Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Oh, Dear!!!!

By now,
my piece for the 
is completed and my post is scheduled and ready to go.
Time has flown.
I'm so glad Lori is so organized and sends out reminders.
Guess I had better get to work
I have some awesome beads with which to work.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow, I will work!
Whew!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

You Don't Like Beads?

I have a dear friend who doesn't wear beads.  She wears a chain with a religious medal on it for jewelry.  I think that's wonderful!  However, I was stunned when she told me, "I really like your work, but I don't like beads."  Huh?

My jaw dropped.   You don't like beads?  I had never heard ANYONE say that before.  It's like when you hear a mom say that her child doesn't like peanut butter.
I can understand a child who has a peanut allergy not liking peanut butter, but there aren't many kids with out that particular allergy who don't like peanut butter.  

She doesn't like beads.  I'm going to have to get used to that idea.  I've been involved in the beading community for so long now that this revelation of hers came as a shock to me.  She's the first person I have ever met that doesn't like beads.  I still like her.  We're still friends, but, she. doesn't. like. beads?  Wow!  That's a first for me!  Do you like beads?

Here are a couple of good groups on Facebook where you can see a lot of beautiful beads!

Lampwork Beads for Sale:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/lampworkbeadsfs/
Lampwork Bead Market:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/598912806868591/

You have to join the groups to buy or sell or just look at the eye candy, but it's worth it. 

She doesn't like beads?  I'll have to get used to that. 

Monday, April 28, 2014

Easy Peasey Polymer Clay Tutorial - Heishi Beads

Heishi beads are easy to make using polymer clay.
Here's how you do it!

I took a chunk of scrap polymer clay.

I took a small piece of my clay and rolled it into a thin log.


I decided that I'm not crazy about this method, but it does work.
I slit the clay down the center of the log, but I didn't cut all the way through.

I inserted a mandrel I use for lampworking, but you could use a ticker wire such as 18 gauge instead.

Leaving the mandrel inserted in the log of clay, I rolled the clay thinner sealing the cut.
This is where you have to be careful.  You need to roll the clay enough so that the hole in the log will be round.

The other way to do this is to roll out your clay into a log and insert a mandrel or piece of wire through the log.  The only problem here is that the hole might be crooked through the log of clay.

I pulled the mandrel out of the log.  The hole is left in the log of clay.  Bake the tube of clay according to manufacturer's directions for half an hour.

After 30 minutes of baking, take the bead out of the oven.
Using a sharp knife or cutter, begin to cut the clay while it is still warm.
Be careful not to burn yourself.

I cut the bead into 1/8" pieces.  You can also cut the clay into 1/4" pieces.

Easy Peasey
Heishi Beads!

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Friday, April 25, 2014

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that 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) It warmed up!!!!  It really did!!!
That was nice, and there is no more snow.

2) It's been raining!  I love the rain! Rain is better than snow.  I love rain!

3) I love a rainy day.  You can read.  You can write.  You can rest.  You can...

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

30 Words Thursday - A Dead, Dry Leaf and Hope

Yes, it's dead.
Yes, it's dry.
Most people would think it was hopeless.
I don't.
It's Hope.
If this leaf didn't fall and die
The new leaves couldn't be born!

From Erin's Blog

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...
Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).
Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.
Post it each Thursday.
Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.
(InLinkz code will be open for one week.) Enjoy seeing what others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

25 Things I Love

1) God
2) My Children
3) Beads
4) New Shoes
5) Candy
6) Making Beads
7) Polymer Clay
8) Family
9) Friends
10) Reading
11) Writing
12) My Ipad
13) My Smart phone
14) Pink
15) My pink hair
16) Kindness
17) Peace
18) Joy
19) Hope
20) My dog
21) The smell of spring
22) Thunderstorms
23) Rain fall
24) Mismatched socks
25) Earrings

How would you feel out this list?

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

I'm Cleaning House and Finding some Long Lost Treasures that I Thought Were Worthless, but Now I Realize, They were Better than I Thought.

Some of my Early Work


Not bad for a Newbie, but today, my vessels are much better.
I like the concepts, though, in these vessels.
I'll have to try to make them again.

I unearthed these treasures!
I love so many of them.
They aren't bad in terms of construction.
Some are a little wonky, but that's okay.
I love them!

The little cups in here aren't very good, but I do like the hearts.  Some of them are very well made.

I'm going to list some of these beads. 
I really like them!!!

I guess this is a reason to look forward to cleaning!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Getting the Hang of Instagram

Follow Me on Instagram:
10mhoff1

You'll see photos like this.

And this.
I chronicle my life, my beads, and my dog.

Follow me: 
10mhoff1

Thanks.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Friday, April 18, 2014

Hallelujiah! Kelley Mooney

Three Beautiful Things This Week!

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that 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)  We had one day of warm weather.  That was nice.  I wish we had more days like this.  The weatherman keeps saying, "Soon."

2) The programs are all stapled for these High Holy Days at church.  How do I know?  I stapled them!  That was fun.  It was busy.  It was good.

3) Tea soothes my soul any time. I love tea.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

30 Words Thurday - Beads

Is there anything better than beads?
Mine are all handmade.
And now,
My Etsy store is fifty per cent off to make way for more beads.
Snuck in a commercial!


From Erin's Blog

30 Words Thursday: Grab an image (preferably one you shot or one you have permission to use). Write exactly 30 Words (no more, no less). Post it.

If you would like to participate in the 30 Words Thursday with me, 

Post it each Thursday.


Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.
(InLinkz code will be open for one week.) Enjoy seeing what others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

So, I Belong to a Group on Facebook Where I Sell My Beads then one day Marcy Lamberson Posted This Bead

I bought it!
I love it!
Thank you, Marcy!

You can see more of Marcy's work 
in her Etsy store.

Click
HERE

Oh, I do know I'm supposed to sell beads and not buy them.
OOOOOOOOOPS!
I'm not sorry!
 


Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Easter is so Near, and Maybe Spring, too? Rambling Thoughts! Pink


 So, I made myself this funky necklace for Easter!  I used all polymer clay components.  Handmade, of course!




















Here's another view.  It does remind me of the spring we'd love to be having here in Minnesota now!  Sigh!  Soon, I hope!






















And this necklace goes with my newly
PINKED
up
Hair!

I want to be ready for Easter!















And when I showed this bead off on Facebook, someone commented that it matched my hair!


YES!!!

Now, I'm really ready for Easter!

Monday, April 14, 2014

Look at My Beads - All Growed Up!!

My friend Samantha McDermott is a wonderful jewelry designer!  Look at these awesome bracelets that she's made.  And this is before you see what she's done with my beads!  Hold on!!!

Oh, before I forget, you can find Samantha HERE on Facebook.  Just message her and you'll be able to see more of her work. 

Here's the LINK to a group Samantha  created.  Check it daily for new photos and stories about her work.

Now, ta-da!  Here's what Samantha did with my beads.  They are all GROWED Up!

 
Don't you just love this bracelet?

I do!!!


I love the minimalist look of this necklace with the shell.  

My beads are all "growed" up!! 

Thanks, Samantha!

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Eye Heart Macro!

Eye Heart Macro!

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Friday, April 11, 2014

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that 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) There were 3 60 degree and above days this week!!!!


2) Made some sales in the Facebook group - Lampwork Beads for Sale.


3) The dentist was very kind to me.  I didn't feel a thing!

Thursday, April 10, 2014

30 Words Thursday - The Diva

Winter is almost over.
Yet, she cuddles her fur. 
Such a diva!
No matter where.
No matter when.
It's all about her.
She fools "her friends."
She's a good dog!

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...
Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).
Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.
Post it each Thursday.
Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.
(InLinkz code will be open for one week.)
Enjoy seeing what others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.
Come Join the Fun!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Olives, Schmolives! I Hate Olives, Except....

There are green olives.........













There are black olives.....


















I'm sure there are other kind of olives...

Olives, Schmolives,
I. HATE. OLIVES!

except


When it's a bead!

Do you like olives?





Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Helping Miss Daisy!

Sharon Driscoll of Right Turn ArtWerks
has written a beautiful story of love and triumph over adversity and the ongoing battle with the rough diagnoses she, her husband, and their beautiful animals have been given.
No, it's not a book, but it's all on her blog.  
Please take the time to read her posts.
You need to read each one of them to understand the story of Daisy.
Post #1
Post #2
Post #3
Post #4

This is Miss Daisy, and she needs our help.

You can make a donation to help fund Daisy's hip replacement at 

You can purchase one of these Daisy Pendants in Sharon's Etsy Store.
All the proceeds from the sale of these pendants will go to fund Daisy's surgery.

Isn't she sweet?
How can you say no?
This is a legitimate need.
Sharon and I have been friends for years.
Thanks for looking.
I know that if you read Daisy's story, you will be touched.

Monday, April 7, 2014

What do you say to someone who sends you 25 pounds of polymer clay?????????

Thank You!!!!

Ann Sanicola Designs!

Click HERE to see her Facebook page!

There are some great links there!

Ann, Thank you!!!

Sunday, April 6, 2014

I Heart Macro - Flowers?

I Heart Macro!

Friday, April 4, 2014

Selfie #14, Easy Reading

I like reading this way!

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that 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) We had one beautiful, warm day this week.  Winter might be over?

2) Got to torch a bit this week.  I sure enjoyed that!

3) I'm having lunch with a friend today.  It's been a while since we've seen each other.  I think it will be nice!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

30 Words Thursday - Grammar Police


 Grammar Police
I guess I'm one of them now.
I have a badge and everything!
I just hope there/their/they're
right/rite,
to, too, two
I don't no/know.

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...
Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).
Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.
Post it each Thursday.
Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.
(InLinkz code will be open for one week.)
Enjoy seeing what others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Round, Flat, Thumb Support?

I've started covering crochet hooks with polymer clay.  I have 3 different styles.  I'm thinking of adding them to my Etsy store, but I'm not sure yet. 

If you were to see these crochet hooks in my Etsy store, which style would you be more inclined to buy? I'll be selling them for $10 + shipping. 

These crochet hooks have big, round handles.  I like them.  They do make it easier to crochet for a longer time without my hands aching so much.










These crochet hooks have a flat handle.  They are the smaller sized crochet hook, but I could make the handles round, too.



















These crochet hooks are flat, but they do have thumb support. 

I could make any of the hooks the way people like the best.  I'm just not sure which style to offer, if I do.

Would you help me out?
I need your opinions.
Thanks!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

I need to do this more often - Here's some of my work

Some of these have been sold.
Some are listed 
in my Etsy store.
Some are available on Facebook.
Anyway....

Glass is so versatile.
Birds, beads, and discs...

Flowers and shells

Handblown vessels.
It's good to be back into glass.