Thrift Store Finds

I drove past the thrift store today, and I knew I had to stop.
It was on my list anyway.
I wanted to find chains, and, maybe a few beads that were too good to resist.
Even though I didn't find as much as I would have liked to find,
the treasures I left with are wonderful!
I found a few chains.
I'm happy with what I found, but I'm thinking I'll have to go back another time to find more chains.
Along with the chains, I found a knotted pearl bracelet.
I took the tag off because I've already worn it.
I'm not sure if they are "real" pearls or not,
but the bracelet is lovely.
I don't think I'll take it apart any time soon.
Oh, I paid 75 cents for that bracelet.
I also found that bright, plastic necklace.
The clerk who waited on me kept saying that the necklace was "interesting and bright."
Yes, to both statements.
In the right place, one of the those beads would make a design pop.
This necklace will be saved for that occasion.
So, have you found inspiration in your local thrift store lately?
If so, what did you find?

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) Sometimes a package in the mail is not what you were expecting, but what is in the envelope is saturated with friendship and love! Isn't Pixie adorable! Thank you, Lauren!

2) Jenny's bi-monthly labs were good, again! I am so grateful that she is doing so well!

3) I have been able to talk with two wonderful friends this week using Skype. It was great to talk to both of them. One was an international call, and the other was a call in the US. Those two calls really made my day!

It doesn't matter what Christina makes, she's good at whatever she does!

Christina used to be a lampworker.

I have to say, I am so sorry that she no longer makes glass beads,
but now, she has become an avid quilter, jewelry designer, and photographer.
She also has an Etsy store, now, and in it, are some of her fabulous stitched items.
Before we go there,
I want to direct you to Christina's blog.
Be sure to click on the "follow" link.
You will enjoy reading Christina's blog as much as I do!
I've "known" Christina for about 4 years.
She's one of my many online friends that I have never met.
I have to say, that I am also the proud owner of one of her lampwork lizard vessels!
It's one of my treasures!
Anyway, back to the subject,
Christina's Etsy store, CM Homemade.
Her store is rich in homemade, sewn items.
Take a look at this.


Virginia Tech fans, need a great gift for the VT enthusiast?
You can go right here and find this scarf.
Notice the photography.
Christina is good!
I love pink, and so does Christina!
This warm scarf is featured in her store,
with a great story to go with it.
You can find it here.
This would make a great gift for that special someone who loves pink and wants to be warm.
If you order now, it will still get to you before Christmas.

Need a hat for one of the little ones in your household?
This hat comes in two different sizes.
It sure looks like a fun one to wear to me!
You can find the larger size here.

If I were going to have a baby, I would kill for this bag!
It's a comfy place to lay baby, a changing blanket, and a place to carry those much needed items when baby goes out to visit.
The Pack Play Change Baby Tote would make a great gift for that new mom or expecting mom.
Didn't I tell you,
whatever Christina does,
she does well.
Visit her blog and her store.
You won't be sorry you did!

Christmas in New Zealand and Christmas in Minnesota

Have you ever wondered what differences there are in the celebrations for Christmas in different cultures, particularly, between Minnesota and New Zealand?

Well, this month, Deb Batten (Firebird Flamework) and I have decided that our challenge for artistic growth will be to document the differences in our cultures as we celebrate the holidays.

We are going to use our photographic skills to present to you a photo journal
of our lives as we celebrate Christmas.

Our reveal will be on December 27, 2010. We think that this might be enough time to recover from the festivities. I'm already tired!

In case you've never wondered about our cultural differences, I'm sure that now, you will be waiting to see what we show. So, stay tuned and see you on December 27th!

Oh, you can check out Deb's blog for her side of the story. (Notice I put the link to her blog at the end of my blog?) ;)

REVEAL - ABS Ornament Blog Hop

I love blog hops,

so when ABS (Art Bead Scene Blog) announced an ornament blog hop,
I knew I was in!
Today is the REVEAL!
Are you ready?
Are you sure?
Here it is!
Drum roll, please!


Wait, I have a question for you.
Would you like a quick tutorial to go with this REVEAL?
Well, let me think about it.
All right.
I guess so.
Here's the REVEAL first.


It's actually cuter than the photo.
I made it using lampwork beads.

Here's how you do it.

Supplies

5 lampwork beads of your choice, including one small focal
I used on small spacer on the bottom, two small disc beads,
one ruffled disc bead for the nest,
One small bird to occupy the nest.
3 small (3-4mm crystals)
approximately 8 inches of wire for wire wrapping.
1 purchased wire ornament hanger

What to do:
You will begin at the bottom of the ornament and work your way up.
Make a small spiral on the bottom, about 3 wraps.
Add one of the crystals and wrap the wire around the crystal on the wire leaving a long stem of wire.
Thread your beads in this order:
Spacer, disc bead, disc bead, wavy disc bead, bird.
Add one or two more crystals and wrap the wire around them.
Finish with a loop and wire wrap down to secure that loop.
Add the purchased hangar.

Ta-da

You are finished.

Now, get busy and go blog hopping.

Here's the list:

Art Bead Scene - you are here!

Creative Impressions in Clay

Diva Designs

Elysian Studios

Fab Fibers

For the Love of Beads

Humblebeads

Island Girl's Insights

Jangles

Jeannie's Blog

Lampwork Diva/Cindy Gimbrone

Mary Harding

Michelle Mach

Spirit Rattles

Wondrous Strange Designs