Gaea Ceramic Bead and Art Studio Blog

Bead Soup....

2012-01-31T13:18:00.000-08:00

Whooo hooo! I was randomly selected to participate in this cycle of the Bead Soup Blog Party, hosted by the lovely Lori Anderson!

I was paired with the lovely Evelyn Duberry who makes amazing glass beads! They are delicious looking and literally look good enough to eat!

I will post my bead tease shortly!

Love Bird

2012-01-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

This little Birdy bead is a love birdie. Usually this birdie is formed using a mold made from my original bird and then the other side is hand formed so the bird has two sides. In honor of Valentines Day, this little birdie has become a "Love Birdy"!

Tweet!

Look for a few of these "Love Birdies" in new etsy bundles... next week!

Spring Board

2012-01-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready to firing and this is the time when new ideas move from the page into reality. Some things spring from old ideas. I like letting something old link to something new. Recently, someone asked if the "Walking in the Clouds" pendant could be made in something other that a heart shape say a round or square? Heck yah! Why not all the shapes! Here is the work in progress. This is the best part about making your own designs... They are your own and they can be exactly as you want them! This may evolve to have a few leaves or birds flying by...

These pen and ink drawing are super detailed but would make a fun pendant.... we will see where my carving skills are!

Ok.

2012-01-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

I guess mid January has swallowed me up! Here is a bit of what is on my plate...

It has been a month of birthdays...

Happy Birthday Joelle!

Happy Birthday Dean!

Happy Birthday Me!

We went out to Agave Maria's for dinner over the weekend. Had my first margarita! Now I'm obesessed! So, at Trader Joe's yesterday, I splurged on some new items to play with. Tequila. Triple Sec. Lime. I think you can see where I'm going here....

Yep! Margaritas! Robert and I shared one and it was perfect for watching the Golden Globes (Yay Ricky!) and making a few new jewelry pieces!

What is on your plate? Or in your cup?

Today Is The Day...

2012-01-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

I'm rounding up all the loose ends and creative fly away items! These are the creative things that poke me in the eye as I am about to fall asleep....

Two down...

Happy Monday!

Must Remember to Breathe

2012-01-04T15:40:00.000-08:00

It literally feels like I've forgotten to breathe. Once you turn that corner from the holidays, and I thought that was a busy time, you find yourself smack dab in the middle of busy central! Taxes (I'm sorry! I had to say the "T" word!) are creeping up. All sorts of due dates for publications. Birthdays. Speeding tickets. Made In Ojai craziness. Life. Oh yes! Beads! That's a good thing. I love the beads. Kind of addicted really. Back when the pomegranates were all lush and beautiful, I would drive by them to and from school and would sigh a deep sigh and wonder when I would make some pomegranate goodies. It never fails that some kind person will be on the same wavelength and make a request.... So here is the beginning... Next stop... glaze!

What's making you breathless?

Hello 2012!

2011-12-31T14:55:00.000-08:00

It's hard to say goodbye to the old year sometimes. I have a hard time looking forward, but I'm working on it. I don't do resolutions, never stick. I do have a few goals that I would like to accomplish this year. Getting more exercise is always on the list. Taking more time with my family is too. A tidy studio and fresh website are on the list as well this year! It was a challenge to get my finger to actually press the button on the camera to take the picture to capture the state of hell it is actually in! Ah! So conflicted!

Brain: "NO! DON'T SHOW THAT MESS! SOMEONE WILL THINK YOU ARE CRAZY"
Heart: "Go ahead. It will be good for you! It needs to be done."

I'm not quite ready to share that bit of shame....

Sooo.... here are a few things that are much more sane to look at. (I know. I know. You win this time brain.)

What new things are you working on for the new year?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

P.S. Thanks to all the lovely comments this year! It made me feel swell!

2011-12-23T12:24:00.000-08:00

Check out my holiday project on the Art Bead Scene Blog!

Is It Too Early...

2011-12-19T20:04:00.000-08:00

I know we are just entering winter, a season I truly adore, but my creative thoughts are turning to the brighter colors of spring. With this busy season, I haven't had much time to list things in my etsy shop but here is a preview of the spring to come....

Tis The Season To...

2011-12-17T17:03:00.000-08:00

Sit in by the fire with a nice cup of coffee and enjoy a few new publications!

It is my dream to let my hands be idle for a moment and just sit and read a few of the new books and magazines that are piling up around the house! Recently, the post office gods smiled on me with a few new books and magazines. The winter issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry showed up and I was so excited to see the projects sent in were featured in this issue! I was inspired by the lovely "Turning Leaves" tutorial from missficklemedia artist Shannon Levart and you can find her tutorials (and beautiful metal work) on her blog http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/

The kissing birds project features a beautiful egg charm from Earthenwood Studios. It's a good egg!

The necklace above was made with a bundle from my etsy shop and an amazing lamp work bead from the lovely Amanda of SeaShoreGlass! It looks like a swirling ocean captured in glass.

Ok! Everyone grab a cup of something warm and a bit of inspiration! Time to refuel the creative fires!

Goodbye Kitty.

2011-12-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

Moggy was the exact opposite of the sweet cartoon kitty you see in every store. He could be surly and mean if you got in his way or between him and his kibble. He wasn't particularly fond of young children and did not like it if you interrupted a nice nap on your lap for a potty break. He purred loudly and often though and was mostly sweet. We found him abandoned at the Home Depot by an arguing couple who dumped him in the lot. I wasn't sure about bringing this hissing ball of black fur home, but Robert was not leaving with out him. Once at home he would occasionally hiss and screech out of a dark corner and jump onto your legs biting and clawing. "THAT CAT HAS TO GO!!!" I would scream in reply. Robert would calm me down and bring out the band-aids and long pants. Some how he stayed long enough for us to have him fixed which mellowed him considerably. He got to know us and our home and eventually burrowed his way into our hearts. He was large and warm and loved to sit in the sun, even in the summer. We spent 16 years with him and will miss him awfully. Goodbye Moggy.

Sweet Clover.

2011-12-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

This sweet little set is on it's way to a lovely lady who makes beaded purses. She had sent me a beautiful brown leaf batik fabric sample and ask that I create a whimsical set for her. I think they came out sweet and fun and will pop on the fabric. I just had to share them!

Are you ready for the holidays?

Me? Not completely! Getting there!

Happy Birthday Caitriona!

2011-12-08T11:00:00.001-08:00

Here is why I love my friend Caitriona.... (In no particular order)

Her intelligence and her fantastic Irish accent makes any cursing rant she may go on sound like a song.

If I run to her crying about my latest F&%K up, she has an even more hideously funny tale to tell you about her own F&%K up.

She is tough like steel from having 3 teenage boys but she is sweet and kind through and through.

Her amazing art makes me squeal like a 1st grader high on candy!

Did I mention her fantastic cursing. (I just love that)

Happy Birthday Caitriona!

How amazing is this...

Bowled Over...

2011-12-05T19:39:00.001-08:00

It seems like the minutes tick by faster and faster to the point where it feels like whole hours have blurred into whole days. This weekend went by with the blink of an eye. I do like to get myself behind schedule...

We had dinner with my mom for her birthday on Friday. Nothing fancy but the visit was good! Pizza and coffee at BJ's Brewery. Saturday was a blur of glazing and decided that I had to just push through and loaded up and fired! Sunday was the Ojai and Beyond Artist Fair (NO "E"!!!) which Roberta made quite clear! It. Was. Cold. I could not feel my feet. It was not a busy day and I think people are not ready to get ready for the holidays but I had a great time catching up with friends. Andre and I chatted about our kids and travel and tried to catch a few warming rays of the sun that crept through the giant oak trees. Kristen and I laughed about how we have become "those people" with our phones! Her love life is looking up!

Sunday was invoice day and we watched Paul. Possibly my favorite alien movie. Can Simon Pegg do wrong? I think not. I may have to call that thing Tom Cruise is in Mission Simon Pegg. With out him, it means nothing.

I accidentally grabbed the wrong glaze and had a few surprises when I opened the lid this morning...

They aren't what I was expecting. They are wrong in the best possible way!

All I Want For Christmas...! Giveaway at Vintaj!

2011-11-30T13:55:00.001-08:00

Turns out Vintaj is having a holiday giveaway on their blog with my ceramic pendants and their elements! Just leave a comment on their blog letting them know what you want for the holidays. You don't have to say "World peace!" to win... (We know you want that too...)

VINTAJ

Went a Little Postal...

2011-11-27T14:46:00.001-08:00

I don't know about you but loooooong weekends and holidays get me a bit batty and a bit out of sorts. When the kids start to get a bit bored and hubby is home from work and it just isn't our usual schedule, I go a bit nutty! I had a mini melt down and had a bit of a temper tantrum. I was nicely asked to take a brake and so I took myself out for a walk and some alone time. Sometimes I forget that it's ok to take a minute or two for me. I feel much better now. How are you holding up? Now that I am used to the "everyone-at-home" schedule, I'll have another mini melt down tomorrow when everyone heads off to work and school. UGH! I don't always weather change well. What can I say, I'm a creature of habit!

Before my melt down, these got made....

I ran off to mail them and wouldn't you know it! THE POST OFFICE WAS CLOSED!!!! I figured they would be closed for Thanksgiving but they are closed from Thursday through Sunday. Part of me was irked but then I thought of Reba and Barbara and the other post office gals and how they are always so hard working and kind and, even when the line is long and the natives are hostile, they do their very best to get everyone through. They deserve a LONG weekend! Let's all remember to show those hard working folks at the post office (as well as other folks behind a counter) our best behavior this holiday season and maybe they will do the same!

If you have little ones (heck even if you don't) get out to see Arthur Christmas. Great message and a good laugh around every turn. I loved it!

If you want to laugh yourself silly, go see the Twilight movie. I'm sorry if you are a big fan but it is the kind of movie that has me in fits of laughter. A guilty pleasure. My apologies to the other movie patrons if my quietly shuddering with laughter interrupted your movie experience! It was the perfect antidote for a squabble with my hubby!

I got a note from jewelry designer Cilla that she is part of the Virtual Craft Show and is offering 35% off on her fantastic jewelry with the code "Thanksgiving"! You can find her here... www.tellyourgirlfriends.com

The whole event was organized by the lovely Lori Anderson, of Bead Soup fame. You can see more about the event here... http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2011/11/dont-forget-virtual-craft-show-starts.html

Staying In For Black Friday!

2011-11-25T08:13:00.001-08:00

While I am tempted by all the lovely sales, to run out and do some early morning "Black Friday" shopping, my need for warm and cozy (as well as my need for a flu shot) is winning out! It is great to support independent artists and I am staying home and doing a cyber Black Friday, where I can find some great deals from some wonderful etsy shops!

Here are some shops that are catching my eye...

Marsha Neal Studio: Amazing ceramics use "BOCCYBER" for 20% off
Earthenwood Studio: Delish art pendants "HOLIDAY2011" for 25% off
Humblebeads: Fantastic art beads, enter "Holiday2011" for 20% off
Jennifer Jangles: Ceramic pendants and beads "cyber10" for 10% off
Lorelei Eurto: Amazing jewelry blackfriday" to recieve 25% off

My etsy shop will have 10% off through Sunday with check-out code "STAYWARM" as well as gift with purchase!

I had my kids writing a list of things they want for the holidays and was surprised that what they wanted most was family time. It would be great to honor that with a small trip together. Planning.... Ok! Stay warm!

So Thankful...

2011-11-23T18:04:00.001-08:00

I have to say that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is the one day I don't feel stressed (usually) and I enjoy spending time with family and friends, appreciating them and all they are! This year is a little hard with the loss of family. It feels good to reflect on them and appreciate the times we had together. Sad, but not overwhelming.

I find it hard to put work completely aside, even on a holiday, because it isn't really work, for me it is always play. But I do make an effort to ignore a few "work" related things and just be. Right there with them. Enjoying. I hope everyone that passes by this post has something to be thankful for...

Burrrr!

2011-11-22T22:49:00.001-08:00

It has been cold! At least cold for typically sunny Southern California! I don't think the season has changed for some of us, as I saw more than a few people shopping in shorts and flip flops (even one gentleman was bare foot, double burrr!) in our last rain storm! I am taking this weather as the opportunity it is to drink in loads of hot tea, coffee, and cocoa (and maybe even float a few mini marshmallows in there)! The few trees that turn a pretty color in these parts are doing so now. I am LOVING it! It also makes the task of unloading the kiln, a task normally dreaded in the heat of any other season, a cozy and inviting affair. I was pleased to unload a few open heart dishes from this firing! They made my day!

Next up... Stuffing and giving thanks...

Holiday Home Look In

2011-11-21T13:16:00.001-08:00

This weekend was the Holiday Home Look In marketplace and home tour. Twenty percent of the sales in artist market go to support the Bravo Music program. There was live music all weekend and great shopping. My table set up was new and that is always exciting. I found these adorable wooden milk crates at Target to add height and freshen up my display!

I got to catch up with a few local artist friends and learn a bit about our newest Made In Ojai member Borbala Arvai. Bori makes the most beautiful felted dolls and ornaments! Together, we sat side by side at the marketplace, working like Santa's elves, she with her doll work and I with my jewelry!

We had much needed rain over the weekend and I'm patiently waiting for the kiln to cool!

What did you do this weekend?

Super Proud!

2011-11-17T09:40:00.001-08:00

I was super excited and super proud to have the design team at Vintaj ask me to be their December Art Bead Partner! You can check out my nearly grammar mistake free interview here...

Vintaj Art Bead Partner

I had a great time exploring their elements and created some new pieces as well as revamped some older designs! I'm hoping to play more with their fun elements over the weekend!

Eggs With a Side of Banjo, Please! (and a bundle winner!)

2011-11-14T08:57:00.001-08:00

Why do the long weekends go by the fastest? Friday, well who can remember Friday? Saturday we watched Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows part 2 (beads in hand). I cried like a baby. Again. Robert and I decided that Voldemort really could have died a more gruesome death. He deserved it. Our friend Karen is a musical talent if ever there was one! Karen and her husband play live music at a local diner on Sunday mornings so we had the best veggie Eggs Benedict with a side of banjo and upright bass. Very cool! In the afternoon I helped my friend Caitriona with her new etsy shop. Caitriona is such a talented artist who has her hands busy with many things. While raising 3 boys she manages to find time to whip up silver and gold creations as well as put pen to paper for these fantastic line drawings which she has turned into t-shirts. Today we are working on getting our etsy shops in gear for the holidays....

Thanks to everyone for leaving comments about the season bundles over at Lima Beads! The winner is...

kat said...

The red birdie bundle is my favorite but all are really lovely!!

November 11, 2011 9:20 AM

Please email your address to (gaea (at) gaea (dot) cc) and I will get your bundle out toot sweet!

Tis The Season! And a Gift!

2011-11-10T11:11:00.001-08:00

Typically, I am hard pressed to think about things that are not right in front of my nose. I guess that's a nice way of saying I don't plan ahead. Holidays inspire me while they are happening, not 2 to 3 months before, so it was nice to get a nudge from Ali over at Lima Beads. Ali asked, so I a made 5 new holiday bundles! I am so happy with how they turned out! There is something vintage and rustic about them... You can see them at the Lima Beads site! Let me know which is your favorite by Sunday evening and I'll pick a random winner to send a Candy Cane bundle to! Share it on Twitter and Facebook to enter extra times! Happy (almost) holidays!

Looking For Some Fun.

2011-11-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

This last week was a big push and just full to the brim with work. I am so elated to be busy but it has worn me down and tt just dawned on me after two days of on and off crying fits, that maybe I need to find some fun and lighten things up a bit. The mail person has been kind to me and brought so many treasures but I had to put off play time over and over again. It feels like I haven't seen my family or friends in ages so I am really looking forward to giving thanks with them at the end of the month. These beautiful Green Girl Studios bead and pendants arrived for play time. The kids faces lit up like a klieg light when they saw all the pretties! Calder chose the octopus bead and a robot. Magnolia chose a heart pendant with a Helen Keller quote on the back and a panda baby...

And yes! That is a disco pumpkin you are looking at, compliments of Miss Magnolia!

There might be new items in my etsy shop. There also might be a few gifts involved. Maybe.

OK! Play time!

Whoa!

2011-11-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

This has been a week dedicated to beads. I have done nothing else but make beads. It is good to be busy and I am so glad to be taking at least one afternoon this weekend to got see Puss In Boots with the kids. The mail has brought some amazing things and I haven't had a chance to covet them yet. I got a hand full of silks, some new double flush cutters (My fingers are happy for that! YAY!), a few books, and a MESS of Green Girl Studios beauties (more on the books and GGS later)!

To sum this week up... Beads. Puss In Boots. Cinnamon toast. Beads. Rain. Coffee. Coffee. Beads. Glaze. The Tooth Fairy. Beads. Coffee. Green Girls Studio. Beads. Beads. Beads. Glaze. Beads.

This is my dream morning...

Fall At Lima Beads

2011-10-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

It is fall and Lima Beads just busted out a ton of new fall love in the form of crystal, tools, and ARTIST BEADS! If anybody asks.... I'm out shopping!

Winter Wonderland...

2011-10-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

It has been in the mid to upper 80s for the last few weeks but today is overcast and gray and I'm enjoying it, completely! I've got my cuppa joe and the tunes cranked up and am dreaming of the colder days to come. I guess I've had to trick my mind a bit to get into the coming season or maybe the work I've been doing did the tricking! These are on their way to a place that actually gets snow, and that seems funny to me! How are you getting ready for the coming season!

WHEW!

2011-10-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

This week has been crazy! Trips to LAX! Homework! Ojai Day! Glazing! Homework! Can I please stop with the homework already? I've done my time with it and am finished! But apparently 6 and 10 year olds have it, so, I have it too! Ugh!

For some reason just loading the kiln today was like an epic struggle! I wasn't like I was trying to get some dang ring back to Mordor or anything, just get the dang thing loaded and on! And just when I turned it on and was all satisfied and proud, thinking "Hey! I even had a little room to spare!", I lifted up a tray only to find another tray FULL of bead to try and fit!!! AHHHHHH!! So this is where I'm glad the kids were in school and did not have to hear my screaming, cursing, hissy fit to end all hissy fits! Don't ask me how I did it but I got those buggers in there... Deep sigh... I shoulda' taken a picture!

So I've been slightly neglectful of my etsy shop, what with all the homework, and I only have a few things to list anyway so after this firing I am hoping to fill my etsy with piles of earthy, fall goodness! YUM! Ok.

I've been hoarding this paisley heart for like 8 months now, and when these two lantern beads came out of the last firing and I decided they had to be set free! Have a great and homework free weekend! XO

Bundle Up! Bead Bundle Winners!

2011-10-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for helping spread the word about the new bundles at Lima Beads! I also found another bundle to giveaway, but truthfully, all three "giveaway" bundles were earned! I will cut right to the chase...

And the winners....

SueBeads said...

Thanks so much for the chance to win, I love them all but love shabby chic the best! I am already a follower!

MeltTogetherbeads said...

Hey there, ive just started to blog and am now a follower. xx

CraftyHope said...

I really like the brightness of the Serendipity bundle! They're all fabulous bundles though. It was a tough decision.
Thanks for the giveaway.

Also, I'm a follower!

Please email me with your address' and I'll mail you your goodies!

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support! It is truly appreciated!

Win A Bead Bundle!

2011-10-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Lima Beads just added 10 of my different ceramic bead and pendant bundles to their site! I have been making these bundles for over a year and they are a funky and fun way to jump start a project (even several projects!) In my excitement and as a celebration, I would like to give a Bee bead bundle and a Shabby Chic bundle away!

Check out the bundles at Lima Beads and let me know which bundle is calling your name in a comment here and become a follower = 1 chance.

Tweet, facebook or blog about the giveaway = 1 additional chance.

if you become a follower or say that you're already a follower in your comment = 1 additional chance.

So, you can earn up to three chances to win. Please leave a comment by Sunday, October 16th at 10 pm (PST) and winner will be selected by 12 pm Monday afternoon!

Bee Bundle

Shabby Chic Bundle

TOP 6! Whoot!

2011-10-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! Guess what? My dear friend Dean has made it to the top 6 in the Washington Post Guest Advice Columnist contest!!!! Here is a note from Dean:

I'm now among the top 6 contestants vying to be a guest advice columnist for the Washington Post. I really, really appreciate everyone who voted, shared via Facebook, Twitter, blogs and emails.

This round is a video, so my humiliation is 1 minute long and overpowered by the zippy green walls of my living room.

Here's the link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/workadvice

And here's where you vote: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-user-polls/post/vote-for-your-favorite-atwork-advice-contestant-round-3/2011/10/12/gIQAdfcyeL_blog.html

If I remain in the running, the next (and final) round involves a live chat on Monday!

Thanks for the support and all your kind comments.

-Dean

Please go and vote!!!!

Thanks!

20

2011-10-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Twenty years ago today we took the plunge into marriage and family! We have had our ups and downs and have weathered a few storms! I am looking forward to weathering at least 20 more with my sweet heart!

Us in 1991.

With our good friend Dean at an Ikea photo booth. This is one of my favorite pictures!

Painting With Fire Book Tour Winner!

2011-10-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the lovely comments on yesterdays post! It really is an inspiring book and I am looking forward to painting with more fire! Barbara offered a copy of her new book as a prize and the winner is....

Cinder

Congratulations! Please email Barbara with your address and she will send you your book! Thanks to all who have participated so far! I hope you will check out todays post from Linda Larson of Objects and Elements!

Painting With Fire: My New Flame (And, Yes! There Are Prizes!)

2011-10-07T05:01:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting With Fire virtual book tour! If you are familiar with Barbara Lewis and her Painting With Fire brand then you know how beautiful and creative her torch-fired enamel jewelry is. If you are not familiar, you probably don't know how easy it is! As I am a certified, card holding Scaredy Cat and prefer to keep my heat and flame, safely contained within 6 inches of fire brick, I was dubious about "Painting With Fire"! Isn't that what our mamas told us not to do? But do we always listen (Calder and Magnolia plug your ears) to our mamas? Having said that, I was so enthralled with Barbaras techniques and talent that I just got over my cheep self and jumped in! Barbaras new book Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting With Fire, is just for us Scaredy Cats and the more daring folks among us. I practically bum-rushed the poor folks in line at the post office to open my copy when it came in the mail and am proud to say that she used a few of my beads in one of her projects!

As with ceramic glazes, you can use Mason Stains to tint clear or white enamel, which would make it very versatile in my studio! I have done a few projects with my enamel set and love the colors! Oddly, my favorite enamel colors to work with are white and nut, great neutrals for adding color to but perfectly shabby chic on their own. This book isn't just a tutorial but a gorgeously inspirational jewelry book with much more that strait forward enameling techniques. I am itching to try the etching and heat riveting techniques!

Perfect for my copper rings!

Yes! That is a teeny tiny enameled head pin in that giant rock!

Torch enameled "s" hooks. The enamel is beautiful plus is smoothes any rough cut edges and fuses the openings!

Playing perfectly with ceramic, glass or metal, enameling is perfect for when I am looking for another handmade element to add to my designs and adds another great too to my ever expanding tool box. Barbara is as generous with her information as she is wonderfully creativity! Thank you Barbara! Here are some other stops on the Book Tour...

MaryJane Dodd, October 6 www.mairedodd.blogspot.com

GaeaCannaday, October 7 www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com

LindaLarsen, October 8 www.objectsandelements.typepad.com

AndrewThornton, October 10 www.andrew-thornton.blogspot.com

LoriPlyler, October 11www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com

DianeCook, October 12 www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com

LoriAnderson, October 13 www.lorianderson.blogspot.com

LeAnnWeih, October 14 www.summersstudio.blogspot.com

JenJudd Velasquez, October 15 www.jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com

Melissa Meman, October17 www.melissameman.blogspot.com

Lisa Crone, October 18 www.abeadaday.blogspot.com

Shannon LeVart, October19 www.missficklemediacom.blogspot.com

Cindy Wimmer, October 20 www.sweetbeadstudio.com

Laura Twiford, October21 www.souvenirsfromlife.blogspot.com

Erin Prais-Hintz,October 22 www.treasures-found.blogspot.com

Jennifer Cameron,October 24 www.glassaddictions.com
JUST ADDED! October 25, Sharilyn Miller, http://sharilynmiller.blogspot.com/

You can win a copy of Barbaras Book from my blog and other prizes from other blogs, here's how...

We'll have prizes throughout the book tour plus a grand prize at the end! The more you spread the excitement, the more chances you have to win some of the goodies our bloggers are giving away!

Leave a comment at your host's blog and become a follower = 1 chance.

Tweet, facebook or blog about the giveaway and leave a comment at this post (the original Virtual Book Tour post) = 1 additional chance.

While you're at Barbaras blog, if you become a follower or say that you're already a follower in your comment = 1 additional chance.

So, you can earn up to three chances per giveaway. A winner will be selected by 10 p.m. eastern time and be announced the following day. You can check back at my blog for the name of the winner or at any other of the participating blogs.

To thank you for following along, we will have a BONUS PRIZE at the end of the book tour! All of the entries will be included in the drawing for a kit containing all the elements of "Floral Cascade," one of the projects in the book! You'll receive everything you need to make the necklace, including the chain, jump rings, clasp, enamel beads, and head pins!

For a chance to win the Grand Prize - a Torch-Firing Kit (or $110 shopping experience at www.paintingwithfireartwear.com) - please leave a review atAmazon.com by November 24. Remember, leave an honest review... the book must stand on its own.

P.S. Unfortunately, we have to restrict the giveaways to U.S. residents. "Winners should contact me with their name and address through my author website:

www.torchfiredenameljewelry.com so that you can receive your prizes!"

Painting With Fire Virtual Book Tour...

2011-10-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Please check back in tomorrow for the launch of the "Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: a Workshop in Painting with Fire" virtual book tour! There are prizes along the way too! The first stop is tomorrow with Mary Jane Dodd and my post is on Friday! Here is a list of tour dates to hit your computer!

October 6, Mary Jane Dodd, www.mairedodd.blogspot.com

October 7, Gaea Cannaday, www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com

October 8, Linda Larsen, www.objectsandelements.typepad.com

October 10, Andrew Thornton, www.andrew-thornton.blogspot.com

October 11, Lori Plyler, www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com

October 12, Diane Cook, www.rosa-josies.blogspot.com

October 13, Lori Anderson, http://www.prettythingsblog.com

October 14, LeAnn Weih, www.summersstudio.blogspot.com

October 15, Jen Judd Velasque, www.jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com

October 17, Melissa Meman, www.melissameman.blogspot.com

October 18, Lisa Crone, www.abeadaday.blogspot.com

October 19, Shannon LeVart, www.missficklemediacom.blogspot.com

October 20, Cindy Wimmer, www.sweetbeadstudio.com

October 21, Laura Twiford, www.souvenirsfromlife.blogspot.com

October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz, www.treasures-found.blogspot.com

October 24, Jennifer Cameron, www.glassaddictions.com

Don't Make Me Beg!

2011-10-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the lovely folks who may have gone over to vote for my friend Dean! I just got this note from him...

Hello again my friends.

I'm now one of eight contestants vying to be a guest advice columnist for the Washington Post.

Thank you to everyone who voted in Round 1, and to those who passed the message on via Facebook, Twitter, blogs and emails. Voting was tough and I barely scraped by. So please, vote even more fervently for my latest submission, and spread the word.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/dean-buckley-five-ways-to-cope-with-job-insecurity-atwork-advice-contest-round-2/2011/10/04/gIQA3nzcNL_story.html

The voting link is at the end of the article.

Thanks and love!

-Dean Buckley

So, if you wouldn't mind...

The Spirited Bead and Klew's Gallery Trunk Show

2011-09-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

Are you in the Tehachapi, California area? I just sent a big old box of fall goodness to the talented Karen Lewis of Klew's Spirited Beads. She is an AMAZING bead artist and owns 2 bead shops. If you are in the area this weekend, please stop by to see new bundles and new owls. Thanks Klew for having us!

See This Guy...

2011-09-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

Vote for him! My dear and lovely friend Dean is in the first round of this contest!!! He is an awesome writer and all around person! PLEASE vote for him! Click the link that says "vote for your favorite" then click on his picture, it will highlight, and then hit the submit button! Please feel free to pass this along! GO DEAN!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/2010/07/08/gIQA5ZPLgJ_page.html

Passion for Purple!

2011-09-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Ok... Now that I'm a little calmer, I can share these purple glazes. Plum! Grape! Wine! YUM!

It is just so darn juicy!

Stop! THEIF!

2011-09-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I could just ignore it and it would go away. I thought if I thought good thoughts, it would go away. I thought if I said anything I'd look like a loon! I've tried those strategies and it's not going away. It is a touchy subject but it has been weighing heavy on my heart. Initially I'd received a few emails from lovely customers and fellow designer alerting me to another designer having uncannily similar items for sale. I took a look and thought "WOW!" that does look copyright infringingly similar if not the same. I sat with it for a few days in attempt to out run my PMS that I thought was surely playing tricks with my eyes and mental state. My motto is usually "Never put off to tomorrow what PMS can totally ruin today". I didn't say it was a good motto. None the less I waited. It didn't go away and neither did the emails. So I jotted off a jaunty note requesting that the person please respect my copyrights. I received an equally jaunty note commenting that, I make mostly pendants (not true), that I have so many more sales than they do (irrelevant and as one friend commented to me "does this look like a commune?" which I had to laugh at!) and stating that it is their style and they couldn't change it if they tried! Denial.

As this is my main source of income and I've worked really hard over the last 12 years, not only is this person stealing from me and my children, others are noticing it, and talking about it. That isn't pretty. Would you want the world looking at your work thinking "What are they trying to pull?!" It is not a small bead and design community but people definitely notice this sort of thing. Even in an attempt to fix the problem and find a solution, there is talk about it. It is not going unnoticed for me and for other designers having similar issues. Do people think that if you see something posted online that it is free for the taking? They are in fact not. Once you create something, it is yours and is protected by law. My thinking was that this person will move onto other work and either grow into their own or start stealing from someone else. That doesn't fix a serious problem though, one that many others find themselves in. I do believe there is room for everyone, but know in my heart that there is no room for this behavior. Others have suggested I contact an attorney. Sound advice. For me the point is this, sitting idly by is not good for me or my work. At some point you need to protect what is yours. I really appreciated that there were friends out there that thought enough to say something to me, to try to protect me saying "We have your back", and you know, I have yours! For now I am keeping my sense of humor at the ready. I know I will need it!

Heavy Heart.

2011-09-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

It has been a tough week. But also a lovely blog hop. Thank you to Lori Anderson for hosting such a wonderful event. I am still making my way around to the various blogs. Thanks for all the lovely comments! Looking at it a week later (and with a few hours of sleep), I think I was perhaps a bit hard on myself!

There have been a few things that have been weighing heavy in my heart. One was the loss of a loved one. The other I will talk about later. My stepfather Clarence passed away in July not more than a few days after my sons birthday. It was a total shock and our family is muddling through. I have tough memories and sweet memories. Mostly sweet. He was literally a rocket scientist and worked at his job for over 30 years. When I was a teenager our relationship was like that of siblings which probably stemmed from the fact that he had no biological children. Thinking back on those times I realize how difficult it must have been for him to have this raging ball of teen hormones set loose in his home. The smart man that he was, he tried in vain to help this math phobic with what must have been to him the most basic of math homework. I'm sure he was frustrated with my total lack of skill but would never show it. I would simultaneously marvel and be frustrated at how he could seemingly pull the answers from his hat. We celebrated his life this weekend and I was lucky to meet many of his friends and colleagues. Like math, life isn't always easy and we will miss him... times 10 to the 10th power.

Bead Soup: A Necklace Only A Mother Could Love...

2011-09-17T04:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Bead Soup project! Thank you to Lori Anderson for organizing such a great blog/bead event! If you have had thoughts about participating and have not yet, let me say that I've enjoyed myself. My work may suggest otherwise and I think this may be one of those "what not to do" situations...

I would like to start by saying, I had the best intentions. I planned ahead and had a definite idea of what I wanted. My project had other plans. It may not be as bad as I think it is, or it is worse. I can't decide. A big "THANK YOU" to Caitriona Meek "The Queen of Sawing Sheet Metal" for showing me how to saw sheet metal. I probably should have brought an extra sheet to her house as a precaution, because that was step one and it all sorta went down hill from there (I can laugh about it now). I was trying to be careful but managed to saw a kind of amoeba shape not the perfect comma shape that I had drawn on the sheet. I mean I traced around it for goodness sakes!

It was all going fine and dandy until I noticed a small space of the bezel hadn't got enough solder under it and instead of popping the piece out of the bezel, I... torched it. Yep. It popped and cracked and scared the pooh outta me. "Why didn't you take it out before you added heat?" Yep. Why indeed!

Yep. It cracked. I know! I know! I was in a hurry! Luckily the bezel is holding it all together... I should have turned the fossil around and had the rounded side poking through. Should'a, could'a, would'a!

And yes. Those are earrings made from the clasp set Dot sent me. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I was told I had to use the focal and the clasp and dagnabit it, that is what I did! I'm not trying to be cheeky, I just put all my eggs in the "solder the bezel" basket. So there you have it! Soup to "nuts" Please jump over to my Bead Soup partner Dot Lewallen!

Here is a link to the other artists on this Bead Soup blog hop! Thanks for stopping by and ENJOY!

Soups a Brewin'

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am working on my Bead Soup project. I have some seriously high hopes for this project and have all fingers, toes, and limbs crossed that I don't muck up the beautiful focal Dot sent me! There may be some soldering involved. Holding breath!

P.S. One of my favorite suppliers on etsy is having a 20% off sale! Checkout her stringing and finding supplies... ByJanelle

Help Artist Nancy Schindler!

2011-09-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen, I and I admit to being woefully behind in my blog reading, Nancy Schindler, the artist behind Round Rabbit, recently suffered the loss of her art studio due to major flooding. Her studio and home were badly flooded and may need serious repair. Luckily, Nancy is in good health as are her rabbits. You can contribute to helping get her studio (which is her only source of income) back up and running! I have never met Nancy in person but admire her work and know she must be just devastated by this loss. Follow the link here.

Bundles Of Love

2011-09-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

What can I say? I just love to put these bundles together! I just shipped 10 different styles of bundles to Lima Beads and am anxiously awaiting their debut! I'll be having a giveaway when that happens! Soon! Very soon!

Until then, please enjoy these...

Ups and Downs

2011-09-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Today was a roller coaster of a day. Up and down, all day long. I started out by getting a ton of work done and I had a few hours to visit with my friend Caitriona. She is a magical jewelry designer with a wicked sense of humor and awesome person all around. We talked about ways for her to promote herself and her work. The problem is she is very down to earth and does not like talking about herself. I say her work says enough on its own, even though her life story is fascinating. We talked about yesterdays somber mood and how I made, what feels like a mistake, in watching one of the many memorial stories that were on. I was up nearly all night just thinking about how many lives were lost. The tragedy is staggering.

The kids had great day in school so we decided to take a drive to Barnes and Noble. I checked my email as we were walking in and got a disturbing email from a lovely customer. Apparently her large order arrived except that the package was empty! She sent photos and sure enough the USPS Priority Mail pouch was mangled and everything inside gone! OH MAN! I usually insure larger orders but had forgotten that one! Lesson learned! Still, I feel terrible for this poor woman who was expecting to open a package and find something. I couldn't apologize enough. I'll be working overtime to replace it.

That made me a bit dizzy but I got myself to the magazine stand and found Creative Jewelry was out and I counted 5 projects (two of my own) using my pendants or beads! I was floored! I had a grin from ear to ear and Calder was pretty proud of his Mama! A BIG THANKS to Andrew Thornton, Denise Yezbak Moore, and Emma Thomas.

The kids made me smile and laugh.

FIRE!

2011-09-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

It has been hotter than H.E. double hockey sticks! 105 anyone? Yuck! It's a good thing that I was terribly excited to see everything glazed because turning on a heater was the last thing I wanted to do! But it is done and unloaded and here's what came out...

The "In A Tree" owls are a bit large (about 2 1/8" tall!!!), so I'm hoping they will shrink up a bit on the next firing. I can't get enough of the fall colors. What are you looking forward to this fall?

Owl Crazy!

2011-09-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

I think I've gone a bit owl crazy! Now they are in trees! I hope to get these nice and glazed by the end of the week. We have spent our weekend having a lemonade stand, trying a new restaurant in town and.... working. I know that's not the point of Labor Day but that is what is happening! I hope everyone is having a great day off!

Go create something!

XO

Hoot.

2011-09-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

The little heart dishes are fun to make and in fact make me so happy! I am doing a very impatient "hurry up" dance everyday to get everything made and glazed so I can see these all glazed and shinny! Or not glazed. I haven't decided yet. I have a feeling I will be working on this gorgeous weekend. How about you? Any good plans?

But these are all dressed up and ready to go... Bye, bye birdies!

This made me pee a little...

2011-09-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

My good friend Miss Yvonne sent me this clip. I love me a good Sedaris...

Amy Sedaris Hilariously Struts Her Lady Pants - Show Clips - Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Happy September everybody!

It's Gift WIth Purchase Time!

2011-08-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

It has been a while, and I found some of these little goodies that have been floating around the studio, just moping, wishing for someone to make something lovely with them. Then one of the new hooks decided to jump in. I just can't control them any more! It's like they have a mind of your own...

These and a few more will be a gift with purchase add on in my etsy shop, to any order placed, one per order s'il vous plaît!

Help I'm Stuck!

2011-08-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm having one of these days!

Not enough sleep and too much technology!

Must...get.... to.... work....

Bead Soup Ingredients!

2011-08-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

My sweet stash of Bead Soup beads arrived a little while ago! As school is starting tomorrow it will be lovely to have (hope I'm not speaking to soon!) a bit of time to play and design. I love the colors and shapes! The shell is so earthy. I loved that she dressed up my package with these lovely vintage kitties! Thank you Dot for sending such lovely treasures!

There are an amazing 362 of us participating! This is a list of the participants but the big design reveal doesn't happen until September 17th.

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

2. Barbe Saint John, Barbe Saint John

3. Rebecca Watkins, Artybecca

4. Doris Stumpf, Glaszwerg

5. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo

6. Nancy Peterson, Beading From the Heart

7. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped in Silver

8. Tari Sasser, Creative Impressions in Clay

9. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul

10. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass

11. Carol Tannahill, Fire In Ice

12. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

13. Jean Yates, Snap Out of It Jean, There's Beading to be Done!

14. Emanda Johnson, Artemesia's Studio

15. Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs

16. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

17. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life

18. Amy Severino, Amy Beads

19. Debbie Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

20. Kim Ballor, Vitamin C ... A Daily Dose of Creativity

21. Jen Judd Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks

22. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

23. Lynne Bowland, Island Girl Insights

24. Mary McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

25. Shay Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings

26. Shea Zukowski, gr8findings

27. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique

28. Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It

29. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef

30. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

31. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

32. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats

33. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass

34. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog

35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle

36. Tari Kahrs, Pearl and Pebble

37. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

38. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

39. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me

40. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions

41. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

42. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads

43. Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love

44. Lois Moon, Que Onda Q'town?

45. Sally Russick, Wire Worked

46. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

47. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles

48. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde

49. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

50. Deci Worland, Gem Trails

51. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do

52. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio

53. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

54. Lisa Liddy, Metal Me This

55. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

56. Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads

57. Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio

58. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas

59. Marianna Boylan, Star Girl Jewelry

60. Jackie Ryan, Keep Your Dreams Original!

61. Heather Pyle, My Muse, Aquariat

62. Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filuc

63. Kathy Welsh, Girly Girl Art

64. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya

65. Cassie Donlen, The Glass Beadle

66. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry

67. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique

68. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life

69. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

70. Christine Brandel, A Hot Piece of Glass

71. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries

72. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J. P.

73. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria

74. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

75. Karen Williams, Baublicious

76. Kristi Bowman, Kristi Bowman Design

77. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous

78. Natalie Monkivitch, Beadmonki Lampwork

79. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations

80. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner

81. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads

82. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven

83. Cat Pruitt, Boo Beads

84. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

85. Karyn Bonfiglio, Plus Size Bangles

86. K. Hutchinson, Jumbled Hutch

87. Moira McEvoy, The Musings of Mystic Pesto

88. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods

89. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

90. Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog

91. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit

92. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies

93. Becky Fairclough, Chameleon Designs

94. Jenni Connolly, Jenni Bead

95. Wendy Chamberlain, Bears, Beads and Beautiful Thing

96. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

97. Gretchen Nation, Art Food Lodging

98. Davinia Algeri, Polymer Clay Beads Baubles and Buttons

99. Michaela Pabeschitz, La Mar de Bonita

100. Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen

101. Tracey Weiser, Summer Smack

102. Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog

103. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin

104. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

105. Ana Krepel-Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

106. Lesley Watt, The Gossiping Goddess

107. Eleanor Snare, EBS Jewellery

108. Gillian Lehman, The Adventures of GillyBean and Friends

109. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry

110. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf

111. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

112. Beth & Evie, EB Bead and Metal Works

113. Mylene Hillam, Mill Lane Studio

114. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend

115. Jill Harris, Gypsy Brocante

116. Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures

117. Patty Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus

118. Christine Hendrickson, The Clay Chick

119. Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads

120. Poranna, Poranna Reczni Zrobila

121. Laura Twiford, Souvenirs From Life

122. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

123. Noemi Baena, Fuego, Metal y Color

124. Natalie McKenna, Grubbi...

125. Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads

126. Cindy Gimbrone, Lampwork Diva aka Cindy Gimbrone

127. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe

128. Kristi Harrison, It's a New Day

129. Stephanie LaRosa, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder

130. Michelle Mach, Beads and Books

131. Michelle Hardy, Firefly Visions

132. Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick

133. Janice Everett, JLynn Jewels

134. Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz

135. Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design

136. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay

137. Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini

138. Kim Hora, Kimmykats

139. Margot Potter, I Color Outside the Lines

140. Melinda Orr, Peace Creek Blog

141. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

142. Cilla Watkins, Tell Your Girlfriends

143. Tammy Powley, The Crafty Princess Diaries

144. Vicky Taylor, Treasure Island Crafts

145. Erin Grant, Erin's Jewelry Creations

146. Nicole Rennell, Nicole Rennell Designs

147. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations Beaded Jewelry

148. Sandra Wollberg, Stories from the City of Brass

149. B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios

150. Kelly Ramstack, Adventures with Kelly

151. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto Jewelry

152. Julianna Cannon, Julsbeads

153. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy

154. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs

155. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

156. Kathleen Lange Klik, Modern Nature: My Creative World

157. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

158. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land

159. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry

160. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem

161. Sarah Elder, My So Called Junky Life

162. Anitra Gordy, LeeLu Creations

163. Kristy Abner, Kristy's Kreations

164. DaviniaDesign, Davinia Design

165. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads

166. Pam Ferrari, Wait Just One More Bead

167. Lori Bergmann, Ashlyn Design

168. Diane Cook, Rosa - Josies

169. Charlotte Pevny, The Infrequent Beader

170. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

171. Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey

172. Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs

173. Deanna Chase, Deanna Chase

174. Jennifer VanBenschoten, Jewelry, Art and Life

175. Barbara Lewis, Painting with Fire

176. Natasha Lutes, N's Whims

177. Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

178. Cris Peacock, Cris' Page

179. Alice Craddick, Alice's Bead and Baubles

180. Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry

181. Cryss Thain, Here Bead Dragons

182. Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures

183. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry

184. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

185. Andrea Turini, Andrea Turini Jewelry

186. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're

187. Melissa Clarke, Pieces of Me

188. Lori Greenberg, Lori Greenberg Glass Beads

189. Allison Scott, Oh Allison Beading & Designs

190. Cynthia Tucker, Sea of Glass

191. Lara Kinney, Something Unique by Lara

192. Jennifer Justman, Soul's Fire Designs

193. Patty Evins, Patsy Evins Studio

194. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design

195. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs

196. Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box

197. Saskia Kaffenberger, Perlendistel

198. Kerry Bogert, KAB's Creative Concepts

199. Fiona Christie, Christal's Creations

200. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie

201. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

202. Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs

203. Pat Haight, The Wigglebutt Blog

204. Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental

205. Amanda Davie, Articulations

206. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden

207. Tammy Jones, Jewelry Making Daily

208. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter

209. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings

210. Barbara Blaszczyk, Laboratorium Flory

211. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog

212. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell

213. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals

214. Cristi Clothier, 2 If By Sea

215. Missy Rappaport, Melissa Rappaport

216. Sally Anderson, Wild Sally Road

217. Karen Firnberg, Weaveabead's Blog

218. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog

219. Terry Matuszyk, Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry

220. Melissa Pynn, Behind the Smile

221. Rhea Freitag, Starrgazer Creates

222. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels

223. Marci Brooks, That Nothing Be Wasted

224. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Studios

225. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

226. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog & Meanderings

227. Niki Meiners, Inspiration the Whole Year Through

228. Michelle Buettner, MiShel Designs

229. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange

230. Kelly Morgan, Silver Parrot

231. Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart

232. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

233. Geneva Collins, Torque Story

234. Jenny Davies-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor

235. Dana Johnson Jones, Dana's Jewelry & Etc.

236. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

237. Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog

238. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

239. Aimee Wheaton, creativeFlutter

240. Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations

241. Cynthia Deis, Shiny Little Things

242. CJ Baushka, 4His Glory Creations

243. Astrid Boyce, Cooking Glass

244. Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos

245. Theresa Fosdick, Thoughtful-Notions

246. Polly Barker, Future Family Relics

247. Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?

248. Laura Blanck, Laura Blanck

249. Penny Neville, Copper Penny Designs

250. Gaea Cannaday, Gaea Handmade

251. Carol Bradley, Carol Bradley Designs

252. Charlene Jacka, Clay Space

253. Christine Miles, Wings N Scales

254. Heather Marley, Creaky Cogs

255. Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead

256. Gail Zwang, Angelmoose Enterprises

257. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts

258. Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place

259. Jana Tarhala, Stories of the Secret Garden

260. Mags Saari, Mags - koruja

261. Manuela Wutschke, GlassArt - Manuela Wutschke

262. Sabrina Staub, Sabrina's Glasswork

263. Tracy Stillman, TS Designs

264. Kristi Kyle, Kristi Kyle

265. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym

266. Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home

267. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe

268. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst Artisan Jewelry

269. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

270. Karen Sinkowski, Krisdaka's Kreations

271. Pepita Bos, Urracaa

272. Janna Harttgen, Palima Lim

273. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas

274. Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading

275. Vonna Maslanka, Just Vonna

276. Laurel Bielec, Bielec's Baubles

277. Mary Eilliott, Starry Dreams Jewellery Designs

278. Monica Johnson, Vintage in Disguise

279. Sweet Freedom Designs, Sweet Freedom Designs

280. Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones

281. Suzanne Tate, Catching Up

282. Keri Lee Sereika, Pink Lemonade

283. Jennifer Heynen, Jennifer Jangles

284. Tamara Soper, Handcrafted Baubles by Tamara

285. Laura Sanger, Hg - Elemental Mercury

286. Andrea Morici, Strung Out

287. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne

288. Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog

289. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between

290. Julie Bean, Strung Out (#2)

291. Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

292. Amanda Cargill Austin, Sea Shore Glass

293. Karen Tremblay, Creative Alloy

294. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog

295. Maria Grimes, Garden Path Beads

296. Tiffany Long, Glory Hound Designs

297. Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry

298. Barbara York, Quilting in the Panhandle

299. Sharon Gardner, Preciousness

300. Barrie Edwards, Barrie's Jewelry World

301. Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle

302. Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox

303. Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead

304. Elizabeth Woodford, Elizabeth Creates

305. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs

306. Mary Hicks, Falling Into the Sky

307. Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

308. Patty Miller, Cabari Beads

309. Anna Sabina, Total Escape Clay Studio

310. Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams

311. Shay Stone, On My Path

312. Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads and Jewelry by Lara Lutrick

313. Bella Borgouise, Wirelicious Jewellery

314. JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin

315. Kathleen Robinson Young, Ugly Duckling Beads

316. Kari Carrigan, Kids, Glass, Life

317. Nadezhda Parfyonova, Nally's Creation

318. Eszter Czibulyas, Bigyo Gyar

319. Maria Horvath, Horimarka Beads

320. Doris Radlicki, Doralila Beads

321. Geanina Grigore, Janina Grigore

322. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios

323. Miri Agassi, Bead Work by Miri Agassi

324. Julianna Kis, Juli Bizsu

325. Line Labrecque, Play Sculpt Live

326. Kimberly Roberts, Bahama Dawn

327. Maria Clark, Sweet Willow Designs

328. Kathy Alderfer, Artful Accents

329. Michelle Heim, Life in the Bead Lane

330. Elizabeth Owens Dwy, Clarity of Purple Sage

331. Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs

332. Dee Wingrove-Smith, Beady Musings

333. Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess

334. Sara Hardin, Soft Flex Girl

335. Angela May, Canterbury Cottage

336. Terri Wlaschin, Starseed Jewelry + Beads

337. Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio

338. Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Designs

339. Christine Hansen, Intuitive Sparks

340. Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops

341. Joyce Becker, The Joyful Gem

342. Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry

343. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

344. Joanne Tinley, Daisychain Jewellery

345. Salla Small, Blog by Salla

346. Tracy Martin, Nutkitten's Jewelry

347. Nancy Boylan, Snazzy Doodle Designs

348. Penny Ilagan, A Crafty World

349. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

350. Pamela Petry, Seeing is Believing

351. Kelley Fogle, My Life... One Bead at a Time

352. Heather DeSimone, The Beadin' Blog

353. Candice McGinnis, Craziness, The Theme of My Life

354. Chris White, Dzeyner Studio

355. Jill MacKay, Jill MacKay

356. Julie Jones, Juliery Jones

357. Laurie Hanna, Laurie's Jewel Box

358. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets

359. Barbara Judy, Beads of Spirit

360. Lesley Weir, Djinn Rummy

361. Jennifer Geldard, Torch Songs

362. Teri Baskett, Born to Be Worn

Of What Mettle They Are Made Of...

2011-08-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Mostly copper, but occasionally brass or silver...

I do love copper. It is warm and bright and feels ancient. When I was a kid my father was a carpenter and builder. He was asked to help install copper roof to a store front on our main street here in Ojai. The shop was for designer Barbara Bowman who lived just across the street from us. She was always so kind and friendly. She designed the most beautiful clothing, shoes and bags, I just coveted them. I remember watching him shine the copper and it gleamed in the sun and was just brilliant. A few years later it hand turned a fantastic earthy brown and green color. I remember thinking how odd it was for the metal to change colors. Chemistry...

I was tempted to add a patina to these links and hooks but decided they would do it all on their own...

Back to School Sale!

2011-08-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

We are slowly gathering strength to pull ourselves out of this summer stupor and get our $%&! together for back-to-school! No new back packs this year but those smelly old lunch boxes HAD TO GO! Dang! They should have probably be replaced mid year! My big boy will be in *gasp* 5th grade (practically has one foot in collage!) and my big girl will be dancing her way into **double gasp** 1st grade (holy moley we're in actual numeral grades now!)

How is your back to school going? I just heard our school schedule has a few major changes (12:15 pick up every Wednesday!?!) that I have mixed feelings about! Why not on Friday? Give us a nice jump to the weekend?

So... in honor of Back-To-School I set up a coupon code "BEADSFORSCHOOL" for 10% off your entire order in the etsy shop through Saturday!

Love...

2011-08-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

This jumped out of the kiln and demanded affection. I gave it.

A Parliament.

2011-08-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Did you know that is what a group of owls is called. Whoooo knew?

Nesting here soon...

Sometimes I Make Things.

2011-08-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

And sometimes I actually finish them!

This is how the little photo holders turned out. Glue. Is. Yucky. I will have to think about glue alternatives. With all the dog fur in our house (and studio) it looked like I was wearing winter gloves. Ewww. Maybe I'll use some rubber gloves next time. Live and learn... I am a glazing maniac today! More of these will go into this firing. No glaze required!

Bead Soup Tease and Partner!

2011-08-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here is my tease of things that were sent...

And meet my partner...

Dot Lewallen

It looks like Dot works with seed beads and does amazing work, so now... I am literally terrified! Seed beads?!?! I have a mental block. I know I am not expected to pull some amazing bead weaving out of my butt, but I am imagining opening a big ol' box of seed beads. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton: Allegory Gallery Fundraiser...

2011-08-12T04:36:00.000-07:00

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton: Allegory Gallery Fundraiser...: "When we decided to take the plunge and open Allegory Gallery, things started to fall into place. Everything seemed to be working out smooth..."

All A Tangle!

2011-08-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

How super excited was I when fellow bead artist and jewelry designer Erin Siegel asked if I would like to be featured on the A Jewelry Accord blog as one of their feature designers??!? Well, I do dream of a good leather cord and pine for an enchanting length of silk!

Hopelessly in a fall state of mind, it is over a full month until we are officially into that season! But I can't ignore how the creative nut in my noggin is nudging me...

I guess the swift and sweet owl has no real season....

Jewelry Giveaway!

2011-08-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hammi Jammi Jewelry is having a jewelry giveaway! Jewelry designer Carrie Grabowicz created a bracelet using sterling silver wire, a super sweet bee charm, and a few beads from my etsy shop. Carrie decided to have a giveaway to celebrate Back-To-School! The details are on her blog here. Her design is lovely if I don't say so myself! Enter by August 22nd! Good luck!