July 29, 2011

Bead Kissers Unite!

These came dancing out of the kiln. Some things saunter. Some things fly. These swirled and danced. They twirled and bounced the light off their hip! They have movement. They have a mind of their own and do not like to stand on end. I. Love. Them. I cooed to them softly and gave them gentle kisses....

I know you kiss your beads too when no one is looking. It's our little secret...





July 27, 2011

Where Do They Go?

Has it really been six days since I last posted? I guess I have been busy! A lovely customer here in town needed some last minute gifts for her daughters wedding, and was kind enough to think of me. She wanted several matching pairs of green heart earrings for her bridesmaids and friends! And she caught me just as I was finishing up glazing but truth be told she is so lovely I would have done a special firing just for her... Of course in my rush to get them done I forgot to take photos! Doh!

A few new beads are waiting for their close up....

The firing came out well and I managed to squeeze out a few bundles before I started pack up orders. I just couldn't keep my hands off of the little buggers!

They turned out super shabby chic and I'll be listing them in the etsy shop shortly. I know I'll not be able to keep my hands from dancing among the beads, so I'll be making a few more over the next few days. New orders will be sent a 10% coupon for future etsy shop orders...










July 21, 2011

Dots!

Glass bead artist Janet McDonald has just opened up her second etsy shop SingingGlass, which is devoted entirely to her dreamy creations! Delicious beads from her shop just arrived in my mail box!


YUM!

July 19, 2011

New From Old...

I don't always have time to create new designs, even though I have a sketch book and brain that is overflowing with ideas! Sometimes it feels good to take an old element and play with it a bit...

This is my basic rose that is now a 2 hole link. It will be glazed in a pale cream so the tan color of the clay will pop through in what will hopefully be a lovely shabby chic way...

I have dreams that the leaf pattern below will pop with a bit of soft green glaze...
 This bee has not gotten the three hole treatment before. I may add her to my regular rotation....
I am in deep shabby chic mode! I hope this firing is all cream and tan and pink and the palest of blues... with maybe a touch of red!

July 15, 2011

Lucky Star, Lucky In Love, Earthenwood Design Team Project

This Earthenwood lucky horse shoe charm was begging for some leather! I knotted deer tan leather and added shabby chic polka dots and a sweet lime green heart charm to finish off the lucky theme. Lucky stars, lucky in love. Simple knots are a great way to add beads or other elements to your design. Minimal tools (just scissors!) were used to make this necklace. I'm really pleased with the colors and overall design!




Check out what the rest of the design team is up to!


July 13, 2011

Jump Ring! Jump!

Sometimes I have things just jump into what I'm working on. If you are like me you may have more than one pot simmering on the proverbial stove at one time and sometimes things boil over landing into the pot next to them...

I was working on bundles an my tray with these fused rings that were destined to be a part of some necklaces for a friends shop, tipped over into the mix of things and said "Add me!"





So, I did. The past few weeks have been scorchers but (knock on wood) it has been really lovely and cool so I just may bust out the torch make a few more rings for my friend.

P.S. These bundles will be jumping into my etsy shop now and later...

P.P.S. How is summer going for you?

July 10, 2011

Decade.

It has been a whole decade since my son was born. Today is his special day and we have been spending the last couple of days having fun and preparing for his birthday. Calders grandmother, my mom, has always generously offered her house as a place to get festive. Having a pool really makes it a no brainer. Who knew that plain old water could be such fun! We had water fights, played Marco/Polo and ate cake. It was also a great opportunity to see dear friends and have a good laugh! All the kids are getting so big! Could it possible be 10 years since we rushed to the hospital only to wait 24 whole hours to see him in person? My big boy, a decade old. Double digits. My old man with the wicked sense of humor...

July 5, 2011

Why Is Cherry Fick Giving Away This Bracelet?


Jewelry designer, and interesting person, Cherrie Fick is hosting a giveaway on her blog this month. I feel honored to be a part of her designs. The bracelet she designed features one of my tough love hearts as well as beads by mermaid glass and metal from missficklemedia. Why the special occasion? Check out her blog to find out!

Lucky

I was lucky enough to be sent the new Earthenwood Lucky Horseshoe pendant. The story telling element of her work is ripe with possibilities! I am on a blue and brown jag currently and have a few beads that would happily partner with this lucky pendant!

Here is the pendant...


Stay tuned for the design!

July 4, 2011

Painted.

What can you do when your little one wants to paint....


her face....
and then yours....
Happy 4th all!