They look like...

A flattened pumpkin? Flowers? Pillows? Lanterns?

Sometimes it is hard to put words to a bead. To give it a name. For now I'm thinking "lantern bead" may take the prize but three or four months from now, which has happened before, I may have a light bulb moment and change it. It is my prerogative as a woman, no?

Free...

Shipping!

I am a bundle making maniac! Use code "ILOVEMAIL" for free shipping in the etsy shop until Sunday! Is it fall yet?

Fall Preview...

These are a few of the fall inspired bundles that were just added to the etsy shop. I am ready for mulled, spiced cider, crunchy leaves on the ground, and perhaps a sweater. The reality is that even in mid winter, Southern California is still warm enough for shorts and t-shirt, a fact our friends from the U.K. never let us forget, and if you've seen Adam in his shorts an flip flops in late December, you know what I mean!

I envy those of you who actually have a season or two. I will celebrate anyway...

Summer School & Giveaway

We have been enjoying our summer vacation and while I try to keep things fairly relaxed, there is still a certain amount of work that should be done (like it or not my dear, sweet 10 year old son) to keep our brains from getting rusty. Of course the idea of a simple math sheet each morning has turned my child into a bit of a monster! I, on the other hand, would love to take a class, to learn something new. I was contacted by the lovely folks at Beaducation and asked if I would like to try one of their new classes on DVD for review. Hot diggity!

Just like Beaducation's online courses, you need not leave the comfort of your home, pay for gas, or venture out into the 100 degree heat to learn something new!

Soldering, torch enameling, and riviting are a few of the classes that are available on DVD and it just so happens that I have all my tools and supplies for torch enameling but was not feeling too confident in my skills. Luckily they send me the Click, Play, Learn Torch Enameling with Steven James for me to try.

The step by step techniques and the ability to pause the lesson for my little ones needs were greatly appreciated. The questions I had were answered and when the weather is cool enough to play with the flames, I will be ready. Even if I forget I can review the disk at anytime!

If you would like to win one of these classes plus one of my new fall inspired acorn pendants you can post a link to this post on your blog or post it on facebook! Leave your comment with your link by 8 PM Tuesday, August 9th and a winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, August 10th! Back to school is right around the corner!

Fall? Really?

I guess it will happen sooner or later. The leaves will change. The days will shorten. Squirrels will gather for a changing season....

It's hard to think about when it's still  light out at 8:30 PM and its 100 degrees out. Yep fall will fall. Usually I am a day late and, well, you know the saying. But not this year! I have thought ahead and am sick and tired enough of this dang heat to be ready for fall...

Look for a post on Wednesday for how to win a class on DVD from Beaducation and one of these new acorn pendants!

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...

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...

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!

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!

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!

Andrew Thornton

Gaea Cannaday 

Denise Yezbak Moore 

Erin Prais-Hintz 

Erin Siegel 

Heather Powers 

Lorelei Eurto 

Lori Anderson 

Jean Yates 

Marie Dodd

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?

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...

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!

Painted.

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

her face....
and then yours....

Happy 4th all!