Shopping Trip

I'm so excited about tomorrow.  Travis is on a golf trip, so I decided to take the day off and spend it with my girls.  My beading classes start next Thursday, so I thought it would be the perfect time to go shopping for kit materials.  I also have a gift card that I received for Mother's Day and  you know what that means--guilt free shopping!  

I watched a video the other day on stamping metal blanks with rubber stamps and ink.  Apparently this brand of ink, StazOn ink, works well on metal.  I'm hoping to be able to find it tomorrow.

I'm also hoping to find some small stamps, like these:

 

And, if I find ink and stamps, I can never have too many of these, right?  Maybe in all different metals...

 

Since the girls will be with me the day won't be spent entirely on beads.  They want to look for bathing suits, and who knows what else?!  I want to see if I can find a few things to make my front porch more inviting.  The best part is we get to stop by and see baby Evie (blogged about her arrival on May 16) and big brother Elliott!

 

Little Birdies

No exciting stories about bears today.  It was a pretty quiet, normal day, which is okay!  I made these earrings this evening.

I named them "Little Birdies" because the entire time I made them the song from the Peanuts cartoons that talks about little birdies kept running through my head.  I think the song may be in the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving movie, but I can't remember for sure.  I do know Woodstock is doing something while it plays.  And, in case you can't tell, yes, I'm a huge Peanuts fan!

One more work day this week.  I'm taking Friday off to hang around with my girls and do a little shopping.  Travis will be gone on a golf trip, so it's the perfect time for some girl time!

Bears, Bees and Beads--Oh My!

I had a rather exciting lunch break today.  Travis and I went home for lunch, and on our way there we saw a BEAR!  We were behind a big truck and it stopped suddenly in the middle of a curve.  I couldn't figure out why, and then I saw the bear jump over the guardrail.  I kept saying "it's a bear, Travis, it's a bear" and he looked at me calmly, as he usually does when I get excited, and said "you know they're everywhere, right?".  Well, yes, of course I do.  I hear of bears being in people's yards all the time.  But, this is the first one I had ever seen up close and personal here in Wise County!  Naturally, this was the one time my phone was in my purse, so I couldn't get a picture.  Pretty exciting, though.  It wasn't huge--not a cub, but probably not fully grown, either.  A teenage bear!  

When we got home, Trav took Ralph out and when he came back in I saw him throw the leash down.  I looked into our mudroom and saw him jerking his pants off.  I asked what on earth he was doing, and a bee had flown up his pants leg and stung him on the side of his leg above the knee.  It was a honeybee, and thankfully he's apparently not allergic to them.  

This evening was much less eventful, and I had the chance to sit down and do some beading.  I made this lariat...

...and the matching earrings.

I had a hard time capturing the colors in the beads, but there are a lot of purples.  Should have let Hannah take the pictures--she's the expert!

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!  I hope all of you have taken time today to remember those who served our country, as well as their families.

Today was awards day at Katie's school.  She did very well!  I told her she gets it from me, but she insists she gets it from her daddy.  Whatever!  I know the truth...  This is Kate after the ceremony.

This afternoon we did some work outside.  Finally got some flowers planted out front, thanks to my two little gardeners--Hannah and Katie.  I love how they turned out.

I can't decide which I like the most!  Pictures simply do not do them justice.  Both the colors and the flower theme are inspiring.  Now, if I only had time to go create something.  But, it's off to the softball field...

Sunday Randoms

I've done a lot of things this weekend--except make a lot of jewelry.  Since I don't have a lot to show, I thought I'd share what I've done with you.

We had a small birthday party for my mom Friday night.  Nothing fancy, but it's always a lot of fun when the family gets together.  It can be a little chaotic because we all like to talk.  A lot.  At the same time.  After all these years, Trav still hasn't quite gotten the hang of participating in multiple conversations at once.  Guess it's an inherited talent.

Saw The Avengers yesterday.  It was good.  I just wish I knew more of the background behind the superheroes.  

I finished the final Harry Potter book today.  I'm a little sad about that.  Still need to watch the final two movies, so I have that to look forward to.  I may need to re-read all of them in a few months--I'm sure there's lots I missed the first time around.

I made these earrings tonight to go with the pink, green and white necklace I made for a friend.  Hope she likes them!

I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again.  I love my new BlackBerry, but I hate the camera on it.  I just can't get it to take good pictures.  The camera on my old Berry was much better.  I love the convenience of being able to snap quick pictures with my phone, and then edit them, but with this phone's camera all the editing in the world doesn't help!  

Tomorrow morning is Katie's awards day at school.  Then, shopping for plants for the front of the house, planting and mulching, and cleaning the front porch.  Naturally, we'd pick a hot spell to do all this.  Wish I could say I enjoy working outside, but I'm much more of an indoors kind of gal.  Oh, well.  I am looking forward to the results.

State Gemstones

The Beading Daily blog was interesting this morning.  It was about state gemstones.  Yes, apparently most states have an official gemstone to go along with the state flower, bird, etc.  I did a little research and can you believe I live in a state that does not have an official gemstone?!  All the surrounding states do, but not Virginia.  Tennessee and Kentucky have the same gemstone--freshwater pearls.

North Carolina's is emerald.

And, West Virginia's is fossil coral Lithostrotionella.  Have to say, I had never heard of this one!

I started trying to decide what a good state gemstone for Virginia would be, and I decided on black diamond.

I live in a coal mining region, and the black diamond above looks a lot like coal.  Yes, I think that would work out quite well.  I could live with one of these on my finger--to honor the state, of course:

Not sure I could convince my husband to buy me one...  :)

Stones

I survived the field trip yesterday.  It was fun, but I think I'm getting too old for these all day field trips!  I've been in a fog all day.  We went to an amusement park a couple of hours from home, Dollywood.  The kids had a blast, and my daredevil daughter rode 4 roller coasters.  She certainly doesn't get that from me.  I was the bag lady all day.  I watched everyone's stuff while they rode rides.  I did win a huge stuffed pink flamingo, though!  One of the kids in the group said I bet out him and two five-year-olds to get it.  Hey, it was a PINK FLAMINGO!  You've gotta do what you've gotta do!

I stayed out of the little shops there, which took a lot of willpower.  However, I did stumble into this little place that had stones for sale.  They were very inexpensive, and I can see them wrapped with wire, hanging from a delicate chain.  

I wound up with pink agate, quartz crystal, sodalite, amethyst, adventurine, and one other that I think I forgot to pick up information on.  Oh, well.  They also had quite a few unpolished stones, which would have also been interesting.  Probably should have picked a couple up.

We have a softball game this evening, but I'm fantasizing about going to bed early.  Probably won't happen, but I sure do need it!

Sneak Peek

I finished making the necklace for a friend of mine last night.  She hasn't seen it yet, so this is a sneak peek!

Hope she likes it!  I still need to make the earrings to match.

I honestly think I could work for days on end straight and still not finish all I need to.  I'm supposed to work in the concession stand at tonight's ball game, but it's been raining a good part of the day, so I'm desperately hoping the game will be canceled.  Ordinarily I wouldn't mind, but Hannah has a big field trip tomorrow and we're leaving early.  It's going to be a very long day, so I need to spend this evening getting everything I need to take ready, and try to get in bed at a decent hour.  There's absolutely no chance of that happening if I'm at the ball field all evening.  Got my fingers crossed!

Today is my mom's birthday.  We're planning a small party with the family on Friday evening, but today I sent her flowers.  Happy birthday, Mom!

Sale!

I have a lot of items in my etsy shop right now.  And, if they're in my etsy shop, that also means they're stored at my house taking up space!  So, I have decided to have a sale!  Use the coupon code SUMMER12 to receive 15% off and, as always, free shipping!

www.mustardbead.etsy.com

It's a Start

I sat down at my beading table (a.k.a. the dining room table) last night to try to get started on a set for a friend of mine.  She wanted something pink, green and white--something springy.  I put things together, took them apart, and finally decided to make wrapped loops with some of the beads.  I didn't get too far, but this is my start.

I love the white beads with the pink and yellow flowers, and green leaves.  They're very feminine and springy.

Not sure I like the camera on my new BlackBerry.  Seems like my old one took better pictures.  I guess I'll go back to using a regular camera for the blog.  I like the convenience of the phone, but the quality isn't nearly as good.

My dog spent the day at the groomer yesterday.  Isn't he adorable?

He is the sweetest thing.  If anyone is looking for a dog, I highly recommend a Bichon Frise.  They're so friendly and sweet, and he fits in perfectly with our family.  I never really wanted an indoor dog, but he's just perfect and seems like one of the kids!

Off to the ball field for a softball tournament.  Thankfully this one is at home, which makes it very convenient.  Hope the girls have fun!

She's Here

Remember a few weeks ago when I made this bracelet for my pregnant friend's baby?

She's here now!  Evangeline Colbie was born yesterday, joining big brother Elliott. 

Isn't she absolutely beautiful?  Looks like a little angel, but apparently created a bit of a ruckus in the nursery last night and wound up getting kicked out!  Poor thing wasn't even 24 hours old and was already getting herself into trouble!  I have to say I'm quite proud of her!

I had planned to announce her birth last night, but by the time I rushed from work to the ball field for a double header, and then got everything lined out at home for the day, I didn't think another thing about it until I was snuggled up in bed.  No games tonight, thank goodness!  Maybe I can get a little work done on some beading projects.

Just Improvise

Have you ever come across a piece of jewelry that you really like, but cannot find earrings, a necklace or a bracelet to complete the ensemble?  That's what happened with this necklace:

I bought this piece from a friend of mine who was selling this particular brand of jewelry (which shall remain nameless).  Since she was selling some of the pieces she had bought herself, I don't know if there were earrings available to match or not.  Didn't matter.  I decided this necklace needed more than a plain pair of hoops or studs, so I dug into my bead stash and came up with these:

They're a very close match to the necklace.  

Forgive the slightly blurry earring picture.  I got a new BlackBerry at work today and I was fiddling around with the camera.  The phone is different--it has both a touch screen and a keyboard.  I think I'll like it once I get used to it.  New phones are always fun to play with!  I do need to get a skin for it because I'm notorious for dropping my phones and the skins have saved many a phone!

It's off to my second home--a.k.a. the softball field.   
 

Vintaj Leaves

I love these new Vintaj leaf components I bought the other day.  I also love the crystals I paired them with!

The smaller crystals have different colors running through each of them--one crystal has pink accents, another blue...  The larger crystals at the top of the earrings are a dark blue that gradually lightens into gray and white.  They remind me of storms at the beach, and are absolutely beautiful!  Perfect for this nice, rainy day.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mother, and to all the other moms out there!

 Picture by Hannah Perry, one of my wonderful daughters!

Field Trip

Yesterday we went on a field trip with Katie to a state park in a neighboring county.  After we left, we stopped by Cumberland Gap, which was well worth the trip!  It has to be one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.  For those of you who do not know where it's located, here's a hint:

This is Hannah standing with one foot in each state.  Here are a couple pictures from the overlook.  This is why I love living in the mountains.

One of my favorite shots of the day was this one of Travis and me.

After we left, we did a little shopping for Mother's Day, and I picked up these goodies at Hobby Lobby.

Most of these are for a set I'm making for a good friend of mine.  I can't wait to use the Vintaj leaves in a pair of earrings, and I loved the seed bead colors.  I haven't yet decided what to do with the owl pendant, but you can never have too much owl jewelry!

Contest

You know, it really takes talent to injure yourself sleeping, but I managed to do that last night.  Now there's a spot in my lower neck/upper back that hurts whenever I move or take a step.  I think this calls for a heating pad and a nap.  Unfortunately, Hannah has a game tonight, so I'm not getting either!

Tomorrow is field trip day with Katie's 4th grade class.  We're going to a state park.  I'm not exactly an outdoorsy person, but hopefully the scenery will be inspiring.  

I decided to enter the Beadaholique May Challenge bead contest today.  The challenge this month is "May Flowers", so I entered these earrings:

The top 10 finalists will be announced May 31 and then the public voting begins.  I hate the waiting game!  This is the first time I've entered this, so we'll see what happens.

Shipped

I shipped my necklace to Bead Trends today.  So exciting, but nerve wracking, too, for some reason.  I can't show you the necklace, but I will show you the bracelet and earrings I made to match it.

I had better pictures, but for some reason they didn't want to download.  I don't always get along well with computers!
 

Two Things I Love

Two things I love tonight:  the colors of these beads, and the earwires. 

I love this shade of blue, and it's so summery paired with the yellow and white.  Very cheery!  I also love the earwires because extra beads can be added as accents--like these blue and yellow seed beads.  These earrings are fast, simple, and they make me smile!

Beaded Bezel

I was finally able to successfully make a beaded bezel.  I've been wanting to do this for a long time, and have attempted it before, only to wind up frustrated.  I think the mistake I made before was not using two sizes of seed beads, which all instructions I've read clearly say to do!  I guess sometimes doing what you're supposed to pays off!  

I was looking through some seashells tonight and found some rocks from the beach, smoothed by the surf.  While not perfectly round, I still decided to give beading a bezel for one of them a try.

My original thought was to make a pair for earrings, but I think it might look good as a pendant on an illusion necklace.  Or, it might also look good on a multi strand necklace, made of seed beads and small pearls.  Something to ponder...

Color

Some people can combine all sorts of colors that you wouldn't think would look together, and make something that looks wonderful.  I've never felt like one of those people.  I feel like I tend to play a little safe when it comes to color combinations.  I've tried to break out of my safe place a little lately, and here are a few of my color combination favorites:

I love turquoise with most any color--especially this purple.

Here it is again with a wonderful terra cotta color.  Very southwestern.

 And again with orange--are you detecting a theme?

I love the spring-y feel to this purple and green crystal bracelet.  The picture simply does not do justice to the sparkle in this bracelet.  


These pieces, and more, can be found in my etsy shop.
 

Exciting News

I received some wonderful news last night. One of my necklaces has been chosen for the October issue of Bead Trends magazine!

This will be my first magazine project and I'm beyond excited!  I checked my email in bed last night and found the email.  I assumed it was a "thanks, but no thanks" email, so you can imagine how I felt when i saw that they had accepted my project.  I was so keyed up I didn't think I'd ever be able to go to sleep!  This is something I've been dreaming about for a long time, and now it's happening.  Guess that's one thing I can mark off my bucket list!

Hoarding

I've got a really bad habit of hoarding beads.  I don't think I'm the only beader who does this, but there are certain beads I get that I just can't seem to use right away.  A friend of mine got this pendant when I bought mine:

When she mentioned to her husband that she wanted to make sure she did something she really liked with it he said "can't you just cut it apart if you don't like it?".  Obviously he's not a beader.  That would be too simple.  Of course you can cut pieces apart and start over.  But, it's more fun to obsess for a while about what to make and then get it right the first time!  Here are a couple other pieces I'm hoarding:

Today was Katie's last day of fiddle lessons until fall.  The kids gave a little recital for the parents, and did a great job!  Here's my little fiddler in action:

It's going to be a busy month with all the end of the school year activities.  Hopefully my beading time won't be interrupted too much!