BeeTree by m.e.

ABS Inspiration

2012-02-11T05:21:00.000-05:00

Mystic Dream

Time for the ABS February challenge !
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-monthly-challenge.html
I am entranced by Habiballah's painting based on one of Farid al-Din 'Attar's mystic allegories.The colors are muted ,yet so vibrant .
The elements are fascinating .
Each time I look ,I see something different .
I was immediately struck by the dream like quality of this piece.

Have you ever wakened from a dream that seemed a bit hazy yet somehow very vivid ?
Have you remembered a dream with elements that were disconnected,
yet seemed to belong together in your dream's story?

In my stash, I remembered the perfect beads for a dream.
I had a set of large transparent hollow glass beads.
The flecks of frit on them were just the colors I needed.
I also had some gossamer silk hand dyed ribbon in the right shades.
I gathered up all my gemstone beads in the inspiration colors and spread them out on my bed to see which spoke to me.
I picked pearls ,mother of pearl ,celestite and new jade.
To add bit more of the misty quality I used some recycled glass beads with a"sea glass "finish . These all fell together in a pleasing random order. However ,I wanted to add birds to my " dream" .
I usually make rather realistic,very detailed birds.
I thought I might pick out specific birds from the painting.
But , my muse was in mystic dream mode. So instead, I made vaguer bird shapes in pearl clay accented with touch of reddish taupe and a brush of gold antiquing .
My necklace did not really grab the exact elements from the painting. Instead ,I created based on how the painting made me feel.
I am pleased with the dream like feeling my necklace gives me.

On a more practical side ,it doesn't hurt that these are my favorite Summer colors! Maybe I should rename this piece
"Dreaming of Summer/Fantasy meets Fashion " LOL!
One thing I love about jewelry design ... its such a practical art form .
You can express your inner most feelings and glam up your outfits at the same time !
I'd say that's a Dream come true !!!
this week dream up a fantasy / fashion combo
and
Bead Happy!

m.e.

Groundhog Shadows

2012-02-04T09:08:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was Groundhogs day. Phil saw his shadow.
I guess that means six more weeks of winter for us!
I live in Maryland where the weather is always "weird".
This year the seasons really can't seem to make up their minds whose turn it is.
It has been so unseasonably warm my bulbs are coming up !
I took the photo above on Monday . It snowed ! Snow on Spring flowers might not seem too surprising .But, in Maryland in early February it is! Usually bead people are a season a head. We are making Spring flowers when Winter winds howl .We are creating Christmas blossoms in July.
This week I'm happily making floral toggles while enjoying my bright little crocus. I am a bit worried that Phil's six more weeks of winter might hold promise of some late snow storms. I hope my Spring flowers don't freeze before they can reach full bloom ! Throughout my childhood my mother and grandmother recalled the Big Palm Sunday blizzard of 1942 ! Are we in for a repeat this year?
If we are ,I have a chicken ready , Whenever it snowed ,my mother always baked a chicken.
We had an old gas oven and she liked the way it warmed up our drafty Victorian house.I continue this tradition in snow storms, despite having a more reliable modern heating system.
Modern heat and air conditioning often make me feel almost immune to the weather outside. Some days the seconds from house to car to work and back are my only touch with real weather.
When I'd rather be at the beach, I can watch "live video" of all my favorite sunny places via Key West web cams .If I set up my i-phone just right at work, I can watch the waves at Fort Zachary beach.
(Dr M, I only peek during breaks ...really.........)
When I'm not hard at work at my vet job,I am making out of season beads in an unseasonably warm or cool house .
However,I still rely on the time honored tradition of the groundhog prophet(formerly an old world hedgehog )
Six more weeks of winter for me . Sunshine or snow shadows, I will be Springtime happy inside growing my garden of beads
whatever the weather at your house
keep a something to ready bake
just in case you need to warm up with the oven
and
Bead Happy

m.e.

Rainy Day Dessert

2012-01-28T06:52:00.000-05:00

A big Thank You to to everyone who gave me advice about Picnik alternatives .
I still haven't decided what to use. But, I did find the missing collage feature. Thank you Maneki!
At least I do have until April to find a new favorite.
Right now, I feel like I'm having a Rainy day....
I'm a little moody and melancholy about the whole
" learn a new photo edit method" issue.
I am really not motivated .I'm sad and I'm Mad !
But ,this week I'm letting April showers bring polymer flowers!
I am thoroughly enjoying my handmade toggle venture.
I've been working on a new design...
what else ...a flower toggle !!!
I like to think I'm not ignoring the photo editing issue.
Instead,I am just redirecting my energy in order to rev up my motor.
It's an effort to start up my "learn new stuff " machine !
I find sometimes a task I am not looking forward to, goes a bit smoother if I allow myself a little fun before I tackle it .
It's Like eating desert first ..LOL!
Of course there is the danger I'll ignore the task at hand.
But, I don't think I will.
I just need to set it aside and have some fun until my rainy day feelings pass.
this week
try eating your "dessert tasks" first !
and Bead Happy

m.e.

No Picnik !!

2012-01-21T12:59:00.001-05:00

My blog this week was going to be about color.
Technically about lack of color.
I should be working on Spring pastels.
It's time for Sweet Florals and Romantic Hearts.
But, somehow I got sidetracked by Moonlight madness.
This week I set aside my pinks and purples .
I concentrated instead on night time neutrals,
blacks,silvers and moon lit whites.
Valentine's day is right around the corner.
does anything say Romance better than Moonlight ?
This morning I was up extra early ... coffee in hand
ready to write about Romantic neutrals
neutral colors that is
not neutral feelings...LOL!
and then .....
oh NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
my favorite photo edit program Picnik is closing in April!!!
Already this morning ,the collage feature seems to be missing !!!

I think this might be a case of be careful what you wish for
I've been talking the last few weeks about branching out ...
exploring new options ,trying new techniques
I did NOT mean I wanted to try new photo edit options!
I learn clay skills fairly easily. But ,not computer skills !!!
I was finally comfortable with Picnik .
Now I have to find AND learn how to use something new !!!
I have no idea where to start
this week
I would be grateful if you would
share your ideas about photo edit programs
and
Bead Happy !!!!

m.e.

new.... but non-collaged toggle pics

ABS Inspiration

2012-01-14T08:34:00.002-05:00

Trellis

Time for the ABS monthly Challenge

http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-monthly-challenge.html
I instantly fell in love with this month's beautiful wallpaper design .
Joy of joys , so many wonderful flowers and leaves !!!
Just my thing. I only had to decide where to start ......

I grew up in an big old Victorian house that saw years of change and updates.No ,we didn't have William Morris wallpaper.
But, we did have pieces of furniture and knickknacks from the era.
All the design elements seemed comfortable and familiar to me.
But ,somehow I kept being drawn to that trellis design. Why?
Because, it made me think of the little twisted wire fences that graced my grandmother's gardens.Those low little fences didn't keep anything out or keep anything in .They were just decorative,like garden jewelry.
I wonder if they still sell rolls of that low wire fencing ? It always got bent out of shape and quickly developed aged patina . Maybe it wasn't as lovely as I remember . Still ,I smile when I think of those gardens .
I was determined to make a wire trellis fence for my necklace.
It took me hours of sore hands and wasted wire to finally recreate that twisted, aged fenceing from my past. No matter how frustrate I became I could not,would not veer from my design idea!
I WAS going to make a piece of wire fenceing !

Is it better to know something may be impossible or better to not realize ?
"How to" classes and tutorials do give us basic skills and tecniques to draw from.
But ,I think there are times when we should just branch out .
Times to experiment until we are able to create what we envision.
If we don't realize we are attempting the impossible maybe it will become the possible!

I am happy my little trellis necklace.
When I wear it, I am for moment, back with my Grandmother in her gardens.
Thanks for the memory ABS!
this week
make a memory
go with your vision
even if you aren't sure how
and
Bead Happy,

m.e.

Branching Out

2012-01-07T07:34:00.001-05:00

If you enjoy creating and you like to sell what you create,

it is probably wise to develop your own style.

Customers keep returning if they know you make things they like .

It's as simple as that !

However, recognizable style should not equate with stagnant .
Here's a case in point ...
visitors to Lynda Mosley's shop scdiva.etsy.com can expect to find Glamorous Sophisticated creations with a Heirloom feel .
But, check out her latest creation ! Rock and Roll earrings!!!
http://www.scdiva.blogspot.com/
WOW!!! Unexpected ...but , I would recognize those as Lynda's work anywhere ! She dared to go out on a limb and came up with a Far-out fresh and refreshing design !!!

Make 2012 your year to Branch Out !
Experimenting with new concepts and materials breaths life into our work .
Take your muse on a mini creativity vacation.
Return to your tried and true designs with new delight .
I think it will show .
Even my staple Rose Beads seem to bloom a bit fresher after a jewelry making break.
Cruise the blogs and bookshelves for new ideas.
Better yet, join a challenge
signups start today for Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party
http://www.prettythingsblog.com/
Art Bead Scene has a wonderful inspiration this month !
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-monthly-challenge.html
even if you are happy climbing the same tree...
go out on a limb !
this week Branch Out
and
Bead Happy,

m.e.

2012 Resolution

2011-12-31T07:15:00.073-05:00


Sunrise

Time to bid 2011 farewell .Where did the year go ?
The older I get ,the faster time goes by !
It's time for New Years resolutions
"A firm decision to do or not to do something "
I should be resolving to eat healthy ,eat less ,organize my beads ,make better use of my time, etc, etc.....
I try this every year ...do I follow through ? NO !

This year I have decided to concentrate on on a different type of New Year's resolution !
Resolution can also refer to " The fineness of detail that can be distinguished in an image" and "The term resolution is often used for a pixel count in digital imaging "
You know pixels,those tiny dots that combine to make up a complete picture .
This year I have decided to concentrate on the dots that make up my life . All those colorful little incidents , precious small moments and tiny details that make up the minutes, hours and days of my life.
It is these tiny "pixels " of existence that combine to make the big picture.

I noticed that as 2011 ends my friends are evaluating their year by the big picture. They say they had a ''terrible year " "a disappointing year " "a difficult year" We are all wishing each other A "Happy New Year"
We are hoping that those who were unhappy with the way 2011 progressed,will find fulfillment in 2012.
Who knows how individual big pictures will turn out.
But, should we focus on that ?
Wouldn't we be more content if we focused on the dots of wonderful , the pixels of pleasant times our lives hold ?
My 2012 resolution is , the fineness of detail should be savored .
Whatever your big picture may be for 2012,
may it contain many ,many wonderful and joyful little pixels
and may you
Bead Happy !!!

m.e.

From My House to your House

2011-12-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

Somewhere I read the the phrase
"saving the world one bead at a time"
I honestly don't remember where I read it.
But ,that phrase remains always in my heart.
There are many things in this world that need changing .
I think understanding and personal connection can motivate change.
Our beads do connect us the world over.
Beads create not just jewelry ...they create true friendships.
We may never meet face to face ...but still, we are good friends
for this Christmas Eve post I am quoting a John Lennon song
I believe the words ring true no matter what holiday you celebrate this season

"And so this is Christmas , And what have we done
Another year over, And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas , I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one , The old and the young
A very merry Christmas , And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one , Without any fear "

This week may we all join hands across our keyboards

and Bead Happy for a better world !

m.e.

Anytime Ornaments

2011-12-17T03:54:00.004-05:00

It's the Season of gift giving.
If you are reading my blog chances are you made many
or even most of your gifts.
I don't think anything is as wonderful as a gift you created yourself .

Taking the time to make something with a particular person in mind is actually a gift itself ...a gift of love and caring.
Plus, you don't risk giving people something they already have !

But, what about those people you don't know so well?

What about those people you just want to give a little "thank you" ?

Get out your stash of beads ,trinkets and trims !
Not to worry ,you still have time ! Don't bother with crimps or knots.

Just string a nice combo on wire and twist a loop at the top for hanging.

Don't think Christmas ornament...Think All Season Greeting!
Create something unique to decorate a house year round

Bead-utiful little strands of beads can brighten up any corner.

Those that include crystals make rainbows when they catch the light.Who couldn't use an extra rainbow ???

Do you have a few men on your list? Check out your local hardware store.Nuts, bolts and other tool time stuff can look great with a few select beads !Fishing lures are awesome on bead ornaments . Lots of small sports items can work too.

Ornaments are a super way to use up those orphan beads you have gathering dust .If you simply wire your creations together, you can made a big batch in no time flat . Be sure to make some extras,for those people who slipped your mind . Any you might have left over are sure to come in handy for Birthdays or other occasions through out the year.

Great beadie ornaments aren't just for Christmas Trees!

this week whip up some Anytime Ornaments

and

Bead Happy !

m.e.

ABS December Challenge

2011-12-10T05:52:00.002-05:00

Midnight in New York

This month's ABS challenge certainly had me stumped !!!

The inspiration picture is Chrysler Building,1928-1930 by William Van Alen.
I love the Art Deco style.I have many vintage and reproduction pieces in my stash of "misc.stuff for jewelry design". But, as you might expect my collection is made up of stylized flowers and swirly leaves...nothing as purely graphic as the Chrysler building !

I have mentioned before that the ABS challenges are great tools for learning about new artists and renewing acquaintances with old favorites.Off I went to research the history of the Chrysler building.
I figured I might as well have a lesson in architecture while I was waiting for a light bulb moment .I was happily admiring photos when my light blub did light ! There it was! A photo of the building at night.
Gorgeous Graphics in black and silver splendor !!!
I still had silver fingertips from my recent Guilders Paste experiments! How 'bout a polymer clay bib to mimic those great windows.Somewhere in my stash was some really interesting metal ribbon. I bought it some time ago. But,I never seemed to find the right design for it .Then what to my wondering eyes should appear,some vintage chandelier crystals I had just purchased ! Ah...just the right little touch of bling.

The whole combo just shouted New Years Eve to me !
I will be celebrating at home with friends and family. I plan to "dress casual'. I think this necklace will be just right with a black turtle neck .

When the crystal ball drops at midnight
I will be toasting 2011 ,welcoming 2012
and
I will be thanking ABS for another Great year of Fabulous challenges!
this week get ready to welcome 2012 with a New Year's design
and
Bead Happy !

m.e.

ABS Ornament Blog Hop

2011-12-07T00:05:00.015-05:00

Winter Rose

New for my tree this year
a shiny ,shimmery Winter Rose ornament !

I glammed up the branch with Guilder's Paste.
Then I wire wrapped it with Swarovski crystal "ice",

added silver metal leaves and one of my polymer clay Rose beads.
The hanger is a wonderful piece of recycled sari silk ribbon.
I think it looks very pretty.
But, to quote the Grinch
Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!

What makes this ornament extra special to me ???

I picked up the branch on a walk with my daughter.
Not a milestone day, just a quiet summer day after her college graduation
We walked and talked about her hopes and dreams for the future.
Every year when I hang this on my tree, I will remember the time we spent together that day
Someday she will hang it on her tree ...remembering as well.
I love collecting "memory "ornaments from trips and special events.
But, some of life's simple moments need to be treasured as well.
A branch , a stone ,maybe a fabric reminant ...anything can be
"gussied up" to become a lovely reminder of a special time .
This week make a memory
Enjoy the Wonderful ABS Ornament Blog Hop
and
Bead Happy !!!

m.e.

visit these blogs for the Ornament Extravaganza !

Life in the Lyon's Den

Islandgirl's Insights

ABS Ornament Blog Hop ~sneak peek

2011-12-04T04:20:00.013-05:00


*my ornament components *

My Ornament blog is posted But the link seems wonkie

please click here http://beetreebyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/abs-ornament-blog-hop.html

Coming 12/7 the ABS Ornament Blog Hop !!!
Wonderful Unique Handmade Ornaments

Don't miss the fun !!!
It's sure to be an eye candy feast.
Plenty of inspiration for your Holiday muse.
Fabulous ideas to decorate your home
and remember,
Handmade ornaments are Wonderful gifts !
here's a sneak peek at the things I used to make my ornament.
come back on December 6 to see what I created
and
why I used this branch ....
I'll have links to all the other participants Ornaments Extraordinaire !
see you back here Wednesday 12/7
til then
Bead Happy !

m.e.

Virtual Craft Show !!!

2011-11-26T05:13:00.006-05:00

***My Give-away ***

Time for the first annual Virtual Craft Show !!!!!

Check out Lori Anderson's blog everyday from 11/26-12/3
for Great Give-a ways and some Wonderful bargains!
http://www.prettythingsblog.com/
You can shop for Unique gifts and have a chance to win Awesome prizes!!!
70 Fabulous Prizes !!! New ones listed daily ! How cool is that ?
My give- away?
Three of my Poinsettia Pendants.
Three glamorous silk ribbons with metallic edges .
Sting together for a simple necklace
(great for those" oops I forgot someone " gifts)
Add to your own show stopping jewelery designs
or use as a tie-on for your most extra special gifts !
Plus, I'm giving away one amazing pine scented candle guaranteed to get you in the holiday mood !

I Love,Love ,Love shopping on line .
No more wasting my time and gas money !
No more fighting crazy mall crowds!
Plus, I can find truly Unique gifts ...
no chance of giving Aunt Suzie something she already has if I pick a one-of -a -kind item!
(no,I don't really have an Aunt Suzie ..but ,you get the point )

I also feel good about supporting the online community of artists and crafts people .
Handmade items seem to have a special feel so often lacking in our cookie cutter world.
So much hustle and hurry to make a zillion of this and a billion of that.
Don't misunderstand , I'm glad someone created a zillion computers like mine ...helps bring the price down ..LOL!
But, for holiday giving I prefer to slow down and make my gift more personal and meaningful .
A gift created by hand seems to me to embody the true spirit of holiday giving.
I really enjoy searching for that perfect gift for everyone on my list
I don't think the fact I can search here at my computer,in my P.J.'s,
with my cup of coffee; in any way detracts from the love and care I try to put into choosing each present.
this week
hurry over the the Virtual Craft Show
check it out Daily for Great Gifts
and
Bead Happy !

m.e.

come back on Sunday 12/4

for a Sneak Peek of my

ABS Ornament Blog Hop creation !

Harvest Time

2011-11-12T06:17:00.002-05:00

Amber Waves of Grain

This is the Season of the Harvest .
Summer's bounty is being stored away for the long winter.
It is the time to rest from the labor of the growing season .
It is a time to give thanks for what we have harvested .
Since the first nomadic people settled down to plant crops, this has been true.

However, most of us are removed from field and farm .
We don't labor in the fields or survive winter with stores from hay stack or root cellar.
But, I think even for jewelry designers this is the season of harvest.
A time to store all the inspiration planted throughout the Spring and Summer.
A time to gather in all the new tecniques and materials we want to keep .

It is a time to give thanks for our blessings.
A time to reflect on all the bounty life has brought us.
including ..yes ...our beads.
My beads add a bit of "fun money " to my income
But, more importantly they bring me happiness.
Because of beads I have made good friends the world over.
Throughout the year I have learned about politics,religion, world events ,art and much more! I like to call this my "beaducation"
Not less important , because of my bead connections I've just plain had FUN.
I have reaped a bountiful harvest of laughter and joy !
this week
take stock of your Summer's Harvest
count your blessings
and
Bead Happy !
m.e.

Heartless???

2011-11-05T09:27:00.000-04:00

Eclipse of the Heart

Time for the Art Bead Scene Challenge !

http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-monthly-challenge.html

This month's painting is

Madonna Pietra degli Scrovigni by Marie Spartali Stillman
Gorgeous!!!
I immediately searched my stash for elements that would reflect the colors and shapes in the painting.
I had some brass filigree components that seemed to suit the painting's theme.
The saucer beads mirrored the pleats on the sleeves perfectly!
I found some lovely kyanite disk beads that had all the shades of green.Best of all the shape reminded me of the crystal ball in the painting !
I can never resist a touch of nature in my designs .
With the help of saw and Dremel I had a "branch bead "
For the blossoms I added some fresh water pearls.
But, how to tie it all together?
I kept thinking about this quote
"The woman is a character from the Italian poet Dante. She was described as a heartless lady dressed in green."
Was she really heartless,or did life and love just leave an empty place in her heart ???
hummm........
empty place in her heart........
ah ha !!! A heart toggle !!!

Lately I have been busy creating handmade toggle clasps .
I have also discovered Gliders paste!!!
Wonderful stuff !!! You can turn anything metallic !
My family steers clear of me whenever I have those little cans of paste in my hands. They fear I'll gild them!
More than once this week I've gone to work with metallic fingertips!

I created a heart toggle impressed with a flower/leaf design .
Then I "gilded" it with a mix of colors to match my brass beads.
The clasp worked as a focal bead too!
It's refreshingly easy to put on a necklace with the clasp in front !
I am having the best time creating toggles !
And I'm having so much fun with Gilders paste!
I love that I was able to use both in my challenge entry !
this week try using a new tecnique in your jewelry designs...
and
Bead Happy !!!

m.e.

Turkey Down the Road ...

2011-10-29T11:07:00.002-04:00

Wild Turkeys

Turkey day is just down the road !
Then comes Christmas, Hanukkah and a host of other gift giving holidays!

This Season is a busy time for everyone !
If you are like me ,you are trying to balance holiday preparation with sales of beadie goodies .
In between the extra cooking,decorating and gift buying there are shops and craft tables to keep filled ! Yikes!!!
I find on- line shopping is a true blessing !
I can shop at my convenience...in my pj's !!!
I can get just what my grandchildren are wishing for and never have to face a crazy ,crowded toy store!
I can support "handmade" by purchasing from artists who create wonderful unique items !
Be sure to visit the
"First Annual Virtual Craft Show" ~ Nov 26 -Dec 3
I'll have a great give away you can win !
So will the other participants!

What about all those little "oops I forgot about them "
and " just because" gifts ?
Easy !!! Raid your bead stash !
If you are reading this blog I'll bet you have a HUGE one !
If you don't.... head straight to over ETSY right now ! LOL!!!

There are more things to make with beads than Forrest Gump had shrimp recipes !
bead bookmarks,bead key chains ,bead zipper pulls ,bead wine stoppers,bead fan pulls....etc....etc..........
And how about those hostess gifts ? What bottle of wine or dessert goodie wouldn't be improved with a fabulous beadie embellishment?
My very favorite idea ? Tie One On ! What ???
You know, just tie a great bead on any big ,little ,special or ho hum gift with a beautiful ribbon or cord !
When the present is unwrapped the bead and tie become an instant necklace or special holiday ornament !
Even fruitcake is welcome ,if the box is embellished with a fabulous beadie tie-on .
This is literally the time to think outside the box!!!! LOL!!!
Think recycled sari silk ,vintage trims ,suede cording , chain !
Anything that can be wrapped around a gift box !
In a pinch ,when you just need "a little something " the tie-on itself becomes the gift !
Just slip one in a gift bag ! Volia ' instant present !!!
The trick is Do This Now !
Your life is not going to slow up in the next few weeks!
Gather up lots and lots of beads and ribbons .
Spend a restful evening watching a favorite movie and mix/match beads to ties.
EASY and FUN !
this week get a head start on Holiday gift giving !!!
and
Bead Happy !!!

m.e.

ps: The turkey photo was taken by my BFF who lives in the Pa. woods !
It's not easy to get close to wild turkeys !!!
Thanks Michele for sharing !

Turning Over A New Leaf

2011-10-22T09:10:00.003-04:00

Leaf & Branch Connections

One of my pet peeves is a Ho Hum toggle stuck on an otherwise Great design !!! Why use blah on beautiful???

I am always searching for handmade and found objects to use as clasps on my personal jewelry .

Sometimes I make my own polymer clay toggles.

But , to be honest I've never come up with a shop-worthy design .

My clasps do the job.They hold up on the bracelets I wear to work. However,no style has ever excited me enough to offer it for sale .

Every once in a while, I revisit my toggle idea and hope my muse will come up with a really good design.

For many , many months she has had nothing at all to say to me about handmade clasps!

My muse and I have been enjoying Mother Nature's Fall Exhibit. What a fantastic source of inspiration!
My mind is spinning with ideas for color blends.
Ms. Muse must have been impressed too!
She woke me up in the middle of the night with one of those
"slap me up side the head " ideas !
LEAF SHAPED clasps...of course!!!!!

I found some pretty little metal branch bars at Lima Beads that worked perfectly with my leaves !
http://www.limabeads.com
My new toggles can double as a focals too !
Asymmetrical styles are very popular right now !
Almost any bead creation would be delicious with a little leaf on the side ...LOL!

Just to be sure the design was user friendly, I made one to wear to work .I work at a veterinary hospital.
If a bracelet holds up there it will be fine for normal wear !!!
Sometimes inspiration is very obvious...
sometimes its a bit more elusive.
I knew searching for beautiful Fall foliage would be a good source of color ideas.
I didn't expect it to lead to my long sought after "shop worthy" clasp design !
this week
look for the obvious inspiration shout outs!
but,don't forget to listen for those subtle little whispers of ideas
and
Bead Happy !!!

m.e.

Golden Autumn

2011-10-15T10:25:00.000-04:00

Seasons seem to have colors all their own .

For me Summer is the season of gorgeous greens !

Springtime has a pastel palette.

Winter is about icy blues and silver tones.

In Autumn I think in shades of Gold .

Folks who deal with fashions must always think a season in advance .
I make beads for other people to use in jewelry creations ,
I really must stay way ahead!!!
Right now I need to be finishing up Winter and thinking Spring!
But, the air is turning clear and cool .
The leaves are changing color.
Crisp apples and hot cider and back on my menu !
I have been working on Winter color combos .
Next week my yearly pointsetta beads will come to life .
Then I will start thinking in Spring shades...at least I will try my darnedest !
But.....
right now my world is glowing golden in the Autumn sunshine !
I just had to add metallic clay to each and every project !
Bright gold ,old gold and brass enticed me !
I added the warm touch of Autumn Sun to my beads this week !!!

Are you are working on projects for the holiday market and coming craft shows ?
Are you creating with the gift giving Winter holidays in mind ?
Or have you caught a touch of Fall Fever ?
Fortunately the glow of golden tones are beautiful all year .
If we indulge ourselves in the shades of Autumn ,
our jewelry will still look lovely in January, June and July!
This week
go for the Gold
and
Bead Happy !

m.e.

ABS October !

2011-10-08T06:30:00.004-04:00

Gaea Necklace

Time for ABS October challenge !

http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/10/october-monthly-challenge.html

This month's painting is a delight of muted color and natural items!

I adore " Hedgehog in a Landscape" by Giovanna Garzoni

At first glance , I knew I would make some lovely neutral oak leaves...just my style. No brainer ...right ?

Then I began to read about the artist .

Giavanna began painting as a young girl and was one of the first women to paint still life.

In our time, not extraordinary , in hers a very brave move.

Thinking about this , I was drawn to ideas of strong women .

I mused about womanhood and our close connection to the forces of nature.

My inspiration evolved into a earth mother theme .

My focal idea became a " Goddess bead".

I somehow saw a heart shape in that hedge hog's face ...don't ask!

I used the heart shape in the pendant and the clasp bead.

Along the way my goddess became a bit more "Greek statue " and less "primitive icon" .

But, I was pleased with the shape and the way the clay developed shading .

I picked some natural silk ribbon for the softness of womanhood . I added stoneware worn smooth by the ocean waves.
Pieces that stay strong against the elements and become more beatuiful with age .
I added a snail shell and some acorns,items straight from the painting ,that are ancient fertility symbols.
Then just a few leaves for balance ...
my necklace was finished ...
or was it ???

Goddess beads aren't for everyone or for everyday.
I make no apology for using the frank beauty of the female form in my creation .
However ,I kept rethinking my design .Was my focal more new young beauty than the classic earth mother I had envisioned ?

I took my necklace to my most frank critics , close friends!
My friends range from quirky mixed media artist to prim and proper conservative !
They are kind and rarely say "what were you thinking "!!!
But, if they say "oh that's nice " ...well ...I get the point!!!
As a whole they liked my design !
One friend ,who happens to be pregnant, loved it !!!
However, she admitted she probably wouldn't actually wear it .
She thought a more primitive goddess would be closer to her style.
So we Googled Goddesses for comparison .
We both loved an ancient design with a spiral fertility symbolize on it.
back to the drawing board , ie: clay table.
I created a new softer looking female form and I used the snail shell to give her a spiral on the tummy !
I am finally content with my creation !
I followed that gut feeling and rethought my concept .
Sometimes a revisit and and redo are in order !
Please don't tell , but my necklace is going to be part of a baby shower gift for my friend !
this week
revisit a not quite right design
refresh, redo
and
Bead Happy !

m.e.

Sunshine Smile

2011-10-01T09:36:00.001-04:00

Field of Smiles

I am hesitant to say "I am inspired by nature"
That statement somehow seems so obvious and ordinary.

However, it is certainly true !
I am intrigued by the color blends, interesting forms and textures found in nature.
I usually look at the world through a macro lens .
Even when I scuba dive , I prefer to sit still and wait for teeny critters to reveal themselves.
I enjoy hunting for the subtle ,small and often overlooked things around me.
But ,sometimes Mother Nature just shouts out loud and dazzles us!!!
Case in point ,this huge field of Sunflowers near my work place.
So glorious, it just stops you in your tracks!!!
Sometimes there are almost as many people taking photos as there are flowers!!!
Everybody is always so friendly and happy !!!
How can you look and a Sunflower and not smile???
Sunflowers are not complex or sophisticated .
Sunflowers are just plain and frankly FUN!!!
Nothing at all subtle or subdued about these cheerful blossoms!

If fact ,the Fall season is like that .
Bold , Bright and Beautiful !
Rich , not to be ignored bursts of color !
How can we help but be inspired !
The world that wore green all Summer is suddenly dressed in jewel tones and metallic splendor !
If you live where the seasons don't change dramatically ,
the wonder of the internet can let you share Autumn's fabulous fashion show!!!
Try to find even a single Sunflower to inspire you...
it's sure to make you smile!!!
this week forget the subtle
enjoy Mother Nature's shout out of color
Smile
and
Bead Happy !!!

m.e.

Enjoy the Moment !!!

2011-09-24T08:41:00.000-04:00

Three of my neighbors are developmentally disabled men who are also deaf . They are excellent neighbors , always ready to help with any project . One of my dogs was born deaf. He loves those neighbors because they speak to him with body language, something he can perfectly understand .
I love having those men as neighbors too !
They constantly help me to remember to enjoy each little moment of my day.

Occasionally hot air balloons float over my house.
I am usually too busy with daily chores to notice.
But, my neighbors never seem to miss seeing them !!!
They get so excited by those balloons,banging and hammering on my door to show me!!!!
This week, sure enough ,they came pounding on my door to show me a balloon!!! I'll admit, I was very busy and a bit annoyed to have to stop what I was doing .
They indicated they wanted me to take a picture for them .
I really didn't feel like taking the time to drag out my camera.
But , I did take a photo for them.

While I was printing it , I found myself admiring those clear bright balloon colors . I was enjoy the change from the subdued neutrals and muted autumn shades I have been working with .
So I decided to take a break from seasonal beads and make a few primary brights !!!
The balloon was good bead inspiration and a nice break from my daily routine!
A moment to celebrate color, beauty and the fantasy of a hot air balloon ride !!!

In this fast paced world we often forget to stop enjoy life's little moments.
I am fortunate to have good neighbors who remind me to do so!
What might you be over looking as you hurry about your life ???
this week
slow down ..look around
enjoy the small moments
and
Bead Happy!

m.e.

Bead Soup Reveal !!!!

2011-09-17T00:01:00.005-04:00

Autumn Garden

When I opened my bead soup mix from partner Melissa Meman
I was in awe !
She made the focal pendant and toggle herself and they are GORGEOUS!!!
She also enameled the 4 filigree beads! How lucky am I!!!
My mix was so lovely it almost created a design all by itself !
But , I wanted to play with it a bit , so I decided to let my ingredients simmer a while .
The colors sort of whispered Southwest .
But,that somehow didn't fit the beads. I was stumped.
Then on a trip to the local hardware store , inspiration hit me square in the face!
Outside was a beautiful big display of annuals for fall planting . Wonderful blue green kale and deep red chrysanthemums !!! PERFECT !!!
My design would be an Autumn Garden complete with the warm golden tones of a sunny fall afternoon!!!
I wasn't expecting to find a design idea the hardware store .
But,you never know how or when inspiration will present itself .
this week find inspiration
visiting the Bead Soup blogs!
the links are below
and remember to
Bead Happy !

m.e.

My Soup and my Soup mix

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps
13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel
19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel
20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz
30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier
35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

41. Cherrie Fickand Cathie Carroll
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk
55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young
56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher
115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks
124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron
125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman You are Here !!!
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven

141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
144. Missy Rappaport and Norma Agron
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haight and Mary McGraw
155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Sheryl Stephen
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

Fungus to Fashion ?

2011-09-10T08:23:00.000-04:00

Fungus Flower

Somewhere between the bright shades of Summer and the rich hues of Autumn, my world turned gray !!!
Rain , rain and more rain !!! Where is the Sun ???
An occasional rainy day with a cup of tea and a good book can be very pleasant.
But, weeks of rain seemed like too much !!!
I like color ! I am inspired by color !
Lately each new day is cloudy ,wet and gray .
Even my water loving tomatoes are looking sick and sad .

But , something rather neat is happening .
Fungus are amung us... LOL!
All this rain seems to be just what fungi love.
Magical mushrooms of every size and shape are popping up everywhere. It's like an alien invasion!
I took advantage of a break in the down pour to take some photos of the weird and wonderful shapes.
While I was taking pictures, I realized I was having a color inspiration ! Or maybe a lack of color inspiration to be exact .
All those gray ,white and creamy tones looked very nice against the wet black mulch.
Nice and neutral color blends!!!
Of course !!! Why not create some beads in those fun fungi shades!
Neutrals would be perfect for Fall and Winter Fashion .
The accessory equivalent to curling up tea and good book . Something tried, true and sure to please .

So instead of swimming against the current and bringing out all my bright clays on a gray day;
I decided to go with the flow and work with the lovely muted shades all I was seeing all around me .
A restful and welcome pallet.
Just the thing to prepare me for the Holiday color celebrations coming soon!
this week
relax
rest up with some nice neutrals
and
Bead Happy!

m.e.

Found Jewels

2011-09-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's time for the ABS monthly challenge !

This month we have a different sort of inspiration

it's not a painting ...it's a quilt !!!

http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/09/september-monthly-challenge.html

"Housetop"--twelve-block "Half-Logcabin"by

Lillie Mae Pettway, 1927-1990

Gee Bend's Quilter

I am amused and amazed that artists WILL make Art no matter what!!!

I don't think think they can help it!!! LOL!!!!

Lack of resources could not stop the Gee Bend quilters from expressing their individual creativity.

Utilitarian quilts made from scraps at hand became works af Art!!!

In an effort to pay homage to this idea, I found a few art beads made from...well... scraps.

The women of Beads for Life create amazing multicolored beads from paper !

The perfect little mixes of color for this project !!!

http://www.beadforlife.org/
I added some of my new favorite beads.
Lovely textured creations made from birch tree bark !
http://www.etsy.com/shop/birchbarkbeads?ref=seller_info
And some bright " hand-painted rag ribbon "
http://www.etsy.com/shop/thredfairy?ref=seller_info
a few wooden beads and a wonderful worn vintage spool completed my necklace.
I kept the bit of old thread on the spool for added color ,texture and just because I like thinking of what projects that lovely color might have been used in ......
Each of the elements I added is very simple.
scrap paper ,tree bark ,torn silk and a discarded spool of thread
Yet,to me the colors and textures are as beautiful as any conventional jewels !
I added a few of my own polymer clay flowers to symbolize how everyday objects can "blossom "into Art .

My new necklace is feather light and easy to wear .

But, what I love best is the story it tells.

It connects me to artists and makers past and present .

Thank you Art Bead Scene for a truely wonderful inspiration !

this week

try creating with some everyday objects

and

Bead Happy!

m.e.

My Soup Mix

2011-08-27T06:39:00.000-04:00

Bead Soup Mix

My Bead Soup mix is here!!!
http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/
I think the tastiest food is made with the best fresh ingredients .
Just look at these ingredients!!!
This yummy soup mix was sent by my partner Melissa Meman .
Everything is so delicious !!!
Melissa made the focal and toggle herself..AWESOME!!!
She enameled the big metal beads herself too !!!
GORGEOUS components!!!!
I am a very lucky lady to have such a talented Bead Soup partner!!!
Melissa 's ETSY shop is filled with lovely jewelry creations and some very beautiful crucifixes .
Be sure to check out her designs !!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/melissamemandesigns

A Sample of Melissa's Lovely Jewelry Designs

Now that I have all my wonderful ingredients on hand,
how shall I combine them ?
Am I in the mood for a simple refreshing creation , something spicy and complex or something bold and hearty ?
Baking calls for precisely measured ingredients .
But, making soup gives you a bit more freedom.
You can add a bit of this and a pinch of that, until the taste and texture is just right.
When you are cooking "real "soup it's hard to take things out.
Does any one remember TV's All in the Family episode when Edith told Gloria her soup needed " a little less salt " ? LOL !!!
Luckily with bead soup you have the option to remove some components . You are able to switch things around as often as you please ! Some people can do all this on paper, sketching designs until they are satisfied with the result .
I have to "taste " things as I cook . I lay out everything on my bead board and start moving things around .
I design a lot like I used to do the old Rubrics Cubes.
I just keep moving things, hoping they will all fall into place.
Even after all is strung and done I might undo and redo!!!

This week we had an Earth Quake !
This weekend a hurricane is coming !
I'm really not sure what kind of soup I'm in the mood to cook !!! Maybe I should have let the quake shake my beads into some sort of pattern !
If the storm makes my electric go out , I might be designing in the dark...that should be interesting !

But no matter what , I know the process will be FUN !!!
Bead Soup is meant to be a challenge .
It is a way to think outside the box .A chance to work with components picked by someone whose designs differ from your norm !
Thank you Lori Anderson for all the long hours you spend matching partners!

The challenge is Beady Adventure of Mixing and Matching .

So many beads,so many kinds of soup, no recipe to follow......
I just have to add the focal , add the toggle then add a bit of this and a pinch of that...
stir everything up and have the result ready to serve you on September 17 !!! Time to start cooking !!!

this week

pick some new or unusual ingredients
try cooking up your own mix of creative soup

and

Bead Happy !

m.e.

Start Cooking

Playtime

2011-08-20T16:46:00.003-04:00

The Frost Fairy's Garden

When kittens and puppies play, they are practicing skills they will need as adults. Playtime for human children is also about important learning experiences.

Some authorities refer to children's play as their "work".

My playtime is my work time too...my homework time !!!

How do I play ? I enter challenges ,contests and bead swaps!

As I make my ideas come to life , I learn new skills ,

perfect old ones and often invent techniques along the way !!!

Coming up soon is the AMAZING Bead Soup Blog hop !

Next week I'll introduce you to my exchange partner and give you a peek at the "bead soup " mix she sends me to work with !!!

http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2011/07/coming-soon-bead-soup-blog-party.html
Working with beads someone else picked for me, is an extra fun,extra challenging design lesson !!!!

I Love participating in Bead Soup , Art Bead Scene and all other challenges. I just set my imagination free and allow myself to have fun !!!When I started to enter challenges and blog hops I decided that I would create designs to keep for myself . I don't design with any concern for whether it will sell or if it is in fashion...no rules !!! That way I'm able to just play around with the new concepts .

I only have to please myself !!!

I usually add some of my own polymer clay creations to the design .This gives me a better feel for how people use my beads. Sometimes it sparks ideas for new beads!

It's a great way to see what works and what doesn't !

This year I took a GIANT leap..

I finally got up the nerve to try a magazine contest !!!

I entered the"Winter Wonderland "challenge at Stringing Magazine.

You can see all the entries and vote for your favorite here

http://www.stringingmagazine.com/gallery/Winter11-Challenge/

For me it was a bit intimidating !

My design included some crystal quartz and very shiny silver !

I had to buff up my photography tecniques to get a good picture!

Hopefully I gained some photography skills.

I still need a lot of practice !!!!!!!

I did learn it is probably wise to consider how photogenic a design is,before creating it for a magazine contest !!!

I also had a chance to play with some rather weighty, gemstone beads ."Stringing" them on wire worked well . It is a tecnique I'll probably use again .I am currently in love with rough cut stones !

I think my challenge play time, was time well spent.

Play time should be FUN. You should be learning.

But ,you should not really feel you are hard at work studying.

The new knowledge should just sneak into your head while you are smiling and laughing !!!

This week

take time to play

and

Bead Happy !

m.e.

Summer " Time "

2011-08-13T08:45:00.001-04:00

Time for a Summer design challenge !

This is just a little hop , skip and jump !

http://thebeaddreamer.com/blog/2011/08/13/long-days-of-summer-jewelry-challenge-2/

The idea was to select a photo that represented what you love about Summer and create a design based on that theme.

Sounds simple enough ...right?

But, I Love Everything about Summer and I have about a zillion photos to pick from!!!

Sorting through them all, I realized they had one common theme.... Quality Time !

Somehow in Summer we give ourselves permission to slow down and live life at an easier pace.

What are all the picnics ,barbeques and vacations really about ?

I think they are about spending quality time with family and friends.

The photo I picked is of my granddaughter Caroline and her friend Sophie at the beach .

They seemed lost in thoughtful conversation.

To create my necklace I gathered up some things to represent the passage of time .

I selected a hour glass , a "snail's pace shell" and a "take time to smell the roses "bead .

Then I added shells and sea glass my daughter and I gathered walking on the beach .

We love to walk the beach searching for little treasures.

But, the real treasure is the time we spend together .

I picked one of my amazing custom Bottle cap beads from Glass Garden Beads http://glassgardenbeads.com/

Drinking the Bahamian brand beers to collect the caps, is the one and only bead project my husband has ever taken the time to help me with ! lol !!!

I added a wonderful little escutcheon .It has palm trees on it !

How perfect is that !!!

To me it is a symbol of a Secret Garden...

the hidden mystery and beauty of life, only noticed if we take time to search for it.

So many of our hours are spent rushing here and there,

hurrying to finish this and accomplish that .

My children are grown with busy lives of their own .

Some weeks a quick text or a short e-mail are our only communications.

During the Winter ,our holiday get togethers don't seem as relaxed as shared Summer gatherings.

Maybe the heat of Summer causes us to take things at a slower pace .

Maybe just the concept of "on vacation' gives us permission to change gears.

For me, the beach clears my mind of the everyday to do list .

When I am beside the ocean ,conversions seem to flow like the tides. A very special time of give and take .

I treasure those moments of sharing hopes and dreams , thoughts and feelings.

I am grateful to see that my granddaughter is learning to experience those precious moments .

Demands of modern day life seem to call for a hurried pace .

For me Summer is about slowing down .

Summer is the season we can take time to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Summer is the season to "stop and smell the roses "

this week

stop a moment

slow down

spent a bit of quality time with someone special

and

Bead Happy.

m.e.

Dress Up

2011-08-06T09:14:00.002-04:00

Time again for the ABS challenge !!!
This month's inspiration is Illustration for American Cresent Cycles, 1899 by Frederick Winthrop Ramsdell
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/08/august-monthly-challenge.html

Gorgeous !!! I love those colors together !!!

While searching through my stash for elements that might work ,

I heard something calling my name!

What was it ?

Funky little vintage copper chain fringes !
When I placed them on my copy of the poster, they just disappeared right into that fabulous hair .
They seemed made for this challenge !!!

I don't often make earrings . But, these seemed to make themselves !
The elements just fell into a collage of mixed metals and created a design for long glam dangles.
I seriously doubt any of my friends would identify long dangle earrings with me...LOL !
Wearing them made me feel like I was playing dress up .
I felt like I was a little girl trying on Mom's high heels.
I was just pretending I was a fancy grown up lady.
I imagined I was the woman in the poster,with long copper hair and skirts blowing in breeze.
I wouldn't have thought to created earrings like these for myself .
But , I'm very glad I did !!!
Just wearing these earrings lets me feel a bit different ,
maybe be a bit different ...just for a while.
Big girls should play dress up too !
We can step out of our usual daily persona and have some fun !
Just for a night , be a gypsy , a movie star ....whatever we please.
Sometimes all we have to do is change our jewelry to change the way we feel !!!
How GREAT is that !!!
this week
instead of creating based on how you feel
design for how you want to feel !!!
dress up
and
Bead Happy !

m.e.

Log Off....

2011-07-30T08:41:00.000-04:00

Turtles at the Ardastra Zoo

I continue to be forever grateful for the many wonderful friends
I have made online.
I wonder at the wealth of inspiration and knowledge to be gained on the internet.
The world seems literally to be at my finger tips!
Beadie blogs and web sites abound !!! So much FUN!!!

But, now and then I feel the need to take a break from swimming about in the computer pond.
I find it helpful to log off and just bask in the sun!!!
Summer vacations are the time we traditionally set aside regular daily routines .
We go somewhere different ,do something different ...leave our pond and sit in the sun awhile.
But ,we can and should take mini vacations through out the year !

I realize that the Holidays are fast approving and you want to be at your creative best !!!
Not to worry, inspiration and motivation come from all over .
Sometimes inspiration and motivation can even come from doing Nothing !
If you are like me you are thinking about beads and bead designs even when you believe you are not ...LOL!!
Somehow those ideas for all things beadie just seem to get into our heads by osmosis !
I can go grocery shopping or even to the dentist,come home and be struck by a moment of bead inspiration !
Where did it come from??? Who knows ???
Maybe it was just waiting until my brain took a rest, to develop .
Or maybe the idea just arrived out of thin air...by magic!

There are times we intentionally seek inspiration .
We plan a trip to an art gallery, botanical garden, exotic location etc...
But, there are times I believe we just need rest our bead brains!
We need time to restore our creative energy .
Time to let ideas and inspirations age a bit like fine wine !
Whether it be a long summer vacation or just a few moments basking in the sun
this week
log off
rest ,restore
then log in
and
Bead Happy !!!

m.e.

Cool Blue Summer

2011-07-23T09:47:00.000-04:00


The Blue Bahama Door

This week much of the USA is experiencing an oppressive heat wave. It might be a record breaker !

Living in Maryland I am no stranger to heat and humidity .

I grew up without air conditioning. Yes , I'm that old !!!

Many summer afternoons were spent sitting inside,

shades drawn against the scorching sun, fans running at full blast.

All non essential housework was put on hold .

We ate cold salads because it was "too hot to cook".

The adults sat and sipped endless glasses of iced tea and iced coffee. I spent my time sitting at their feet coloring and crafting .

I had a captive audience. Bliss !!!

There are days I wistfully think it would be nice to have an excuse to do nothing but sit and sip cold drinks !

But ...no... I do not want to give up my air conditioned comfort !!!

In my artificially cool house beading, cooking and housework proceed as usual ...and in that order ..LOL!!!

But, still I feel an inner need to " beat the heat "

I put away my warm tone clays in favor of a cool color pallet.

I was particularly drawn to the muted blue of the wonderful door my daughter photographed in the Bahamas .

I know my work area would remain the same temperature

if I worked in flame orange or hot pink !

But, the blue tones reminded me of the shade drawn rooms of my childhood . I could almost feel the fans blowing over me .

Working with the cool blue color pallet brought back the happy, content feeling of those long ago Summer afternoons .

Funny how colors influence us ...how they evoke emotions and influence mood .......

If its hot where you live

this week work in a cool color pallett

and

Bead Happy !

m.e.

Unique Creations

2011-07-16T07:12:00.003-04:00

What does this photo have to do with beads?
keep reading......
My daughter took the picture on our trip to Nassau.
The flamingo resides at the Ardas'tra Gardens and Zoo,
home of the marching flamingos !
This little zoo is true gem.Don't miss it if you visit Nassau .
We watched this flamingo for a long time .
Clearly she was carefully tending a Coke can.
I think most people didn't stop to take notice of her effort .
A few probably though she was silly, strange or sad to be nurturing a can .
But ,to me she was a symbol of my own creative endeavors.
I 'm not concerned if I go unnoticed or my work is misunderstood.
What matters is the happiness I feel nurturing my own little
Coke can of creativity !!!

The ETSY "featured Seller 'interview usually includes the question "What does handmade mean to you?"
My personal answer would be lengthy since I am a huge fan of made by hand art and crafts .
I love handmade for a myriad of reasons .
But, one of the best things is that it implies a uniqueness so often lost in our cookie cutter world .
Items created by hand are each a bit different even when they are meant to be the same !
I could make a million roses (I probably have)
But, they would each be a bit different .
I make no apology ,Mother Nature makes each of her flowers a bit different too!

I love the one of a kind creations that spring from heads and hearts and lovingly take shape in and someone's hands.
The wonderful and sometimes wildly unique ideas that can not be or will not be duplicated.
When I design jewelry I strive to make a uniquely artistic piece. On rare occasion I think this happens .
But, there are times I create something uniquely bad!!!
More often,I like to think my work falls somewhere in between.
However, I believe the important thing is the joy I feel from the process. I love imagining ,planing and puzzling over every creation. Fabulous ,frightful or some were in between,each of my designs is mine alone.Something unique and very special to me .
This week think of the Flamingo
create something truely unique
just because you can !
(get it ..can ...LOL!!!)
and
Bead Happy

m.e.

Garden Design

2011-07-09T06:34:00.002-04:00

Heart of the Garden

It's time for the July Art Bead Scene challenge !
This month's painting is Morning in the Garden at Vaucresson,
by Edouard Vuillard . How perfect for Summer !!!
The gardens around me are in full bloom !!!
I think it's obvious I love flowers and plants !
I love every sort of garden . I love everything from the spare beauty of a Zen garden to the overgrown medley of a wild meadow. My own little gardens are something in between .
They are disorderly enough to remind me of wild woodland glens.
But ,they are orderly enough to make weeding and tending the plants possible .
Unless your goal is to create wild life habitat ,
your garden probably has a practical side to it's design.
If you have enough free time maybe you have an elaborate formal garden with all types of wonderful plants.
If you have little time ,you might have just a few easy to care for favorites.Living gardens by necessity , balance the pretty with the practical.

Our Bead garden designs allow us more freedom !
When I saw this month's painting I knew I could design my garden just as I liked .
I decided it would be all about colors in the painting !
I didn't select a just few of the colors.
I used all the the colors I could find !!!
I wanted the feeling of a lush garden ,carefully tended but still a little on the wild side .
A place with colorful flowers blooming in every nook and cranny. Not a sunshine bright garden glowing with primary colors .
But ,a misty morning garden with all the soft shades of Vuillard's painting.
I wanted my design to capture that feeling of a quiet, peaceful morning among the flowers.
My real garden is badly in need of weeding .
It's baking under glaring Summer sun.
But, thanks to ABS, my necklace garden seems to have a cool, serene feeling .
A perfect way for me to add a touch of calm to a busy day !
How does you garden grow ?
this week create a bead garden designed just for you
and
Bead Happy ,

m.e.

Holiday Colors

2011-07-02T09:25:00.000-04:00

This week I've been planning a Fourth of July barbeque .
The holiday weekend marks the height of Summer Fun for me.
I was really in the mood to use red ,white and blue clay !
But, jewelry design should always be at least one season ahead .
I should be thinking about fall and winter color pallets.
Is it too late in the season to think about listing red ,white and blue beads ???

Funny how we associate colors with holidays.
Red and green,black and orange ,pink and purple pastels...
all bring to mind certain times of the year.
I'm sure my beadie friends the world over, have their own concepts of which colors go with their favorite holidays.
Of course not all jewelry is seasonal.
People do wear pink in the winter or russet in the spring !
But ,we often sell more items in the colors associated with the season.Should I be making red ,white and blue beads this week ?
I really wanted to!!! But, I did need to make items for my shop .
I thought it over it and I had a "light bulb " moment !!!!

Red and white does remind me of gingham check tablecloths for Summer picnics.
But, it also makes me think about Christmas Candy Canes and Valentines day Hearts with Lace .
Blue and white is perfect for a breezy Summer afternoon but it also brings to mind a Snowy winter morning . Blue and white is perfect for Hanukkah too.
This week I decorated my house for the Fourth of July .
I am ready to celebrate the birthday of the USA !
I'm ready ready to celebrate Summer !
I did make my beads in red,white and blue !
I hope my beads will find homes with designers who don't necessarily pick seasonal colors and with designers who are looking ahead to winter !!!
How do you decide what color pallet to work on ???
this week pick some unexpected colors
and
Bead Happy !
m.e.

Island Inspiration Mix

2011-06-25T08:01:00.006-04:00

Annie's French Angelfish

I'm back from my wonderful Bahamas Vacation !!!
It's hard to get back to my regular schedule after a week of island time!!! But, I learned to say "No problem mon " !!! LOL!!!!
I brought home a suitcase FULL of sea-glass and shells we gathered on the beach.
A lot of future jewelry projects !!!
My daughter took some Wonderful photos !!!
Look at that beautiful French Angelfish swimming right toward her camera !!!
I am filled with all sorts of Island Inspiration !!!
This week I've been busy making Fish pendants .
The bright colors keep me in a vacation mood !!!
But, my fish aren't really replicas of the fish we saw while scuba diving.
Instead they are Fantasy Fish .
Little swimmers in colors inspired by Bahamian art ,
rather than Mother Nature.
My fun fish are meant to capture the feel of the islands,
rather than any exact fish species.
I took the sights ,sounds , smells and flavors of the Bahamas...stirred them together and used that as my inspiration !

Inspiration is often like that.
It doesn't seem to come from one easily identifiable place .
What we see and what we feel mixes around in our hearts and minds .
When we are ready to create, our inspiration comes from this mix of visual and emotional memory.
I think that's the difference between copying or reproducing and being inspired by something .
It's fine to try to reproduce a certain style. That's a good way to understand and get a true feeling for something .
But "inspired by "seems to imply that we mix the ingredients up and add some of our own spices.
Fun to do ,often with interesting results !
this week
Stir up some Summer Inspiration Ingredients
add a few of your own flavors
see what you create
and Bead Happy !!!

m.e.

Fantasy Fish Pendants

The Big Debate

2011-06-18T06:20:00.000-04:00

I'm posting this entry from the beautiful Bahamas !!!
I am truly enjoying a Wonderful Vacation !!!
Wish you were here with me !!!
To me vacation equals sun, sand and scuba diving !!!
My husband and daughters agree .We spell vacation B-E-A-C-H !
My son on the other hand ,will be spending his holiday by a mountain lake.
He prefers streams and forests, to surf and beach umbrellas.
He once told me he felt that sitting on the beach was as much fun as sitting on broken glass in a hot oven!
That does seem like a strong statement !!! LOL!!!

Vacation destinations do seem to divide us all.
There are "seashore " people and there are "mountain "people . Most folks feel surprisingly strongly about their preference !
We may tour the great cities or small towns .
We may visit everything from the national parks to amusement parks.Our vacation might be spent enjoyed any of the wonders of the world . But deep down inside we are still in one camp or the other. No matter were we wander, in our hearts ,we are either Beach Babes or Mountain Men !
Take a poll sometime ...you'll see !!!
Beach versus Mountains can be the subject of great debate and some strong opinions !
Are we genetically programed to love one or the other best ? Maybe childhood summer vacations influence our choice .
As a child I did spent a few weeks of every summer at Ocean City Maryland .I loved searching for shells and playing in the waves !
I took my own children to the beach and they always had a great time . So how did I end up with a Mountain Lake kinda kid ???
I guess I'll never know . LOL!

In the end the really important thing is we take the time to vacation somewhere ...
even if it's only in our own backyard .
We all need time to relax and refresh !
We live in a busy ,busy world .
Too busy I think. But, that's a discussion for another day !
Today I'm going to enjoy the beach and come home with renewed energy and new inspiration!
No matter which side of the vacation fence you are on....
this week plan some time off to just RELAX !
and
Bead Happy ,

m.e.

Rocks in My Head

2011-06-11T06:01:00.001-04:00

Every month I look forward to the Art Bead Scene Challenge.
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-monthly-challenge.html
Every month it seems that I am inspired by a different aspect of the chosen painting !
Sometimes the theme touches me ,sometimes the colors catch my eye. Other times one element or shape captures my imagination .
When I saw this months painting "Ophelia" by Odilon Redon
what popped into my head ?
ROCKS !!!
Really !!! I just thought of Rocks !!!
How did I get those Rocks in my head ?

First let me explain , I Love making faux stones out of polymer clay . For some reason I am fascinated with the idea of making light, life like polymer rocks.
I really don't know why this seems like so much fun to me .
Maybe I don't want to know !!!
My family is certainly less than enthusiastic !
The times when I have joyfully showed them how closely I have been able to reproduce the pebbles in our drive way,
they just roll their eyes ,shake their heads and silently walk away .
But, faux rocks continue to make me happy !!!

When I saw the beautiful mottled blues in the painting ,
I imagined smooth river rocks lining Ophelia's pool .
I mixed up a big batch of blue granite color and made lots of faux stone beads !
Needless to say, I was very pleased!!! LOL!!
I thought a necklace in these soothing cool tones might be perfect for a Hot Summer day !!!
But, it did seem to need a pop or two of color . A touch of the painting's bright orange and yellow seemed just right.
I used the shapes of a rounded flower and a heart shaped one from the picture . I hand carved the beads to give them a rustic "wooden" look.
Some nice twigs made by Mother Nature and some lovely blue sari silk ribbon ,finished off my necklace .
A simple, bold design that I think I will enjoy all Summer.
I already had rocks in my head.....
Now I can wear them around my neck as well !!!
Faux is FUN!!!
This week have some fun with your faux favorites
and
Bead Happy !

m.e.

Tomato Romance

2011-06-04T07:37:00.000-04:00

First Harvest

I LOVE Tomatoes !!!
Not the hard , tasteless grocery store type
I love sweet juicy homegrown tomatoes,vine ripe and still warm from the sun !
Due to an unusually cold and wet spring , my plants were late going into the garden this year.
I'll have to wait for those wonderful huge beefsteak varieties .
But , I'm finally able to harvest a few little cherry tomatoes.
The sunny shades of fruits on the vine inspired me this week .
I made up a blend of "ripening tomato " colored clay.
I enjoyed those sweet delicious tomatoes and I enjoyed making beads to match !

Beads made ,photos taken, next step ... list in my shop.
But, what to name this series ???
"Ripe Tomato Bead Set" "Homegrown Tomato Pendant" ????
Somehow those names don't bring to mind glamorous jewelry creations .
How important is a name for any piece of jewelry ???
I'm not really sure how much the name affects the buyer.
If I named beads "Victorian" something or other, and a potential buyer wanted to use them for a funky modern creation,
would the name throw them off ?
How much are you influenced by the names of things ?
I do worry about it . Maybe I shouldn't even name my beads .
But, I do. And believe me, I struggle to come up with decent descriptive titles.
I decided to call this week's series "Jungle Rhythm "
It sounded much more glamorous than any tomato name I could think of .
The colors do remind me of steamy jungle foliage and bright tropical flowers .
I hope the name evokes an exotic and unique color blend that will spark people's imaginations.
But,
Dear readers, please keep my secret ...
my beads did not start off in some Gorgeous imaginary Jungle,
the inspiration began in my humble little vegetable garden !

this week give a little thought to how much names influence you
and
Bead Happy !

m.e.

Homegrown Tomato ...I mean ... Jungle Rhythm series

What's Next?

2011-05-28T05:44:00.000-04:00

JOY

This week was a big week for my family !!!
My youngest child graduated from college!!!
I am so PROUD !!!
This is the daughter who takes the really Great photos that sometimes appear here .
The less than great ones I take myself .
Of course on graduation day the whole family was taking snapshots ! At first glance my photo seemed to be a miss.
But, as I thought about it, I realized I might have captured one of the truths about life !
As joyous as the moment was, my daughter can not really see her future .
All of her plans and preparations do not guarantee a specific outcome .
Sometimes things turn out the way we expect , sometimes not .
Either way , there are always lessons to be learned.
There are memories to make . There are moments of joy !
I hope I have taught my children that as they follow their paths in life, they should enjoy their journey !

Since Annie's Graduation was such a big moment , I have been thinking on a momentous scale this week.
But on a much smaller scale, my bead making endeavors mirror life. I plan and I prepare.I think I know where I am headed .
I hope my skills will increase . I hope my shop will grow .
I hope to make enough money to ease the prospect of living on meager retirement funds in the future .
I want to continue making the wonderful bead connections that bring me so much happiness.
I want to be a Working Artist when I grow up ! LOL!!!
But, I really can't see the future .
I will do all I can to meet my present goals.
I will take each bend in the road as it comes and continue to enjoy my journey !
this week
travel where your road leads you
enjoy the trip
and
Bead Happy !

m.e.

Rain, Rain go away....

2011-05-21T05:26:00.002-04:00

Key West Rain

If you visit this blog in August I will likely be saying the weather is Too Hot and Too Dry!!!
But, right now it is way Too Chilly and way Too Wet at my house !!! Were is the Sunshine ???
I want to spend time in my garden . I want to plant some new things and find fresh inspiration in the flowers that are blooming.
But, week after week we have had rain .And not just any rain !
Thunder ,lighting, twister producing ,windy rain!!!
I am very tired of it !!!
I am not an ungrateful person .
I realize some people could use more rain and for some people rain has caused disaster.
I pray for those whose lives are affected by recent floods .

This post is just about my superficial grouchiness .
I keep a very special picture on my desk to lift my spirits in times like these .The photograph was taken by my daughter two years ago while we were vacationing in the Florida keys.
We were very excited to begin a shopping trip to Key West .
But ,we had to sit in the stuffy car and wait out a long rainstorm .
Not about to waste a moment of her precious vacation time,
my daughter started taking pictures of the rain.
This is my favorite, a bright flower petal that blew onto the hood of our car . I keep it on my desk to remind me to enjoy every moment I possibly can.
The photo also brings back wonderful memories of our trip.
The current rainy weather certainly placed a damper on my intentions to work with flowers both real and polymer!
I had planned to make new floral pendants and bead sets .
But , I couldn't seem to get started on them.
My heart just wasn't in the project.
Instead, my rainy day photo made me dream of the Florida Keys!
My head said make flowers. But, my heart said sun , sand and sea !
So I've been working on beach /ocean inspired designs .
They brought me some needed Sunshine for my soul !

This week try following your heart
and
Bead Happy !

m.e.

Happy Surprise !

2011-05-14T09:27:00.002-04:00

l'amour d'été

What a Happy Surprise to find my necklace design chosen as one of the ABS designer of the week choices !!!
The truth is the design itself was a Big Surprise to me !!!

I was delighted to see that the monthly challenge painting was "Cache-cache" by Berthe Morisot !
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/05/may-monthly-challenge.html
Several weeks ago I made a series I titled "Jardin Potager" Wonderful ! I already had beads that seemed perfect for the color pallet and I had even given them a French name !

But ,the ABS challenge is my time to play . I always try to make something new to enter,something just for fun.
So I started working on my entry in my usual manner.
I really would love to tell you I sat down with sketch book in hand and carefully planned my necklace .
But ,that would be a Big Fat lie!!! My method is this ...first dump everything on my bed that matches color,shape or theme of the painting . Then keeping putting things into little piles until I come up with a group of elements that inspire some sort of design idea . Gather up tools ,wire ,jump rings etc and try to figure how to make the elements come together to form a wearable piece of jewelry !!! Creative Chaos ... LOL!!!
Challenges are always a good excuse to go shopping !
So I ordered some Fabulous chain and rings from missficklemedia in the Perfect white patina.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/missficklemedia?ref=seller_info
I couldn't resist making some beads to mimic that beautiful patina! And of course I made a big bright flower!!! Then I selected several ribbons that were in just the right colors. But ,I couldn't pick which to use and which to leave out. Finally I decided they looked so nice together I would try to use them all !
I set everything out on my worktable ,trying to figure how to best connect the ribbons ...then....SURPRISE !!!!
The leftover ends didn't look "leftover" !
Instead they looked very much like the ribbons in the painting !!!.
The free flowing ribbon ends also created a scarf like effect that somehow reminded me of both Paris fashions and soft Summer breezes !!!
My design had really created itself !!!
What a wonderful Happy Surprise !!!
this week
allow yourself a bit of design freedom
see where your elements take you !
maybe you'll have a nice Surprise
and Bead Happy !!!
m.e.

m.e.

What's A Weed?

2011-05-07T07:13:00.000-04:00

Violets are growing in my strawberry patch!
I must find the time to pull them out !!!

They have become weeds ! I do love the look of wild violets .
I have never received any bouquets more beautiful than the bunches of dandelions picked for me by my children .
But, when things grow were we don't want them, then they become weeds ! Unexpected plants sprouting up in our neat garden rows are not welcome !

But, what about our beadie weeds ? Do you know what they are ? They are those unexpected sprouts of creation that happen by mistake...those wild ideas that sometimes appear in our design gardens .What to do with those beadie weeds ? Do you pluck them out and stick to your orderly rows if inspiration? Or do you modify your ideas and turn those weeds into bead-uiful blossoms ?

Many people make lovely design sketches.They plan each piece carefully on paper before they begin .
Sometimes I wish I could work that way .But , my creations always seem to have a mind of their own .My designs start with a vague idea and then just evolve topsy turvy until I am pleased with the result . Maybe that's why I find so many beadie weeds popping up as I work! Some,like the violets in my strawberries,would be lovey somewhere else. But,they just don't work where they are! Some are more like poison ivy,I don't want them anywhere !!! Other times ,I 'm happy they sprouted up .They might be perfect in the design at hand . I might be able to use them another time .
I have discovered some of my favorite ideas and inspirations by mistake . An idea that didn't work out as planned ,sometimes works out better than I imagined ! Of course sometimes the idea doesn't work at all !!! Those beadie weeds have to be pulled from my garden of design!!! But, I do try to take a a moment in the creative process to determine what is a weed and what is not !
this week watch out
is that idea a weed or a blossom ?

Bead Happy !

m.e.

Wedding Daze....

2011-04-30T07:55:00.000-04:00

Yes, I got up at 4 am on Friday to watch the Royal Wedding !
I spent several hours in the fairy tale world of British pomp and circumstance .
I will admit, I completely enjoyed the break from my normal daily routine .
I eagerly waited to see THE dress and THE kiss!
I thought both worth my wait .
I really enjoyed the fashion show of hats both lovely and not so lovely !
I was mesmerized by the ceremony, the music and the splendor of the setting .

For just a while the stark realities of other world news and the hum drum chores of daily life were forgotten.
When I went to work in the afternoon, I found the morning shift had created their own "fascinator" using vet-wrap,gauze,cotton-balls and other veterinary supplies!
I should have taken a picture for you ! It was splendid !!!
We all took turns wearing it! We spent much of the afternoon perusing the inter-net critiquing the wedding guest's choice of outfits .The clients eagerly joined in ! We had our own little post wedding party ! LOL!!!

Working with sick animals has it's own burden of stress .
This was a nice break for the staff .
It gave the client's just a moment to wonder at someone's choice of hat instead of worrying about their pet .
Today I have hustle to catch up with the laundry.
I'm really behind on my bead production schedule .
But, I don't regret my time spent "at the Wedding ".
Once in while I think an escape from daily routine is a good for us.
Our lives are filled with so much we feel must be accomplished.
The world is full of serious issues and events to be dealt with .
A little mini vacation from everyday life can't help but refresh us and make us better able to face the realities of our existence.
This week take your own mini vacation
and
Bead Happy ,

m.e.

Hyacinths

2011-04-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

One of my mother's favorite quotes' was this
“If, of thy mortal goods, thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one and from the dole,
Buy Hyacinths to feed the soul” Muslih-uddin Sadi
She taught us to remember to give ourselves a "Hyacinth" now and then
She wasn't referring to the flower ,but rather to those special things in life we need to nourish our minds,our hearts...
our souls
In the busy work a day world, we rush from place to place,
from one task to anther .
Often we forget to take a moment for ourselves,a moment to read a good book,view a piece of art, feel the sunshine on our face....
In today's economy most of us are watching every penny .
We feel guilty to use even the smallest part of our budget for anything but the essential "bread "of life.
We forget we also need to the feed our soul .

Times in my life when I was really feeling down ,my mother would remind me ..."you need a little hyacinth "
She would somehow find the money for the smallest treasure...maybe just a bottle of pretty nail polish or a new lipstick . And those things did make me feel better !
They reminded me to find some joy in every little thing and to remember tomorrow would be a new day.

These days my "hyacinths " are often moments spent connecting with my beadie friends . I love seeing their latest creations!
I might buy just one really special bead to hold and admire.

On Easter Sunday my children will give me a real hyacinth flower to remember their Grandmother and her wisdom . They do this every year .
I hope her descendants will always value the importance of feeding both the body and the soul .

this week
take a moment
treat yourself to a special "hyacinth"
and
Bead Happy,
m.e.

7000 Bracelets of Hope

2011-04-16T06:20:00.000-04:00

If you have visited my blog before, you know that I often marvel at the wonderful connections our beads bring us .
Because of our interest in beads, we make friends the world over !

This week my beads are bringing me a chance to connect with a very important cause.The Global Genes Project has organized 7000 Bracelets of Hope http://www.globalgenesproject.org/
Beaders are coming together to make bracelets for people whose lives have been touched by rare diseases . It's a wonderful opportunity to reach out to a stranger with a message of hope and caring. I am very grateful to be able to make this connection .

I feel that my bracelet design was just meant to be a part of this. When Lori Anderson announced she would hold a blog hop in connection with this project I immediately signed up .Yes I know , I 'm at the very bottom of the list ...that's due an e-mail mess up !
I joined... but, I had no idea what kind of bracelet design I could make ???
I don't make bracelets very often.But,the rules for this project were few ,just make a jeans inspired bracelet from mostly blue components.Did I have anything that would work???
I'll admit I often buy things with no purpose in mind.
I buy them because they are good deal, or better yet on $ale!

I remembered I did have some lovey sodalite ovals in nice jean blue shades!Searching through my stash,I found the perfect thing to add....a "Green Girls" pewter link that said "SEEK WISDOM"
and I had one of their toggles that matched !!!
All of these were impulse buys from Lima Beads
"Big Green Bead Machine "Crazy Deals feature!
http://www.limabeads.com/?ad=700&gclid=CL-EspOnnqgCFUvd4Aod5nqmHw
I think these components were just waiting for this project!
The message is just right for my bracelet !
The hope for better understanding and treatment of rare diseases certainly depends on a quest for wisdom and knowledge.
I hope that my bracelet will let someone know that there are people who care very much about them and about this cause .
The quest for wisdom and knowledge takes many, many dollars .
Our donations large or small can help .
this week consider ways you can help
Global Genes or your favorite charity
and Bead Happy,

m.e.

Visit these blogs to see more wonderful bracelets created for this cause !!!
Bracelet Blog Hop
1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle
3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym
4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365
5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry
8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads
10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride

11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions
12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio
13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading
14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl
15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae
17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
18. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!
20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef

21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux
32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread
34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde
35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations
40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs
43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn
44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio
46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads
48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral
49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel
50. Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things
54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry
55. Breana Fry, Vault 31
56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie
59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart

61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs
62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs
63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings
65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads
73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee
77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design
79. Sally Russick, WireWorked
80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads
82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana
83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love
84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy
85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures
87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats
88. Deb Beechy, Beetique
89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio
93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields
94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations
97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter
98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio
100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores

101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets
102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof
105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals
106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks
109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading
110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne

111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra
112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e. you are here !!!

Form and Function

2011-04-09T08:29:00.002-04:00

Plum Blossoms Necklace

This month's ABS inspiration painting is "Finches and Bamboo" by Emperor Huisong .
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-monthly-challenge.html
The moment I saw it ,I knew I wanted to create a design with flowing branches.The ABS challenge always gives me an opportunity for a mini art lesson . I did a bit of "Google-ing" for Chinese art to see what I could learn .I decided the recuring Plum Blossom theme would give me chance to make my beloved flowers and to grab some of the wonderful red from the painting .
So I had my idea ...graceful swags of leaves and deep red flowers. But, how to transform that idea into a wearable piece of jewelry ???
Admittedly some museum or Paris runway designs don't seem influenced by any practical applications at all!!!
However, most artists who design jewelry try to balance art form with practical function.
It's not enough to create something wonderful to look at.
We try to create something that is actually wearable!
Sometimes that's a problem ! Your muse comes up with a truely wondrous idea. But ,how the heck can it become a usable piece of jewelry ???

There are times when construction skills and tecniques are good to know . There are times when it might be better not to realize something isn't possible . Often if you don't realize that a thing can't be done ,you will find a way to do it it ...somehow !!!
That was the case with my design . I had no idea how to make my vision come to life.I just started laying out components, wrapping and bending wire .Many hours and much wasted wire latter "Plum Blossoms " was born!

But, now for the final test . Since I work at a veterinary hospital,
I don't often test things by wearing them to work ! Instead I wore my new necklace around the house for several hours .Turned out it is very light weight and hangs quite nicely ....even if you are loading a dishwasher .LOL! A reasonably successful attempt at balance of form and function !Yeah!!! I will be wearing it to my daughter's College Graduation in May !

this week think about ways to create function without compromising form
and
Bead Happy ,

m.e.

Pot of Gold

2011-04-02T09:08:00.000-04:00

I began selling my polymer clay creations because I was running out of friends and relatives to give them too!!!
If you feel compelled to keep making stuff , at some point you may need to find an outlet for your work . On -line selling seemed to be a perfect fit for me . I could run my "shop " however I liked, whenever I liked .My market place would be the Whole World !!! Best of all, I could do all this at home in my comfy clothes ...coffee cup in hand !!!
Somewhere along the line, I realized I might even make a profit !!!
Perhaps there was a pot of gold at the end of the inter-net rainbow!

I suppose I do work hard at my little bead business. I devote many hours to making and merchandising.

But, it never really feels like work ! I Loved the making part before I started selling .The merchandising part turns out to be more like a series of "executive lunches" ...lots great time spent chatting and sharing with other Beadie people. I also spend a lot of time checking out other shops ,web sites and blogs.

Wonder of wonders , I DO make sales and I DO make some money

But , Profit ????

I guess I could make a little profit . But ,while I'm checking out the competition or searching for inspiration,I keep seeing wonderful things I "need"!

Paypal puts some Gold in the pot, I hit "buy now" and out it goes !!!

So is my pot at the end of the Rainbow empty ???

Not at all !!! It is filled with friendships and fun !

Countless Golden hours spent learning ,sharing and creating !

I believe there is a true pot of Gold at the end of my inter-net Rainbow !!!

What's at the end of your personal Rainbow ?

this week take a moment to count your ''Gold "

and

Bead Happy,

m.e.

Eggstra Special Week !

2011-03-27T08:49:00.000-04:00

The Birth Experience !

I'm late !!! I usually post on Saturdays .
But, I was busy yesterday meeting my new Grandson!!!
Grandchild #3 arrived Friday night !
He is sooooooooo precious ! I'm very happy he is here at last !
I was busy all week conferring with my daughter..is this really labor starting? yes...maybe ...not yet ... etc.. etc.
If you are a Mom you know how it goes !!

The photo above is of a favorite older piece of mine .
My inspiration ...giving birth !!! Little hen ...BIG egg !!! LOL!!!
I had intended to make some Butterfly Fairies this week.
However, my Fairies got put on hold .
Instead, I decided I needed to make egg shaped beads .
I made myself an egg bead bracelet , an egg necklace and a set of eggs to sell !!! The egg is such a perfect yet simple shape .
It's lovely for Spring designs and new Grammy jewelry !
Besides, my muse was saying make eggs, and I never argue with the muse!

There are many weeks I have the intention to make one thing and the muse points me in a different direction . I always follow.
I believe the beauty of handmade pieces comes from the heart of the maker .If your heart is not in a project it seems to show .
But, if you are truly inspired to create something that shows as well !
No matter what you might have planned to create this week ...
try following your heart
and
Bead Happy ,

m.e. / Grammy

Egg Beads & Nest Pendant

Island Inspiration

2011-03-19T08:34:00.001-04:00

Tahiti Breeze

it's time for my March ABS entry
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-monthly-challenge.html
When I saw this month's inspiration painting
"Sacred Spring,Sweet Dreams " by Paul Gauguin
I thought I knew exactly what I'd make !
Lots of Big,Bright flowers...of course !!!
The vibrant colors of that painting are irresistible !
Perfect for some large Hibiscus shaped floral beads!
What else to add ???

I had some luscious sari silk ribbon in just the right shades of mango and papaya .
I remembered some great carved wooden beads hidden in my stash .They had a warm, natural tropical look.
Shannon Levart http://www.etsy.com/shop/missficklemedia
had the PERFECT copper chain with a patina of lovely greens !!!

I started by making some tropical leaves to coordinate with that Beautiful length of chain.
I've never been to Tahiti. But,I frequently visit the Florida Keys.
While creating my leaves I dreamed of the lush green foliage , warm golden sunshine , soft cool breezes, graceful swaying palms.........prehaps a cool drink ......
enough daydreaming !
I laid out my components to decide how many flowers I would need....
but ..........
wait........................
The leaves and sari silk seemed to flutter in the breeze .
The design was by captured by trade winds in my imagine.
My necklace was already finished !!!!!
Forget the flowers!
Who is in charge here ???
Do I create my designs or do they create themselves!
Sometimes I wonder !!!
this week take a break from plans,sketches ,diagrams
be free to let a design grow in whatever direction it pleases
and
Bead Happy ,

m.e.

Nave Nave Moe

Dessert Design

2011-03-12T08:58:00.003-05:00

What's a dessert design ???
No,I'm not referring to those adorable little cake and pie replicas.
I 'm talking about designs we make just for fun!
We all have our meat and potato designs,
the old standbys that everyone wants and needs.
The ones that are good for us...and for our shop profits !!!
Certainly nothing wrong with creating those great design entrees.
But,sometimes you just want dessert !!! Something fun and fanciful.A creation whipped up light and lovely,sinfully rich or oh so sweet!
A dessert design is something to make when you want to treat yourself !!! It's a bit of high calorie creativity !

If you follow the Bead Table Wednesday group on flickr , you already know that this week I was inspired by marshmallow Peeps! http://www.flickr.com/groups/1601463@N21/
Really !!! I bought some Peeps and set about creating flowers in Spring candy colors!!! Peep Pink might not be a hot color for the fashion world .But,it makes me feel HAPPY !!!
I had soooo much fun !!!
this week splurge a little...forget calories !
treat yourself to a Dessert Design Creation
and
Bead Happy !!!
m.e.

Soup...now Salad!

2011-03-05T07:38:00.000-05:00

All week I've been enjoying the Delicious variety of Bead Soups being served on Lori Anderson's Bead Soup blog hop !!!!
YUM !!! Wonderful Gourmet Creations !!!
Now I 'm ready for the next course...and what goes with soup ?
Salad !!!! Salad tastes good and it's a good source of vitamins, minerals and Bead Inspiration !!!
Don't believe me? Just take a look at the produce section next time you go grocery shopping .
See those exquisite blends of greens !Those pre- bagged salad mixes are feast for the jewelry designers pallet!
If you like bright, check out the pepper section !!!
Prefer neutrals ? Look at all those soft and serene mushroom shades !
And while you're picking up color inspiration,don't forget to check out the wonderful variety of shapes, textures and finishes.
Shiny smooth eggplants ,velvety surfaced turnips ,wonderful wavy cabbage leaves...the list goes on and on !!!
We all know we should try to eat more veges. Doctors say the more varieties we choose the better for us. And the more you buy, the more bead inspiration you'll have on hand !!!
I hesitate to say this ...but, maybe Mom was wrong...maybe
it IS good to play with your food !!!
I've been playing with purple cabbage all week and I'm glad I did !!!
Maybe your Muse could use some fresh vegetables on her designing dish!
this week fix yourself a Big Salad
enjoy a healthy helping of Inspiration
and
Bead Happy ,

m.e.

Big Reveal !!!

2011-02-26T01:28:00.000-05:00

THE BEAD GARDEN

First Let me say...

No polymer clay was harmed in the making of this necklace.
That's right ! I did not make a single clay bead for this project!
I believe this fact alone met Lori Anderson's Bead Soup criteria !
I did think outside the box and work outside of my normal comfort zone !!! LOL !!!

The whole concept of this bead exchange had me reflecting once again about how our beads connect us to the world .
I have always seen beads as source of beauty and personal expression.But,I also see them as a source of understanding and friendship .

My partner Sandi Volpe made the beautiful pendant she sent me. She lives in Virginia and I live in Maryland. By global standards we are neighbors.But of course, we would never have met if not for beads.Sandi also sent me intriguing paper beads from Bead For Life.This project helps impoverished women in Uganda learn to support themselves and their families http://www.beadforlife.org/
These beads were the seeds that grew into my inspiration .

I "planted" a few in some wire ribbon and let some sprout on the silk ribbon Sandi sent .Then I added flowers from as far way as Thailand .I selected beads from all over the world to grow in my garden ! I really don't know for certain where each bead came from. But, I do know they came from places I'll never see.
They were made by people whose lives are far different from my own.But,those people have hopes and fears , joys and sorrows just like I do. These beads are my reminder that, while we may all be different ,we are also all alike.

Today I'll begin to connect with even more people . I'll be hopping about the blogs of jewelry designers from all over the world !!!
I'll be learning from and inspired by , both the designs and the people who created them .
It's an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends !!!
Please come join me on the Bead Soup Blog Hop !!!

I planted a bead...and garden grew !!!
This week plant a bead
grow a garden of your own
and
Bead Happy !

m.e.

BEAD SOUP BLOGGERS LIST ~ START HOPPING !!!

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane
4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio
5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe
9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto
10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio
11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts
13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings
15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita
16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs
19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats
21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim
23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu
24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air
26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads
28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul
31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus
33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble
34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design
35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs
37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works
38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights
39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio
41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's
42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions
43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya
44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles
46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig
47. Amanda Davie, Articulations
48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux
50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks
52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde
54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog
55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning
56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem
59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa
60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do
61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog
62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs
64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique
69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver
70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey
72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix
74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems
75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!
76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art
78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden
79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads
80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook
81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy
82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs
85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries
86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka
87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae
88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations
90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead
93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations
94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof
95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio
96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs
98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue
99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio
102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations
103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios
104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore
105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations
106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky
107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric
108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs
109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading
110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman
111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe
112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me You Are here !

115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf

116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles
118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart
120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs
121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven
122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings
123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass
124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks
125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things
126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos
127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee
128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M
129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry
130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads
131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny
132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore
133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog
134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs
136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies
137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.
139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter
140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy
141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse
142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts
144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense
145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique
146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me
149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog
150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area
154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta
156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef
157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color
159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory
161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst
162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed
163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu
164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio
165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra
166. Anna Motz, Stunning
167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings
168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones
172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs
173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass
174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass
176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog
177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio
178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux
180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art
182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen
184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink
185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin
186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer
187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels
188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry
189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos
190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.
191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini
194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse
195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between
196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets
197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts
198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs
199. Karen Williams, Baublicious
200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend
201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell
202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs
204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads
205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique
206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads
208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love
209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry
210. Shirley Moore, Homeschooling Life
       ENJOY YOUR HOP !!!

Spring Thaw

2011-02-19T06:15:00.000-05:00


The Promise of Spring

Sometimes I wish I was a big old bear !
I love the idea of spending the warm months of the year eating as much as possible,happily growing fat all summer.Then when the weather turns cold ,being free to just curl up in a cozy spot for a nice long nap. I am very inclined to hibernate !

I do work on my beads and my bead shop all winter long .
I do spend time thinking of new things I want to try.
When the days are cold and gray my dreams do take shape. However, they don't always seem to develop as they should.
Many of my ideas seem to remain on a sort of a "winter wish list ".

This week the days have finally started to warm up !!!
Daytime temperatures have been in the 40's even up in the 60's!!!
At last the ice and snow is melting ! Stepping outside to photograph the beautiful sunrise pictured above,
I could just feel the Promise of Spring in the air !

Suddenly I feel more productive. New color combination's and design inspirations are are filling my head .
Ideas and ambitions are staring to unfurl !
I am even more determined to enter every ABS challenge this year !http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-monthly-challenge.html
My Bead Soup project is almost complete . I love this idea ! I'm already looking forward to the next one! http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/p/bead-soup-blog-party.html
I've discovered a new place to make purchases, Lima Beads.
I'm having so much fun with their Big Green Bead Machine !!! Some great deals there and sometimes free beads!!!
I plan to post some of my designs in their Design Gallery very soon!http://www.limabeads.com/
This spring I'll be hunting for more show and tell type venues.
I really enjoy sharing bead inspiration!

I am so thrilled to be working with my friend Linda Moseley on her TERRIFIC blog give away for next month !!! Don't forget to check her site frequently for a chance to win one of her GORGEOUS creations ! http://www.scdiva.blogspot.com/

I am finally waking up from the long cold Winter .
Time for my Spring thaw !!!
I'm hungry for new ideas and growling about finding more time for beads !!!
I have an un-bear-able urge to bead!!!
This week thaw out some of your winter wishes
Let your design ideas Spring forth
and
Bead Happy,
m.e.


Sweet Peach Flowers

I'm ~~Sowing~~ Sewing the Seeds of my Bead Soup inspiration!

Big Reveal is next Saturday 2/26 !!!!

Just For Fun !!!

2011-02-12T09:16:00.001-05:00

"Whimsy "

I love searching the internet for new beads ,beading materials and bead inspiration!
I collect beads from artists I admire,beads from different cultures and beads that I like...just because !!!

I have a big stash of beads and beadie things waiting for the right project to come along.
For quite awhile I have been intrigued with " Woven Wire Ribbon"
a wonderful tube of fish net like wire that can be filled,stretched,knotted etc. Imagine the possibilities !
I longed to try some. But, I was trying not to add even more to my stash of "waiting to be used things" !
Then ABS posted the inspiration painting for February. Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose by John Singer Sargent
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-monthly-challenge.html

As soon as I saw it, I noticed the wonderful ruffled collars on the girl's dresses! Wire ribbon can be stretched into ruffles !!!! Perfect!!! I went straight to my key board and hit "buy now".
My wire ribbon was on its way!
What else would I add to to capture what this painting said to me?
It's a garden of gorgeous flowers ....of course I HAD to make a flower !!! You know I can't stop making flowers ..LOL!!!

But ,what other elements to include ? The whole time I waited for my wire ribbon to arrive I thought about my design.
I'll admit ,I even daydreamed about it at work ...I hope my boss doesn't read this blog !!!
I do love the "things "that are in the painting . But, what I seemed to love the most was the magical feeling it captured for me .
The painting took me back to the innocence of childhood, a time when we are not afraid to let our imaginations soar ! I decided to let my inner child loose and just have fun with my design !
My necklace became a flight of fancy .... A bit of WHIMSY !
Thank you ABS for the wonderful inspiration!
This week let your inner child speak
Design something just for FUN!
and

Bead Happy ,

m.e.

PS: Can you guess the mystery metal component for my Soup ???