Melissa Meman...Art, Life, Love

Azure - Earrings Everyday

2012-02-02T09:35:00.004-05:00

1st 2012 Sledding....

2012-01-21T21:59:00.002-05:00

Just a few shots of the boys having fun on a bit of snow/ice on the hill up the street. I think B got about 20-30 runs as J and I walked up and down the hill for exercise! It was cold, crisp and beautiful! Then home to dinner and a movie!

Bead Soup Blog Party!

2012-01-19T21:29:00.000-05:00

Wow, I believe this is my 5th Bead Soup Blog Party to participate in! Lucky me, I was randomly chosen to be part of the current installment of this fabulous shindig! Lucky, because about 380 something fab jewelry designers entered, but only 200 were chosen!

So, I got my partner, Michelle Escano-Caballero! She is the creator of beautiful polymer clay components and jewelry, as well as other mixed media art! I am very excited to swap beads and see what we come up with! Check out her Etsy Shop...CabbyCraft and her blog Cabby Crafter to see her cool designs!

You know I love the flowers!

Lovely embossed copper bracelet!

Stay tuned! I have to get my creative juices flowing to send Michelle some fun and fab components! I can't wait to see what she sends me! The party will be on March 3rd! Don't worry...I'll send you some reminders before that!

Random Friday

2012-01-13T19:03:00.000-05:00

Hi friends...I have been offline for what seems like an eternity! Thought I would throw myself back in the blogverse with a random post!

...the whole family had dental hygiene appointments this am...now my teeth hurt! The lady who did mine was really poke-y!

...have been having a great time getting to know and love my new Kindle Fire that Santa (Jesse) brought me for Christmas. Although, I was hoping I would be able to load Square or the Propay "swipe card" thingy...that was a bit of a rude awakening! I am enamoured with being able to watch any Netflix instant download I want, check Facebook and email, not to mention the books! Have already read Hunger Games for free, and am about to start "Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter"! I know, right?

...have been totally non-jewelry designing for the last few weeks. My muse sort of went on holiday and hasn't found her way back yet. I am hoping to entice her with a cleaner, more un-cluttered studio. Have made some progress, but it is very slow going!

...do have some sweet things I made before the holidays that I need to get up on the Etsy...a cool jasper and carnelian necklace...

and this fun soldered and etched butterfly bracelet...

...am a bit ashamed to admit, but I started playing B's Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Wii game a week or so ago, and have become a tad addicted! I am terrible at it...I keep dying in lakes of lava and other horrific, dramatic scenes, but it is so fun, especially when I find colorful gems! B is so frustrated with me, he has been "mentoring" me and teaching me the finer points of wielding the different weapons, but I am a bit uncoordinated and need more practice. He says, "just let me get you through this area"...and I won't let him!

...looking forward to signing up to take a Richard Salley class at ArtBliss this May...registration opens on Sunday! I want to take them all, but will probably just opt for the ring class.

I guess that is it for now! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for stopping by :)

Earrings Everyday

2012-01-05T20:28:00.000-05:00

So, one of the very cool things that happened this year...actually last year, but really close to this year...was that I got a note from Heather Powers of Humblebeads, Art Bead Scene, and Earrings Everyday fame, asking if I would be interested in being a part of the Earrings Everyday blog! Wha? You better believe it! There was a bevy of talented artists there, so it was an honor to get the invite!

Today was my 1st post! Go on over and share some love! If you haven't already, you should follow the blog...everyday there are new, lovely and innovative earring designs posted. And if that weren't enough, there are also some very cool ideas for displaying and marketing your own jewelry creations! Go forth and investigate!

DeClutter...

2012-01-04T16:43:00.000-05:00

my home;
my mind;
my life.

from Pinterest

Declutter...my 2012 mantra!

Happy 2012 to all my online friends!

Ornament Swap Hop!!

2011-12-17T09:32:00.001-05:00

The fabulously talented and sweet Sally Russick organized a Holiday Ornament Swap/Blog Hop! She paired all of us happy participants up and the ornament making commenced. The only requirement was that the handmade ornament include an art bead of some sort.

After much internal debate on the direction I would take, I decided to make a Stephanie Lee "PipeDreams" inspired piece. I embedded some metal filigree medallions on each side and then stared at it for a few days before the inspiration decided to hit me! I punched some holes in the bottom and wove some copper wire in a fishnet/lace pattern and attached some pretty red crystals. I took a big metal filigree bead and halved it, somewhat flattened it, then enameled it a Christmas tree green shade, and wired it onto the top with more copper wire and a red crystal.

With the other end of the wire on the top component, I hung several lengths of copper chain that I embellished with a whole load of stuff...czech glass flowers and other beads, a couple of red birds I enameled. I added some strips of pretty sari ribbon that I got from lovely Barbara Lewis. I then fashioned a swirly hook out of some steel wire and added a bow of more sari ribbon.

I was totally ready to stop when I remembered the enameled/resined cardinal component I made last year and hadn't known what to use it with! I had to add it...I know it sent it over the top, but I just had to.

My creative partner is Crafty Hope Smitherman! We hit it off immediately! She is a fellow 'Bama girl! Rooooooollllllllllll, Tide! Roll! She sent me the sweetest package of goodies, including candy! That is my kind of girl! A very cool Christmas tree of resin, complete with a gorgeous polymer clay star and pretty green enameled bead is very happily hanging on my tree! Oh, and the handmade pom-pom garland? Very clever and Christmasy! Thanks again Hope! Here is a sneak peak at what she sent....I loved it!! To hear more about her creative process, go check out her post!

Go visit the other pairs and check out the lovely ornaments that they made and swapped! Wow, this really puts me in the Christmas spirit now! Thank you, Sally, for hosting such a fun, inspirational blog hop!!

Erin Prais-Hintz and Alice Peterson

Sally Russick and Kim Hora

Susan Kennedy and Kathleen Lange Klik

Patty Gasparino and Cindy Wimmer

Hope Smitherman and Melissa Meman

Jennifer L. Justman and Sandi Volpe

Jenny Davies-Reazor and Christine Altimiller

Rebecca Anderson and Jen Velasquez

Jeanette Blix Ryan and Tamara Soper

Holly Westfall and Mallory Hoffman

Challenge of Color Blog Hop...Fruit Star

2011-11-30T10:07:00.000-05:00

Per my usual modus operandi, I am late in finishing my challenge/blog hop posts, so if you stopped by earlier and didn't see anything, my apologies...hope it was worth the wait!

Erin Prais-Hintz, over at Treasures Found, founded this color palette - inspired hop/challenge to get herself out of a color rut, and let me tell you, it works! We told her what color we wanted and she chose a palette especially for us from a wonderful site, Design Seeds. I told her green...not sure why, I work with green all the time. It is my "go to" color! I think my thought process was that it would be a safe, easy color scheme for me to work with and I could create something in my sleep. Not!

This is the green palette Erin chose....Fruit Star. Umm, hello? What do I do with this? I sort of shut down. I mean, chartreuse and gray?

Until I started playing with my Czech glass...I found leaf beads in the perfect shade and decided to make one of my woven flowers. When I stumbled onto the labradorite on my table I had put out for another project, the light bulb finally turned on!

After the flower, it seems to really come together. The only issue was that blue color. When I enameled that blue bead, I thought I had just the right amount of peacock and Elan gray to get that steely look, but on the monitor, it is not the right shade. Oh well...close enough :) All the enameled beads were made by me, and the beautiful lampwork is from JavaBead. I decided to splurge and use sterling and oxidize everything.

Thanks, Erin, for taking my "safe" choice and throwing me a curve ball! I had fun :) Now, all of you that are reading, go look at what the other participants created using their own palettes!

1 Norma Turvey ~ Teal ~ Color Crave

2 Jeannie Dukic ~ Green ~ Mineral Tones

3 Mary McGraw ~ Teal ~ Embellished Hues

4 Jo Tinley ~ Red ~ Decadent Tones

5 Rebecca Anderson ~ Pink ~ Tulip Tones

6 Kristi Jaro ~ Red ~ Temple Entrance

7 Stephani Gorman ~ Green ~ Dew Tones

8 Melissa Meman ~ Green ~ Fruit Star

9 Kathleen Lange Klik ~ Teal ~ Silk Hues

10 Cynthia Riggs ~ Red ~ Autumn Comfort

11 Heidi Post ~ Teal ~ Flora Bright

12 Cece Cormier ~ Teal ~ Merino Teal

13 Amy Freeland ~ Gray ~ Cultured Tones

14 Alice Peterson ~ Blue ~ Island Play

15 Rose Noble ~ Gray ~ Autumn Stacked

16 Kristina Johansson ~ Yellow ~ Sunny Flower

17 Kirsi Luostarinen ~ Teal ~ Dragon Hues

18 Tari Kahrs ~ Orange ~ Citrus Tones

19 Mallory Hoffman ~ Purple ~ Petaled Dark

20 Molly Alexander ~ Brown ~ Peppered Tones

21 Regina Santerre ~ Red ~ Frosted Berry

22 Emanda Johnson ~ Teal ~ Color Purl

23 Amy Severino ~ Orange ~ Winged Tones

24 Bobbie Rafferty ~ Teal ~ Lime Hues

25 Tanya Goodwin ~ Gray ~ Pecked Tones

26 Lisa Lodge ~ Blue ~ Nocturnal Tones

27 Hope Smitherman ~ Blue ~ Bloom Tones

28 Linda Landig ~ Green ~ Cacti Dark

29 Ambra Gostoli ~ Teal ~ Perched Autumn

30 Lori Bowring-Michaud ~ Blue ~ Sharpened Blue

31 Pippa Chandler ~ Teal ~ Hungarian Hues

32 Keirsten Giles ~ Purple ~ Mineral Brights

33 Jennifer Justman ~ Blue ~ Autumn Rays

34 Sandy Richardson ~ Purple ~ Moroccan Brights

35 CJ Bauschka ~ Teal ~ Teal Air

36 Shaiha Williams ~ Teal ~ Sushi Hues

37 Kay Thomerson ~ Purple ~ Autumn Spectrum

38 Sally Russick ~ Purple ~ Golden Gate Tones

39 Cilla Watkins ~ Purple ~ Autumn Infused

40 Shirley Moore ~ Purple ~ Frozen Heather

41 Jenni Connolly ~ Gray ~ Paw Tones

42 Tamara Soper ~ Green ~ Field Tones

43 Sharyl McMillian-Nelson ~ Blue ~ Nested Blues

44 Jen Velasquez ~ Pink ~ Sweetened Tints

45 Maria Grimes ~ Red ~ Bright Bloom

46 Elisabeth Auld ~ Gray ~ Petaled Tints

47 Susan Kennedy ~ Pink ~ Zinnia Tones

48 Shannon Chomanczuk ~ Gray ~ Autumn Leaf

49 Holly Westfall ~ Yellow ~ Sprinkled Tones

50 Patty Gasparino ~ Red ~ Color Carton

51 Angela Little ~ Pink ~ Singapore Brights

52 Lizzie Zawinski ~ Green ~ Budding Hues

53 Kristen Stevens ~ Pink ~ Scooped Tones

54 Dawn Doucette ~ Brown ~ Jarred Tones

Oak Leaf Challenge

2011-11-29T16:34:00.047-05:00

Remember these sweet little oak leaf clasps that Jo Tinley of Daisychain Designs challenged a few of us with? Well, today is the reveal day! Yes, I am late to the game...I should have had my photos taken and post all written, ready to pop up for you at dawn's early light, but you know me :)

Jo shipped all the way from the UK, so I got my leaf right before the Thanksgiving break. I pretty much had the bracelet already made, ready to add the pretty leaf clasp and tweak it a bit. I stuck with a sort of autumnal color scheme, which seemed to make sense to me with the leaf.

The big orange enameled bead is by me, as well as the little "blest" enamel/resin charm. The matte orange lampwork bead is by Sue Kennedy of SueBeads, and the borosilicate ones are from Julie Delaney. I used a mixed metals approach and included copper, sterling and even a bit of bronze! I have fallen in love with this sort of monochromatic bracelet style. Watch for a few more that I have been working on!

Thanks, Jo, for the clasp, and the opportunity to participate in this fun little challenge! The clasp works like a dream! Now, go see what the other participants created with their sweet oak leaves!

Jo Tinley
Niky Sayers

Amber Boorman
Kimberley Roberts
Rebecca Anderson

Grateful...

2011-11-21T16:44:00.000-05:00

for family, near and far,
for friends, online and off,
for house and home,
heart and mind,
grace and strength,
creativity and inspiration.

I am blessed.

Prototype for new design...I plan to add it to a new rosary soon!

Might not be around again until next week...although we have no special Thanksgiving plans, our little family will be spending as much time together as possible! I plan to cook a traditional meal for Thursday, then I have my biggest show of the year on Friday! If you are in the area, hop on up to the Frederick Holiday Artists Market, 15 W Patrick Street, Frederick, from 10-6!

So until next time, have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

Introducing Melismatic Morsels!

2011-11-17T14:38:00.000-05:00

Yes, that is the name I came up with for my new handmade component offerings. I wanted to use Melismatic, I wanted alliteration, and the word "morsel" just jumped out at me as a little tidbit of something tasty...a little somethin-somethin to embellish your already fun and lovely art!

I really have wanted to offer some of my components for a while. I get so jazzed while enameling and soldering, and I fall in love with everything and envision it in just the right piece of jewelry, but there are only so many hours in the day, so it just sits, unused and unloved! I started with enamel pieces, but I envision some mixed metal, soldered pieces, and maybe even some resin here and there!

Here is a little sample....

Thanks again for all the encouragement and love! I'm feeling a bit weird about pricing, so any feedback you might have, let me know.

Random Friday

2011-11-11T16:57:00.000-05:00

After some encouragement from last Friday's random thoughts post, I am back!
To all those serving or have served in our nation's armed forces, in any capacity, "Thank you,"

Visiting Grandpa at Arlington Cemetary, Memorial Day 2011

Tonight, I will be sleeping on a gym floor in a sleeping bag, while my Webelos son runs around like crazy, shooting Nerf guns at other 10-11 year old CubScouts...yippeee!
Tomorrow morning, after a sleepless night, and waking with an aching back, said CubScout and I will join the rest of his pack to pick up food donations in the neighborhood for this years "Scouting For Food" drive.
After that, a shower, and maybe a nap...I am heading down to the Bead Society of Greater Washington's Annual Fall Bead Bazaar, in Gaithersburg! My dear friend, the fabulous Ms. Barbara Lewis, will have a booth, as well as some of my favorite lampwork artists! If you are in the area, you should definitely attend!

So, the concensus was that I should, in fact, offer some of my components for sale. I have decided to do just that...but it will be a little while until I amass enough that I really don't want to hoard for myself. Umm, by the way, how do you art beads people do it. Everytime I say, "okay, gonna enamel something to sell!", I look at them, and say "Ooh, I should keep this and make xxxx"! You are all rolling your eyes by now! Anyway, here is a sneak peak at what I did last night!

Have a wonderful, autumn weekend! As always, thanks for stopping by!

The Art Bead Love Tour

2011-11-10T10:13:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this gorgeous strand of handmade art beads? I want every single one of them!

Go visit Love My Art Jewelry to see how you can get the chance to choose some of these for your very own!

Challenges, Swaps and Hops!

2011-11-09T13:56:00.000-05:00

Oh, my!

Looks like I am going to be busy this month! I have signed up for 3 distinct and fun events for November, now I need to get cracking! Stay tuned!!

Random Thoughts...

2011-11-04T11:01:00.000-05:00

seriously considering offering my handrafted components (embedded solder, various enameled pieces, etc) for sale...am I silly?
was excited to see my Monet's Flowers earring project included in Interweave's new 10 Fabulous Wire Earrings ebook!

I think I am coming down with a cold :(
I thought there was an Arts Market tomorrow that I was stressing over, but turns out there isn't! Now my Saturday is free! I need to go to Artomatic before it is too late.
Maybe I can start my big studio swap that my hubby agreed to - it will entail a massive clean-up on my part in order to organize.
One of the jack-o-lanterns B and I carved for Halloween!

I have had this African violet on my desk at my office for a very long time and it finally re-bloomed..my office moved and I now have a fluorescent light under my shelf!

I have got to stop eating leftover Halloween candy...even though I confessed to Jen V. that I specifically bought Butterfingers for giving out, but hid them for later :)
I normally go to Weight Watcher's at noon on Friday's, but think I will blow it off today...see above.
I think I will make this type of post a Friday regular - I mean, I am so interesting, you will probably be waiting with bated breath to read what I am thinking, right?
I hate the stupid cheap disc cutter I bought, so I took advantage of Thunderbird's sale recently and just got a whole bunch of lovely copper discs!
I need a hair cut.
Not really a football person, but I am a 'Bama girl, so....Roll, Tide, Roll!
Happy Friday!

Butterflies and Dragonflies...

2011-10-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

Hi folks! It is a coldish, rainy day here in Maryland. There is talk of snow this weekend...can you believe that? Time will tell!
I thought I would share photos of some earrings I have finished up recently...most of the components have been shown in past Bead Table Wednesday posts, but I neglected to show off the finished products.

These are my favs - embedded brass sunflowers into solder with faceted golden stones.

More embedded brass into solder with Swarovski drops.

Enameled butterflies with faceted ametrine.

Embedded brass dragonflies in solder and Czech glass flowers.

Etched brass, faceted Canadian jade and Czech glass.

Brass flowers embedded into solder with pretty green stone drops.

I bought this strand of multi-colored faceted stones that included the golden yellow ones and the blue-green coins above...there are other varying shades of green and some that are lighter blue...they are mostly transparent with some veining running through...they could be glass, or some sort of quartz. If anyone knows what they are, I would love to know. The place I bought them didn't have them labeled, but they were a reasonable price and I loved the colors!
Am trying to get my inventory up for my next Arts Market on November 5...stay tuned for that!

On the home front, have been getting ready for Halloween! B chose a skeleton/zombie sort of costume from Tarjay the other day...I think this will be the last year we buy a costume! We took a jaunt out to the pumpkin patch and chose a few, but were pretty dissapointed in the selection. It has been so rainy here over the last few months, that the pumpkins didn't have enough sunshine to actually turn orange, so many in the field were still partially green. We will probably carve them on Saturday...fun!

Thanks for all the wonderful comments during Barbara's Virtual BookTour! I loved making that bracelet and it was such an honor to be included! Virtual hugs to you all!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

2011-10-18T09:07:00.000-05:00

Um, I mean earrings! Yay! No chickens were harmed in the making of these earrings :)

Random Integer chose #3... Shirley! From Beads and Bread ...you are the winner! Send me an email with your address and I will get them out to you.

Thanks to everyone for your fabulously sweet comments, and thank you, Barbara Lewis for imparting all this cool enameling knowledge, and for honoring me by including me in this fantastic, fun event. I've said it before, and will undoubtedly say it a few hundred more times, "You Rock"!!

Remember, the Virtual Book Tour goes through 10/24, so there is more enameled eye candy to be had...and more giveaways.

Today's blogger is Lisa Crone...go see what she created!

Day 10 - Painting With Fire Virtual Book Tour!!

2011-10-17T09:11:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Day 10 of Barbara Lewis's "Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting with Fire" Virtual Book Tour! I'll be your tour guide today :)

Back in March 2010, I had the great pleasure of taking Barbara's Painting with Fire Workshop. That one workshop pretty much completely changed my jewelry designing outlook! I totally fell in love with the technique and immediately started incorporating my enameled components into my designs.

Some of my 1st enamel attempts!

This past July, I was thrilled to be able to take a 2nd class - "Enamel Explorations" This class took everything a step further. We painted beads with liquid enamels, used decals, stenciling and much more!

The master at work!

Enamel Explorations

Imagine my excitement, when Barbara asked me to participate in this virtual book tour! I am so honored to be a part of this celebration of such a fabulous book! And believe me, the book is fabulous! The projects are unique and inviting and include a wide array of techniques and styles. There is something for everyone here. Barbara incorporates lots of fibers and other components in the projects, which give the pieces a wonderful organic feel. My review? You need this book!

I had tried my hand at stacking some enameled components using cold connections, so I was eager to try Barbara's "heat rivet" techniques. These are some very cute charms I created for last month's ArtBLISS charm swap using this technique. The base of these are old copper pennies! I think they were a hit!

I was immediately drawn to some of the other "stacked" component projects...especially the Sprout bracelet on page 37. Here is my version of that project...another thing I love about this book and the projects is that there are clear instructions for creating the exact piece on the page, but they are written in such a way that the reader can figure out how to revise and embellish to make the project their very own...I hope I was able to do that here!

Would you like to win some earrings? These are cool long brass beads I enameled with clover pink and mandarin orange to create this cool peachy color! They are embellished with Czech glass flowers, copper and hand wrought sterling earwires!

Here's how to win them...There are 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!

1. Leave a comment on this post and become a follower = 1 chance.

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

3. While you're at Barbara's 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 Barbara's blog for the name of the winner or at any other of the participating blogs.

The Book!

So you don't miss out on any of the blog posts, here is the list of hosts for you to follow:

October 6, Mary Jane Dodd

October 7, Gaea Cannaday

October 8, Linda Larsen

October 10, Andrew Thornton

October 11, Lori Plyler

October 12, Diane Cook

October 13, Lori Anderson

October 14, LeAnn Weih

October 15, Jen Judd Velasquez

October 17, Melissa Meman (that's me! yay!)

October 18, Lisa Crone

October 19, Shannon LeVart

October 20, Cindy Wimmer

October 21, Laura Twiford

October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz

October 24, Jennifer Cameron

To thank you for following along, Barbara is offering 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!

But that's not all! Really? Seriously? Seriously.

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

Thanks for playing along!

P.S. Unfortunately, the giveaways are restricted to U.S. residents. Winners should contact Barbara with their name and address through her author website: www.torchfiredenameljewelry.com so that you can receive your prizes!

Stopping in to say hello...

2011-10-13T18:56:00.000-05:00

Have been catching up on family time/home life lately, so haven't been online much! I missed you!

I've been recovering from a crappy jewelry show on the 1st...it was a cold and rainy day which pretty much killed my hopes of making any real profit that day. Bummer! But, onward and upward! That was our first blast of Autumn here in Maryland...the leaves are changing colors, and you can just smell it in the air! This past weekend, we enjoyed absolutely gorgeous weather and spent it outside almost the whole time. While the boys worked on painting/waterproofing the back deck, I planted some pretty garden mums and a few pansies in our front beds.

The rest of the week has been taken up by "old lady" medical tests...not fun, by any stretch of the imagination, but they are all out of the way (for a while) and so far, aside from cholesterol levels, and the need to lose a few more pounds, have been declared healthy!

On the jewelry front, I am caught up with custom orders, and am trying to get all the new stuff I didn't sell at the crappy show into my websites. Other than that, I have only been playing when time allows. I do have a couple of things that I would like to show you though, that I am pretty pleased with :)

This little birdy began at ArtBliss in Deryn's Wax On class...I cut the copper shape out, but put it away for later! I decided to flood it with solder and add some texture, but decided it needed wings! The malachite eye is a result of my Richard Salley class!

I have had this yellow calcite (I think) cab forever...I bought it ages ago and was going to do a woven wire bezel on it, but after playing with creating bezels for resin and embedding filigree into the flooded solder, I decided to try and set the stone. Obviously, this is an untraditional bezel setting, and it has flaws...I didn't realize how soft the stone was - nicked it and scratched it! Thought I had a great fit with the bezel wire, but forgot that this type of soldering will take up more space...ruh, roh! However...I love it! It is mine! :)

Stay tuned for my "Virtual Book Tour" post on Monday, 10/17, where I extol my love and admiration for all things Barbara Lewis! Who knows, I might even show up here before then and surprise you...that is, if stinkin' Google lets me post images....anyone else having issues with that?

Torch-Fired Enamel Fun and Frivolity, Coming Soon!

2011-10-05T10:03:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend, Barbara Lewis, just released a terrific book - "Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry - a workshop in Painting with Fire".

To celebrate and promote this wondrous book, she is hosting a Virtual Book Tour!

From October 6 through October 24, 16 artists will be blogging about it! Look at this crazy line up of folks...I am honored and amazed to have been invited by Barbara to participate in this group! Not only will you get to see torch-fired enamel from these artists' perspectives, but there will be giveaways....lots of them! and a GRAND PRIZE at the end!!

Here's the schedule:

October 6, Mary Jane Dodd

October 7, Gaea Cannaday

October 8, Linda Larsen

October 10, Andrew Thornton

October 11, Lori Plyler

October 12, Diane Cook

October 13, Lori Anderson

October 14, LeAnn Weih

October 15, Jen Judd Velasquez

October 17, Melissa Meman (that's me! yay!)

October 18, Lisa Crone

October 19, Shannon LeVart

October 20, Cindy Wimmer

October 21, Laura Twiford

October 22, Erin Prais-Hintz

October 24, Jennifer Cameron

For more information on the virtual tour events, go visit Barbara's blog, and make sure to stay tuned for some torch-fired enamel love from me on the 17th!

I'm suffering from PBS!

2011-09-30T09:32:00.002-05:00

No, I am not addicted to public television! P.B.S....Post. Bliss. Syndrome. ArtBliss, that is!

Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

complete lack of motivation to accomplish anything unless it involves metal, fire, a hammer, ferric chloride, solder and wire...
daily thoughts of "calling-in sick" just so you can try that elusive technique just one more time...
dizzy, headachy stupor from breathing too much flux smoke...
black, grimy residue underneath fingernails...
financial difficulty can arise suddenly, due to a seemingly "life or death" need for new tools, stone cabochons of all sizes, sheet metal, hammers
hearing voices...usually these are just your family members begging you to make them dinner or wash their clothes

There is no known cure for PBS, but there is hope...those who suffer with this rampant, fictitious condition can find solace and comfort by blogging about their experiences, throwing themselves into new activities like an impending show they are not ready for, and daydreaming of future ArtBliss workshops and learning more new, fun stuff.

Carol and Robbie look on as Deryn starts our "Wax On" class

Sandi, Sally, Carol and Deryn

Me, experimenting with texture!

almost finished!

The Man - Richard Salley!

My "Lasting Impressions" pieces

I had such a wonderful experience....it is always so fun to see and hang out with online friends in person, and make new friends! Thanks to Cindy and Jeanette for organizing and hosting another successful, fabulous workshop! Every aspect was a blast, even having to evacuate the building when the smoke alarm went off!

Cindy has lots more photos on her blog...go check them out!

Hot, Fresh, Chunky Soup...

2011-09-17T11:08:00.001-05:00

just in time for lunch! It is definitely soup weather here in MD today! You might break a tooth on this soup, it is so chunky!

What is bead soup? Well, Lori Anderson has hosted a Bead Soup Blog Party for the last couple years...I believe this is the 4th one...I have participated in all of them and this is the biggest by far...362 jewelry artists swapped beads (the mix had to contain a focal and a nice clasp) and each set out to create pieces utilizing what was sent.

This year I was paired with Mary Ellen Parker from BeeTreebyne. She sent a gorgeous soup mix in lovely autumn colors, complete with one of her signature polymer clay leaf pendants. Here is a reminder of the raw mix, to use as a before shot.

I knew immediately that I would make a necklace since that pendant is so huge! I also knew I would be using copper wire in some way to pull it together. My quandary was over how to hang the gorgeous leaf...I mean I could just put that on a copper chain and call it a day and it would be beautiful...but that's not what this challenge is all about!

I created a sort of bail out of 16g copper wire...it was supposed to be 2 smaller leaves, but as my hubby graciously informed me, it turned out looking more like a pair of wings, which is okay too!

I used more copper wire and created swirly links with the fancy jasper nuggets. I enameled a couple of the smooth copper beads in sunset orange and embellished them with twisted copper wire, then for something different, made up some wire beads. Initially I was going to use the tiny swarovski crystals on thread and have a fiber element, but after playing around a bit with that idea, decided to take the crystals off the thread and combine them with 1mm copper beads and 1mm green agate beads I had in my stash, then wrapped them on with 26g copper wire.

Utilizing more 16g wire, I made a bunch of jump rings for the chain and to connect the other links...get ready for this, I actually sawed them!! and I didn't break a blade!

After oxidizing and tumbling, I added the pendant. But wait...there were some other elements Mary Ellen sent that I really loved, but didn't think worked in my necklace design.

I decided on a simple, but fun, chunky bracelet using the big faceted quartz beads. I added copper bead caps from my stash and some brushed copper rondells. To finish, I added some more of the copper jump rings I made and hammered out a swirly hook clasp. I really liked the look of the African brass leaf bead, so I used one of my enameled headpins to hang it as a charm on the end of the bracelet for balance.

Thanks, Mary Ellen, for sending such fun, beautiful, challenging soup mix! Thanks, Lori, for hosting this behemoth party! Thanks, readers, for stopping by and saying hello and leaving your thoughts and comments. It means so much to me, as I know it will to the other talented artists who participated in this blog hop, so go take a gander at what everyone else made and show them some bead soup love!

Click here to see the full list of participants!

Want to see what I created from my Bead Soup?

2011-09-17T09:02:00.000-05:00

Due to some technical difficulties, life interruptions (forgotten cubscouts activities), and the designer's proclivity towards procrastination, you will have to wait a bit :)

Stop back by around noon EST! Okay? Promise?

Time Flies...

2011-09-14T11:55:00.001-05:00

source: Pinterest

Wow, I can't believe it has been 2 weeks since I have stopped by to say "How-dy-doo!" Time sure does fly! A lot has been happening behind the scenes during that 2 weeks...my baby boy turned 10, he started 5th grade, I turned 53, uh, 29 ; yard work, house work, new den furniture, lots and lots and lots of rain, dr's appts (lots of preventative stuff that I have put off), and on, and on! Family wise, those are the things I have been focusing on.

On the creative front, there are deadlines that are approaching...the Bead Soup Blog Party reveal is this Saturday, the 17th. Yikes - that sure got here fast! In other words, I am not done and am stressing a bit! My piece(s) will get finished, though, never fear! Art Bliss is fast approaching as well and though I am totally excited about that, I signed up to participate in the charm swap and the name tag challenge. The charms are started, at least...coming up with the design was the biggest hurdle. The name tag is another story! It's not too late to sign up, by the way! Online registration closes on September 20 but I believe you can register at the venue, unless the class is full! I will be taking Deryn Mentock's "Wax On" and Richard Salley's "Lasting Impressions" classes!

Source: ArtBliss Workshops - Deryn Mentock & Richard Salley class photos

Then, there are the upcoming jewelry shows! October 1 is a pretty big one for me - the East Street/Shab Row Jewelry and Wearables Show in Frederick. I did this one last year and it was pretty much a success - my 1st real "outdoor, using my tent" show. The weather was gorgeous and I had no tent issues, so am hoping this year goes as well. Needless to say, I have been cranking out some new items for that, as well as some other shows on the horizon later this fall.
So, there you have it! My current life in a nutshell! I'm glad you stopped by :)

Soup Ingredients...Bead Soup, that is!

2011-08-31T13:39:00.000-05:00

I'm finally getting around to showing you the beadsoup I received and sent for this Fall's Bead Soup Blog Party extravanganza!

As I mentioned before, my partner is Mary Ellen Parker of BeeTreebym.e. She creates wonderful nature-themed polymer clay components. Without further ado, here are the selections she sent...

Lots of copper beads (those smooth round ones are going to be enameled, I have a feeling!), an African brass leaf bead, faceted quartz (I think), shiny smooth fancy jasper nuggets, Swarovski crystals in a lovely copper shade...check out the tiny ones strung on matching thread, a handmade clasp from MissFicklemedia, and the focal, a lovely polymer clay leaf pendant. My photo does not do it justice! I have some ideas, but actually haven't started work on anything yet...stay tuned!

Wait....what did I send to Mary Ellen, you may be wondering?

I started with the focal - a mixed metals pendant that I created with brass, copper, a brass stamping, and leadfree solder. I decided the clasp would be in the same style, with a swirled hook in brass added to the mix.

With a mixed metal focal and clasp, my color pallette was wide open...I had these gorgeous red Czech glass faceted beads in my stash...they have a cool finish that has a tiny bit of turquoise and a metallic color, so in they went. I decided the pyrite lozenges would complement the rest nicely. I had already decided to enamel a few beads to go with and I think these turned out great. Last, but not least are some turquoise Czech glass beads with a metallic "Picasso" finish.

I can't wait to see what Mary Ellen creates with them! Please remember to mark your calendars for the big reveal on September 17th!

Thanks for stopping by!

Double Digits!

2011-08-30T19:36:00.000-05:00

It is hard for me to believe that this cute pie,

this one,

or even this one...

have grown into this one!

Happy, happy birthday, my sweet Ben 10! You totally rock!

Baroque...

2011-08-16T15:20:00.000-05:00

I am slowly but surely finishing pieces that have been started for forever. This past weekend I finally completed this little set which was some of the first soft-soldered bezels with resin I attempted. I loved how the bezels turned out, but the resin, not so much. I attached the music paper with Mod Podge and didn't wait until it was completely dry to fill the bezels with resin. The earrings worked out okay, but the pendant is a bit cloudy and has lots of bubbles, even though I worked hard to get rid of them.

All that aside, I like them! I decided to stay with the mixed metal look of silver and bronze, but wanted to add some color. I think the garnet adds a lushness to the antique quality of the music paper and when trying to think of a name, "baroque" was the 1st thing that popped in my head. I wire wrapped the tiny faceted garnets in the necklace with bronze wire, along with 1 inch lengths of sterling silver chain and added a bronze swirly hook clasp.

In a moment of weakness, my hubby has agreed to swap his "man cave/library/catch-all" room (that he really never uses) for the little nook I have been using for jewelry and other arts! It will entail finding a spot to put everything as we empty it from one room into the other, but I am so excited! I have yet to have 1 centralized place to work. I will still keep my enameling and soldering in the basement, but, Yay! Maybe I will even have room to set up my sewing machine...not that I really sew, but it would be fun to try again. I will keep you posted!

Thanks for dropping in :)

The Bead Soup Blog Party...

2011-08-12T17:44:00.000-05:00

is just around the corner!

This will be my 4th one to participate in and I am just as excited this go around as I have been for all the others!

Meet my swap partner...Mary Ellen Parker of BeeTree by m.e. Mary Ellen is a fellow Marylander! She creates absolutely gorgeous polymer clay components...her flowers are phenomenal! Here are a few of my favorites...

She also creates gorgeous jewelry...several pieces have been featured on Art Bead Scene as part of their monthly challenges.

Hmm, I've got to come up with a great bead soup for her! Go and visit her Etsy shop and of course, her blog.
I can't wait to see what she sends!

Sweet Bird...

2011-08-04T12:56:00.001-05:00

Sweet bird you are

Briefer than a falling star

All these vain promises on beauty jars

Somewhere with your wings on time

You must be laughing...

~Joni Mitchell, 1975

I sang this Joni Mitchell song almost the entire time I was making this necklace...I have been totally and utterly an ardent JM fan since junior high school when I first heard her on the radio in the 8th grade, 1972..."You turn me on, I'm a radio". (Yes, I realize I am dating myself, but I am proud of my almost 53 years).

I've had this necklace in my mind's eye since I first started playing with Stephanie Lee's Homesteading..you cover a piece of metal with lead-free solder and create bezels or in this case, embed metal stampings, filigree, etc into the solder. I have totally fallen in love with this technique and I know there are other artists who are creating components similarly, but I am determined to incorporate my own style into this!

So, I had this brass bird just sitting around and decided to go for it. I cut the loops off some brass filigree connectors and added them to the corners and bottom, but I thought they looked unfinished, so I added little copper balls.

I had made a couple of smaller disks with the small birds for earrings earlier, so the light bulb went off to use one for a clasp. I added brass rings for the connector parts and created a swirled hook with brass wire, embellished with copper.

The big briolette is some sort of agate...as are some of the rondells I used. I bought a bunch of what was labeled "amulet" agate, but I haven't been able to find it online anywhere or in the bead store I originally bought it at since. If anyone knows what it really is, let me know:). Also incorporated are smoky quartz, amazonite, Czech glass, fluorite, enameled beads, brass wire and chain.

I am really proud of this piece...aside from the gemstones, Czech glass beads, and chain, all the components were created by me!

Thanks for stopping by :) I appreciate you all more than you know!

Andrew's July Reader's Challenge

2011-08-01T10:48:00.000-05:00

Last month, Andrew Thornton announced his very 1^st Reader’s Challenge. He offered a limited number of kits in his shop for purchase and challenged us to create a piece with the components in the kit and post it today.I loved the colors and mixture of elements he chose, so I dove in and purchased one the kits...it included a ceramic leaf pendant from Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studio, a ceramic tube bead from Keith O'Connor, a lampwork glass bead by Bernadette Fuentes, plus a mix of Czech glass, Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones, vintage glass, brass chain, and a tiny seed beads. To top it off, the kit included a mystery item...one of Andrew's own handmade copper coins carved with a leaf !

To me, the most challenging part was the seed beads! I never string stuff! After staring at everything for a couple weeks, I finally got a game plan together, and came up with this quirky, fun necklace! It is definitely a step in a different direction from my usual style, without totally losing myself.

I decided I wanted a multi-strand portion, so I used the bead mix to create 1 strand on beading wire, then wire-wrapped selected beads with alternating lengths of the chain that was supplied in the kit, then decided the 3rd strand would be simply chain.

I punched holes in in Andrew's lovely leaf coin and used it as a 3-strand connector on one side, then used a bronze cone from my stash for the other end, to add to the assymetrical quirkiness.

I wanted to make my own clasp to match, but the largest brass wire I had was 18g so I used 16g copper wire, and wrapped it with 22g brass. The mixed metals really work with this one, I think, so I also used some copper beads to embellish the big ceramic tube.

Melanie's leaf pendant and a little Czech glass teardrop charm are the perfect embellishment to the clasp side.

I ran out of the chain that was supplied, so I made my own out of more 18g brass wire for the back of the necklace. Taking the photo with the necklace lying flat doesn't really show it off to it's true glory..the strands drape much more nicely when worn! This would have been a great time to own a cool mannequin!

Thanks for stopping by! Go and visit the other challenge participants and see the gorgeousness...

Jessica Nelson
Holly Baldwin
Paula Kramer
Karyn Bonfiglio
Sally Russick
Lori Bowring Michaud
Norma Turvey
Anne Dixon
Mary K McGraw
Patty Gasparino
and our host... Andrew Thornton ... Katie James, Sarajo Wentling, and Margriet Schnabel will have pieces here as well.

Thanks Andrew! It was fun pushing my boundaries!

Bead Table.....

2011-07-28T09:24:00.000-05:00

~~Wednesday~~ Thursday!

I know, I know....I had the photos taken but just didn't get the post done!

As always, I have a few projects going at once, and even though I vowed last week that I would plow through finishing all of my un-finished pieces, I backslid this week.

I mostly have been working on my piece for Andrew Thornton's July Reader's challenge...I loved the colors and mixture of elements he chose, so I dove in and purchased one the kits...it includes a ceramic leaf pendant from Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studio, a ceramic tube bead from Keith O'Connor, a lampwork glass bead by Bernadette Fuentes, plus a mix of Czech glass, Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones, vintage glass, brass chain, and a tiny seed beads. To top it off, the kit included a mystery item...one of Andrew's own handmade copper coins carved with a leaf !

Watch for a post on August 1, for the reveal of what I created!

This is what has really been occupying my studio time a lot lately....embedding things in solder! Can't wait to see what these are when they are done!

Just Because

2011-07-26T13:53:00.000-05:00

Some of my daylilies and stargazer lilies before it got so freakin' hot this past week...

Roses that J got for me after I dropped over $200 at Costco the other day...I love it when there are enough blooms in a bouquet to split it up into little ones for around the house! My Fenton milkglass vase is in the downstairs loo, and my beloved blue McCoy is right next to my bed!

Enjoy!

Wings n' Things

2011-07-21T14:56:00.000-05:00

My normal jewelry design practice is to start a piece, then get sidetracked with family life, or another project I want to try, so nothing really gets finished. I have loads of pieces sitting around in varying degrees of completion.

The last couple of weeks I have been trying hard to focus only on the unfinished, and not to start anything totally new (with the exception of some custom orders). Sooooo, finally, I have some new earrings to show!

First up, some components I unveiled on a BTW post a while back...I added some yummy peach moonstone briolettes and sterling embellished earwires. I wore these last Saturday to my PWF workshop and got lots of compliments:)

These next ones are the only thing I have managed to complete from my virgin etching adventure! More to come. I added faceted prehnite briolettes and rondells.

Last, but not least, we have handmade bezels (don't look too close) that I filled with some washi paper and Ice Resin. I dangled peridot Swarovski teardrops for a totally tropical look!

That's all for now, but I have some very cool things in the works! Thanks for stopping by :)

Painting with Fire Fun

2011-07-20T13:15:00.000-05:00

Hi folks...finally getting a chance to stop in and chat for a few minutes. Hot and dry in Frederick, MD and my creativity has been on vacation for a while, it seems. It has finally found it's way back home, happily!

This past Saturday, I attended a great workshop in Annapolis given by the sweet and gracious Barbara Lewis! It was the next step after her original Painting with Fire class…this time we added liquid enamels and stenciling to the mix.

The Painting with Fire Goddess, herself!

I had a blast! Not only did I learn new, very cool techniques to add to my enameling arsenal, but I got to spend time with a handful of my jewelry bud, and made some new ones as well. I hitched a ride from Fredneck with my good friend Carol Wingfield Myers, and new friend Bette Brody, then met up with Laura Twiford from Souvenirs from Life, Jen Velasquez from Jen Judd Rocks, and Elizabeth from Beads for Busy Gals. Jen, Elizabeth and I went out to lunch and had the best time eating, talking and laughing! The really cool thing is, I will be seeing most of them again at ArtBliss in September! Yay!

The happy bunch...Anne, Carol, Mike, Betty, Laura, me, Jen, Elizabeth, and Barbara (oh, and Jim in the back!)

A little rough, but I like them!

Tool Giveaway Alert!

2011-07-14T12:39:00.000-05:00

Sweet Laura Twiford, over at Souvenirs From Life, is having a great giveaway in celebration of her blogiversary...these very cool double flush cutters!

Go on over and see how you can enter to win them! While you are there, ooh and ahh over her gorgeous photography...I especially love all her flowers!

Happy 4th!!

2011-07-04T17:18:00.000-05:00

Miss me?

2011-06-28T12:27:00.000-05:00

Wow, June has just been flying by! When last I posted, we were sweltering and miserable after our AC had broken down. A couple days later, though, a brand new HVAC system was installed and we were cool again, although broke!

The day after, was B's last day of 4th grade - J went to get him and attended the flag lowering ceremony...here they are!

Then, that weekend, we headed for Ocean City for a few days!! Lots of fun, but unfortunately, mostly stormy and rainy...we finally had about a day and a half of sun. We found things to occupy us, though! The boys wanted to go see a movie, so we caught The Green Lantern, which was entertaining enough...luckily, Ryan Reynolds was pretty hot ;) We went to an Arts show that I knew my friend Shelby of Sundown Bead Designs was going to be at. It was fun chatting and admiring her gorgeous jewelry! We also visited nearby Berlin, MD and had fun going through the antique shops there. I found a Westmoreland "Old Quilt" milk glass S/P, which I snagged to add to my collection. J found a gorgeous old brass dragon wall plaque that I decided he needed for his Father's Day/12th Anniversary present!

Finally, we made it to the beach and got a bit of sun! The surf was amazing...waves were really big and the water was cold!

B made a new friend from Ohio who body-surfed with him and played at the pool!

Back home to clean house, do laundry, buy groceries, get B ready for Summer Day Camp, and more! The only jewelry I have had a chance to work on was for a deadline and custom orders, but I hope to remedy that some this week!

How is your summer going so far?

I'm mellllltttttiiiinnnnggg!

2011-06-10T19:13:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to say hi and let you know that we are in the midst of an AC meltdown, in the hottest week you can imagine in Maryland! We have a pretty obsolete HVAC system in our house and knew that it was going to need to be replaced, especially the furnace, after numerous pilot light re-lights this past winter and a visit from a reputable source. We were hoping to replace everything in the fall, but little did we know that the AC unit was also a goner!

Woke up to a hot and sticky house last week, but rather than call a repairman and pay a big ticket to get it repaired, we just moved ahead on our big purchase...a brand new HVAC system! The obvious catch is that it doesn't get installed until mid-week, next week! AArrrgggggghhh! We have lots of fans going, and all our windows/screened doors opened, but it doesn't help that the temps in our area have been 95-100 degrees pretty much all week! Not very conducive to creativity, right?

Even my very cold-natured boy, B has been hot! He is the one that we have to remind to bring a hoodie to restaurants and school so he won't freeze! He and his dad have been going to the pool everyday after school, so that helps..luckily there is not a water ban 'cuz we have been sprayin' that hose a lot!!

This is one of our favorite things on days like this...

Disclaimer..this is not a paid advertisement for Flavor-Ice, or I would be demanding a bigger check! We buy them by the crate at Costco all through the year...several of these actually make both my boys, ages 9 and 54, quite happy for dessert. Yay me!!!

To all my beloved Blogger reading list...

2011-06-07T18:47:00.000-05:00

I love you all! I read you daily and have tried to comment many times on fun, cool, beautiful posts I have seen in the last few weeks. However, those of you that have the highest security settings on your blog have lost my comments because of Blogger's inability to process them, or to verify that I am who I am! It is very frustrating to me, as I am sure it is to you!

I wanted to post this because I have some great followers who come here and read and sometimes comment! I would like to reciprocate, I really would! I have read some beautiful, touching stories, and have seen some gorgeous work that deserves huge accolades!

Hope it is fixed soon!

I'll leave you with a fav shot of my boys from several years ago, just because! I mean, just look at J's face..he is saying (in the words of Liz Lemon) "what the what?"

Love ya!

BTW, June 1 - Or, what I did on my day off :)

2011-06-01T10:02:00.000-05:00

So, as I was saying in my last post, I took an extra day off from my 9-5 this past Friday...it was a wonderful break to have an actual 4-day weekend! Luckily for me, I had a good part of the day to myself, so I put aside my guilt pangs about not cleaning the house or pulling the stupid bermuda grass out of my flower beds and went to my ~~dungeon~~ basement studio and played!

First I enameled...

I have been playing with some pretty color combinations with new transparent enamels I got from Ms. Barbara. My goal for the little charms will be to fill them with words and/or images and resin...I have some matching pairs (not shown) that will be earrings, other singles will be charms.

After a while, I decided to pull out my solder and practice my Homesteading skills!

These didn't turn out quite as I had hoped...too much solder on the disk before adding the filigree, but they definitely have potential...will be making some more.

These were experiments with using dapped copper washers as a flared bezel...it worked! They will be getting an image/resin treatment!

And, last, but definitely not least, my favorites...

These have been in my head for a while, just had to find the gumption to sit down and try! They aren't perfect, but I don't care. I am going to dangle some pretty briolettes off the ends, I think. I will absolutely be making more of these!

So, I have my work cut out for me! Now, to just quit my day job so I can concentrate :)

What's on your bead table today?

Memorial Day...

2011-05-30T16:47:00.001-05:00

Took a day off my day job on Friday, so we have had a glorious 4-day weekend!

Friday I got up and took B to school, let J sleep, and worked in my studio (dark, dank basement) enameling and soldering and playing. It was fabulous...will do a show and tell later.

Saturday, we made an impromptu decision to go visit J's "Pop" at Arlington Memorial Cemetary. Primitivo Mabborang Meman, 1910 - 1996, was born and raised in the Philippines. He joined the US Navy and served in World War II and Korea...he was a Pearl Harbor survivor.

We were happy to see that all the stones had gotten their Memorial flag...it was quite a sight to see the rows and rows of head stones decorated with the red, white and blue!

B has on his game face...his dad and I reminded him to be respectful at all times and he took us seriously...my boy!

Since we were in the area, we decided to go to visit the Pentagon Memorial, honoring the 184 victims of the crash of American Airlines flight 77 into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. It was a beautiful day and the water in the little reflecting pools under the benches was sparkling in the sun and reflecting up onto the metal above...very moving.

Today we are celebrating J's 54th birthday! We went to the pool this afternoon, and will be having birthday cake and ice cream later, along with a few adult beverages, I envision. That is, if the cake hasn't completely fallen apart...J asked for German Chocolate cake, with the pecan and coconut frosting. I made it, but I did a half & half...using chocolate frosting for 1 half. The chocolate side is fine, but the pecan and coconut side keeps sliding off the cake. I think I am just going to scrape it all off and serve it in a bowl on the side!

How about you...how is/was your Memorial Day?

Aztec Sun Pendant...

2011-05-26T12:34:00.000-05:00

is in the June/July issue of Step by Step Wire Jewelry! I'm thrilled to have been included!

BTW - butterflies and flowers

2011-05-25T22:25:00.000-05:00

I have been doing lots of stuff lately...except jewelry making, that is! These were on my table for a while this week - maybe I'll get something made out of part of it soon :) I had actually enameled a few other pair of butterflies in other colors, but don't know why they aren't in this shot...hmmm.

Giveaways Galore!

2011-05-17T10:40:00.000-05:00

My blog reader has been filled with giveaways lately..and some really great ones!

Over at Art Bead Scene, they are celebrating the release of Beads 2011, which is chocked full of gorgeous art beads from lots of my favorite artists! Go on over and read Erin's post, see a sampling of the prize package, and find out how you can be entered into this totally rocking contest!

If that weren't enough, Anne from Gardanne Beads is celebrating her 1000th sale and 2nd anniversary on Etsy by having a sweet giveaway of some of her lampwork and enameled beads! She is also offering a 10% coupon on purchases from her Etsy shop, but hurry, as it expires tonight!

Over at Vintaj, they are having their first ever Art Bead Partner product giveaway! Go over and leave a comment, and mention my name so we can both win!!

And just in under the wire, Andrew Thornton is giving away a cute set of metal ImpressArt Design stamps from PJ Tool Jewelry...hurry through, the drawing is tonight!

Last, but definitely not least, Melinda Orr is giving away one of her gorgeous bangle bracelets in celebration of 100 followers! Don't miss out!

So, what are you waiting for...you have some blog reading and commenting to do, don't you?

Just a quick hello...

2011-05-13T12:48:00.000-05:00

have been really busy with lots of stuff lately, but wanted to say "O hai" before you forget about me :)

I was scrambling, trying to get ready for a show tomorrow, alas, it was cancelled due to probable heavy rain and storms. Part of me is sad, I really wanted to do the show, and I had been busting it for the last few days. The more realistic part of me is relieved, as I wasn't really ready! I have got to get my procrastination under control.

I hope to finish what I started, and get some photos taken and load all my new goodies into my shops, so stay tuned for that.

I'll leave you with a virtual walk through my garden as of a couple days ago...my iris and clematis are really kickin' it :)

Have a fabulous weekend!

Rings & Things Copper Bead Design Challenge

2011-05-03T11:25:00.000-05:00

A month or so ago, Dave Robertson, over at Rings &Things Blog posted about a design challenge giveaway featuring some of their brushed copper components. I commented/blogged/tweeted, etc, and got chosen to receive a sample pack of the lovely copper items.

I received generous sample packets from each of the beads you see here...big spools, bicones, rondells, flowers, tiny discs, larger textured discs, and more!

Even though I initially had enameling in mind, I knew that the soldered and plated beads would not stand up to much torching, plus the enamel tends to flake off on plated beads. I did experiment, though, and was able to successfully enamel a few of them!

I created 2 pairs of earrings, and 1 long necklace for the challenge.

This pair was created from the tiny discs...I hammered them flat, then connected them with 24g copper wire, then dangled red, "picasso" finished czech glass beads.

This pair was started by dapping the larger disks...they domed very nicely. I had previously experimented on enameling some of the tiny discs, and these were fairly successful and the color turned out lovely! I decided to cold-connect them with balled copper headpins that I swirled around in the back to hold them in place. They turn and move around a bit, but I like that. The 4mm beads used with the flowers and embellishing the earwires were part of the sample pack and are very versatile.

For the necklace, I wanted to incorporate as many of the copper components as I could...for the focal pendant, I used one of the huge brushed bicones. The holes are pretty big, so I added a couple swarovskis to stopper them up! Dangling below is an enameled component created from the 2 sizes of discs. I included a 2nd similar component in the body of the necklace. I dapped some of the tiny discs to use as bead caps for the pretty lampwork beads I got from Karen Kordan , then tied it all together with some pretty czech glass flowers, a resin "grace" charm I made, and a copper toggle clasp, also made by me.

All my pieces are oxidized, since I love that well-loved, vintage-like patina. The components took the liver of sulfur well, and polished up nicely in my tumbler.

I would say my favorites were the 2 sizes of discs, especially the tiny ones - they were so versatile. I also liked the "flower" beads and the tiny rounds. I didn't get a chance to use the big "spool" beads, but noticed on the blog that other designers have! Go and check out the other designs that were created for the challenge - they are all gorgeous! I think Dave is going to pick a winner this week...wish me luck!

Thanks again, Dave, for the chance to create something with these awesome components! I had fun :)

Last Week...

2011-04-30T13:36:00.000-05:00

I was quiet...busy, but quiet. Eating, working, praying, loving, gardening...not necessarily in that order!

1 of many photos of the devasation in my hometown, Tuscaloosa, AL, after a behemoth tornado hit this week. Keep them in your prayers.

Thought for the day...

2011-04-17T19:15:00.000-05:00

Today is the start of the busiest week in the year for some folks..Holy Week! I probably won't be here too much this week as I sing in a professional choir for one of the only Catholic churches in the area to offer the "Tridentine Mass". I have rehearsals and services most nights of this coming week, up to and including Easter Sunday. So, I will leave you with this...I stole this from a blog I read....I don't think he would mind! Totally appropriate for today and the coming week, I think!

"There is still good in the world and it is growing bigger and stronger and faster than ever...If you let it".

A blessed Palm Sunday to you all!

Hope

2011-04-16T10:37:00.000-05:00

Today is the blog hop for the 7000 Bracelets of Hope. The rules were simple...make a bracelet in an adult size in blue. Then send bracelet to The Global Genes Project - an advocacy group for children's rare disease awareness. The Global Genes Project then sends the bracelets they receive out to 7,000 families that have children who suffer with rare diseases. Just to show them that somebody cares...so they will have a reminder that there is hope!

My creation includes a variety of materials and shades of blue...denim blue sodalite, czech glass, amazonite, aquamarine, and copper. I also used an enameled filigree bead and an enameled , resin "hope" charm that I created. I like the different shades of blue all together...it makes me smile! I finished it with a simple, magnetic clasp for ease in wearing. I hope my recipient likes it!

Wow, 112 participants in this hop....go visit them and see what they created!

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle
3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym
4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365
5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry
8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads
10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride

11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions
12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio
13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading
14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl
15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae
17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
18. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!
20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef

21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux
32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread
34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde
35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations
40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs
43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn
44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio
46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads
48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral
49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel
50. Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things
54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry
55. Breana Fry, Vault 31
56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie
59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart

61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs
62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs
63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings
65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads
73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee
77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design
79. Sally Russick, WireWorked
80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads
82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana
83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love you are here!
84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy
85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures
87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats
88. Deb Beechy, Beetique
89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio
93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields
94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations
97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter
98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio
100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores

101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets
102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof
105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals
106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks
109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading
110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne

111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra
112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

You can still participate if you like! Make a blue bracelet,sized for an adult, then send the bracelet, your business card and perhaps a note to the family receiving your bracelet to:

7000 Bracelets of Hope/Global Genes Project
701 La Plaza
Suite 201
Dana Point, CA 92629

Streamlining...

2011-04-13T19:23:00.000-05:00

my shops, finally! After serious debate, am closing Melismatic Rosaries on Etsy. Am in the process of moving the listings into my jewelry shop and will just have 1 all-purpose presence there. I have always integrated them on my website, but for some reason, a couple years ago thought having the separate shop would be beneficial...not so much. It was just one more place to log in to!

I have a few more to move, plus I want to jam pack the rest of my jewelry inventory in there.

As a follow-up to last BTW post, my nice history teacher customer LOVED his rosary!! I delivered it earlier tonight :)

Now, on to 2 more deadlines :)

Bead Fest Goodies Giveaway...

2011-04-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

over at Pretty Things!

Lori Anderson is at it again! She went to Bead Fest this past weekend and felt sorry for all of us who couldn't go, so she picked up a few things just for us! That's right, she is having a giveaway of some really fun loot!

Check it out!

To enter to win 1 of these fab prizes, go visit Lori's blogpost and leave a comment! For more entries, blog, tweet or do a facebook link.

Thanks Lori! You and your pink hair ROCK :)

7000 Bracelets for Hope Blog Hop

2011-04-07T14:37:00.000-05:00

Lori Anderson of Pretty Things is hosting another blog hop...this time to benefit a very worthy cause. Jewelry designers have signed up to create a bracelet in an adult size in a denim/blue jeans-inspired theme. The bracelets will be sent to The Global Genes Project, an advocacy group who launched "7000 Bracelets for Hope", a children's rare disease campaign. The bracelets are given to one of 7000 families having children with rare diseases to show them love and support.

It looks like Lori had over 100 designers sign up to create blue bracelets! The hop will take place on April 16th. I will unveil my creation here as well as provide the list of the other participants for you to go visit.

In the meantime, please go read all about the project...it's too late to participate in this hop, but you may still be able to contribute:)

Bead Table Wednesday - Custom Order Time!

2011-04-06T20:02:00.000-05:00

Just finished one and shipped...working on another!

I love custom orders, they are usually rosaries...as these last two were.

This one is for a really nice history teacher who is local...he contacted me, then we met in Starbucks where I showed him my work. He chose white howlite Aves (the really veiny ones), Balinese silver Paters and sterling construction. A very simple Sacred Heart (with Mary on the reverse) and a simple, yet very elegant crucifix. I hope he loves it :) I wish all custom orders were so easy!

What is on your bead table today?

Spring Flowers Winner...

2011-04-02T12:32:00.000-05:00

was drawn this morning the old-fashioned way...I wrote down the commenters on a piece of paper...recycled from B's back-pack :)

Then I enlisted the help of an available volunteer...

and from the names he drew...

...note to self, make sure boy has manicure!

Congratulations, Shyme...get me an address and I will send out your assortment of Czech glass leaf and dagger beads!

Thanks for all your comments - lots of Tulip love!

Bezels

2011-04-01T09:34:00.000-05:00

I've been playing with bezels a bunch lately, mostly a la Stephanie Lee, but finally finished a Deryn Mentock "Towers and Turrets" one.

I'll hopefully be filling these this weekend!

The tiny ones have gaps in the sides, so will have to use some clay to hold the dam until the resin sets.

Speaking of this weekend, don't forget to comment on this post and tell all about your favorite Spring Flower, for a chance to win an assortment of Czech glass leaf/dagger beads! I'll be drawing a name Saturday morning!

BTW - Czech Glass, Spring Flowers, and a Giveaway!

2011-03-30T13:08:00.000-05:00

Because it is Bead Table Wednesday,

because it is Spring,

because I love Spring Flowers,

because I am still not over my SBS Wire cover high,

and, most importantly,

because you all totally rock,

I would like to give a special reader an assortment of Czech glass beads to create your own "Spring Flowers"!

All you have to do is leaf me a comment (get it? I kill myself!) and answer this question:

"What is your favorite Spring flower?"

I will choose a random comment on Saturday morning (April 2). Make sure you include contact info! I will choose an assortment of beads from my stash...enough to make a couple pairs of earrings or pendants.

I love all flowers, but my all-time, forever, favorite Spring blossom is the daffodil! My Mama always had a yard full of them...I don't remember ever having crocus, so the dafs were always harbingers of Spring. We called them "buttercups" and I still do, even though I know that an actual buttercup is a totally different flower. Mama had lots of varieties..the simple ones you see on the roadside, really ruffly double ones, bi-color, white ones, and paper-whites. One year after she died, I dug some up to bring home with me to plant in my yard, and the bulbs had been there so long that I had to get help to dig them out. Every year when my meager collection blooms, I kick myself for not having planted more the previous autumn....this year I am definitely going to do it! Sadly, I don't think I have any more of those heirloom ones from Mama. I need to make a trip back down south to raid my sisters' yards!

Here are a few I picked yesterday...pretty, aren't they? They are in my favorite McCoy vase (another addiction of mine). I should have taken the photo somewhere else, though, because my milkglass cake plate is distracting :)

So, what's your favorite Spring flower?

Happy Friday and a huge Thank You!

2011-03-25T12:08:00.000-05:00

Just stopping by quickly today to say hi, and thank you in a big way for all your kind words of congratulations and kudos regarding my SBS Wire project! That means so much to me :)

I've been laying low a bit this week, doing some Spring cleaning in our cluttered, messy house. I have taken some time to play, however...mostly with my post-Stephanie Lee Metal Magic knowledge and doing a bit of enameling....no pictures yet on that front, but they will be forthcoming. Trying to finish up a piece for the March Art Bead Scene Challenge, using that gorgeous tropical color pallette, before March ends!

The Man I Love

J came home this week with his head almost shaved! This is called a #1...he says he is getting used to it so that this summer he can shave it completely...but not the beard! He's a nut!

Hope you are all having a great day!

It's here!!!!!

2011-03-21T18:23:00.001-05:00

For those of you who know I have been patiently waiting for this, it is finally here! and for those of you who are saying "what the?" is she going on about? Here it is!

My very first jewelry project publication...on.the.cover! I am so excited, but also very humbled to be included. I am sad to say that my resources were not included, but those gorgeous, to die for, "Monet" lampwork beads are from Sue Kennedy of SueBeads....Sue, I'm sorry you got left out...I will sing your praises for your gorgeous work every where!

Many of my bloggy friends inspired me to submit a project (you know who you are and I love you, but I most truly have to thank Cindy Wimmer for her encouragement! Woo-hoo!

Rings & Things design challenge!

2011-03-18T19:02:00.000-05:00

Got this message from Dave, over at Rings & Things! They are having a design challenge with some fab copper beads! Click on the link and find out the info!

I know I want some of those beads...I'm thinkin' enamel...yay'uh (yes, I am a geek and watch my 4th grader's fav tv shows)

Take the R&T challenge!

Spring Fever!

2011-03-17T14:26:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Going to go home after work and make some fun Irish food...Dublin Coddle with bacon, sausage, potatoes and cabbage; Irish Soda Bread, and some yummy "black and tans" made with Guinness Stout and Bass Ale!

I don't like keeping you posted only once a week, but sometimes that is the trend. A lot has happened since I posted last week!

This,

this,

this :)

B getting his Webelos markings :)

this,

my 1st attempts at etching...projects to come!

and wow, this!

Results from Sunday's Pipe Dreams workshop

I signed up for Stephanie Lee's Homesteading Metalsmithing class this past fall...watched all the videos and read the blog. Never. made. anything. Well, I did make a mess! Flooded - oops, tried to flood one base piece and could not handle the truth! Plus, it was close to the holidays and there was just too much going on with the fam..remember, I have a 9-year old honeyface to love/support/ raise!

Fast forward to 2011, Jeanette and Cindy at Artbliss announce Stephanie Lee and Metal Magic as their Spring Act!! Hello, my name is written all over it, but alas, the 4-day workshop just wasn't in my budget or schedule. Thursday and Friday was the Handbook of Elements class which looked scrumptious, but I knew that wasn't in my cards. Saturday and Sunday might be more doable with Pipe Dreams - a class Stephanie had never taught before. Hmm, still a bit steep for a working girl! Yay, Artbliss announces that there will be 2 weekend classes! Junk Drawer Metalsmithing (similar to what was offered during Homesteading) and Pipe Dreams for 1 day on Sunday! Hallelujah, a solution! So, with my schedule already filled with my boy's Blue and Gold CubScouts Banquet on Saturday, I signed up for Pipe Dreams! It was great! I absolutely loved it! Stephanie was a totally gracious teacher who made you feel like you had known each other forever! Not only did I succeed in creating 3 cool soldered/embellished pieces, when I got home, I tried some of the Homesteading techniques that I had previously bombed at and was pleasantly surprised how much more I actually took home with me!

funky soldered-tip headpins, a length of chain, and my 1st soldered bezel

As a bonus, I got to put faces to some new blogging friends Erin and Sandi and see old friends Jeanette, Cindy and Lori. I was totally into my art and didn't take a single photo of anything or anybody, but please go to these folks blogs that I have linked and take a look!

the beginnings of a necklace!

Bead Table Wednesday..portable version, and some completed BTW stuff

2011-03-09T20:53:00.000-05:00

I had a show this past weekend and took some things to work on while I was there, as I like to do. Luckily, I had been to The Container Store, which I love, and found these cool little plastic "briefcases". This is open on the breakfast table as we speak!

Lots of stuff! Here is the closed version...I may have to go get a few more! I can envision them for lots of things besides jewelry. They were only $3.99, but I have to drive to Rockville. They are about an inch deep, and have handles that fold over and out of the way.

I decided this week that for all BTW posts going forward, after I share the current BTW pics, I am going to show completed items from previous BTW posts. That will keep me honest, so to speak, and help me with my follow-through! I have too many unfinished pieces laying around! Here is a collage of finished projects that were in various stages of completion on my table in previous posts...

L to R, top to bottom: sterling, copper, silver leaf jasper and garnet earrings; poppy jasper & sterling earrings; swarovski, sterling & coral rosary bracelet; and turquoise and sterling earrings!

What's on your bead table today?

February ABS Challenge...yes, you read that right!

2011-03-08T14:57:00.000-05:00

Better late than never! Even though the Art Bead Scene is in the midst of the March challenge featuring a gorgeous, colorful Paul Gauguin painting, I have just now finished with the Feb challenge!

I had the idea, and got the focal created, but then along came this nasty bronchitis/flu/whatever that I had, as well as needing to finish my bead soup piece. All of a sudden it was March, but I decided to finish it anyway!

The February challenge featured a painting by John Singer Sargent, "Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose"

And here is my design...

I started with a brass rectangle and a couple of filigree pieces which I torch-fire enameled, riveted together and enameled again! I hung it from some copper chain via a copper washer that I vined some wire around and dangled several sweet Czech glass flowers embellished with some of my enameled headpins, then fashioned a copper clasp with another flower wrapped on...simple but sweet, and although I am too late to be included in the actual challenge, I think I represented :)

Now, on to the March challenge!

Bead Soup Bracelet Giveaway - Do over!

2011-03-07T11:37:00.000-05:00

Well, Rita, since you didn't leave me an email to contact you and didn't respond to my post from Tuesday or the message I left you on your blog, I am going to have to draw again. Sorry, but if one enters a giveaway and doesn't leave contact info, what is the giver to do! I sometimes like to reply to folks who leave me comments on my blog as well, so the "no-reply" thingy is really frustrating!

Ok...comment number 16, Salzanos! Come on down and claim your bracelet!

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-03-02T20:40:00.000-05:00

I have lots of ideas swimming, but am also trying to get ready for my next Arts Market/1st Saturday this weekend, so trying to finish up a few things that have been started a while...as usual!

Here we have some turquoise coins that were left over from my gorgeous bead soup mix. I have wrapped them in sterling and have earwires, but need to dangle something...don't know what yet!

The brass rings are a kit that was graciously sent to me by Scott David Plumlee, after leaving a comment on Erin Prais-Hintz's post about his book. I started them as soon as I got it, but had to leave it in order to complete my bead soup project, now am ready to get back to them! I will post about them when I am done.

The enameled/riveted component in the corner was supposed to be a part of a piece I was going to create for Art Bead Scene's February Challenge, but alas, this was as far as I got! Too bad the color palette doesn't match the March challenge! I want to finish it though...I am going to add some little czech glass flower beads...it should be pretty sweet!

I found this on my camera today when I was downloading my BTW photos :)

What is on your bead table today?

and we have a winner...

2011-03-01T20:25:00.000-05:00

number 52! Rita'z R-tistic Ramblez! Send me your address and I will send you your new bracelet!

Thanks again for all the wonderful comments!!! You rock! I am still making my way through all the soup...there is so much of it!

Rush of Love to the Head and Heart...

2011-02-28T19:33:00.000-05:00

Wow, I am humbled by the bead soup love I have been shown so far! Such touching, sweet, kind comments on my work...it is a total rush of love to my heart! I am still reading and checking out the wonderful work out there from this fun endeavor! If you haven't done so yet, come by and leave a comment so you can be entered to win my bead soup bracelet!

Today, thought, I want to show you a couple of things I have been tinkering on while I was sick...both cold-connected by rivets. I love riveting for some reason. They start out so "iffy"...I never think they could possibly hold, but I perservere, and all of a sudden, they are tight and set, and so very cool!

First, a pair of copper earrings with some filigree elements riveted on...the copper has been hammered and stamped. Finished with handmade sterling earwires and more copper...

Then, in an effort to play with the riveted rings in the Feb/Mar 2011 Step by Step Wire Jewelry by Kate Richbourg, I made this...

conveniently sized to fit my finger :) I wasn't happy with it at first...It was originally flat on the ring base, but I played with it and curved it a bit with the rubber mallet to follow the curve of the finger. I will definitely be making some more of these!

Happy Monday....oh, by the way...thank you to all my followers! I just found out that I have passed the "100 follower" mark! I appreciate you all and hope to live up to your loyalty :)

Bead Soup...and something especially for you!

2011-02-26T12:20:00.000-05:00

Welcome! This is reveal day for the 3rd Bead Soup Party!Hope you are hungry - there are lots of bead soup varieties out there, so save some room:)

What is a bead soup blog party? Our host, Lori Anderson from Pretty Things, posts a sign up. Participants are paired up and we send our partner a focal piece, clasp and any extras we would like. We then create a jewelry item using the required focal and clasp, and more elements at our discretion! On the reveal day (today) the participants blog-hop to see the pieces! Fun, some chaos, and lots of yummy bead soup goodness ensues!

My partner this round was LeAnn Weih of Summers Studio. She sent some amazing bronze clay pieces accompanied by turquoise, pale green new jade and sumptuous silk cord. Here is a reminder...

And here is the finished piece...actually pieces :)

Of course, the bronze key pendant is the focal for the necklace. I included a couple of the turquoise coins and the jade, then added a few of my torch-fired enamel beads and some yummy Czech glass I had in my stash. Using the brass chain LeAnn sent and some bronze wire that I patinaed I wrapped the elements into a longish necklace with the lovely bronze clasp on the side. The one element I was least comfortable with was the beautiful silk cord...I cut small pieces and opened them up, then tied them in a couple places.

I made earrings from the key charms...

I had some extra materials and decided to create something else, just for you! A bracelet that I would like to giveaway to a lucky blog reader! Leave a comment, and I will enter you in a drawing to be held on Tuesday evening...say 8:00 pm...that will give everyone time to make it through all the bead soup party blogs, hopefully! No other hoops to jump through, just leave a comment!

left over bead soup, plus a bronze heart and a "grace" charm (enameded and resin-filled by me)

Now, off to the party!! Here is the complete list of the bead soup participants...please, go and visit all these wonderful artists blogs and drool over their work! Leave a comment and show some bead soup love :)

164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio My partner!! Visit her first, and see what she made out of the goodies I sent her, okay?!

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things (your hostess)
2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane
4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio
5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe
9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto
10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts
13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings
15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita
16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs
19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats

21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim
23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu
24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air
26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads
28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus
33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble
34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design
35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs
37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works
38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights
39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio

41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's
42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions
43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya
44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles
46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig
47. Amanda Davie, Articulations
48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux
50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks
52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde
54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog
55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning
56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem
59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa
60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do

61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog
62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs
64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique
69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver
70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit

71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey
72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix
74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems
75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!
76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art
78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden
79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads
80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook

81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy
82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs
85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries
86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka
87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae
88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations
90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead
93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations
94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof
95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio
96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs
98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue
99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio
102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations
103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios
104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore
105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations
106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky
107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric
108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs
109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading
110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman

111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe
112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me
115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf
116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles
118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart
120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven
122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings
123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass
124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks
125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things
126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos
127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee
128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M
129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry
130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads

131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny
132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore
133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog
134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs
136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies
137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.
139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter
140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy

141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse
142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts
144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense
145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique
146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me
149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog
150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area
154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta
156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef
157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color
159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory

161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst
162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed
163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu
165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra
166. Anna Motz, Stunning
167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings
168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones
172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs
173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass
174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass
176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog
177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio
178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux
180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art
182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen
184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink
185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin
186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer
187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels
188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry
189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos
190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.

191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini
194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse
195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between
196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets
197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts
198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs
199. Karen Williams, Baublicious
200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend

201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell
202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs
204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads
205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique
206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads
208. Melissa Meman...awww, you are already here!!
209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry
210. Shirley Moore, Homeschooling Life

Whew!!! Have fun!!!!

feeling better...bead soup and pipe dreams excitement!

2011-02-24T13:52:00.000-05:00

Thank you all so very much for your kind words, thoughts and positive beams of light through the wires and universe! My crud is still there, but lessening everyday and I do indeed feel loads better! I ended up taking 2.5 days sick leave from my day job, although I did work from home during that time to meet some deadlines - yay, technology!

Now I am trying to catch up on a bit of blog reading and posting...hope to finish up a couple pieces I've started...my bead soup is all but finished and I am very excited at the prospect of showing it to you. I don't have any sneak peeks, though, sorry ;)

This is also getting close!

I am signed up the Sunday Pipe Dreams session. I would have loved to register for the whole shebang, but had to keep my feet on the ground this time. I took Stephanie's Homesteading class this last go round and was able to watch the videos and read the posts, but never had the time to actually do the work, so am extra happy to be able to reinforce some of the things I learned by working with her in person. I know of a few friends that will be there, Erin, Lori, and of course our beloved organizers Cindy and Jeanette! For more information, go check out Artbliss Workshops. I believe there might be a couple spots still open.

necklace by Stephanie Lee

Any one else out there coming? I hope so...let me know so I can look for you :)

Sick as a...

2011-02-21T20:58:00.001-05:00

Pig? You always hear "sick as a dog", but how sick is that? I decided to say pig, just 'cuz! Plus, I have cute pictures of flying pigs, but no dogs!

I went to the doctor with what I thought was bronchitis...he concurred, gave me albuterol, but no antibiotics as he indicated it was viral. Well, I swear I walked out of the office sicker than I went in! So, while I have been playing at a few items here and there, tapping on an experimental ring, and working on my bead soup, I have nothing to actually show for it today.

So, I'll leave you with a few pig pictures :)

I'll be back soon :)

Hearts, Flowers, Chocolates...A Day Later :)

2011-02-15T11:12:00.001-05:00

My Daddy would say, "a day late and a dollar short"! I meant to say "HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY" to all of my lovely friends who stop by to see me here, yesterday, but it just wasn't in the cards. I hope you all experienced a day filled with love...and chocolate!

I went out at lunch and found my honey a gorgeous orchid - he loves them and used to be pretty good at growing them, but he hasn't had any for awhile. I fell in love with the gorgeous color of this one and decided he just had to have it!

He got me this very sweet little wire dress-shaped display! I can't wait to use it on a show table - I love it!

The pendant is from my other sweet boy, who saw it weeks ago and told his Dad that he had to get that for me. He was so excited to see me open it! I gave him a handmade certificate good for 5 iTunes downloads, along with copious amounts of candy

I have been doing some cleaning/organizing in my work space, which also contains a bunch of stuff that I just don't know where to put. In emptying some boxes, I came across some things that I brought back from my parent's house, after my sibs and I cleaned it out when my Mom died over 10 years ago. I found this little box...

I don't know what year these were purchased, probably mid 70's, but look at the price! 12 Valentine's for $1.25! I always loved Holly Hobbie :) Here's what I found when I opened it up...

Weird little collection, huh?! I picked all this stuff up off my Dad's dresser and stashed it away in this little box! Prince Albert rolling papers - he used to roll his own cigarettes with Prince Albert tobacco that came in cute little cans...wish I had some of the countless ones he threw away over the years! There was also an old broken pocket knife that he couldn't part with, an old whet rock, and a lead weight that I guess he picked up and was keeping for fishing, maybe? He was a bit of a hoarder like me, and couldn't throw it away.

I can't wait to go through a few more boxes to see what I come up with!

BTW Quickie...

2011-02-09T21:33:00.000-05:00

First, the embarrassing shot. This is my actual main workdesk...although there is no open space on which to work! Everytime I start to clean and organize it, I find something I forgot about and of course go off on a tangent.

Gotta love recycled frozen entree trays!

From my downstairs work space, aka "the dining room table," here is a little collection of sodalite wrapped in sterling from an abandoned project, some pretty red agate, brass cubes and a brass pendant with a resined digital mandala...I'm thinkin' necklace.

yet another cool effect from Picnik :)

Pinewood Derby and Fun with Photo Editing

2011-02-08T18:56:00.000-05:00

a la Picnik and Heather over at Humblebeads! She has posted a couple of really inspirational posts on jazzing up your blog/website photos by using techniques like rounding the corners and using some super cool effects to make your photos really unique! Thanks, Heather!

I already had a premium account with Picnik, because I love all that you can do there...my font I use on my website and blog banner is from there. Really, to me it is easier than any other online photo editing site I have tried. I have to admit, though, that until now I have always been a little bit chicken to really push the boundaries of basic crop, resize, exposure, sharpen!

First, I experimented with rounded edges which I really like, but then I found "vignette" effect which puts that darker hazy border around the edge (you can totally change the color as well). My photos of the gorgeous bead soup I got from Summers Studio incorporates these effects. Today, when trying to get some shots posted of my Webelo and his pinewood derby, I decided to go a bit further.

using "gritty" and "vignette" with rounded edges

using "cinemascope" and "vignette" with rounded edges

These photos were pretty bad straight out of the camera - blurry, not composed very well The lighting was terrible in the church rec room, and B was all over the place, so getting good shots was just not happening. His car that we all worked on so hard together didn't do very great, sadly. He was trying to maintain some sense of sportsmanship (not totally successfully on that front) and not melt down with disappointment :( Life lessons learned that day!

I think using these different treatments on them sort of saved them...they aren't perfect, but that's a okay. They sort of have an air of the surreal, which can be almost comforting. Okay, I'm just making things up now. He really did not feel like smiling in this shot...poor guy.

"infrared", "vignette", and "soften" with rounded edges (again)

I re-did my blog banner last night as well and tried to incorporate some different shots and effects...I like it! What do you think?

Bead Soup Mix Tape

2011-02-07T16:11:00.000-05:00

I didn't get a chance to photograh the bead soup I sent LeAnn, since my daily mantra is "procrastinate"! So I borrowed one she took and wanted to share a peek with you. You can go over to her blog post and see more details.

photo courtesy of LeAnn Weih

I was a bit nervous, since I was including components made by me, but she assures me she loves them! My fav piece is the brass bezel that I enameled and resined over a kaleidoscope image...the white enamel has sort of a "shabby" finish which makes me smile. The other focal - yes, I sent 2 cuz I am an over achiever - is an riveting and enameling design I have been working on for a while and it finally came out right :)

I can't wait to see what she creates!

Memories...

2011-02-03T18:42:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine shared this on FB, and as it is pretty much me & my life right now, I thought some of you might enjoy it as well!

Tasty Bead Soup Ingredients Have Arrived!

2011-02-03T11:27:00.000-05:00

I got my sweet package from LeAnn of Summers Studio early this week and I am so excited. She was super generous, and it is all so gorgeous! I have just been sitting and staring at it with ideas swirling!

Let's take a closer look, shall we?

gorgeous handmade bronze clay clasp...

sweet bronze clay pendant, connectors and charms (earrings perhaps?)...aren't these adorable?

the cool soup- gorgeous silk from Marsha Neal, turquoise coins, brass chain and sweet little pale jade

LeAnn threw this little baby in just for me! I know exactly what I am going to do with him!

I am in love, and so ready to jump in and get to work!

Bead Table Wednesday, finally, and some new stuff :)

2011-02-02T20:06:00.001-05:00

So Heather, over at HumbleBeads does this cool blog/Flickr group called Bead Table Wednesday's and I joined, but then of course things kept getting in the way of my actually posting!

I had pictures all ready to go last week and am not sure what happened...they ended up on Flickr, but I never got a post done...anywhoooo...

Here is my photo for today. Please note, I work in about 4 different places in my house. My actual bead table is so completely covered, it is scary! I have another space in the basement with my enamels and torches. So, today's photo is all laid out on the dining room table - MY FAV PLACE TO WORK!

Here you will see a copper component I just finished - it was a trial one I fell in love with in the latest SBS Wire, by Dia Daniels. It was going to be earrings, but it is just too honkin' big, so maybe a pendant. Also shown are 2 pairs of enameled tube-y/rice shaped brass components that have been wrapped in copper wire and have little Czech glass flowers dangling - sweet, no? There are also some very fun Czech glass beads I just got from Arte Bella that I want to incorporate somewhere.

So, last week I took this photo of a bunch of Valentine-themed things I was working on...still am!

Here are a couple of pairs of earrings that I finally finished....

Fun Czech glass beads from Arte Bella, textured copper washers, wrapped onto my sterling earwires

Swirled, hammered, and stamped copper wire, with faceted carnelian dangles, my sterling earwires

So, what is on your table?

Happy Snow Day!

2011-01-26T17:21:00.000-05:00

So, we in the DC subs are in the middle of a winter storm ...B's school was closed today, and it probably will be tomorrow as well. I decided to work from home, which basically means taking a vacation day, but checking email and being available for anything that comes up that I can handle over my work laptop and a remote server.

The early snow was the perfect snowball/snowman snow. We built this guy in record time! Not sure what B was going to use his pool toy for? That's my cool chenille hat on the snowman's head...I forgot the scarf. Rocks for eyes, half-used carrot for a nose and for a mouth...holly berries! Those things wouldn't stay in...I kept having to add fresh snow around them!

He is a bit leafy and dirty, as there wasn't much in the back yard when we built him, but it is really coming down now...

A few hours later, he was playing on the back porch...

Wow, I love this face!

Look at that face...wish I still had that outlook on a "snowed-in" day! Instead of worrying about what is not getting done, all he is thinking about is the "here and now moment".

Metal Stamp Giveaway at Pretty Things - I want these!!

2011-01-21T16:32:00.001-05:00

Lori, over at Pretty Things is having a cool giveway. Go read up on how you can enter to win these fun lower case alphabet stamps.

Bead Soup Blog Party - 2011

2011-01-19T14:22:00.000-05:00

After a good bit of internal debate, I decided to "just do it" and signed up for Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party. This will be the 3rd party Lori has hosted and I will have participated in all 3. I had initially intended to take a break and just watch this one from the sidelines, but I was starting to feel sad and lonely over there, so I joined in the fun at the very last minute. If you are not familiar with the concept, Lori pairs up the participants and we exchange beads...a focal and clasp are required elements, and complementary beads as the sender chooses. Each of us then creates a piece of jewelry using the elements we received...again, the focal and clasp are required, but it is up to the designer to use the complementary beads sent or add from their existing stash. Then on reveal day, we hop around to each other's blogs "ooh-ing" and "ah-ing" and all sorts of fun is had by all. Seriously :)

My soup partner this year is LeAnn Weih from Summers Studio, and I couldn't be more excited! LeAnn creates absolutely gorgeous and unique porcelain pendants, charms, beads and much more! Here is a little sampling of what I have fallen in love with...

So, stay tuned to hear and see progress reports. I'll let you know when the big day arrives and post links to other participant's blogs so you can see lots and lots of gorgeous jewelry creations!

Lack of Motivation...

2011-01-14T13:58:00.000-05:00

or something similar has taken over my entire being lately. I used the term "low ebb" in an email to a friend yesterday, and I think that pretty much sums it all up.

fuschia swarovski, sterling & lampwork rosary bracelet

After my last post (aack - 2 weeks ago), I succumbed to the dreaded cold/flu/crud that was going around my house... am feeling much better now, but still just don't have the old "getupandgo" ! I have just got to snap out of it...everything is becoming stagnant.

Carribean Blue Opal Swarovski, Lampwork, Bronze & Gold-filled Rosary Bracelet

All my Holiday decorations are dismantled, but they are sitting in the basement, waiting to be organized and put away with love until next year. Until I do that, I can't get to my torch/enamel station which is in close proximity. My jewelry work station upstairs is totally cluttered and covered with trays and saucers of unfinished projects and miscellaneous piles of beads, wire bits and what-not. Every time I sit down to start organizing/cleaning/creating, I get a pang of guilt that something else house/family-related should be the priority. It doesn't help that I started reading the "Sookie Stackhouse" books and can't seem to stop!

Amber, copper, glass w/enameled headpins - 1 of 3 custom necklaces for a friend

Don't worry, I know this will pass - I am feeling better even as I write! Also helpful is the fact that Santa left us a Wii game system this year and I have been exercising with Wii Fit a little everyday - when I can wrestle the remote out of my boys' hands :)

All-copper bangle inspired by Sharilyn Miller

How about you? How do you keep your motivation/creative energy flowing?