Seed beads

I had the urge to try something different so I got out my seed beads again. I used to do a lot of bead weaving and now I remember why I stopped in the first place. This took forever to finish and even though it is very comfortable to wear, I don't think I will make these for resale. Although I might be persuaded if the right price was involved. This is Ndebele stitch that took at least 18 hours to complete with one of my focal bead pendants that just happens to match the color of the beads perfectly.

Water challenge

Our bead group gets together once a month and this month we had a challenge. Make something water related and bring it to share. I have not tried to make a fish since my first month of lampworking over 3 years ago. They were fun to make and each one has a little different look. I think I will put them all together in a sculpture of some sort. Any ideas?

Want to see a lot of beads?

We have an art niche in our home that needed something tall. This vase is 24" and I have started filling it with my reject beads. It is amazing to see how many there are all in one place and I have a long way to go before it is full. I wonder if anyone else has one of these in their hallway?

Fawn

We were visiting my parent's yesterday and these beautiful creatures were in their backyard. They have deer walk through their yard all the time but I am usually not there with my camera to capture them. Isn't the little one cute?

Sun

We have had so much rain this summer that the sun was becoming scarce. I was finally able to take a photo in the bright light so here are my newest beads. Sorry about the cat hair. My neighbor's cat is always trying to help me take photos.

Beads

New stuff! I think I am finally breaking out of my slump. I heard something yesterday that another artist said that seemed to help. "Just get yourself in the chair and get to work". I don't know why that spoke to me but I guess I was feeling guilty for not creating anything and the only way to work through it is just to get out there and start somewhere.
Here are 2 large focals that I was pleased with. Thanks for looking!

Kitty Sitting

This is Zelda and she is around 12 years old. She is very dainty and curious. We are keeping her until her until her owner has a place of his own. She has the prettiest green eyes, don't you think?

New Beads

Finally! I just can't seem to find my creative spark lately. I was happy with these as the elusive Raku glass has a mind of it's own. Thanks for looking!

More Lilies!

We had two open at once yesterday. I love the color of these even though they are a little smaller than the yellow ones.
I actually made beads yesterday and I will post them after they are cleaned and photographed.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!
I snapped this just as these 2 blooms had opened. Sadly, they only last for one day.
No beads this week but I plan on trying again next week. I received some new frit to test so that should motivate my creativity.
Have a wonderful day!

Dragonflies

I am enjoying our pond this year. We have more dragonflies than I have ever seen before. I managed to stalk this one until he would stay still long enough for me to get a photograph.
Our fish had babies! They are growing and hopefully we will have some that will survive.
I seem to be in a bead slump and I am taking a short break. I will post photos soon but I need to work on household projects and that should get me back in the mood to make beads.

Sleep Deprived

Has anyone ever listened to frogs all night? They are very cute but it is amazing how much noise can come out of something so small. The toads and frogs love our pond. Their mating season should not last long but I have to wear earplugs to block out part of their constant mating calls.
Our first yellow water lily bloomed yesterday. Isn't it pretty?

Empty Nest

Now I know what it feels like. Both of my kids have graduated and this is the first time that neither of them are living at home. It feels like a part of me is missing. I realize that this is normal but it is a lot harder than I thought it would be.
I have not made many beads lately, but I am hoping that will change now that things have calmed down. This one is bent and would make a great bracelet.

Graduation

One down and one more to go! Both of my kids are graduating one week apart. I made jewelry to go with my dress and here is a group shot. I love the disc earrings and I have lots of ideas for more.

Monday

This is the bracelet that I made for my SIL that goes with the necklace. I think that she was pleased when she opened her presents yesterday.
I have more beads to show later when I photograph them. Have a good week!

Happy Mother's Day!

We are going to visit my Mom tomorrow. I knotted the pearls for my Mom with matching earrings and the necklace is a custom order for my SIL from my brother. I will get to watch them both open their gifts tomorrow and it is always fun to see their reactions. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Gardenia

One of our gardenias is in full bloom. This one happens to sit by the corner of my studio so when I have my window open for makeup air, I can smell them while I am making beads.
I have some new beads and this is one of the sets. More later!

A New Computer

Computers are great, as long as they work. I finally had to break down and order a new one which is what I am using now. I was without a computer for an entire week and you don't realize how much you depend on something until you don't have it.
The studio is calling and it has been neglected lately for family reasons. My Mom is having surgery tomorrow so this will be another busy week. I have one photo to share and hopefully will have more soon. This is another cluster pendant which has actually been sold but I will make more out of other beads. Have a good week!

Photo Problems

For some unknow reason, this site is not allowing me to upload photos. I hope they get it fixed soon. Computers are great as long as they work.
The Grand Wine and Food Affair was great this past weekend. The food and wine were plentiful and the music kept it lively. We had a great time and met some very nice people. The event planners know how to put on a good show in a beautiful setting. I hope to be back next year.
I will try later to add more photos if they get their techical glitches worked out.

This has been quite a week. My Dad gave us a scare and was rushed to the ER last Thursday which resulted in surgery for a pacemaker. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and I am glad that my Dad is recovering quickly.
I have another show tomorrow. It should be fun and the weather is supposed to be great this time unlike my last show that was cancelled.
Here is a link:
http://www.thegrandwineandfoodaffair.com/events/stroll.php?id=64

My Little Helper

I usually take photographs outside and the cat that lives next door always comes over to help. I think he was more interested in the fish in the pond this time than my beads. He is so sweet.

I made this pendant out of orphan beads which are left over from other sets or just experiments. It looks great on a long heavy chain.

New Beads

Here is one new set that I made over the weekend. There are only 3 colors used in these but it looks like more. That is what is so fun about glass - you never know what you are going to get. I have more jewelry to finish up and will add more photographs soon. This necklace looks great with jeans.

Spring in Texas

It doesn't get much better than this. My husband and I took a drive Monday and this is what we saw. These magnificent animals were in their element grazing in the Bluebonnets. I thought you might like to see one reason that I am proud to be a native Texan.

New Photos

The new photo software is actually easier to use than I expected. I had ordered this silver framed bracelet from a supplier that feeds the addiction that all beadmakers aquire. We are always looking for something new to use with our beads. I ordered one to see how it worked and I think that it is perfect to show off these beads.

I have been going back to an old style with a twist. Just dots! They can be layered and manipulated in so many ways. The color combinations are endless.

Thanks for looking. More later.

Good Friday

Last week was not a good one. My kiln broke, my computer crashed and the art show was cancelled due to rain. I fixed my kiln, my son hopefully fixed my computer and I have been accepted into another show. I loaded another photo editing program so now I have to learn how to use it.

This is a photo my son took out on our deck. We don't know where it came from or how it climbed up two steps to get there, but isn't he cute?

I made a few beads today so when they are photographed, I will post something else soon.

Show Information

I am adding a few more photographs while I am in the editing mood.

Here is the link to the Market Street Show this Saturday, March 31st. I hope to see you there!

http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/events/detail/index.lasso?e=448

One more necklace that I photographed this morning. I really like this one!

New Jewelry

Here are a few photos of recently finished jewelry. My kiln has been broken for the last week so I have not been able to make beads. I am hoping that the part will be delivered today; then I have to figure out how to replace it myself. I will keep you posted on that saga.

Come by and visit next Saturday at the Market Street Art Show. It is supposed to be a beautiful day if the weather forecast holds true. I have several friends that will be exhibiting their art too so there will be quite a variety. Have a good week!

The Blue Bead

There is a specific technique that I have tried before and I never was able to get the color that I wanted. This time it worked! I hope I can repeat it but you never know when it comes to glass. Sometimes it has a mind of its own.

Frankie

We have been cat-sitting for most of the week. He is a sweetie but it is like having a toddler in the house. He likes to butt-heads with you instead of gently nuzzling. I found him in the top of the pantry this morning and he has no problem opening every cabinet and drawer in the house. I thought I would take a picture of him because he is going home tonight.

New necklace

I am still practicing making bent beads and these are shaped by hand without any tools. I have one new set and the necklace is made with the first ones that I made. I had to buy heavy rubber cording to balance out the weight of the beads. I like the way this turned out and plan to make a few more in this style. It is a challenge to make 2 bent beads that match.