Holly's Folly

Wow! When I first started out looking for items to feature that would tell the story of Holly Dare, I had no idea of all the spots I would find. Holly is on Etsy, 1000Markets, Blogger, and she has her own website. Whew! That's a lot of work for anyone!










Look at this beautiful shell! As you can guess, Holly makes lampwork beads.















Look at this shot of Holly's blown shells. This blown shell is to die for! Amazing!

Here's what Holly has to say about herself: "Old fashioned Southern Belle (yeah, we still exist) whose greatest joy is the daily hikes with my dog. I make food safe rubber stamps (combining the love of baking and stamping) and also make lampwork beads and sell jewelry. In my spare time, I write for tv and other clients and dabble in web development. "

Wow! I'm tired already! I don't think I could keep up with her. Be sure to visit Holly in the places I listed! I think you'll see some wonderful beads, and learn more about this very interesting artisan!

Like Discs? I have Discs!

Lately, I've been making discs. I love discs! There are so many uses for them. You can add discs to necklaces or bracelets. You can even make rings. Since this is going to be a shameless self promotion day, you'll get to see some of my offerings.










I made this bracelet for last month's Art Bead Scene Blog's monthly challenge. I listed this in my Etsy Store.
















These discs are called Albuquerque Sunrise. I was always an early bird, and these colors remind me of the colors of an Albuquerque Sunrise. They are in my etsy store.
















This set of discs called Toxic Blue is in my Artfire Store.
















This set is called "On the Edge," and it's also in my Artfire store.


















This necklace is called Ripening Olives, and it's in my 1000Markets store. Note the ruffled disc in the center of the necklace.

That's it for today. No more shameless self promotion for a while!

Art Bead Scene's Monthly Challenge - Cave Paintings

I don't participate in every monthly challenge from the Art Bead Scene Blog. (The link will take you to the monthly challenge.)

This month's (July) challenge is the Lascaux Cave Paintings. The goal is to use an art bead made either by yourself or someone else and turn the item into a finished product. Now, I think my entry will qualify. I made a bead then turned the bead into a bracelet by adding one of my viking knit chains. A random drawing is made at the end of July and a winner is selected. There are prizes. Woooohoooo! So, ta-da! Here's my entry. What do you think?

Fun Days Parade

I have to admit that I was somewhat disappointed this year in our Fun Days Parade. In years past, the parade seemed to be much better organized. This year, there were big gaps between the walking advertisements and bands. The bands were playing very sad music. I'm thinking, maybe it's the economy? I don't know.

On the plus side, there was still plenty of candy for everyone. There was pop given out. Even piizza was given out. There were some fun "floats." (I don't know what else to call them.) People were still having a good time, but so many kids and adults were saying, "Is this thing over yet?"

Not to be such a gloom and doom person about this. I know it takes a lot of work to organize and execute a parade that lasts just a touch over 2 hours. So, I'd like to show you some of the most enjoyable parts of the parade.

Horses, there are always horses! Note the top picture, but how about this little guy?
















Isn't he cute? He seemed to enjoy walking the parade route.

















Then there was AJ, a local photographer. He said that he didn't mind having his picture taken. He was taking photos for a local magazine.


















As always, "Pile it On" benefited the local food shelf. Donations of cash and cans were taken for this cause.



I only wish I knew the name of this group! They were great entertainers, and they did entertain! The would walk a few steps and play. Then they would cross the street and play to the audience. They were a hit! Everyone loved them and the way they played.

Meismama Etsy Featured Blogger

When you go to Etsy and find Meismama, you will find a wonderful store full of homemade goodness.












Look at this garland! Isn't this sweet?












I think we all know a sweet someone who would look wonderful in this headband.














As always, I saved my favorite for last. Look at this beautiful clutch. I could see this in my hand!

Oh, I almost forgot. Be sure to visit Meismama's blog, too. I just found a wonderful recipe for a Yogurt Cheese Pie with Berries. Oh, does that look good!