.
Click
to see this bracelet on Etsy.

Like bunnies?
Look at this one that Keiara made. 
Click 
to get a better look at this on Etsy.
Isn't he cute?
 
While you're on Etsy, be sure to add
to your favorites and your circle.
I just did.
 
Enjoy!
 


Sunday, October 7, 2012

I Heart Macro! - The Season is Here

Autumn

Red Leaves

Faded Leaves

Newly Fallen from the tree.

I Heart Macro!

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Yikes! I have 4, Yes, Count Them, 4 Items that have ZERO views!

Wanna' do me a favor?
Can you click on the link and click on them, so they'll have 
one view.

Here's the first one.
It's a yarn bundle, and I really like it!

I love the colors and textures.
Zero views!
Here's the link.
Thanks!

These pillow beads have
Zero Views.
I like them, too.
Here's the link.
Please click?
Thanks.

Although the other double ball headpins I have do have views, this one
Does Not. 
Like the middle child,
they are a bit neglected.
Please click.

Thanks, so much!!
I appreciate it.

I wonder if it's the shape?
These have no views either.
Yikes!
Would you mind clicking here?

Thanks.
I know that a lot of people are talking about their Etsy views being down.
I'm not the only one, but
zero views on 4 items?
Wow!

Remember, this holiday season,
shop
hand
made!

Thanks!