Endings and Beginnings

I would be lying if I said I was sad to see this month end. And I'm looking forward to a brand new year. Here's to new beginnings...................

I've got some big plans for 2010. Updating my website is a big one. Maybe add a shopping cart and other bells and whistles to make navigation easier. It's also time I concentrated on
some new designs, both in the bead department and in the jewelry department. I need to freshen things up and add some more fun!

Teaching is an idea I've been toying with for some time. I've been asked many times if I would be willing so I think I may start thinking about a curriculum and a place to actually do the
teaching.

Oh, and I may go back to doing shows again. I miss the interaction with the public and that chance to see first hand what my customers like and don't like about my art.

We also have the winter Olympics coming up in Vancouver BC in February. Camano Island is only a couple hours away from the events and our community of artists here on the island are hoping to snag some of those folks visiting the Vancouver area. I'll keep you posted in case you are one of those travelling that way. We have lots to offer.

I've been working very hard the last few days making lots of beads. I'll be updating my Etsy store and I also have a large set to offer up for auction on eBay starting Monday, (12/28/09), at 7 pm Pacific time. It's called "Aitutaki". 33 stunning beads with 3 focals and lots of different shapes and sizes. Classic Hippkitty beads! Aitutaki is one of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. Lush and mossy greens, earthy browns and watery, shimmering, turquoise, aqua and teal.

Merry Christmas!

I've been away for a few days and I was just trying to get caught up with all the Christmas hustle and bustle. With all that's been going on Christmas really snuck up on me. Gifts to wrap, cookies to make, cards to give, carols to sing, family to hug. You get the picture............

Toby and Jodie are both out of the hospital and their burns are healing nicely. They now have a home in a neighboring small town and are beginning to fill it with furniture and household items donated by friends, family, and community.
I'll say again, thanks to all for your thoughts, prayers, and donations. We have been overwhelmed with kindness and gererousity. I'm still receivng calls and emails for physical donations. We have been overwhelmed and will be sorting for months.

Please, if you still have things to donate, remember, there are others in need. Because of the news coverage in our area about the fire and also the convenience of the internet and sites like Facebook and personal blogs, we were able to reach a huge number of people that have come forward to help. Others may not be so fortunate.

Pass it on............

Family Fire Update

Jodie was released from the hospital and continues to improve. Her voice is kinda squeaky from the damage to her lungs. She did an interview with KOMO4 news that was televised last night. (You can see the video here but you have to look for it's title ""Viewers help Everett fire victims start from scratch". http://www.komonews.com/video I'm sure it evoked a few tears here and there. It sure did me. The reporter presented her a check for the donations they had collected thus far. Thanks KOMO4 news!!!!!!!!!!!! And thanks to all that have donated!!!!

Toby is still at Harborview and probably will be thru Christmas. Do you know what this does to a mother's heart? Burn recovery is a slow and painful process but he is also improving. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.

If you would like to donate cash to help here is how:https://paytrace.com/cart/donate.pay?ID=1528&MID=27250021602801&PID=DonationYou will have to click "if other" and then type in "Wall/Spencer family" or "Everett fire family" something like that so they know where you would like your donation to go.
Or any Wells Fargo bank nationwide. "Wall/Spencer Donation" acct.

Family Update

Out of the ashes............. Slowly, slowly, we are starting to rebuild the lives of my son and his family. Toby and Jodie are still in the burn center at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Toby has burns to 20% of his body, (his entire back and shoulders), Jodie has a broken foot and her lungs were burned from breathing smoke and flames. Both of them will be fine but burn recovery is a slow process. Since there is no insurance, either medical or for their home, they are in a very bad way. But, with the help of family, friends, and the community, it will be okay. When a tragedy of this magnitude strikes it really hits a cord with people because it could happen to any one of us. The day that the fire happened all the local news channels were there so it created lots of interest and of course people wanted to help...and they have. Unfortunately though, a story like this is forgotten rather quickly and you have to try and think of new ways to get attention and help for your family. It's been a challenge and will remain a challenge for some time. It's always been hard for me to ask for help. Well, I guess that's what I'm doing right now, asking for your help. We are of course still pleading for cash donations. Either here or at any Wells Fargo bank nationwide. "Wall/Spencer Donation" acct. And our local news has set up this donation link through their "Problem Solvers" program:
https://paytrace.com/cart/donate.pay?ID=1528&MID=27250021602801&PID=Donation

You will have to click "if other" and then type in "Wall/Spencer family" or "Everett fire family" something like that so they know where you would like your donation to go.

Donation Link Updates...

Hi everyone. I need to let people know that the links we have set up for donations need a little explaining because people seem to be having trouble donating.
The KOMO4 News link: ( https://paytrace.com/cart/donate.pay?ID=1528&MID=27250021602801&PID=Donation ), looks a little intimidating and complicated but if you just will click on "Other" and type something like "Everett family fire victims" or "Wall family fire" then they will know which fund that you would like to donate to. As far as the Wells Fargo bank donations, it seems there was a mistake made when the account was set up and the correct info is not where it's supposed to be and will not be straighted out until Monday. People seem to forget a story like this rather quickly and so if you tried to donate and had a problem, please, please, please, try again. The funds are badly needed.
Both Toby and Jodie are still in the hospital and they will be there for some time. They are both improving more every day but burns take time to heal.
We are working on household type donations and a place to actually put them. All this takes time and organization. First things first. I hope what I have posted makes sense. I haven't had much sleep the last couple days.

If you would like to help.....

I just got home from the hospital and Toby and Jodie are improving. Toby has been moved from the ICU and his burns are healing nicely. Jodie is still sedated and on a ventilator, (her lungs are burned). They will both be fine in time. They just need some time to heal.

Our local news has a link set up for donations if you would like to help:
https://paytrace.com/cart/donate.pay?ID=1528&MID=27250021602801&PID=Donation
You may also donate to any Wells Fargo bank. There is a fund set up for the Wall/Spencer family.
We are only set up for cash donations at this time. Clothing is being taken care of for the short term and we don't have a place set up for household items yet. I will keep you updated. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for our family. The community support has been AMAZING!!!

My son's home burned down yesterday....

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/78314332.html?tab=video


There are no pieces left to pick up. Nothing left of their home but they made it out alive. My son and daughter-in-law are both in the hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. My 2 teenage grandchildren are fine and staying with other family members. Out of 5 pets, one dog perished and one cat is missing. 3 pets were saved.


There have been so many offers of help but we need to get organized first. I'll be leaving shortly for the hospital to meet with the rest of the family to try and start the recovery process. I may, at some point soon, ask for your help. We could use your thoughts and prayers now.....

A little Christmas Spirit....

You can find "Shady Lady" in my Etsy store.

Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is approaching at a high rate of speed. Other than a few odds and ends I think I'm done shopping. A first for me to have finished so early. And it's because I bought mostly online. So much easier than fighting the cr"owds but the downside is.....it doesn't feel like the holidays.... I put my tree up on Saturday and that helped a little but today I think I'll venture out and try and conjure a little Christmas spirit.

and the Holiday Season begins......

"Button Up" choker length necklace with tiny turquoise gemstone seed beads. So cute! In my Etsy store soon!

Next week the Holiday season starts. It just doesn't seem possible. Didn't we just celebrate 4th of July?The weather is certainly reflecting the time of year. It's beyond soggy here. Rain, rain, rain, and lots of wind. Hurry spring!

It will be a busy week next week with preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. We're expecting most of the family and it will be nice to have everyone together under one roof. It's been too long. And since we are planning on going away for Christmas it will be the last time this year for getting together. Holy cow, the end of the year...... Wait, I'm just not ready!

Funky flowers and Pioneer Woman....

Tube beads with funky flowers in feminine and girlie colors are featured in this sweet bracelet. "Sugar Baby" is available in my Etsy store.

Do you follow Pioneer Woman? I just love following her blog. She's a foodie but her blog is much more than fantastic downhome recipes with gorgeous step by step photos. She lets you into her day to day life. She lives with her family on a working cattle ranch and what you would think may be a boring existence sounds almost glamorous when Ree writes about it. She also has a Photography section and not only offers lots of tutorials on how to take great shots but how to edit them in Photoshop.

Ree is in the middle of a book tour right now for her new cookbook and she's doing a great job of documenting the day to day whirlwind of events. Tune in sometime if you have never been there. You may just become as hooked as I have.

It's Friday!!!

I'll be adding these to my Etsy store today......

New business cards and purse pendants.....

I had exactly 2 business cards left in the box when my new ones finally came. I love them! Much easier to read than the old ones and they're nice and colorful.

The sun was shining today and so I had lots of energy. The creative juices were flowing and I filled the kiln with purse beads. So I will get them listed in my Etsy store in the next couple days.

I heard on the news tonight that we could possibly have some wet snow starting tomorrow. Goody! I'm sooo not ready for snow....

Well, the rainy season has set in for the Pacific Northwest. It's been dark, dreary, and damp the last few days and not good for the waning energy level. I'm dreaming of a sunny vacation somewhere warm and tropical.

I've been playing with acrylic paint and other mixed media lately. I just feel the urge to create with bright, happy, in-your-face color and sometimes I can't get that fix with glass. This is a non-representational piece called "Pink Eye". It's not meant to be anything but abstract color and line design. I also used pastels, watercolor crayon, and india ink on birch plywood. 11.5x10" It was lots of fun and I will continue.

Thanks to all who bid on my "Studio Stash" auction and a big thanks to D., the winner. I will be able to replace my very tired oxy machine soon.

Need to raise some cash.......

I have a very expensive piece of studio equipment that is on it's last leg and needs to be replaced soon. I just listed a huge Ebay auction to raise some money to help pay for it. There are 123 beads in this auction. Not seconds or orphans. These are all perfect beads. Imagine what you could do with this buttload of beads...........

I'll be shopping....

New necklaces in my Etsy store!! Need a gift for someone special?

I can't believe it's already time to start thinking about Christmas again. It used to be we could at least get through Halloween and maybe Thanksgiving before we started to see Christmas merchandise everywhere but it's out now in most every store I've been in for the last couple weeks. Don't get me wrong I like Christmas but come on..... I have been thinking about getting started early though. And of course I say that every year. I always have the best intentions it's just that I find choosing gifts sooooo hard. I always feel I could have made a better choice. Well, I'm going to start. Hopefully tomorrow right after I get the oil changed in my car. How exciting...

I hope you all have a great HALLOWEEN!! I wanna see some costumes kids. Come on over, I've got lots of treats!

Dia de los Muertos

I love Mexican folk art. I just can't resist all that color! So in celebration of El Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, or All Souls' Day I've created a OOAK, (one-of-a-kind), glass lampwork sugar scull pendant on a sterling silver bead strand chain. The pendant has a unique glass bail with a loop from which the other beads hang. The very colorful and whimsical sugar scull bead has a twisted pink and salmon headband with a periwinkle flower and she is wearing turquoise earrings, of course. The pendant is strung on a 24" chain and comes signed with my own sterling silver Hippkitty Beads tag. Find it in my Etsy store soon.

We had our first big fall storm last night. We lost power for a short while while the wind howled. The neighborhood looked like a war zone this morning with all the leaves and branches on the ground. Good thing it wasn't trash day or there would be garbage cans all over the neighborhood.

I'm determined to relax today. Maybe watch a movie later. Hope you have a relaxing Saturday also....

Bokomo Commotion

I've been working on a very specially "engineered" necklace this week. I say engineered because it took awhle to figure out the design strategy. A tad bit tricky but I think it turned out fantastic! This is a OOAK, (one-of-a-kind), piece so if you like it snatch it up now because I won't be making another just like this.

The glass lampwork cone pendant, turned upside-down from the way I usually design, is wired from the inside to chain links that fall from an unusual glass pendant bail. This unique, hot orange bail, has a glass loop attached to hold all the beads that form the riotously colored dangles. Bits of sky blue silk cord, strung with colorful seed beads, are tied to the chain links also, here and there, and really add to the sense of fun. The heavier gauge sterling wire that holds the cone pendant and the small orange bottom bead together is hand forged and formed into a lovely little spiral at the end. The pendant hangs from chunky 4mm rolo chain. The necklace has a spring ring closure, is 17 inches in length with 2 inch extender.

This piece was so much fun to create and I hope it brightens your day a bit. You may see "Bokomo Commotion" in my Etsy store soon but just for a short time.

Kanzashi Cuties....

I just added some Kanzashi pins/brooches to my Etsy store. Traditional Japenese fabric folding technique. Originally meant for elaboate hair ornaments, I believe, (think geisha). These are really fun and simple to make and I've added lampwork, either a bead or a cabochon to the center of each for a little extra cuteness. Here's a tutorial if you'd like to learn how to make your own.

My favorite flip flop beads to date.... Available in my Etsy store.

I think fall arrived this morning. Frost on the pumpkin...literally. Yesterday was such brilliant day. I spent the afternoon working in the yard with hubby to get things cleaned up and ready for winter. Raking leaves and pulling up the corn stalks from the vegetable garden. Norm cleaned out the chimney while I made beads in the garage. I heard him pounding on the roof or should I say "felt" him pounding on the roof, since I had my music player's earphones in my ears I didn't hear him hollering at me. He was actually about to fall off the roof because his foot got stuck in the gutter. He managed by himself and was rather annoyed with me, (and rightfully so), when I finally emerged from the garage to see what the commotion was about. Thanks to me he's limping this morning..... I'm such a doofus!

"Twist & Shout"

"Dream Seeker"

We have been blessed with the most amazing weather in the last few months, (knock on wood!). Hardly any rain and lots and lots of sun. I find myself full of energy and ready to go every day. I've made lots of beads this week. Lots of "Hippkitty singles" in my Etsy store and I'm about to add these gorgeous bracelets also. I love them both! I'll be working on a pendant to match the "Dream Seeker" bracelet and hopefully some earrings to match "Twist & Shout".

A fall get-together....

We had a little mini golf tournement and barb-b-que with a few friends yesterday and a good time was had by all. As you can see it was a perfect fall day. Who could ask for more? Good friends, good food, laughter, sunshine, and lots of love.....

By the way, "Wicked" was fabulous! I would highly recommend seeing it if you get the chance. My favorite part, of course, was the colorful, wildly creative costumes and set design. I love the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. The architecture is amazing. The interior is very ornate and has beautiful crystal chandeliers. Very Old World Europeon. We didn't, however, purchase the best seats so it was a little hard to hear at times and the lady sitting in front of me kept leaning over to whisper in her friends ear, blocking my view, but we had a good time anyway.

The downtown area of Seattle is a vibrant and exciting place to be and I especially love it after dark. I would have been happy to plop down on a bench on the street somewhere and just watch people. I need to plan another outing there soon.

"Wicked"

We're off to see "Wicked" tonight in Seattle. I can't wait. We will be wading through rush hour traffic to make our way there. Should be interesting.....

The "Hippkitty singles" theme I started in my Etsy store is becoming quite popular. So I just added some lapis blue beads. Do you blue? I do too!

Summer's Gone......

I spent the afternoon greeting folks and chatting with the other artists participating in the Harvest Jubilee Art Show. I had a really great time. I met some fabulous artists from my area and I'm so overwhelmed by the creative talent I am surrounded by! If you live close you really should think about checking out this show of talent next year.
I didn't come away with a prize this time but it's no wonder. I was competing against world class artists and this particular show doesn't delineate the different art categories. All artists, painters, sculptors, and 3 dimentional artists were competing against each other for placement. I wish I would have thought to bring my camera to take a photo of the amazing pieces that won. I was blown away!

It's fall already. Summer is gone. I harvested my pumpkins yesterday and picked the last of the beans. We have a few more luscious ears of corn to enjoy before the frost comes. It was a pretty productive little garden this year. I'm still sick about the two tomato plants I had to destroy because of fungus but I'll do better next year.
The focal bead in the photo above is available in my Etsy store.

Harvest Jubilee Art Show

Floyd Norgaard Center in Stanwood, WA 98292

"Farms, Fields and Foliage"

September 18, 19 & 20

There are just a few hours left on my "Stash" auction.

Meanwhile I've been making some really fun beads for my Etsy store. A whole series called "Hippkitty Singles" for those of you just wanting one or two single beads and you don't want to spend much. These singles are cute and important enough to be used as focal beads if you so desire or you can add other beads like gemstones, crystals, or pearls, and make a simple necklace or bracelet. I won't be insuring these packages in order to keep the shipping costs down. I really just want to make my beads affordable for everyone and I really enjoy making whatever bead I want. I'm headed out to the studio to make some more....

It can't be over yet!

Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer in my eyes. It's been an amazing summer. We had some fantastic weather, we had some fun times, and we accomplished lots of special projects. But I'm not ready for the summer to be over. I'm not ready for rain and gray skies. So I'm hoping for a nice, warm, Indian summer.

Today it's pouring rain so I've been inside doing paperwork and I finished up a necklace that I've been working on the last few days. I sculpted a bunch of hearts from paperclay some time ago for a project that has yet to see the light of day. I drilled a couple holes in one of the hearts and painted it in some bright colors and turned it into a necklace. Czech glass oval shaped beads in matte black are wire-wrapped in sterling wire to form the chain for this really bright, happy, heart focal. A few dangles here and there and this piece is a show stopper!

I've also decided to clean out my bead box and offer up a huge collection of great beads for Ebay auction. There will be about 173 beads in all. Huge focal beads, including a couple of my floral cube shaped beads, entire sets of beads, small cubes, encased florals, buttons, discs, hearts, you name it! I'll be starting this auction Monday evening at 7 pm, (Pacific). Be sure to check it out. It's a designer's dream auction! I'll add a link when the auction starts.

Hubby and I are on our way to dinner and a movie. We are seeing "Julie & Julia". Have a great long weekend!

Oh, and I just purchased tickets for Norm and I to see "Wicked" at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle later this month. Can't wait!

A Little R+R.....

Hubby and I are headed out the door for a little camping trip with the family. Back on Saturday.

Meanwhile, have you checked out my eBay auctions?

Busy as a bee............

These photos should give you some idea of what I've been up to. We've finished the home improvement projects for now. We may add a small deck on the front of the house before winter. The circular tree planting in the front yard that I was planning to redo will wait till next spring. I'm not sure what we will replace the landscaping logs with. Probably more of the stone that's containing the garden area on the left. Anyway, we love how it's turned out. All new windows, storm door, exterior paint, exterior lighting, and some upgraded landscaping. It looks so much better. A big, big thanks to our son's for the work they did for us. It was really appreciated and if it wasn't for them we would still be hard at it!
I spent some time with Linkoln yesterday. He is such a sweetie! Our family is going to spend next weekend camping together. Should be lots of fun and I can't wait!
I've also got a couple Ebay auctions starting this evening, (7 pm Pacific). It's been awhile for the Ebay thing. I almost forgot how....And, I've been getting ready for the next local juried art show which is next month. My entry is a necklace called "Row Boss". It fits pretty well with the "Farms, Fields, and Foliage" theme, I think....I hope!

Candy Corn

I know we need the rain but make it stop! The weatherman says clear skys are on the way. Why do I always run out of propane when it's pouring?

I've just agreed to do an art show in September that will be associated with our annual "Harvest Jubilee" Festival held in Stanwood, Washington, on the 18th, 19th, and 20th. I will be one of four artist's chosen to represent Seagrass Gallery in an event that is brand new, and, is meant to connect area art with the community farm festival that's growing in popularity every year. There will be a juried section with cash prizes awarded, (I was excited about this part!). So, I will remind you, as time approaches, to save the date.

Meanwhile, I've been thinking about Halloween. My contribution...a witch's hat pendant.

The thing about creativity......

There are some days when I sit down at my torch and I simply have no idea what to make. I had intended to make a large, colorful set yesterday, with a few different focal beads that I could perhaps, offer for auction on Ebay. Maybe something similar but not exactly like a couple of sets I've made in the past. I chose the glass colors and set the rods on the rack in front of me. I always work from a photo. Usually a photo of my own beads or maybe a swatch of fabric or something from a magazine. I just sat there.... nothing would come. When I finally managed to apply some glass to the mandrel I wasn't happy with the way it looked so I would put the bead in the water bucket with the rest of the mistakes and not-so-great test beads. I did this several times before giving up. I returned to my office and sat at my jewelry station and stared at all the different plastic bins, jars, drawers, bowls, and trays of beads and components, looking for my muse. This is usually where I find her and yesterday was no exception. I have a tray, it's actually a frozen dinner tray, full of lampwork beads that I didn't have a use for at the time I made them. Maybe I made more than I needed or the color didn't go with what I was making or the bead was the wrong size. Lots and lots of different shapes, sizes, and styles all bunched up together. Well, I started playing around with different combinations. Trying this and that, and finally found some beads and components that I was pleased with. So then, I was able to make a list of beads to create for this project and when I went back out to the studio, in a short time, I had whipped all the beads I needed in the kiln.

Creativity can be a fleeting thing at times. At least it is for me. Sort of like writer's block, I guess. It always returns...thankfully.

"Outside The Box" bracelet and earrings in my Etsy store.

Havin' a heat wave!

This quote was taken from our local news station's website.......

"All time record heat suffocated most of western Washington on Wednesday. It was an historic day weather-wise. SeaTac hit 103 - the hottest day ever recorded since records were kept starting at the Federal Building downtown in 1891 - 118 years! Other all time records that fell were: 96 degrees in Bellingham; Vancouver 107, Olympia tied its all time record of 104. Schoolnet sites were even warmer: Winlock reported 110, and Sammamish, Redmond and Monroe all recorded highs of 107."

It's a bit cooler today, thank goodness! This is the first day I've worn makeup all week. There really was no point in seeing a middle aged woman with makeup melting down her face... We hit the pool yesterday afternoon and it was a life saver. Another saving grace is AC in the bedroom. Wish we had it all through the house but we would only need it a few days a year. Most people around here don't have it at all. And if it was your plan to purchase an AC unit after the heat wave hit....forget it!

I did manage to get a few beads made this week. They are in my Etsy store, (unless they've been sold).

4 months old almost.....

Linkoln Log. That's the nickname he's been given. It will probably stick with him the rest of his life. The things we do to our kids. (I didn't have anything to do with it :-).....)
What a Sweetie he is.

SO THANKFUL.....

My house is painted, and, for having amazing, talented sons who come when I call.... Thanks Guys!

My husband and are are the type of folk who don't pay people to do things for us that we can do for ourselves. I'm talking about home projects. We enjoy home maintenance and gardening and my husband is obsessed with lawns, (but that's a different story). It seems we always have a project going. Well, I think I mentioned painting my house in an earlier post. I decided to paint the house with a brush. Yep, I know. What the heck was I thinking! I've done all the painting on the inside of my house. Every room, (but not all at once). I guess I thought it would be just like painting the inside....NOT!!!! It took 4 days to paint one side of the house and a week to paint our tiny little golf cart shed. Hubby and I decided it was time to enlist some help. On Monday morning I called my youngest son and asked him if he would spray my house for me. He said "sure! Is it ready to go today?" When I told him it was he said that he would be over as soon as he finished up what he had to do for the day. He works for a drywall company and business is slow right now with the poor economy. Well, he showed up at 12:30 and was finished painting my house at 5:00. That's 4-1/2 hours to paint an entire house, (minus one side), and that included masking and taping everything off and the cleanup afterwards! I am so grateful that all I had left to paint was the trim and I now can put that project behind me. My son made a few extra bucks from Mom and Dad and saved me weeks of work.
One of the other projects on my husbands list was repairing a rotten facia board on the side of our house. He fretted and fretted over how to fix this board because it was sort of an awkward situation. He even discussed it with the guys on the cul-de-sac but I don't think they were much help. He finally decided to call our middle son, a carpenter-framer-all around build-it kind of guy, (who is out of work currently, also because of the poor economy), and pay him to do the job. After all the fretting my husband did it only took my son about 20 minutes to fix it. When all else fails, hire a professional! I have a third son, the oldest who is also in the construction business, and very good at what he does. It will be his turn for the next project. He is trying to stay busy building decks for people.

Now, to get back to the business of beads and jewelry. I've got a few in the kiln right now and I'm making some more tomorrow. Actually, I'm going to try to be at the torch for the rest of the week but with the temperatures soaring into the 90's, (and possibly 100's according to the
weatherman), that may be a challenge......

Peace Baby!

I have lots of new things in my Etsy shop this week.

Painting our house taking forever. I'm enjoying being out in the sunshine and I do like to paint but I'm asking myself if I want to spend the ENTIRE summer with a paintbrush in my hand. Hubby is offering his help so I know he wants it to be done and over with too. He's not as patient as I am. Maybe I will look into some help to speed things up a bit. There is plenty around if I just ask. My son actually does some house painting and I have a neighbor who would help if I asked him. We will see......

My son and daughter-in-law are coming for dinner tonight and bringing our grandbaby. I can't wait to see him. It's been too long.

Bead Mojo....

"Circus Act" earrings

I've spent a few days away from beadmaking and it's always a challenge getting that forward momentum back. It's even more of a challenge for me when the weather is not so great. After a glorious 4th of July weekend with lots of sun and just-right temperatures we have had clouds and a little rain this week. I couldn't seem to get anything accomplished. Thankfully the sun returned yesterday afternoon and I suddenly had energy again. Today is beautiful and I will be busy painting. Beads for this week were almost a total loss but I did get some earrings made for a special gallery order and I have an idea for a sweet bracelet design.



"Art By The Bay" starts today here on the island. If you are close and would like to check out this free event go here for details. I'll be going with a friend tomorrow. This is a show I used to participate in but the unpredictable weather made it a little too costly for me. Two years ago, which was the last show I participated in, a wind storm came during the night and destroyed my tent and most of my jewelry displays. I take my merchandise home with me at night so thankfully I didn't lose any jewelry. This year the weather is supposed to be great and I'm so happy for the artist's that are participating because it will bring loads of people.

hAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!!!!!!1

Whoo hooo! Hubby just found out he's off for the rest of the week! So we get a 4 day weekend. Yay!!!!!! Of course it will be spent working around the house. I've started the painting and it will be slow going because I'm doing the whole thing with a brush. I kind of enjoy it. Standing in the sun just painting away. My mind is free to wander from here to there. It's really quiet in the neighborhood because most everyone is gone for the holiday weekend. We are expecting great weather too. Unusual really. It seems there's usually rain in the forcast for the 4th of July weekend but I think we may get lucky this year.I hope you have some great plans for your holiday weekend............ENJOY!

EBSQ blog post..

I was feeling a little down and uninspired this morning, (possibly due to yet another morning of clouds), when I received an email from Melissa at "EBSQ Art Meets Blog" informing me that I might want to check out today's blog post.
As I think I said in an earlier post, Hot Glass is the featured gallery this month on EBSQ and I've really enjoyed the extra exposure drawn from not only having a photo of one of my bead sets on their home page all month but now a blog post about me and also another of my earring photos in an article about photographing your product. Wow, is all I can say!

The clouds have disappeared finally and I'm feeling much more inspired to get today's chores under way. I hope you have a terrific weekend!

New Ebay Auction. It's been a while....

I haven't had an Ebay auction in months and, I have to admit, I miss the daily excitement of checking on the bidding progress.

I was looking at shopping ads in the Sunday paper a few days ago and there seemed to be an apparent theme for the deptartment store ads. Woodstock. Yep, can you believe it? 40 years... Wow, does that bring back a flood of memories! 1969. That was the summer I was 15 years old. How I wished that I could go to Woodstock and experience all the music, peace, sun, and BOYS!..... But, I lived on the other side of the country and being only 15 years old my parents would never have allowed such a thing.

Well, all this Woodstock business sort of inspired me to make a huge bead set. I got started and then I didn't want to stop. I worked on the set for 2 full days and then it took another full day for taking photos, writing the auction, and then trying to remember all the details to post an auction on Ebay. I was a little rusty but I think I got it. I just had to revise it one time and that was to add a photo of the original Woodstock poster so you can compare it with my likeness of the guitar on my large focal bead which, by the way, I'm very proud of.

Well, they WERE available........

This is Ross Lake one of our pristine, Washington State National Parks, where we camp every year. It's beautiful and very peaceful. We just spent 2 very blissful days there.

I am back from vacation rested and ready to make some new beads and jewelry. I listed the first bunch in my Etsy store this morning and it all sold rather quickly. Thanks you guys! There will be more soon, I promise. I send an email notification to those on my mailing list as soon as I list something on Etsy so if you find that you are always missing your chance to purchase something new from my store maybe you would like to be added to my mailing list also. (This is where I should add a link with my email address but for some reason I haven't figured out how to add email links here on my blog but If you click on the "view complete profile" link on the right you will see my email address. All you have to say is "Please add me to your list."

I Won Ribbons!!!

This year's Spring Art Show was another huge success and I had such a great time! I am so proud to be part of such a talented group of people. Every single person I've met through the local artist's community in the last few years I now call a friend. And they are all so wonderfully talented and creative.

I actually won two ribbons and a cash prize. A first place blue ribbon for "Spotbot", a cone pendant necklace and bracelet set and a third place yellow ribbon for "Retro Rose", one of my rectangular cone pendant necklaces. The ribbons are for the Jewelry design category and not for glass, (way too much mind blowing competition in the glass category this year so I only entered one category). The red ribbon that you see in the photo was won by my table mate, Delors Ruscha, another jewelry artist that uses fused glass.