The Babbling Beader

If it's silence he wants....

2012-01-28T17:11:00.000-05:00

Silence he'll get - I suppose. Gotta vent here for a minute: I was clerking at the bookstore today, and conversing with friends and fellow consultants about life in general. In the process, I didn't realize that I was apparently harshing someone's mellow. Upon asking a customer, who'd been just browsing for 10 or 15 minutes, if I could help him in any way, his response was "YES, I have a request". I expected him to ask me for merchandise he couldn't find. Nope. He asked me if I could - and I quote - "tone it down". EXCUSE ME? I'm sorry, I don't speak in the most quiet of tones, but I also don't speak like a meek little mouse. I exchanged looks with my fellow friends and consultants (who hightailed it for their respective offices and rooms) and replied that while I was speaking in what was my normal voice, I had things to do in the next room, so I would leave him in peace, and would he let me know if he needed anything. WOW. Could not believe it. Still can't. Now, had we been being obnoxious, or crude in any way, I would understand - but we weren't - and never would be in front of customers. It was just a crazy, busy, high energy day. Apparently the man can't handle high energy. Or maybe he mistook us for a library rather than a busy bookstore. There remained many other customers, and conversations going on while he continued shopping for another 40 minutes or so, and he never said another word, except of course, to ask me questions about things from time to time. I was tempted to feign a sudden case of laryngitis, but I calmly answered his questions. He finally decided on a book. One single solitary QUIET book.
So that's my vent. All I know is, I bet the man is single.
TTFN

And earrings to match

2012-01-27T16:54:00.002-05:00

:0)

Stay true to my beliefs, or....

2012-01-27T15:45:00.000-05:00

It's a question I asked of a fellow beader on Facebook this morning, and got comment responses that wholeheartedly agreed with me - that we shouldn't be asked to make changes to what we create. It is a piece of art that was completed the way that it was supposed to be. Sculpture artists, painters and many other artists are never asked to change their work - and are probably offended if they are asked to do so. So why should those of us that choose beads as our medium, be treated differently? What I do is ART. It's not just beads on a string. And 99.999 percent of the time - I'm sticking to those convictions. Many of you may remember the "Joyful Buddha" incident - the bracelet designed specifically around a unique pewter Buddha face, a bracelet that just wouldn't have the same meaning without it. Well, sure enough, a customer loved the bracelet, but HATED the Buddha. I refused to change it, or remove the Buddha, because after all, that's what the bracelet was all about. I lost that sale, but turned around and sold the bracelet within the next week or two, to the perfect person. I DID, however, have to shorten that bracelet to fit her, which took some doing, but did not compromise the energy and design intended. As far as I know, she still wears it.

And that's where I sit with another of my pieces. 'To the Trees' has been for sale at The Lansing Art Gallery since fall.

Yesterday when I did my volunteer hours, the program director presented it to me and asked me if I could change it for a customer. At first I was hesitant, but then discovered that it simply needed to be shortened. SIMPLY being the operative word, however. It really wasn't as simple as that. The patron truly likes the piece however, and is also asking for matching earrings, which will add to the purchase price of the set.
So I brought it home. And I laid it out on the board. And I made sure I had all the beads I used to make the thing over a year ago (miraculously, I have almost all), and then looked at for awhile. What to do....

The large bead on the left was the "clasp" before, that closed with a loop end.

I waited until this afternoon to look at it again, and finally came up with the idea to simply work the original sections (approx 3 1/2 inches from each side) into the work, instead of cutting it off. I then added a new clasp section, which is now a barrel shaped bead:

I also added TWO loops to the end, so they can choose the difference in length of an inch or so.
I am pretty pleased with how it turned out - and the only beads I actually ADDED are the barrel and rondelle and three seed beads for the new clasp bead, as well as the loop end beads. And I didn't remove ANY. I felt it was important to try to keep the braid intact - or risk losing the whole strap. It went from about 22 inches to 18 inches - 19 if you use the outer loop.

Now on to the earrings. I really hope the customer is happy with how it turned out.
Peaceful beading - and CREATING -
TTFN

Newbies

2012-01-25T15:57:00.000-05:00

Here are the pieces I've completed in the last week or so. Diana got my creative juices flowing with her special Malachite/Lapis custom piece, and they haven't stopped yet!

This one is on a ribbon that slides through the tubes and beaded beads and rings so that the big cool chunky toggle can also be worn in the back. But...why? It's meant to be seen!

Metal-icious Earrings. All the metals - silver, gold, copper, gunmetal, and pewter all in one. Goes with everything! Funky!

There are a few more, but I like these the best. Now to start gathering beads for Through the Clouds....

Beaders Backache

2012-01-25T10:06:00.000-05:00

I think I need a better chair. Or a bigger pillow behind me, or both. Because not beading until my back stops aching isn't a priority! I did make myself finish my book this morning (Water for Elephants-two thumbs up!), sitting with the heating pad instead of beading, but I do have some photos to take of pieces I've completed in the last few days, as well as a couple new projects waiting in the wings. I've taken to sketching on paper the ideas - and names - that come to me. One of the most interesting ones came to me in the middle of another piece - not sure why - but it will be called "Clouds and Sun", and be assymetrical with greys and silvers on one side of the piece, radiating brighter to blues and sunny yellows and oranges around to the focal side of the other. That's all I know right now. Don't even know if I've got all the pieces and parts I need to start it. I just know I had to stop and write it down.
The days are inching closer to what could be my fateful week (or longer) of Jury Duty. I won't even know until Sunday whether I have to report, (crossing fingers and begging the universe hourly that I don't) and then hopefully not for long. I have visions and nightmares of not only having to report, but of being put on a jury that will have to be sequestered, away from my hubby, my dogs, my beads, MY LIFE, for months and months. I am hoping that's all it is - a vision and a nightmare that I will wake from. Uck.
Got the pieces back yesterday that were photographed by Holly of Photos from the Heart. I hope there are still more photos coming - I know she's busy with work and school and kids and my brother. Love what she's done so far....and I'm seeing comments from moms and friends of the models that are interested in seeing more of my work. Yay. Someone told me not too long ago that interest would come in my jewelry from a very unexpected place. I'm thinking this is IT! :0)
Here are a few more of Holly's wonderful photos:

The necklace is actually done in bronze, yellow and teal tones on big silver chain - but I love the black and white. Just to give you an idea, here's a color close up of one of flowers in the piece.

Pretty unique, huh? That's me.
Off on another chauffered errand day. And probably to start another book with the heating pad. Dang back, anyways.
Photos of new work - a cool necklace that has a clasp that can be worn two ways, and a funky cool pair of big hoop earrings - coming SOON!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Photos with "Heart"

2012-01-23T18:10:00.000-05:00

Just a sneak peek at some of the photos taken at the shoot by my sister in law Holly Mayes of "Photos from the Heart". Just as I suspected.....AWESOME!

I LOVE the way the model wore the ring in the bottom photo. There are many more to come, but I couldn't wait. I think she's planning to do a better edit job on them, and I haven't even seen them all yet! Thanks to Holly, and models Sondra and Alyssa for looking beautiful in my beads!
As far as my weekend errands - found this at HomeGoods. Not exactly what I was looking for, and my original thought was to paint it, but after posting it on Facebook, general concessus says leave it as it is. So I guess I'll have to play with some of the pieces I know I'll be showcasing - see if it will work with the bling as is. If not - I'm thinking a light spray mist of purple, or maybe crackle painting it slate grey/silver. Still have a while to think about it.
Anyway - whaddaya think? To paint, or not to paint?

Ignoring the messy studio work table, of course! LOL
Happy Chinese New Year, everyone! It's the year of the Dragon - harmony and prosperity for all!
TTFN

Website lift off?

2012-01-21T10:53:00.000-05:00

At least I hope so. I finally have a new password, but now Wordpress is telling me it's down for scheduled maintenance? Whatever. What's one more day of lame websitedness? I do want to get it up and running, though, because as soon as Holly is done with her photo shoot, there will be some KICK ASS (sorry, Mom) photos of my pieces on professional models! Not just display busts or fabric. She does such a good job. Would love to post her website, but think she's 'doing maintenance' too - but you can look her fan page up on Facebook if you want to see her great work - Photos from the Heart - Holly Mayes. Thanks, SIS!
Really gotta run and get some things done today - even with the snowfall we had yesterday, it's errand and appointment bound for me (well, me and the chauffeur/hubby). One thing I AM going to do today is head to the Homegoods store to see if they still have any of the cool display busts like My Life under the Bus (Patty Gasparino) got there. PERFECT for my upcoming art show - with some purple added, of course...

And as promised, here is another oldy but goodie...still available for sale. 'Bleeding Heart' - Rhodonite, citrine, nephrite jade, freshwater pearl, and lots and lots of seed beads..of course. $85.00

Enjoy. And peaceful beading, everyone...
TTFN

Smoothing the curve

2012-01-18T21:30:00.000-05:00

At last. A solution. It just took a bit of patience, and surfing the introduction pages. It will be a long process, but I'll have to go 'transfer' EVERY word file that I think I'll still use to the updated version. ONE AT A TIME. I work on it a little bit each day. I'm also finding a LOT of stuff I can't figure out why I kept in the first place. Sort of like cleaning house. Which is also on my to do list now that I know I'll be entertaining the public at LEAST once this year, for the holiday show in November. I may also try to host a summer party in honor of our 30th!!gaspTHIRTIETH!! wedding anniversary. It's in May, in the the middle of the week that follows Mothers Day, so we may need to have the actual celebration at a later date. Haven't run that one by Mister Nonchalant yet - he was pretty ho hum about the whole anniversary thing when I brought it up the other day. It's still early.....

Photos soon of the completed "Jewel(s) of the Nile" necklace that has been completed for my friend Diana. It is changeable, in that it has a section that is removeable to become a bracelet, giving the necklace two different lengths. Once again - assymetrical. Can't seem to do anything but these days, but that truly does make them one of a kind. I am having my sister in law Holly take professional photos this weekend...so the unveiling will wait until she can do it the proper justice that my little Canon cannot.

Getting so excited about the upcoming show schedule. You may tire of hearing about it, but such is my life. I'm getting the urge to change my display up a little bit too, since I'm seeing so many of you do the same. Hubby may not like it much, but I've got work for him! It will be something that I can load and just carry in and set up. DONE.
I'm going to try to start posting a photo of at least ONE of my pieces with every blog too. I've noticed that I seem (and others seem) to get more traffic and more comments to the posts with jewelry photos. And I'm a jewelry designer. So go figure. ;0)

This is a bracelet I made this summer, that I just sold during the holidays. I think I'll need to road trip to Bead Bohemia to get more of the beautiful butterfly wing focals. I love how the czech glass stripes MATCH the striping in the wing.
And FYI - I tried to link both my sister in laws site, and the Bead Bohemia site in the blog - Blogger says not today. Argh. So anyway....
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Ok, maybe not the NEXT stop...

2012-01-15T20:03:00.000-05:00

Still on a learning curve with this laptop. For some reason that I am not computer savvy to know about, I cannot read any of my previous word files written on my old laptop. They all come out gobbledy-gook, no matter what program I try to use to open them. I really, REALLY don't want to have to write all of my patterns and classes over again. I don't know if I could. So I'm going to have to find a computer savvy genius to take pity on me-hopefully for free or trade. So I may not be getting my website updated and my Etsy store reopened as quickly as I'd hoped. I don't want to do those things until I know what I'm doing on this thing. May sound like a lame excuse, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it. BESIDES-I now have so many show committments, beginning in April, that I don't want to spread myself too thin as far as quality merchandise to sell. I don't want to put anything on Etsy, because then I can't pull it back off before April, and I don't want to have it on a website if I'm going to take it with me to a show. My things are just too one of kind for that. As it is I'll probably have to strip my space at either Grand-dale or Coyote. I guess it's not a BAD problem to have. :0) Here's the rundown:
April 14 &15 - The East Lansing Public Art Gallery Art Show and Sale, Hannah Center, East Lansing.
Tentative first weekend in June: Art and Wine Festival, Ella Sharp Museum, Jackson
Beginning end of June, once a month through September: Meridian Arts & Crafts Market, Okemos.
October: Holidays in Haslett, Haslett.
November: Holt Holiday Sampler, Holt - I'll be one of the participating homes, with 3 or 4 other artists coming to join me.
WHEW! And I bet there are going to be a few more thrown in during the summer, too! Plus maintaining my spaces at Grand-dale, Coyote and the Art Gallery (see links to the right). Who needs the internet!?!
But seriously, I DO want to get my website updated, so that I can have a nice site for those showgoers that ask me about it. It will happen....eventually.
Going to go hop over to Lori Anderson's blog right now and find out who the lucky participants are in this go round of the blog challenge. Hope I get to play next time around....
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Next stop - web sales!

2012-01-14T08:49:00.000-05:00

At least I hope so. There's still a bit more to get used to, but YAY! a new laptop. Windows 7 is quite a bit different that Windows XP, and the person at the office supply store where I got it was obviously NOT a computer genius. One thing I did discover though...NONE of my word processing files - class instructions, PATTERNS, posters, inventory lists, etc. are readable. So I'm going to have to either continue to access those on the desktop, or start from scratch. Probably a little of both. But I have photo editing, and I have internet, so on with the show! I hope to have my Etsy site up and running by the end of the month, just going to do jewelry first. Beads are a huge huge task, and I didn't do well at either last time. Not sure why I'm trying it again. The glitch in the whole plan is a stupid stinkin' jury summons. I could be potentially unavailable for a while depending on how that works out. I won't know until the end of the month.
So - at least I can blog. I considered creating a brand new one, but then decided that just changing the layout and the committment to actually DO IT was going to have to be what makes it 'new'. I am slowly remembering and linking through Facebook (thank goodness for Facebook in this case) all the blogs I used to keep up with on a regular basis. If you are a Facebook friend-I can access your blog info. If not - I may have to wait until I run across your blog site in some other fashion.
AND - I almost forgot. Wonderful opportunity. A SHOW - a TWO DAY show - in April. I've already sent my booth fee, and am looking forward to a great time. It's being sponsored by the East Lansing Public Art Gallery where I had my first exhibition a couple of years ago. The show is open to all of the Art Gallery current and past exhibitors. They supply the table and the chairs, and have moved the venue to the FIRST floor (no more freight elevator and long HAUL way) Can't wait! I'll include all the details as soon as I receive confirmation.
Well, it's off to do my duty at The Grand-dale Shoppe today. 10-2. Please let there be customers out on a snowy Saturday morning. PEOPLE just make the time go so much faster....
Peaceful beading,
TOODLES!

Change is good?

2012-01-08T17:34:00.000-05:00

I hope so, because I'm making a few - starting with pulling all the beads out of The Grand-dale Shoppe, and just concentrating on simple, affordable pieces, many with a birthstone theme, using Swarovski crystals. Those seem to be popular - the bracelets and earrings did well over the holidays. I'm going to try adding some simple pendants in time for Valentines Day. I will still try to keep a few of my fancier, one of a kind pieces there, just so people know what I'm capable of, but they just don't seem to sell well there. I'll keep the link up, so you can visit their site, but my booth looks totally different now - guess it's time for a new photo!
And then there's Cool Beads at Coyote. Just before Christmas, Connie got a shelving unit for me to fill that fits right into the window space that I've been using, which I wasn't able to make very good use of until now. So starting tomorrow, I'll be ADDING more beads at Coyote, trying to make as much use of the shelf space as I can.
Like I said. Change. I HOPE it's good. All seems on an even keel at The Lansing Art Gallery, though. I was fortunate to be able to keep my holiday art market merchandise there through the new year, and will probably not add a whole lot new until later - maybe March or April. I added special Valentine themed items last year, but never sold any, so I'm not sure it will be a priority this year.
The only thing I'm wishin' I could change right now is that I STILL don't have that stinkin' laptop. So I'm having to forego the sign up for Lori Anderson's Blog Hop. This old desktop and it's lame memory and photo editing program doesn't make it easy, or even possible, for me to give the photos and the blog the time and quality it deserves. Bummer.
Sure am hoping for a busy, beady, show filled summer. I know, I know, I used to HATE them, and while it is admittedly difficult for me to do them, I'm finding that the more I do, the more people I get to know, the more opportunities I'm getting, and the more people there are that are willing to HELP me. I will probably participate in the Okemos Market again, since they supply the table, but will also be looking at some new, hopefully high end venues too. And I would love, love, LOVE to get a few more custom jewelry orders. The current one is quite unique, definitely one of a kind, but after completing the focal, and just a small portion of the neckpiece, I've had to set it aside until more inspiration about how to finish the piece arrives. The 'base' is a freeformed wire which I then beaded around. And for me, working with wire, this was a miracle - definitely one of the winners. Wishin' I had just one more of those cool Malachite/Lapis focals though. Diana provided me with ones she had from long ago, maybe even VINTAGE age, so I must work with what I have. My dilemma is in the heaviness of the piece - she wants it long, with the option to shorten. Still trying to come up with the best stitch (I'm thinking RAW with seed beads, embellished with the "x" to mimic the X in the focal). Here is a sneak peek at what I've done so far on this still unnamed piece for my friend Diana:

Defnitely more photos as I progress. The name too, still eludes me....
Anyway, thanks for stopping by,
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Welcome to 2012!

2012-01-03T08:29:00.000-05:00

For those of you who may still be checking this blog, (anybody, anybody?) Happy New Year! My situation still hasn't really changed, although a new laptop IS finally in the foreseeable future. I am still hopeful that there will be some wonderful bead related opportunities this year, and I may still have time to enter Lori Anderson's blog hop after all...
The one BIG change coming will be blog related. As in, a brand new one. Not sure yet if it will be Blogger, which seems to block even MY comments and now wants my phone number (I suspect to SELL), or Wordpress, which I'm already using for my website, which also needs work. That too, will be resolved this winter. So if you're checking, KEEP checking, because when I'm ready, I'll post the link and info about the brand new COOL blog. New year, new start, NEW possibilities....
And, if you are checking, here's a treat to thank you for stopping by...this is "Clematis Lattice",

in progress, almost finished - probably sometime in the next few days. Next up will be a custom piece consisting of Lapis, Malachite, Azurite/Malachite and GOLD findings. Rich. Elegant. And still in my head....
Peaceful beading everyone,
TTFN

Last blog post

2011-11-28T05:57:00.000-05:00

Since I've had no comments since well back into summer, and not having a laptop makes the posting process difficult and sporadic, this will be my last blog post for awhile. They've already been few and far between, but honestly - no news is no news. I wish I could say that my presence on the blogs or even on Facebook has made a difference in my sales, my recognition, or my life - but it hasn't. I'm sorry I'll miss the next blog hop, though, but really, with so many to look at, I think I would have gotten lost in that shuffle too. I'm not going to delete the site just yet, as the links may still be of interest to some people.
Still beading, still creating, just doin' it for me....
TaTa. Goodbye. It was fun while it lasted...
Sheryl

Prep pep

2011-11-12T06:37:00.000-05:00

Down to my last day of prep for my open house sale tomorrow. It's going fairly well so far - the front room, escentially the formal living room I never use, has been completely transformed - everything fit and worked exactly as I had hoped in that room. The dining room, however - not so much. I'll be working on squeezing table number 3 in there today, and table number 4 will just have to remain in the trunk of my car. I supposed I could set it up in yet another room - but that would have to wait until last minute tomorrow if I decide to.
I'll take photos when I'm done - but it's turning out quite nice. I just hope I have some peeps. Boy, there sure are alot of my friends and family 'busy' on Sunday. Mmmhmm. Whatever.
Still plugging away on this ancient desktop. For whatever reason the words I type on the keyboard don't flow automatically to the screen - I have to stop and wait for the computer to catch up with me. Frustrating. Maddening. I think I've pretty much decided to go with the original offer by the Vertex guys on the purchase of a new laptop - but I'm still nowhere close to having the funds for that. I'm not going to take anymore out of savings for things like that. It's bad enough we had an unexpected vet visit this week. Poor Bella. Confined to her little white head cone for a few more days. She somehow and for some reason scratched herself raw by one ear. No ear infection. Just a few soon to be dead pesky fleas. Poor baby.
And for those of you that are here because you went to the website. Sorry! I attempted to update the site yesterday, and found that I've misplaced the password, and that Wordpress won't accept my email request for a new one for some strange reason. So - it may be back to the drawing board on the website thing. But glad you stopped here. Keeping this maintained lately has been touchy too - I'll try to do better! I'm thinking of posting 'a piece a day', complete with price and email for purchase request. Or maybe a second blog devoted specifically to that. Like I said - thinking.
Off to enjoy an hour or two of quiet beading before the remaining room prep begins. Tomorrow morning will be devoted to food prep and ME prep.
TTFN

No show go

2011-11-04T06:06:00.000-04:00

Well, poop. I received a call from the museum event coordinator yesterday - they are CANCELLING this years event due to lack of interested vendors. Apparently, in the 10 years they've been hosting this event, this is the first time that they had planned to require the artists to be available in person during the show. DIDN'T work out quite they way they hoped. Turns out most of the artists would prefer to pay a small commission to NOT have to be there. And since I was going to have to schlep tables, chairs, displays, merchandise AND drive 40 miles one way two days in a row - I think I would have preferred that too. So they are rethinking next years event, notifying us early of June's Art and Wine event, and refunding our jury fee. There were only 6 of us to reply. Sad, relieving and stressful all at the same time. Sad, because it sounds like it's been a successful event in the past (not sure why they messed with it), relieving because now I don't have to worry about schlepping those tables, chairs and stuff and getting there in a reliable vehicle, AND not to have to worry about having enough museum quality work, but stressful because that was my last hope for a holiday show besides my own. I DID have an offer from someone to allow me to put a 'tray' of items at their booth in next weeks Mason show, but 1. I don't know the person, and 2. I prefer to display my items more professionally than a tray. I am getting many offers to participate in events NEXT year, so I guess I'll have to set my sights on those, and just bead, bead, bead. |
And on a related note - I'll have a brand new photo soon of my space at Coyote Wisdom. We've made some changes, added some shelving, and I'm in the process of doing what the girls at the shop call "Sheryl-izing". haha. I will be clerking all day tomorrow, and will probably have plenty of time to work on it. I definitely need to add more merchandise! And I had a decent sales month BEAD wise last month too - for a change. I had thought of pulling them out, but now, with the new display, I may stick it out a bit longer with them.
Off to the bead table early on a Friday morning - my favorite time to bead - when the dogs and the hubby are quiet, and traffic hasn't started speeding by, or backing up during drop off of the kids at the school complex across the street yet. Shhhhhh......beading.
Peaceful beading to you too..
TTFN

Overwhelmed and under appreciated

2011-11-02T12:01:00.000-04:00

That's about the jist of it. I will feel either more or less so after Friday, when I find out whether or not I'm accepted into the Ella Sharp Museum show. I'm not even sure I have enough high caliber items to take. Many of them are already committed to the art market at the LAG and can't be removed until after the holiday season. And I still haven't even made my way to Owosso to check with the Art Center there. THESE are the types of commitments that I WANT to make, but all of a sudden, I'm finding myself freaking out about them. And there's my nitwit idea to have a home based open house show right in the middle of it all. It sounded like a good idea in my head. I got the post cards printed, which are kick ass professional, and I've been handing them out to specific friends and friends of friends, along with an email invite and Facebook invite. And all of a sudden, the week before the event, all I'm hearing are sorry's. Great. Going to alot of trouble (and going through a lot of guilt - long story for a different blog) to prepare, and I may end up with just 3 people. That are coming more for the one on one time and catching up, rather than shopping. ~SIGH~. I always put myself through major panic when I plan these, and yet - I continue to do it. ~double sigh~.
Off to the LAG today for more volunteer hours and to check in my holiday market pieces. Let's hope it's a profitable market. I did pretty well last year....
Sorry for the absence on the blog - still no laptop, and lots to prep for, so it's been kind of nice to step away from the keyboard for awhile....I miss this, though...
Til next time...
TTFN

Anybody miss me?

2011-10-25T20:01:00.000-04:00

It's been over a week! No good news on the laptop front other than I WAS able to get it to gasp long enough for me to transfer some files to my flash drive. So I at least have photos to use for submissions, etc. What I miss MOST is my photo cropping and finishing software. I may need to figure out a way to get it on this old desktop. But for now - between my Nook and it's WiFi connection, and this ancient desktop, I THINK I'm keeping up with the world digitally. Keeping up with the world person to person, however - that's a different story - and the reason for the following rant:
I KNOW it's fun to 'shock the adults' with PDA's when you're a teenager. The teens at the next table at Barnes & Noble's cafe tonight were all over each other. Gross - but I remember being a teen. It's exciting. BUT - when ADULTS that are OLDER than I AM go at it in the chair right next to me IN THE STORE (HE was on HER lap) - that's MORE than gross. That's obscene. I really wanted to tell them to get a room - but chose to give up my cozy armchair instead (which he immediately took possession of). I'm sure there must have been other places in the store with two chairs together, people - but was that PDA really called for? Almost made me lose the pumpkin cheesecake that I'd just savored. No wonder I much prefer the company of my dogs and the cozy quiet of my house lately. Cuz being out in public is just plain scary these days!
Hope you've all been happily beading - I know I have. Not having internet access as often has left me with more time to bead! So here's the latest - all whipped up since last Wednesday:

"One World" - started Thursday. Finished Sunday. When they come to me, they come to me. This is Azurite/Malachite and Turquoise. Not sure where it's 'going' yet....

Peacock on Ice now has matching earrings....

And "Alaskan Moonlight" is finally finished. It is destined for the Lansing Art Gallery Holiday Market inventory next week.

Hope to blog again real soon with news of another wonderful opportunity I was presented with this week. I don't know if I quite dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's correctly - I'll know by November 4th!
Until then - have a wicked fun weekend and Happy Halloween! MWWWWAAAAAHHAHAHAAAA!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Gifts

2011-10-17T22:34:00.000-04:00

What a great day. Sunny, fall colors peaking, a little jaunt to one of my favorite clothing stores. Big sale. Big savings. Fun lunch. Warm enough to sit and enjoy one of my last days out on the deck, and was visited by this:

What a wonderful gift from Spirit. Obviously a little late with the migration, there, bud - but I am glad you chose to visit me on your way!
Then I had a 'stealth' gift delivery from a friend - left a little giftbag hanging on the door, and hurried off before I could talk to her - always in a rush! My hubby even surprised me after our little shopping and lunch trip with the gift of the Lady Antebellum CD I wanted! Then an afternoon and evening of peaceful beading time, so "Alaskan Moonlight" is ALMOST finished. All in all - a pretty perfect day. LOTS of wishes on Facebook - I need to get over there and thank everyone!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

I miss my laptop

2011-10-16T22:25:00.000-04:00

I guess I'll have to break down and take it somewhere to find out whether it's fixable. I know for sure that it needs a new power cord - I've just been reluctant to pay $150 bucks for a stupid CORD. There used to be used ones available on Amazon.com for much less - but didn't seem to find the right thing this time. Figures. So I'm using my hubbys ancient desktop, with it's big bulky tower hard drive and MOUSE! I'm so used to the finger touch pad on the laptop. Bah. I've been having a great couple of months - this just seems to put a black mark on it a little bit. It seems there's always something. Let's hope it can be repaired or replaced economically.
As far as the show on Saturday!? CHA-ching! A constant stream of people, about 80% women. The other girls I've done shows with all summer, along with Tracy, were vendors too - so it was fun texting each other back and forth about our successes and odd customer sightings. I was delighted to find that there were people that attended the Okemos Art Market all summer that came looking for me specifically. Now, keep in mind I had no plans to do this show - and yet, here were two people that loved my things that had money reserved to spend on my jewelry if they were lucky enough to find me -they didn't even know if I would be there. But somehow spirit brought us all together - and CHA-ching. An excellent day, and an easy set up/tear down with help. Someone was listening. Thank you. I also was asked to do two other shows, of which I had to decline due to other commitments, AND had an invitation to contact the Shiawassee Art Council about selling items in their museum. I do believe I'll be taking a trip to Owosso very soon....
Another show 'surprise' I guess you could call it was the customer wearing the CUTEST BOOTS. I actually stopped what I was doing to ask her about them. They are Uggs. So of course I figured they'd be pricey. But they're sweater material - so they will actually stretch to fit my real size calves! WHAHOO! AND - they fold down if I want to wear them as shorty boots. So they're versatile. Hers were a heather gray. Zappos was out of black. I chose - wait for it - PURPLE! Well, they call it Sangria, which is the magenta purple color that I find myself wearing alot. They will be here by mid-week. Can't wait. And yes - they were more than I've ever spent on shoes or boots before EVER. And I deserve it. :0)
Looking forward to a fun birthday week. I've got my actual birthday day (tomorrow) to myself - so I have shopping, beading and relaxing plans. The perfect birthday, don't you agree? Tuesday will be spent with friends on both a coffee date and a dinner date.
What can I say? Even without my laptop....life. is. GOOD.
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Off grid.....

2011-10-13T23:45:00.000-04:00

I restarted this old thing at 6pm - it is now 11:36 - and I'm just now able to get it to function - glitchy R key and all. So this old laptop may be forcing me to go off grid for awhile.  The R key only works after you hit it about 4 times, and the mouse plate is pretty much see through - I can no longer turn off and restart without it taking over an hour (or LONGER) to return to a place that will allow me to access email and internet. I can do some things from my handy dandy Nook - but I'm having trouble even with that, and writing in my blog is not a Nook option. So this long story is my way of saying it may be a few days or longer before I'm able to blog again. I get the feeling that I won't be missed.
I think I'll be laptop shopping this weekend.  I am working on manifesting enough profit at the show on Saturday with which to get a nice one. Or get this one repaired. Having no idea what's wrong with it, though - I think I'd almost rather have a new one. We shall see.
So peaceful, beautiful beading everyone,  until we meet again....
TTFN
And P.S. The kids will miss keeping you all updated. They send their love:

I must be crazy

2011-10-12T11:37:00.000-04:00

It's the only explanation. I've decided, three days before the event - to participate in the Holidays in Haslett show on SATURDAY. I'm not sure why. I didn't do particularly well at it last year, and hauling from the parking lot to the car is very difficult for me. But the organizer swears that she WILL find a volunteer or two to help me, and I do have several friends that are participating that may be able to stop and help me too. I'm still wondering why I'm subjecting myself - but the voices in my head last night wouldn't stop. So here goes nothin'. Haven't had time for Bead Table Wednesday today. The bead table is literally buried in craft show Saturday stuff. Maybe next week. So wish me luck, readers. And on with the show!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

And so it begins

2011-10-10T06:50:00.000-04:00

Another super busy week for me. I don't know how I always manage to turn a free week into a freaky week, but (sorry, and I don't even LIKE Britney Spears) oooops, I did it again. After enjoying my day yesterday (photos of the loot below), I realized that I'm at Coyote 4 days in a row this week - beginning today! Not that I don't enjoy my time there, but Mondays are especially long because we're only open until 4, so it's one long 11-4 shift. Then I'll get home just in time to feed the furkids, maybe relax for a minute, and then off I go again to bead group - and tonight we celebrate a BUNCH of birthdays. Sharon's, mine, Catherines, Annes, and we're going to include poor Judy in there too, who got forgotten back in the busy summer month of July. Not sure how much beading will be done - but this time around I'm getting to know them all much better, and we're having lots of fun. I may have to take Sally with me one of these times....

I am also finalizing the details for the open house I'm having here. Which means I really MUST get busy cleaning and shining everything for company. It's not that we're slobs, or even super messy, but we tend to clutter, and use the front living room space as a catch all, combined with the fact that I hate to dust, and well. It's not company worthy at the moment. I've got almost a month. I've already done a little. I'll get there....

Here's all the loot from yesterday. So much for quality instead of quantity. I think it's more like a quantity of quality:

Pretty polymer

Bottle cap fun

Filigree from my friend Cindy (I added the rivoli when I got home)

This is wood and resin

Various focals - cabs and drilled. Polymer, Dichroic, Azurite/Malachite, Petoskey, & Copper Fleck.

My biggest splurge - these little lampwork babies were expensive!

Semi Precious from S&S - sodalite, Turquoise, Az/Mal, and Jasper.

Vintage glass rainbow leaves. Good thing I didn't wait on these - the vendor sold out of them in less than an hour!

Chinese crystal - who can resist?

See? I told ya I had fun! And I wanted soooo much more. The one item I wanted that stayed where it laid - a quirky, funky, very detailed lampwork witch face focal pendant - complete with warts and freaky teeth, bats on her hat - very cool. $75.00. Gulp. Not cool enough. That price scared me, that's for sure! Maybe someday, though....
Peaceful beading everyone, enjoy where ever you are,
TTFN

The Jury is IN

2011-10-08T08:46:00.000-04:00

And I am approved to show at Great Lakes Artworks. HOWEVER - we have come to the mutual conclusion that I must wait until they have a more secure place, like a jewelry case, to show my pieces in. And they're full up right now. I noticed that when I was there the other day - LOTS of jewelry. So much, in fact, that I had pretty much decided to hold off before they called me about putting me on the waiting list. That's fine with me. And once they do call and tell me there's space - I'll have to consider it long and hard. Because there are still issues that I'm not fond of. I think whatever type of display I decide to do, I'll be paying a little extra every month to have someone work my shifts. Just not wild about working down there. It's often alone, and the parking is horrendous. So the search is still on for another classy, upscale boutique or gallery for my things. Maybe on one of our little jaunts this weekend and next weekend. Off to the cider mill in St. Johns today, taking the back roads and enjoying the beautiful leaves and day. It's been a great October so far - in the 70's and over 80 the last two days. The same for today - and tomorrow, and Monday! YAY! Tomorrow will be fun day for me too. Off to another bead show - Bead Bonanza in Southfield. Put on by the Great Lakes Beadguild, of which I'm a member. Going to try to go for QUALITY and not QUANTITY this time - maybe some nice lampwork focals, some Murano glass, Star's Clasps. The high end stuff I don't usually go for. We'll see....

And despite the fact that it's been gorgeous outside for the last few days, I've been quite creative, and am obsessed with creating tons of these:

You saw the oval ones in a previous post, and I've since gotten the idea to do several pair, in different sizes and shapes, and display them all in my jazzy little green spinner case. I was originally going to consider taking them to GLAW, but I think I'll take them to The Grand-dale Shoppe instead. Lots to do this gorgeous October! Beauty surrounds. Can't wait to show you photos of our road trip - the trees are just turning around here, and they are beautiful!
Peaceful, beautiful beading everyone,
TTFN

One of those days

2011-10-06T10:26:00.000-04:00

Everyone has them. I suppose I was due. But I've pretty much worked myself into a snit this morning - and with it, everything is pretty much turning to dog doo. My breakfast even ended up on the floor. I can't find something I'm looking for. Just one of THOSE days.
And it all started with my jury meeting last night. What a waste of time. They still have my pieces to jury, but I won't be signing any contracts. I had hoped that with the name change, building change and owner change there would be some COMMON SENSE change. Unfortunately, everything is pretty much the same as it was, right down to the fact that you must work a 3 hour shift ALONE in a community that's a little spooky after dark AND with a two hour parking limit in all their lots and at the meters. Can't leave to go feed the meter or move the car, so basically, I have to PAY them (in the form of a parking ticket fee) to work there. Not sure why none of the other girls are bitchin' about that. The two I know that have items for sale there get rides when they work. So that may be why. I also don't appreciate that they don't take high end work seriously as far as security is concerned. That art community gets crazy busy on weekends, and during festivals, literally thousands of people pour in - and yet they want me to put my $100 and $200 pieces out on an open shelf in the middle of the sales floor. Seriously? I suppose I could just have them jury the simple stuff - but what would be the point? It's my detailed, woven seed bead work that I want to be known for. That's what I believe is gallery worthy work. So I've been frustrated about that, and stewing about it all morning.
I also had another conversation with Connie at the bookstore about my space there. I'm going there today to downsize a bit to make room for some of her things, and try to make use of the floor below, but basically I'll be pulling the beads out after the holiday season. Not sure what I'm gonna do with all of them. I could probably just plan to use them all myself, but since it seems I'm also in a bit of a sales rut jewelry wise, well. Hm. Another thing to add to the stewin'....
So sorry about the vent blog today, all. Hope your day is peacefully, blissfully, beadily better....
TTFN

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-10-05T08:41:00.000-04:00

When I was choosing the lampwork beads at Polkadots yesterday, I had a flash of an idea for using ALL of them together. Alas - it was a flash that didn't remain in my head long enough to evolve. So I am creating small but still fun things with them - so far, two bracelets, probably a pair of earrings, and a zipper charm or pendant with the onesie left overs. So here is what my bead table looked like BEFORE I sat down and started creating this morning....

Here's the Polkadots loot:

And this is the project I am getting ready to start:

Plus I still need to complete "Alaskan Moonlight". But first, I must finish my check in sheet of gallery pieces for tonights jury meeting, order post cards for my open house, and do some chores. All in a day's work....
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Pleasant surprises

2011-10-04T21:48:00.000-04:00

Two of them, actually. The first was finding out, after spending every other Monday plus road trip time with the WWB (Women Who Bead-I know, pretty original and hip, right?) bead group - that I SHARE my birthdate with one of them! And it's the one that I carpool with almost every time. I can't believe the subject never came up before! I knew there was a reason we liked hanging out together!
The second one was the practically instantaneous response I got from the art gallery I inquired at today. I've shown/sold there before, a couple years ago, when it was on a different street, and owned by a different person. I stopped in today to just scope it out, see what was what, etc. LOTS of jewelry. So much that I never expected to hear from them-I figured they'd just put me on a waiting list. So I was surprised to hear from them, asking me to set up a time for bringing in pieces for them to jury. So it looks pretty likely (I have a few questions for THEM before I sign another contract), that I will be in yet another location before the month is out. Which is probably just as well - because I'll probably be losing one of them, or at least a major portion of it, by years end. The owner of the bookstore (Coyote Wisdom) and I talked today about the fact that the beads I have there just haven't been selling or even been paid attention to as much as we thought they would be. We're both a little bummed about it - but we decided to give it another month - get through the class I have planned at the end of this month, and then downsize the beads significantly, and then after the holidays - just go back to jewelry only, on a much smaller scale. So still not quite sure what to do with all these beads. I'm hoping my holiday home open house/show/sale in November will put a big dent in the inventory I have left. And then there's my friend Sally's idea - she thinks a small boutique/bead store in the area that always seems to be sparse on their inventory MAY be interested in purchasing some of it. MAYBE. BIG BIG MAYBE. Still have to check out that possibility - I don't have a good gut vibe about it, so I'm still procrastinating on checking them out. I do, however, have a good gut feeling about my second go round at the Old Town gallery (now Great Lakes Artworks). We shall see come Friday when I go pick up my work.....
So here I go again, giving myself MORE responsibility, another place I have to commit to, another inventory of jewelry to keep track of. Why do I keep doing this to myself? Simply because if I don't have my name and my things out there, especially now that show season is done for me, I'll never sell any of these boxes and trays full of jewelry pieces. Now if I could just sell the beads, too.....I know, I know - website. It'll come one of these days. But once I get it set up, that means putting numerous items out there for sale, monitoring, updating, and completing sales requests. Does it sound like I've got time for all that? Not at the moment I don't.
Looking forward to a fun rest of the week - beautiful, warm, sunny days are expected through Sunday (what most people around here refer to as "Indian Summer" whatever that means), and a trip to Bead Bonanza - a bead show put on by and for Great Lakes Bead Guild members. Haven't gone in a couple years - I hope I don't get too carried away. ha. Ha. ha.
Check back tomorrow for Bead Table Wednesday....fun stuff on the table. I've got the snaps now that I needed for Alaskan Moonlight, so I just need to find time to finish it up. Somewhere. Somehow. Someway.
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Blue Monday

2011-10-03T09:51:00.000-04:00

And not just because my bead color of choice lately seems to be blue. Soon after posting my blog yesterday about the comments sections and the fact that many of us no longer seem able to do so, I made a comment on Facebook to one of those same people - a very innocent agreement with a statement she made. And the comment was deleted. Presumeably by her. So now I'm wondering - what could I have said or done to deserve to be deleted, and possibly even be blocked blog wise - by this person? We've done business together in the past, she even helped me with some website issues. I'm a very sensitive person when it comes to the aspect of people finding fault with me (less so than in the past, but it still stings sometimes), so I will probably wonder on it for a few days before I decide to just let it be. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be totally UN-caring of what people think about what I say or do or look like. I know people that are that way - blissfully so. But, I am what I am, and I deal as best I can. Somedays it's just harder than others....

Anyway - back to the 'blue jewelry' subject. I just finished these this morning:

Not an original idea, but not something that is being done to death around my area. I'll probably make a few pair, some oval, some round, maybe a pendant, and see how they go. I'm looking at getting back into an art gallery I was in a few years ago (new name/new owner, hopefully new energy), and these may work well there.

And THIS - is where I am with 'Alaskan Moonlight'. The close on this will be snaps, and I need to get them before I go much farther. Should be finishing it be the end of the week or so....photos of the completed piece coming, for sure. This one is Lansing Art Gallery bound.....

Peaceful beading everyone. Know that I love and appreciate ALL of my readers - and commenters...
TTFN

No comment

2011-10-02T15:38:00.000-04:00

I've been noticing it - and hearing alot about it lately: the fact that several people, including myself, seem to no longer be able to comment on the blogs. Not sure why - after all, putting the blog out there is only HALF the process - allowing comments and responding to comments a big part of it, too. If someone, ANYONE can tell us why this is all of a sudden happening, I'm sure many of us would love to hear. But in the meantime, here's my solution to that: I will share all my blog post links through Facebook. Hopefully most of you are Facebook friends so that you can make your comments to the post on the Facebook side. If not - I could use a few new friends! Just ask!
Speaking of friends - I think Bella and Zeus have made friends since her arrival, whether he wants to admit it or not! We'll often find them lying side by side, and they constantly tease each other for possession of the bones & toys. We're all gettin' along just fine....

Peaceful beading. Don't forget to go post your comment on Facebook!
TTFN

A pendant for the angels...

2011-09-30T08:32:00.000-04:00

Every once in awhile, I will get a custom request. I wish I would get them more - but somehow the ones I DO get seem to be quite special - for a wedding, or something specific. This one is no exception. This one came about with the request for an amulet type necklace that could be worn during ceremonies and rituals by one of the wonderful ladies of Coyote Wisdom. She works with angel energy, so wanted to be able to bring that to her ceremony work. She requested blue lace agate, selenite (which cannot be found in bead form), and clear quartz. Because I was unable to find the selenite, I substituted with moonstone, which gives the piece the same energy and affect. The above photo is the pendant portion, before it was completed with a simple strand of blue lace, quartz and more moonstone along each side. The clasp ended up being a simple lobster, because she was afraid of losing it - but the lobster is "held" by two beautiful angels to compliment those in the necklace. It has named itself "Angels on High".

Truly magical.
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

The hassles of growing older

2011-09-29T11:10:00.000-04:00

Or at least one of them - renewing my drivers license. I've been able to do so by mail for the last 3 or so years, and THAT is a convenience that I enjoy. But I've got to do it in person this time - need a new photo and to update the vision portion of the license. AKA I've gotten lots older and blinder since my last license! I'm hoping that by going to the branch in Mason, a much smaller town, in the middle of the afternoon, I can get in, get it over with, and get out FAST.
So as you may have guessed, that also means my birthday is approaching. In about two weeks. I used to enjoy having birthdays - fall is my favorite time of year, and the color is always peaking and making the day beautiful. BUT - now that I'm PAST the 5-0 point, well - they just seem to come and go. Hubby doesn't make a big deal (he probably wouldn't even if I wanted him to), and my mom's in Florida, so really, no cause for celebration. This year though - I think we're going to take a color tour. I was told that I would make some new contacts and find some new possibilities for my business by going on a trip by one of the newer psychics at the bookstore a few weeks ago, and she seems to be pretty spot on accurate much of the time. I also want to check out a bead store I heard about in Gaylord - which is a few hours north - the perfect place for leaf peeping. There's also a nice sporting goods store on the way (something for the hubby to do), and a Michigan micro-brewery restaurant that is quite popular. I think it's going to be a fun trip - as long as the weather cooperates.

Back on the bead and jewelry topic: I totally re-did my booth at The Grand-dale Shoppe yesterday. I added a new link photo on the right, but here's another one - should have used flash, but we did realize yesterday that even though the purple is perfect for me, it is a bit dark. So here's hoping sales are good enough to move to a larger, whiter booth in the future!

Peaceful beading everyone,
TTFN

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-09-28T08:50:00.000-04:00

Here are the photos I posted for the Flickr group "Bead Table Wednesday". If you haven't checked it out - it's just a fun way for beaders to see what other beaders are up to at the same point in time each week. Some post completed pieces, some post (and I think this was the original premise) exactly what their bead table looks like on that Wednesday. Here's mine:

'Alaskan Moonlight' is making progress. Still got a ways to go....

This is just a portion of the stash from Bead Haven last week. I was on a blue and green kick (peacocks, anyone?)

Who knows what will be on my table next week. I'll have a bit more free time after the once again harried weekend, because Mom and Dad leave on Saturday to return to their sunny Florida home. Don't want them to go, but go they must. Wednesdays have not only been Bead Table Wednesdays for me, but also Mom Wednesdays - we would almost always go to lunch and then either shop or run errands together, just spending mother/daughter time. Not sure she'll have the time today, with packing and prepping their Michigan home for the winter. So I just may have to wait until JUNE!
If you're still lucky enough to still have a Mom, give her some appreciation today - in person or by email or phone!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Parties....and posts

2011-09-27T23:32:00.000-04:00

Or should I say posts and parties, since my first babble begins with - why in the world all of a sudden it's become difficult, if not darn near impossible to post comments on Blogger and Wordpress blogs lately. I mean, part of the fun of blogging is getting feedback and comments from followers and readers and browsers of the web. I just tried to comment on MY OWN BLOG and had to try it three times! Come on, geeks - figure it out!
Ok. That being ranted - on with the parties! Thank you to Lorelei Eurto for helping me make the decision about having another open house for my jewelry this year. I'd been considering it now that I no longer have my shop, but after reading her blog today I think I'm gonna do it. The biggest chore - getting my house in OPEN HOUSE order. It's a little (ok, a lot) cluttered at the moment, and has way too much furniture in the room that I would want to use for the bulk of the display. The unique thing about my open house is that I will also include the rest of the left over BEADS from the shop that I haven't sold yet, besides, of course, my jewelry. Haven't run it past the hubby yet - I may wait a few weeks yet. I'm looking at the weekend before the firearm deer season opener in November, so a lot of the ladies will have some free time on their hands! I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of updates and venting in the next few weeks about this new adventure - so stop back soon! And check back tomorrow too - for my Bead Table Wednesday post. I've made some headway on the 'Alaskan Moonlight' cuff, but still have more to go. Hopeful that it, too, will be a Lansing Art Gallery Holiday Art Market offering....
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Now what?

2011-09-26T06:34:00.000-04:00

The last of the shows I had scheduled for this year are done. It was another so-so show, at that. So really, I'm not sure that doing shows is worth the hassle for me. Loading a vehicle, driving usually about 20 minutes one way to the show site, unloading and set up just about wear me out. Then comes the fun of reeling in the customers, and I'll tell ya - I am NOT the kind of person that can sell ice to an eskimo. I am a soft sell person - I greet, I tell them to feel free to browse, try on, and show them where the mirror is. Usually telling them just that much sends them running for cover. How do I get them to stay at the table? I refuse to hover - don't like it when people do it to me. I try to keep the table bright (sunny yellow table covers are about as bright as it gets), with flowers on the table, and a seasonal theme. And it's not like I haven't done this before. I KNOW how to design and layout a sales table. Apparently what I don't know how to do is SELL what's ON the table. I get compliments like "pretty things" "gorgeous work", etc, and I thank each and every one - but, and I know I sound like a broken record on this subject - compliments don't pay the bills!
I need to find another avenue, venue, WAY to sell my work and be acknowledged and compensated for it. I was given the idea of submitting a portfolio and formal letter to museum gift shops NATIONALLY, and I wil probably give it a shot, but from what I understand, many of them are going to want to buy wholesale. And really, I can't make a profit that way either. I've got to be able to sell what I know is GOOD, quality, detailed work somewhere, somehow, someway. Tried Etsy. Tried shows. Have things on consignment in THREE area shops (which sell sporadically), and at some point, I WILL have them for sale on my website. Guess it's a good thing that I myself like most of the items that I've made - because when worse comes to worse - I could be stuck WEARIN' em all!
Wish I knew the answer - but until then I'll just have to keep tryin' and BEADIN'. Not sure I'd know what to do with myself if I couldn't do that. I like to read books, and I still do go through about a book a week, and I love to do crossword puzzles, about a book of them a month, but nothing gives me same satisfaction, the same calmness, the same oneness with spirit that beading does. And so it goes....
Peaceful beading, everyone,
TTFN

And one to go....

2011-09-24T18:16:00.000-04:00

Today's Meridian Towship Heritage Festival show was, well, let's just say it was not a bust, but it wasn't really profitable either. I would have liked to have done better, but it was an absolutely gorgeous day, and sharing the booth space with two other crafty friends was really fun. Here's a peek at my side of the booth - the entire album of photos from the festival is posted on Facebook:

The set up was just a bit different for me - I did it so they could walk down either side of the table; I kinda liked it. Tomorrow it's back to the big, bulky picnic table set up again. Not as pretty, but I'll have way more space.

And now an update for you "Bella watchers": we finally had her spayed last week. All went well, she's doing fine - in fact, the nurses at the clinic loved her so much, they let her be office dog for a day! (Instead of caging her to monitor her, they let her have the run of the place). She's so spoiled. She's not at all happy about the accessory situation, however - the first night she cried, and cried and cried. Maybe if I add some sparklies and beads to it - then she'll want to show it off!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

New stash!

2011-09-22T08:58:00.000-04:00

That's just a teaser - cuz I don't have time to photograph all the newbies right now! But - I was a blue and green kick, which will ultimately make wonderful peacock jewels! Didn't have that in mind when I was running my fingers through the wonderful rainbows of beads while choosing them, but my mind was spinning this morning! If you EVER have the opportunity to visit Bead Haven, AND the surrounding town of Frankenmuth (home of Bronner's - world's largest Christmas store) - you are in for a treat. And SOO many new little shops in the River Place section! It took us ALL afternoon to visit them all. So, sorry, Gretchen - Purple Sage will have to wait until another time! We had a wonderful afternoon, the moms love spending time together, topped it off with yummy purchases from the fudge shoppe, and very little traffic issues for a change. Even the brief but crazy thundershower that trapped us in the pet accessories store didn't spoil our day. It came. It went. We had a great time!
Off to The Grand-dale Shoppe this morning. Dawn invited me to bring a project to work on between customers (sometimes the weekday morning shifts are a bit slow), so it should at least be productive!
Busy weekend coming up - TWO shows - Saturday and Sunday - both in the same park, but Saturday I am in an outdoor booth - so let's pray there's no rain, and the Meridian Township police officers have better things to do than ticket people for parking an inch or two in the wrong direction! Don't get me started -
Peaceful beading, enjoy the day,
TTFN

Bead Table Busy Wednesday

2011-09-21T09:48:00.000-04:00

I realized when I woke up this morning, that if I didn't do "Bead Table Wednesday" at the crack of dawn, I would miss it again. So photos done, Flickr photo posted, here is this weeks Bead Table Wednesday entry:

Won't get much more done on it today, though, because as it turns out - both Moms (mom and mother in law) are free and we're ROAD TRIPPIN'! Birch Run (outlet mall), lunch, and then Frankenmuth for a visit to the best bead store anywhere - Bead Haven (aka Bead HEAVEN). I am looking for something specific that they are liable to have, so it's not a just cuz trip. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! We're getting a later start than usual, and won't even get there until early afternoon (we usually start shopping before 11), and I'm sure lunch will be the first thing on the agenda. THEN, if there's time - it's on to Purple Sage bead store in Saginaw, which I just realized today is only about 20 minutes farther north and west. Not sure if we'll make it there- but I'm armed with maps, and my debit card.
Peaceful beading everyone,

TTFN

All done hoppin'!

2011-09-19T11:08:00.000-04:00

Finally made it through the rest of the blog hop entries this morning - and although I will give it two thumbs up - I think I'm only awarding three and a half stars. SOOOOO many participants that simply flaked out. Do they not have a calendar? The only ones that I felt had a good reason for not participating were the pair that had the shipping issues between Canada and Africa. If you can't get the post office to deliver the beads, then that's a legitimate excuse. But those of you that actually posted your excitement about receiving your beads, posted PHOTOS of the beads you received, and then, when Sept. 17th arrived, September 18th, and then the 19th, and STILL no photos of your finished work? Twenty lashes with a beaded noodle. My favorite excuse - my dog ate my beadwork.
I'm still stickin' with my favorite as Eva Sherman, but there were several others that were worthy as well. And of course, anything with seed beads will draw me to it in a red hot minute.
All in all - I think everyone provided a vast difference in creative pieces. From SOUP - to nuts.
Looking forward to giving it a whirl myself come February.
Hoping to be at the bead table most of today. Errands first (after I get dressed-I love PJ blogging!), including mailing that stupid, idiotic parking ticket from the market on Saturday. Apparently the township, after the entire summer has gone by, decided that several of us were parking illegally - on a Saturday. When their offices aren't even open. We're sure it's all about the politics, and the anti-market movement by the big box grocers, and believe me - they heard about it. It will be interesting to see what happens THIS coming Saturday - when the parking will be threefold it's normal crazy - not only will it be Farmer's Market, but Art Market and Heritage Festival as well - I'll be participating, and I'll be sure to let anyone coming by my booth where NOT to park - and hope they can move fast enough to avoid the hassle.
Bah. What a way to start a rainy Monday.
Peaceful beading, everyone...
TTFN

Bead Soup is truly revealing

2011-09-18T10:31:00.000-04:00

and not in a good way in many cases. I just posted this comment on Facebook, and I'll repeat it here - and yes, a few people will probably be angry with me. Deal. If you KNOW you are too busy with school (you and/or your kids), work, sporting events, and other daily life dramas - don't sign up for a project with a deadline that you know damn well you won't meet. It's rude and it's unfair to the other participants. If you can't take it seriously, make it a priority to meet the deadline, and have something truly creative to show for it - SIT THIS ONE OUT! I'm only on Bead Soup pair number 95, and I've already come across about TEN participants that either just plain didn't post, or made lots and lots of excuses with reasons that they should have known would keep them from the task. Next time, either know you have the time - or let someone else play.
Just sayin'.
And now for the other side of that coin - my favorite so far.....Eva Sherman. THE most original use of both focal AND clasp that I have ever seen. Done professionally. Photographed professionally. Go to Eva Sherman to see what I mean. NOW THAT is GOURMET soup!
Ok. On with my day. Let's try this Feng Shui class thing one more time. And of course - another gorgeous day outside. Bah.
Happy peaceful beading,
TTFN

Bead Soup Reveal Day

2011-09-17T08:55:00.000-04:00

Today is the day that I THOUGHT I'd be revealing something really cool and different - a piece of jewelry/art created with things sent to me by another bead artist - as part of a 'blog hop' swap. Alas....things happened, and I was accidentally left out of the soup. And now that I've started visiting all the blogs of people that participated - a whopping 362!- I think that they really could have used a little 'Sheryl spice'! Seriously - I have decided that I am going to be somewhat of an unofficial critic, if you will, of the pieces being revealed this time around. I'm only about 30 partners in so far - and nearly HALF of them have not even posted their pieces yet! Now, granted, they may be in a different time zone, so I'm cuttin' 'em some slack at the present time. I've even given my list of participants a color coded system of which ones I like (name shaded in hot pink), which ones I dislike (shaded in baby shit yellow) and which ones I think didn't even try to be creative (plain old dull boring grey). I'm sorry - but plopping A bead on a head pin and putting it on a ball chain and adding a fancy clasp IS NOT CREATIVE. It's a cop out. Especially for something like a blog hop. Something that YOU signed up for. Something you claimed you were willing to do. I've been on a couple of the blogs already where people are making excuses for not having their piece done yet. Wha. Wha. Cry me a river. You signed up and your responsibility is to complete it. I also noticed that there was a participant that got to choose TWO swappers - so, why, then, wasn't I given the option of being given one of those people when they discovered I was left out?
On the other hand - I have already coded THREE blog participants in that bright hot pink because THEY have got what it takes! They put thought into their beautiful work, had a nice post to go along with it, and a beautiful piece of jewelry to cherish for a long time to come. I have only just begun to visit the blogs - but am thinking I may 'award' the winner of my own little critics party with a special blog link here when I'm all done.
I realize that if anyone in the hop is actually even reading this blog that they'll probably be upset with me, and I guess - oh, well. I hope when I go back to some of those blogs that have so far been non-participants, that they will truly have something creative and beautiful to reveal. I myself am still hoping to get in on this bead soup blog party the next time around - so I should probably be keeping my mouth shut. OH WELL! Not something I do easily these days. It was all I could do not to approach the driver of the blue Cadillac that cut me off yesterday (it coincentally went the same place I went) and ask them what made them so superior. I'm just in that kind of mood this week. Could have had something to do with the full moon phase we're coming out of!
So back to soup, girls. It's an interesting mix of creativity - that's my critique of what I've seen so far....one thumb up, and the other is twitchin' to join it! Don't let it down!
TTFN

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-09-14T11:41:00.000-04:00

Two projects on the table - one JUST started, without a plan or a name, and one with just the pieces and parts gathered-which will start as earrings, and may expand into more pieces from there, and if it turns out - will also be a class/kit thing. Note that both include my absolute favorite Swarovski color - Crystal Golden Shadow, and Golden Rain seed beads. I am addicted to those for some reason....
Gonna be a busy day. Meeting with a custom order customer, and then getting ready to attend a country music concert WITH MY PARENTS tonight! YEEEE-HA!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Getting what we're worth

2011-09-12T14:32:00.000-04:00

I hate to sound like a broken record, because this subject has been broached by many people in the last few months, but since it just came up in conversation with a 'student' of beading, I thought it might be worth the blog bites again....
Be sure when you are pricing your jewelry, that you are including what you are worth (the time you put into it) into the price structure.
I found it interesting that this particular student of beading, whom I've gotten to know over the past 14 months or so, has completely changed her tune in that regard. Finally. She was hell bent on selling her work at shows, any show, no matter what the cost. She would sometimes sell a necklace with $20 worth of beads, and another $10 worth of work into it, for a mere $8 or $9. She always felt it was better to sell than have it for the next show, or the one after that, or the one after that. I think she's finally seen the error of her ways. She has also, though, decided to give up on shows until she has 'mastered' the art of beading. I don't know if that's necessary, I think she just needs to find the right market - but at least she's finally getting that this is a serious business, and that what we do, and the time we put into it, the gas we use to drive the car to the shows, and the set up, etc., is all WORTH something. And if the work is good (hers is getting there) it should reflect that.
Now, on the flip side of that - I've seen some very lousy work lately that had price tags on them that were way higher than I would spend on something so shoddy - but if they too are using that mentality, combined with paying retail for their beads, then the price may reflect that. BUT - I think there needs to be a level of professionalism to the work too. Etsy is a great example of some really crappy work with really hefty price tags, but I've seen it at some of the craft shows, too.
So tomorrow begins my venture as a regular tutor for Sally - probably every other week to start. If she's gonna do it, and wants to be serious about doing it, then she wants to do it right. We'll see how it goes....
And last but not least - here is "Crone's Garden". Another of my fancy schmancy Face of the Goddess pieces that no one else seems to appreciate. I love her - so she may be mine:

TATA!

Ups and downs

2011-09-11T15:09:00.000-04:00

I thought this blog post would be angrier. And I'm still a bit miffed, I guess you could say, but because I AT LEAST got a call back and an apology, it seems just a bit softened somehow....
My student for the 2 week intensive Feng Shui class that started today - WAS A NO SHOW! Now, come on - you just signed up for it on Thursday. The least you could do is get the date(s) right. I was throroughly and completely PISSED at first, especially since I've been rushing for two days to complete it so that I could present it with the professional air in which I intended. And then to have them just not show up. Urgh. So I called the number she left at the desk, and of course - her business number. But after waiting another 15 minutes or so, she did call and apologize, and explained that she thought it started NEXT week. So we'll be doing an even more intensive, longer session next Sunday, as doing it two weeks in a row now does not work with my schedule. But ya know? Come on. It says on the bulletin board, on the dry erase board, on the website and in the scheduling book TWO WEEKS beginning September 11th. That's TODAY, lady. Still not happy that someone that turns out is a realtor cannot keep a simple two hour class schedule straight. My gut tells me that she didn't forget - that she just decided it was too nice a day to spend indoors. Which was why I scheduled it as a two hour TWO WEEK thing - so that we wouldn't have to waste an entire end of summer afternoon in a stuffy classroom. My second gut feeling is that she does it to me again next week, or out and out cancels. And since the owner of the store where I'm teaching the class doesn't like to ask for deposits, I'm out of luck. Double urgh. I WILL be calling this student with a reminder mid-week. I, at least, am responsible for my actions....
So anyway, the UP side is that I have an entire sunny Sunday afternoon all to myself. My husband figured since I was going to be gone most of the afternoon, that he'd go fishing. So - BEAD TIME!
But first - peach pie with whipped topping and a big ole' glass of milk!
Peaceful beading everyone,
TTFN

Freebie and the bead!

2011-09-10T08:56:00.000-04:00

Freebies are always fun! Head over to "Creative Chaos and enter her great giveaway. And then, just for fun, scroll down to her THURSDAY post about her 'ghostly bead encounter'. Spooky!
Not much time for beading today - between finishing prep for the Feng Shui class I didn't think was going to happen TOMORROW, and working all day at the bookstore today, I think the beads will have to wait until Monday. I have this yen to start a new project and let the beads speak to me for awhile - another embroidery project that just flows and flows. But with class prep X2, and other obligations, I may not be able to just 'go with the flow' as soon as I want.
Enjoy your day - where ever you may be, and don't forget to head over to Skye's blog!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

On my plate today.....

2011-09-08T08:39:00.000-04:00

Pancakes, errands, and of course, beads. I did manage to get all of the birthstone bracelets finished, and a sample 'family' bracelet (similar to a Mother's bracelet but also with parents' birthstones) for The Grand-dale Shoppe. I just have to write up the blurb for custom ordering, as well as one for my in-person custom design party on December 3rd. And as I was working on those, I decided why not give them the option of EARRINGS? So those are on my agenda for today. But first....
Pancakes. And then.....errands. Video store. Library. Post Office. All those little stops that have you getting in and out of the car for a minute, that can be kind of wearing after about 4 times. Ugh.
And then for dessert - when all is said and done - my book club meeting. And I THINK we are meeting at a restaurant for Sandy's birthday tonight. Not sure where yet - probably should get busy messaging them to coordinate the time and place.
So what's on your plate for today?
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Creative juices overflowing

2011-09-07T13:17:00.000-04:00

Is there such a thing as being TOO creative? I've got sooooooo many ideas for designs, and classes, and make and take projects in my head that some of them I fear will be lost in the shuffle. I guess those of you that have 'picked a niche' and stuck with it probably have it much easier! I've got 3 different shops where I sell my jewelry, as well beads at two of those-keeping it fresh and keeping track is a big chore. Two of those will also be the sites of BIG classes in the next few months, neither of which I am ready for. I have a tray FULL of beads and findings all matched and coordinated for projects that I've had in mind - some of them for months! And NOW - after my shift at Grand-dale yesterday, I have an idea for a custom order/make it-take it sort of thing that I want to have IN the shoppe, along with the marketing blurb, by the end of the week. Dawn (the owner of the shoppe) also gave me a cute unique idea for something new and completely different, which will have me checking the craft stores for pricing and availability of all the items I need in the very near future. Then I work at the new exhibit opening for the Lansing Art Gallery on Friday evening, and the book store ALL DAY Saturday. So book club & store, Mom time, hubby time, gallery time, and then TWO more shows before the end of the month. Do you see ME time OR BREATHE time anywhere in there? Me neither.
On top of all that, we just returned from meeting and greeting our new financial adviser guy, and having to take the time to go over accounts and dollars and numbers, oh my. Never fun - but usually necessary. I am hoping to have the afternoon to work on the Grand-dale project, and finish a few repairs. HOPING being the operative word.
Here's HOPING you all have peaceful beading,
TTFN

Countdown

2011-09-04T16:57:00.000-04:00

No beads in the blog today, unless you count the lament that once my mom leaves - in less than a month - to return to her home in Florida, who is gonna purchase my jewelry on a regular enough basis to keep me in gas and Biggby lattes? Sometimes she'll special order something that I'll mail down, and she'll send a check in return, but that's nothing compared to the frequent visits and seeing the items in person, that result in loving - and buying - the most recent thing I made! I could starve! I could - gulp, even worse - go Biggby-less! I need to find a surrogate 'mom' for those 6 months that loves and buys my stuff as much as she does!
And - because they'll be leaving soon - my parents decided to treat my husband and I to a nice dinner out today - RED LOBSTER. And even in a town several miles away, so that we'd have more time to chat in the car on the way there and back. Not that my mom and I don't do that on a regular basis anyway, but I don't think either of them have seen Terry for more than an hour total all summer long. They are always here when he's either working - or fishing. And as we were eating and enjoying each other's company, we decided that tomorrow we'll be getting together, too - just the 4 of us, for a little Labor Day picnic that will consist of helping them clean out their fridge. So a sort of leftovers picnic. I will, of course, take my requisite deviled eggs, and maybe something else as well.

So the countdown has begun until the snowbirds fly away home. I still haven't quite figured out how and IF I will make the journey down there this year. I want to - the area where they live is quite nice, and as I've blogged before, have plenty of opportunities for me to sell my things, and maybe TEACH. But I have to get there first. Without flying. Nose wiggling ala Bewitched? That would be nice.....
And as far as no beads in the blog - I changed my mind. I DO have a completed piece - and the next project piece - to show you:

This one is 'Trefoil'. Much more simple and understated than I originally planned. But I just liked how it looked at this stage, so I called it done.

And this one is a ring - a work in progress that consists of a cool filigree cupped flower. I'll be doing my usual fringey flowery stuff around the middle - photo when done!
TTFN

Left brained - or RIGHT brained?

2011-09-01T23:02:00.000-04:00

I was given the inkling of an idea tonight, and one I would like some input on from any LEFT HANDED beaders out there reading: I am considering putting together tips, tricks, projects and patterns in a beading book SPECIFICALLY for LEFT HANDED beaders. I've discovered a few things that need to be done differently along my beading journey, some adjustments that needed to be made, some frustrations that I have yet to overcome - and a wonderful friend thought I might 'have something there'. So any input from other lefties out there would be greatly appreciated - name credit will be given for tips and tricks! Not sure how long it will take to put together, and then I need to go about finding an actual publisher. My last two books were self published, which was fun, but not a viable option for a book that I want to have seen by the public, or to have show up in stores. Don't have the first clue actually, so I'll be researching that option as well. If you have an input on the publishing end, that part would be welcomed as well....
This is still in the thinkin' stage - left brained or right, only time will tell....
Peaceful beading, both lefties and righties...
TTFN

Next thing you know....snow

2011-09-01T10:20:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's September. That's only WEEKS away from snow in this neck of the woods. And I feel I've been cheated out of half the summer by the heat and onslaught of mosquitos that our ONE good weekend of rain brought. We went practically the entire month of July with NO rain, and triple digits temps - which meant indoors and air conditioning. Then the rain and the mosquitos came, and it's been more indoor activities still. Thank goodness for the beads. I've read a lot of books this summer, too. Some ebooks, some actual real books. But I've missed my usual daily deck visits - normally I can go sit with my fountain, and my flowers, and the hummingbird in the early morning, while the traffic out front is still at a minimum. Unfortunately, mosquitos have no sense of time, and are therefore invading my space 24/7. We DID buy a propane repellant device, and it does work once it's warmed up, but only if you sit still within about 2 yards of the thing. I can't wander the path. I can't hug my walnut tree. I want my summer back, dang it!
Another sad bit of news - I heard through a fellow Michigan Facebook friend of TWO more bead store closings - one an actual brick and mortar to the south of me a bit, and one an online venue. It IS a demanding job, and I suppose only the strong (and the big box) will survive. I have hopes of being a part of a shop again someday, but it is going to have to be truly unique, and probably with a partner that I trust implicitly - so that I don't have to be on site everyday. Because you burn out. No matter how much you love it. Trust me.
Busy day today. Mom and I are off to Coyote, and lunch, and then inevitably, unfortunately - Walmart. Another big box I try to avoid - but admittedly DO find good deals at occassionally. We're counting down the days now before she returns to Florida for the winter - she and my Dad leave on Oct. 1. And since we'll be skipping our usual mother/daughter day next week due to my soon to be crazy schedule, we're going to have to start making it quality time.
TTFN dear readers - I appreciate you all so much! Give me a shout and tell me what you'd like to see more of in my blogs - beads, dogs, or just plain LIFE!

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-08-31T10:52:00.000-04:00

Here's what's on my bead table today: completing earrings to go with "Inspired" - more pieces to add to the peacock theme.

Mad about beads

2011-08-30T22:10:00.000-04:00

My great niece Madison (aka Madi, Mads, and Mad) spent the day with me - BEADING. I promised her at the beginning of the summer that we'd have a craft day. Little did I know that she's been plotting and planning about it all summer long! She has decided that she and 11 of her friends are going to have a sale (along with lemonade) down on the street corner, selling jewelry and raising money for hungry children in Africa. So funny! So she designed, and strung, and ended up with 2 necklaces (one she strung, one on chain that she designed and I put together) and 4 bracelets - mostly memory wire. She also went back home to Holland with about 1/2 dozen pieces of already made items that I'd had around awhile. She sure is a good little marketing person. She managed to talk me into contributing to her 'cause'. Keep in mind - she's NINE.
I hope she's able to actually raise the money (she is serious about this - her mom (my niece) has the details on a fund to send the $$ to). But if not, she's got enough jewelry for birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, and teachers gifts for a couple of years! We had fun together - just Mads and I - and topped it off with a trip to McDonalds - which was a big deal for her without all her siblings (there are 4 more-all younger).
She really, really wants to learn the seed bead weaving, but I'm not sure she's quite ready for those little beads and a needle and thread yet. She was so intent on stringing her necklace with size 11's in a particular 4 color pattern, that when she finished, she proclaimed she was never doing THAT again! I have a feeling she'll forget she said that the next time she sees one of my seed bead woven pieces.
See you back here again tomorrow for Bead Table Wednesday - I managed to work on my own project a bit while she was stringing - so I've got a new project just waiting for it's BTW debut!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

COOL bead giveaway!

2011-08-29T16:52:00.000-04:00

Click the link below for a fun bead giveaway. Earthenwood beads are some of my favorites to work with - I'm hoping I win!

http://laurelmoon.blogspot.com/2011/08/earthenwood-giveaway.html

I'll be posting again tomorrow and hope to have photos of my date with my great niece Madison. She and I are going to make bracelets and play with beads. She's EIGHT. Wish me luck!
Don't forget to head to the Laurel Moon site for your chance to win some Earthwood delights!
TTFN

Another Market, another dollar

2011-08-28T17:30:00.000-04:00

Which is to say that's about ALL I made on the market today. In fact, since I BOUGHT a nice little zippered bag for my tools from the booth next door - I'm probably $5.00 in the hole. You just never know with these shows from one time to the next who, what and WHY they'll buy. LAST month's market brought in almost $250 in the first hour of the show. Crazy. Still got one more OFFICIAL show to do in September, but dang it, I am NOT ready to throw in the towel. My husband is just adamant that doing any more shows is, in his words "a waste of time - you make no money". But I won't make any money if I just STOP doing shows altogether either. I had talked myself out of Haslett, as well as the outdoor day next month at Meridian, but if I can get someone to share their tent space with me - I just may do it to spite him.
I'm trying to have a better outlook about not making any money at shows, which doesn't really help me pay the bills - but I SO love what I do, and I enjoy talking to people about it, even if they don't ultimately end up buying. I'm not sure I can keep the positive outlook going, but can a complete wash out of a show happen every single time? I am almost curious enough to try and find out! I got a lot of compliments on my table display today - and even the bees thought my flowers were real!

So here's to a successful show NEXT month! I may even be able to do TWO! Take THAT, hubby dear.
Enjoy whatever life brings you....
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Peacocks to be proud of

2011-08-27T20:09:00.000-04:00

SOOOOO happy with how these turned out. I was glad to have the 'power' beading session tonight - hubby's gone fishin', and it's blissfully beadily quiet - or as quiet as it can be with my country station CRANKED! It seemed to give me the energy boost I needed to get these finished for tomorrow's art market. I DO plan to create another piece or two - but will need more of the PERFECT shade of 'peacock' feather- navy lined amber size 15's from Artbeads. And they just happen to be O-U-T. Hopefully they'll have more soon! I'm also thinking a pair of earrings are needed to match the white peacock piece from a few weeks ago. PLUS I have two other peacock related projects drawn, with thoughts noted. Lately when something comes into my head, I've been at least jotting notes. My memory just ain't what it used to be, but somehow my creative ideas are still JUICY! Loving that I have a counter on my site now - I have more people reading than I thought - YAY! Stop and say hey once in awhile! And leave me YOUR blog address - if I'm not already reading it (trust me, I've got a list of favorites that is 51 blogs long, and I try to hit them all at least once every couple days) I'll check it out!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

The price of (not so) fine dining

2011-08-26T19:34:00.000-04:00

Is there a Boston Market in your area? If you haven't been in awhile - you're in for sticker shock. Wow. We could have eaten at Applebee's and spent about the same, and had better ambiance. Sure, they bring you your meal on actual dinner ware now, and let you leave the plates for them to clean up - but did they have to raise the prices so dang high just to do it? I honestly didn't mind the throw away containers, or cleaning up after myself. I suppose that real dinner ware is GREENER, and for that I give them kudos, but almost 8 bucks for cold chicken that I have to cut apart, and sides that are getting blander and blander with every visit. Not to mention the puny little corn bread - it's like 1/2 the size it used to be! This was definitely a 5 visit on a scale of 1 to 10. Not sure we'll go back very soon - so many other places are more fun for the same price!
Think I'm going to copy and paste that little rant review and hit their website. I'm in a mood - and someone's gonna hear about it!

Read or bead?

2011-08-25T22:44:00.000-04:00

That's been the question lately. I find myself soaking in the written word much this week - nothing significant, nothing deep, just good, well written mysteries. I'm on the third book since Sunday - so I'm averaging one book about every day and a half. I do that sometimes. The best of the lot was actually a TRUE story of intrigue, and very interesting - called "Winged Obsession" - about the FBI and Fish and Wildlife departments' pursuit AND capture of the worlds most famous BUTTERFLY smuggler. Who knew that there was such a huge market for this? And who knew how horrifying the destruction of the butterfly species really is. And how they go about getting those beautiful winged bugs into those boxes that so many collectors covet. It was a very good read. I also threw in one of James Patterson's newest, am almost finished with a Nook novel, and then Ill move on to the actual book version of the newest Lisa Jackson. And somehow - amidst all the mystery and suspense, I have found a little time to bead. I've got a couple of new earring designs to perfect, and am working on some peacock designs - since they're sooooo hot right now! Looking forward to having my DAY to myself tomorrow, as hubby's hours have been switched for a few days again.
Back to my suspense and a spoonful of chocolate fudge sauce from the jar in the fridge. It's the day before groceries - and we're getting a little lean on the essentials - like CHOCOLATE!
Peaceful beading - and reading,
TTFN

Gallery Inventory

2011-08-24T17:04:00.000-04:00

Here are the pieces that I just took today. And I brought home printed brochures with MY name in them! So it's official! How exciting to be teaching a class at The Lansing Art Gallery this winter. There are also several pieces still there that have been displayed for awhile - like the Vinery line, with it's grape clusters and vintage lucite leaves, my favorite 'face' piece - Island Dreamer, as well as the statement making Petoskey Pride. Lots of big events coming up too - a new exhibit will be arriving with the kick off open house being Friday, September 9th. I'll be working the gallery that evening - it would be great to have a few familiar faces in the crowd. There are always refreshments, and this time there's even a jazz band! FUN!

Looking forward to a fun time - but boy, did THAT turn into another busy week - my only free day from Labor Day to Sunday will be Thursday, the 8th. I may have to turn off, tune out and veg for a day. WHEW!
Off to bead....
TTFN

Ready, Set - Babble!

2011-08-24T12:14:00.000-04:00

I've been noticing other bloggers post changes a lot lately. As in - not so much about the bead, but just about STUFF. And I'd been trying hard not to do that - only babbling a little about non bead stuff, instead of a lot. But then I found myself keeping a second place to write - a virtual journal, for stuff that I needed to vent about, shout about, babble about and just plain talk about that I didn't think anyone would necessarily be interested in. But jeez. I'm seeing a huge amount of my usual beady bloggers doing just that. So I'll probably start babbling more - instead of less. Lucky you! I could probably write more today - about things that have been happening, and what I'm hoping for in the next week or so, but I'm waiting for the imminent arrival of my mom, so that we can have lunch, and visit The Lansing Art Gallery today. She's late. Not like her. I'm sure something came up - an important phone call, or the 'porch guy' finally showed up. Don't you hate that? You hire someone that has been recommended as a good worker, and they seem to just work on their own schedule - any one elses' plans be damned. Sometimes I think it's worth paying more just for better FASTER service.
So there. I DID manage to babble about nothing today! And mom's still not here!
Hope to do some beading later - kind of at one of those points where I've got lots of project ideas, with dribs and drabs of things pulled together that will PART of a project, but haven't got a plan in mind for any of them. I did play around with a possible new RAW earring embellishment yesterday, but will want to play with it a little more (and write it down!) before I decide to share it. YAY! SHE"S HERE!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Stump the Expert

2011-08-23T09:46:00.000-04:00

After 20 years, and countless hours of hands on beading, I consider myself an expert in the field. I know every stitch, pretty much every technique and can master just about any 4 bead level project (difficult). And I can teach pretty much all of them too. EXCEPT for BEAD CROCHET. I just CANNOT get those little suckers to do what they're supposed to do to form a nice, uniform rope. I thought maybe some of the girls at group last night could give me some tips, and I thought for sure that one of those tips would inevitably help me. NOT. I just cannot seem to grasp it. Literally. Hanging on to the thread properly, pushing those beads into position, and actually forming a stitch seem beyond my comprehension.  We all agree that being a lefty has something to do with it. So I guess that's just one of those things that I won't master. I will continue with my first love - embellishment - and leave it at that. Why let it stress me out? I don't want to start to hate what gives me passion. So I'm not going to push it. Is there a stitch or technique that you haven't been able to master? I'd love to hear about it - just so I know I'm not alone!
Today I will be preparing new inventory (many of the pieces you see in the slideshow above!) for The Lansing Art Gallery. Some of the pieces that are still being displayed have been there since February - so it's time to switch them out. The things I take tomorrow will be included in the Holiday Art Market as well, so I want them to be fresh, and up to date. Unless they sell before then of course!  And since switching out pieces means bringing home some things, that will give me some 'new' inventory for the Meridian Art Market on Sunday.  I think this is the last one for me, since the September one is an outdoor affair. I think I'm going to rethink and downsize the clearance, and add a fall/Halloween piece or two.  If you are a crafter in any form, you know that THIS is the time of year that people start looking for those holiday items. I'm ready!
Better get started - I'm burnin' daylight!  It's starting to get dark earlier and earlier every day, which means the seasons they are a changin'. And while autumn IS my favorite time of year (and when birthday falls), it's just one season away from the dreaded WINTER.
Peaceful, comfy beading everyone,
TTFN

Changes

2011-08-21T11:53:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you noticed right away! I've made a few updates to the page, including the slideshow of some of my latest creations at the top. I still want to change the background, add some fun new gadgets, but for now, and since Mercury is still all wonky, I will settle for figuring out and changing what I did!
Not sure what's on our 'plate' for today. I know a trip to the library is in order, and possibly out to my parents summer place. They've got company coming later in the form of an aunt and uncle that we don't see much - so we just may need to stop and say hey. I would love to sit and bead, but since this is the last official day of my hubby's vacation, he may have other plans. And that's ok, too. Yesterday was sort of a wing it day, starting out with our beloved Farmers Market - which is dangerous when we don't actually NEED things- because then we're tempted by yummy things we don't need. We got our usual sweet corn, string beans (that were yummy steamed with garlic and salt), a huge canteloupe, potatoes fresh dug that day, as well as the goodies that I can't resist from Samia's Deli - the lemon bars that are to die for, the cherry chocolate bars (equally delish), snickerdoodle cookies from the Amish farm booth, and of course - cuz the smell gets ya in the parking lot - kettle corn! We were very, very bad - and it's all very very good! Next stop was to a second farmers market - but for a different reason. They were having their annual ART market yesterday, and it was one that I considered doing. I wanted to see the turn out, the vendors, and what they were offering. Boy. Am I glad I didn't participate. Just 5 tents - nothing in the form of REAL art, but rather handing out literature, a tie dye booth for kids, a singer (how this is art for sale - unless he had CD's - I don't know), and metal lawn art that was very crude. SOOOOOO glad I skipped that one. But I grabbed a frozen latte, walked around a bit, sampled some lotions, smelled the smells, and enjoyed it. Then for a bit of something different, a bit macabre for some, (but something we used to do regularly when we were dating), we went to walk one of the local cemeteries. My husband is on a geneology kick, and wanted to find the headstone for his grandfather, a war veteran, as well as other family members that may have been buried nearby. Well, we walked, and searched, and explored, and never did find it, but we DID find the beautiful headstone and site of MY aunt and uncle, who both passed away last year, but their children chose to have a PRIVATE graveside service. So no one in the family knew where their gravesite was. This is a very important find for my Mom, for whom geneology is also a huge thing. Combine that surprise find with the deer we stopped to watch meandering through, it wasn't a complete loss. We came home, relaxed, and enjoyed the sounds of a thunderstorm, not severe, but calming and cleansing, despite the fact that it just helped bring the mosquito population to a new high. Oh well.
If I haven't said so lately - Thank You so much for reading my blog - now that I've added a counter, I'll at least know you've all been here, and that means a lot! I know I can 'babble', hence the reason for name of the blog, and don't always have anything exciting to say, but I do occasionally bring something important to the blog world, and for that reason I shall continue....
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Got my toes in the sand

2011-08-20T08:53:00.000-04:00

life is good today.

"...only worry's when the tide's gonna reach my chair..." (thanks, Zac Brown band)

The view from the boardwalk to the beach

Hubby and the kids (the one on the far right isn't ours - he just wanted to make friends!)

Bella was askin' if she could go back again tomorrow!
We all had such a great time at Kruse Park Dog Beach in Muskegon. Beautiful PERFECT day for the beach. It's a long haul from the parking lot to the beach, and there's no bathroom handy, but otherwise - the path, the boardwalk and beach are beautifully maintained and clean. We discovered that the drive was about 1/2 the time we thought - just over 1 1/2 hours, so we plan to visit again - at LEAST one more time this summer. I got the much needed sand and sun time that I needed, and my hubby got a relaxing time with all of us (something his work hours don't allow often). After a few hours at the beach, we headed north to Ludington, where the salmon should be just about ready to run. Terry wanted to check and see, so that he and his cousin could plan their yearly mecca. Stopped for ice cream, and then took the scenic route to Clare - where' Jays Sporting Goods awaited. Not so fun for me, although their gift and women's section is getting larger. Unfortunately for both of us, Jay's is mostly a dream store. We browsed for about 1/2 hour, and then continued on our journey home. We stopped at Little Caesars for a quick hot and ready pizza (they even still had supremes!) and came home, ate and crashed. The dogs went immediately to bed on their own, lol, I was sleeping before 11 - and I KNOW Terry probably was too.
So if you are in Michigan, or visit Michigan and you have fur kids - check out Kruse Park Dog Beach. You won't be disappointed. And the views are spectacular!
I posted about 40 more photos on FB if you're pals....
Peaceful sunny beading,
TTFN

Fairy Path

2011-08-19T09:31:00.000-04:00

You got a sneak peek of the beads for "Fairy Path" the other day during Bead Table Wednesday. At the time - it had no name, and no 'path'. This photo is the result.
As I may have mentioned, I received the focal and many of the larger accent beads, as well as some vintage silver rectangles, from Lori Anderson. She felt really bad for omitting me from this round of the Bead Soup Blog Hop, and sent them to me as a gift. At the time, I had no idea that a plan would form for them so soon. I was planning to add it to my growing tray of tobe's. (TO BE done). But - the fairies around this house wanted a path, dang it - so here it is....and although I did wear it to my book group last night, I think this one's destined as my next POWER piece at The Lansing Art Gallery.

Not sure what my next project will be - I have a pretty butterfly wing focal that I got from Bead Bohemia in Farmington on the last road trip - I've had that out a couple of times. I also need to concentrate on pulling together all the bits and pieces, pieces and parts for my Spirit Mandala workshop at the end of October. I think I already have several people signed up for that - and once they see the actual mandala that I'm getting ready to display, I may end up having to split it into TWO classes. Not a bad problem to have!

I also need to sit down and work on the Frilly Ring class instructions and kits for my gig at the gallery. It's not until December, but I need to start figuring out how many color combos, and making sure I have all the right sizes of beads, enough thread, etc. So I guess I'll have enough to keep me busy over the next few months, not to mention the next Art Market or two (the second one is up in the air until the director decides indoor or outdoor), a two week Feng Shui workshop coming up NEXT MONTH (luckily, I already have that workshop DONE), and a possible trip to Florida before December. I think I'm glad I've had this last week off! I may not get one of those again. Today we are off to do something new, something exciting and something we've been wanting to do for a few years - we are taking the dogs to a dog BEACH on Lake Michigan. It's probably about a 2 1/2 hour trip (with dry dogs there and WET dogs back. ick). Haven't even SEEN the beach or Lake Michigan in a couple years, and boy, do I miss it. I am hoping that it's not busy, and an easy walk, and easy to control the pooches so that I can sit, read, soak up some rays, and dip my toes at my leisure. We have no idea what to expect - but it IS a beautiful day out there. And away we go....
Peaceful sunny beading everyone,
TTFN

A blog full of awesome - whether they like it or not

2011-08-17T21:57:00.000-04:00

Well, I guess there won't be an announcement about a fun new adventure. For the second time in a month, I have been passed over (and this time not forgotten - just plain passed over) for a position in the bead world that could have finally FINALLY (can I write that word any bigger? yes I can - FINALLY!) made people sit up and take notice, not to mention bringing in some $ for my work. But no. NO. NO. I am so disappointed - so ANGRY right now, that I can't stop the tears. Is it the fact that I have admitted that I'm still a nobody after trying for 20 years?   Is that I am too confident that I AM GOOD at what I do? What does it take to get in on some of these opportunities being offered by some of the prime designers in the bead world? I have a feeling I know.    It will be interesting to see the names that will be associated with this particular opportunity. My guess is they'll be a lot of the same names we already see out there in the world. The ones that already have a leg up, and a foot in the door. And it is so disappointing. So I won't be putting my name in any more 'hats', applying for any more recognition, sending in any more inquiries or submitting any more projects. I have heard the message loud and clear from the powers that BEAD. To you, I am no one. Hear me squeak.
I guess the one bright spot in my world right now, and the one that I will have to concentrate on, because it's the only spark of recognition that I am liable to get - is that The Lansing Art Gallery here locally (where I've been selling my work semi-successfully for nearly a year) have asked me to teach a beading class this winter.   I guess I'll just have to keep shining my light from under the bushel - and keeping the home fires burning instead.
I wish the gallery where I applied for the opportunity, and all those that are involved with them the best of luck.  To those of you that ARE a part of that organization: I don't know what it was that made you pass on me, but you don't know what you're missing. My work is awesome. Too bad you decided you didn't want awesome. There won't be a next time.
TTFN

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-08-17T10:26:00.000-04:00

No name for this one yet - but it's seriously 'fern'y. Inspired by the beautifully packaged beads that Lori Anderson sent me as a gift for having forgotten to include me in the Blog Hop!, they consist of this beautiful green lampwork bead, some vintage leaves (my favorite!), and yes, PURPLE accents! And she says she didn't know how much I love working with these colors. Not quite sure where my head is going with it all yet, but my heart says Lori's the best!
Back to the table, my beady friends...
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Should have known

2011-08-16T10:40:00.000-04:00

When I sat down at this laptop about an hour ago, I had big plans! I was going to totally overhaul this blog! I was going to start fresh, renew, give it new life, and get crazy with a new template.
Well. As the title states - I should have known that it wouldn't be that simple. I have been attempting to download a really cool new template, without success. And why should I have known? Mercury Retrograde, of course.
So here I blog, with the same template, and the same photos - but I won't give up. I will probably just wait until Mercury is done with it's wonky orbit, and then try again. Besides, by then I may have some exciting news about a new adventure in beading. No more details yet. Don't wanna jinx it!
So peaceful beading once again,
TTFN

Creative Cookery

2011-08-14T16:55:00.000-04:00

I miss cooking. I was sort of getting in a rut with it, doing it night after night - but now that I only get to actually cook a full course meal (sometimes with dessert) one or two days every couple weeks because of Terry's schedule - I got jiggy with it! lol
We weren't able to cook out today - Mother Nature had other plans, so I had to come up with something else that I had on hand. I had alfredo sauce, some imitation crab meat, a can of tomatoes, and some other veggies AND CHEESE. And VOILA! Crab Alfredo Goulash was born:
1 small onion, chopped
1 can sliced mushrooms
1 pkg. flake or chunk imitation crab meat
1 large can diced tomatoes, drained
1 small jar alfredo sauce
sprinkle of oregano
dash of paprika
1 C. mozzarella cheese (optional)
Macaroni
In a large saucepan, saute chopped onion and mushrooms in olive oil until onions transparent. Add drained tomatoes and alfredo sauce. Stir well. Add spices, and the crab meat, bring to a boil, cover and simmer.
Bring water for macaroni to a boil. Add macaroni, cook and stir til done; drain. Not sure how much I used - just enough to stir in to crab mixture when drained. Mix well. You can either simmer a few minutes, and then serve - or add the 1 C. mozzarella and cover until melted in. It. Was. YUMMO. A little lighter than regular goulash, not quite as spicy. You wouldn't need to add the paprika either, if you wanted it more alfredo-ish. Sorry I don't have more exact measurements for this - I don't usually use actual measurements. I just throw it in until it looks and tastes good!
I served this with baked carrots (baked in onion soup mix and water, worchestershire sauce and honey), and garlic toast. We've got peach cobbler too (not my recipe) but we're too full to eat it now!
I wish I had a photo of my concoction. Didn't realize I was going to want to share until it had been chowed!
Peaceful rainy Sunday,
TTFN

My world is filled with....

2011-08-11T21:52:00.000-04:00

Beads, dogs and . They are EVERYWHERE. Every trip outdoors for the dogs consists of a new swarm of the little varmints coming in. I swear they've colonized and are attempting to assimilate us. Resistance is futile. Almost. They don't seem to be immune from the red menace (aka the fly swatter). It's our only line of defense.
On a happy note: The Lansing Art Gallery has ok'd my proposal to TEACH a beading class this winter! They had never offered adult classes in the past (they gear the learning experiences more toward children), but are offering some new and different options this term. THIS is what I'll be offering:

I hope to have it available in 3 or 4 color themes, so I need to get busy and put together PROFESSIONAL kits. The class is going to be held at the gallery on Wednesday evening, December 7th. You can be sure I'll be posting updates and reminders right up to last minute - or til it's sold OUT! Wouldn't that be a kick?

What else has been happening?

I'm also preparing some classes at Coyote - A two week Feng Shui workshop, and THIS:

"Spirit Mandala". This one is at the end of October, so I've got some time. The completed one for this workshop will probably be a bit smaller than the original (which will be displayed at Coyote starting next week) just because of the time restraints of the workshop. I've always wanted to do this in workshop form. Should be fun. I also put in a shift at The Grand-dale Shoppe today. Still haven't sold anything from my booth

but we're hopeful! As soon as the Labor Day holiday is over (can you believe it's just a few weeks away?) and the kids are back in school (can you believe THAT is only a few weeks away as well?) - we expect the shoppers to be out ready to start checking things off those holiday lists. I spent a couple of hours today rearranging not my booth - but some of the consignment and gift shoppe booths and items. Dawn knows that I enjoy 'decorating', so she let me go wild. I hope they were ok with it. I guess I'll find out next time I'm there - they could just change it all over again! lol I don't think they will, though. It's not something they enjoy. I am paying the price this evening though - don't usually get that kind of strenuous activity for so many hours at a time. My back and my knees my never forgive me. As long as my swattin' elbow is still in working order...
Peaceful BUZZ FREE beading for all this week,
TTFN

Left out

2011-08-10T14:11:00.000-04:00

Of the soup, that is. Somehow I've been overlooked for the next Bead Soup Blog Party, so I guess I won't be participating after all. So bummed. I thought it sounded like fun.
Oh well. Since I have TWO classes to plan for, a mini vacation, a holiday, and a wedding all in that time, it's probably just as well.

Anyway - here's what Bella and I have been working on this week, for BTW and more!(she lies nearby everytime I'm at my bead table-she likes to come and inspect my work once in awhile):

Bead Table Wednesday 8/10

Peaceful beading on this gorgeous summer day,

TTFN

BTW - maybe later!

2011-08-03T09:07:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. I haven't been participating in BTW lately. (For all you non-beady readers - that's Bead Table Wednesday). My Wednesdays are busy in the summer - either spending the day exploring and doing lunch with my Mom (who's a snowbird here from Florida), or working at the bookstore. Either way - there's no time - or beads - on the table on most Wednesdays. But......since I'll have an early day today (done at 2pm), I MAY just have time to bead AND post about it later. I'll have to hop over to the Flickr site and see what everyone else has been up to on Wednesdays in the meantime.
Off I go for coffee with a wonderful friend before my shift at the bookstore.
TTFN!

Pure Peacock

2011-08-01T21:54:00.000-04:00

Yep. Decided that's the name:

Eyelash yarn is so fun to work with! I wanted to use real feathers, but couldn't quite find what I wanted, plus the yarn actually had stitches for me to baste from. It is the exact vision I had the minute I purchased the pendant. Just took awhile to bring it all together. I think this is going to be an Art Gallery Holiday Market piece. It is a bit festive and fun all at the same time.
TTFN

PARTY TIME!

2011-08-01T13:55:00.000-04:00

Bead Soup Blog Party that is! I've decided to join in the fun for the next round - registration only lasts until Wednesday the 3rd if you want to hop in the soup too! I've added a link to the right to make it easy - I'll be posting a photo of the items I receive when the time comes, and then my blog will become a part of the HOP on the BIG DAY of the party! It's kinda scary - will I be able to get everything together to mail to my partner, and then put something that they send ME together in time?- but kind of exciting (all those people viewing my blog! and having my name OUT THERE!) at the same time. But it's too late now. Mercury is Retrograde, and it's not to be undone.
I should have a photo of the peacock piece (I thought the name would be Pure Peacock, but now not so sure) by tonight or tomorrow. I had planned to take an entire week OFF to rest, read, BEAD, and do a little Virgo Mercury Retrograde cleaning. HAH. Spirit says NOT. Tomorrow and Wednesday are now filled with commitments, as well as a portion of Thursday as well. Try try again next week.....but since I'm trying to make the most of the time that I DO have this week, I should probably stop blogging and get busy!
Peaceful, cool beading everyone...
TTFN

There's manifesting...and then there's reality

2011-07-31T09:21:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to hear about Heather Powers' bead retreat that is happening practically right here in my own backyard (only about 2 hours drive away) - I told myself that I WOULD manifest the registration fee -And I DID!
But then......reality sunk in (or should I say snuck in). I realized that there was rent to pay at two different venues, gas that needed to be put in the car, dogs that needed dog food lest they begin feasting on us, and on and on and on. So my manifested retreat money is pretty much gone - for all those things that life throws at you on a regular basis. I saw on Facebook that there are just 3 spaces left. I won't have another show again until the end of this month - so - if I am supposed to go to this retreat, the space will still be available when I again have money. Time is drawing near, and it's sounds like loads of fun - but if it is to be - it will be.
And for those of you on Bella watch - she has pretty much settled into our family. She got finicky about the food she insisted on eating when she first came here (she insisted on having what Zeus was having), and stopped eating for a few days, which concerned us, and the vet. But we changed to another kind again - and now she's fine. Brat. So besides being spoiled rotten, she is just the sweetest, cutest, best mannered dog ever, and we are thankful that she came to us. I guess maybe we used up all our manifesting powers on bringing her! LOL
Off to spend the day on the west side of our great state with my husbands side of the family - again. Second time this month! Our nephew and his family (including two children we've never met) are here from Alabama. He shares his birthday today with that of his dad (my husbands brother) and is just a day from my mother in law's - so it's a welcome home/birthday bash - and it is a gorgeous day! We take country roads all the way there for the most part, staying off the highway and enjoying the countryside. The flooding and rains of last week may put a few detours in our path though. So it is going to be an adventure!
Peaceful beading, all - hope to have photos to post of my latest work - Pure Peacock - during my week off next week.
TTFN

Oddness.....but success!

2011-07-25T07:51:00.000-04:00

Finally. A successful show! And oddly enough - until the show was almost over - I never sold one single clearance item. So did having the clearance items intice them to look at other things? Or was it the fact that there were 1/2 the jewelry vendors there than usually attend-so they had fewer choices? All I know is - the weather was cooler, the people were out - and they were ready to part with some green!
I wish I had a phone with a camera, though, because again I would have liked a photo of my table, but have to remember to physically TAKE the camera with me (which I didn't). Maybe that's one of the things I'll do with my newly gained loot. But then again, I really, REALLY want to attend Heather Powers' retreat in South Haven in September. And I DID actually manifest the EXACT amount needed to pay for it, too. However, with other expenses and obligations looming, I won't be able to use it all for that. I'm wondering though, if I can just reserve a space with a deposit - so I'll be contacting Heather soon about that. The problem with that is not knowing yet about how NEXT month will go. And I'm afraid if I make the commitment, that I'll worry too much about NOT manifesting it again. Kinda want to see how I'm doing at Grand-dale first(I work my first shift tomorrow), and will definitely need to pay rent at Coyote next month too. So I am going to try not to part with it all (over $200) too quickly, but I DO feel a trip to the LBS coming on! Ruh-roh. :0D
Peaceful beading everyone,
TTFN

Ponderings....

2011-07-21T20:51:00.000-04:00

I've been giving a lot of thought lately to the whole "charge what you're worth" concept when it comes to jewelry pieces. Ever since the blog that I and some others posted about a few weeks ago, I've been really thinking about it. And I put myself on the OTHER side of that equation. I put myself in the shoppers shoes. I also looked at it from the point of view of a bead SHOPPER and not seller. And realized that I enjoy low prices, good deals, great steals, and SALES as much as the next beader. Not having to pay sales tax is a HUGE perk, as well as buying wholesale compared to retail. So when it comes to creating, and pricing jewelry, is it really so wrong to downprice every now and again? I tried selling the piece for the price that I took the time to figure out - the supplies, the design, the work involved, etc. And after a month, a year, and some even longer - many of my pieces are still here. So now what? Just keep letting it sit in a box, awaiting the perfect opportunity to sell at the price I originally chose for the piece, or mark it down, do some strategic marketing, tagging and have some fun having a sale! I know I love finding sales, so why shouldn't I have one now and then? When I had my store, my best months sales wise were those when I had at least 20% off of most if not all items in the store. People like sales. I LOVE sales. They look for the best price, and shop for quality. So do I. And as far as my jewelry goes - I have quality, and I have decided to try to share that quality with those that can enjoy it - granted at a price that may not have been what I originally put into it. I'm sorry if that will make a few people upset with me. It's not a permanent thing. It's a weekend, one show (maybe two show MAX) CLEARANCE sale. I want people to enjoy my work - and hopefully come back for more - that won't necessarily need to be on sale for them to buy it.
At least that's how it works in my ponderings....
TTFN

Annoyed

2011-07-21T18:12:00.000-04:00

By many things today - probably the heat that I've been trying to stay out of - but the thing that's irkin' me right now is that I responded to someone's blog this morning with correct information regarding something that they were blogging about, and THEY DELETED MY COMMENT! So you'd rather mis-inform your readers?
And it was someone that I have blogged with, and have even been featured by in the past, so I know she knows who I am. I wasn't mean or nasty in my comment - just informing about something that was mentioned - something that as a bead store owner, I learned was the right thing to do - disclose the fact that "Cherry Quartz" beads aren't really quartz, for one.
A little disappointed that this happened, but I will move on. Is it any wonder that I don't comment much to blogs anymore, and rarely get any comments to my own in return - but I don't think, unless someone was being maliciously mean and nasty, or using foul language, that I would remove a post.
Second annoying thing - but still too early to be completely exasperated - try finding WHITE peacock feathers. I know white peacocks are rare, but you'd think that SOMEONE would have them. Granted, I've only tried a couple places - but I may have to resort to working in the regular ones - which I found in abundance! Our city zoo has a white peacock, but I'm sure I wouldn't be allowed to just take a feather IF I got lucky enough to find one, and if the gift shop has them - they are probably way beyond my budget. Oh well...still working on that one....
Getting ready to start a busy 5 days of stuff - CoyoteX2, Art Market, Bead Group, and Grand-dale. In that order. Art Market is still iffy though - not sure I want to SIT in the 90+ degree heat, and I doubt that customers would venture out into it. Maybe if we were indoors - but just being under the roof of the pavilion isn't going to help much with heat, or wind. Exactly why, after this month, I am swearing off SHOWS.
Peaceful COOL beading everyone -
TTFN

No news is good news

2011-07-19T07:51:00.000-04:00

I realize I haven't posted in a week, but in this case, it's simply because there's not a whole lot going on. I'm beading, and reading, and staying out of the heat. More of the same for the next few days, while also preparing and getting things together for another Art Market on Sunday. Only this one will be a bit different. I am biting the beaded bullet, and doing what many, many, many beaders (including myself) rale against - dropping my prices. SORT OF. I decided, that along with my newer, exciting, detailed, priced accordingly pieces, that I would have a clearance sale of many of the pieces that have been around for ages. And it was still hard to decide. Truthfully, I ended up with a drawer FULL of pieces that I would prefer to take apart or redesign to selling for a song. But there were some. So I'll give it a try. And I'm going for simple this time - although filling a 10 foot table gives me a bit more room than normal. Not sure if the sale will even work - with the fact that the temps will be in the 90's still - there simply may not be enough customers to make it worth while. But this is do or die. Although I've paid for two more shows at this venue, this will my last if I don't do well. I've already cancelled the last one in September, as she failed to mention in the initial paperwork that we would be outdoors (in late September), and need to come up with our own tables, tent, etc. NOW you tell me. And I've cancelled the other two events that I had signed up for too - I simply don't DO outdoors. And after this year, I don't DO shows indoors either. Selling at Coyote, Grand-dale and the art gallery, (and maybe one other if I get up the gumption to look) will have to be enough. Me and shows just don't get along....
So did I mention I've been beading? :0D lol In my last post, I showed you a photo of my "Lady Love" bracelet named Bella. I made a second one, in turquoise, beige and coral. It was named Connie, for the owner of Coyote Wisdom, a lover of the southwest. I decided to show it to her before I photographed it - which I should never do. Because she bought it on the spot! So no photo. I'll make another eventually, but I decided to take a break from those (not too long, lest I forget what I did), to make these:

LOVE the little beaded dragonfly on the pink one "Summer Serenade". Don't hate me, but that was a happy accident. I was simply attempting to add a few leaves and tendrils, and before I knew it, it resembled a dragonfly. Just had to add a wing or two - and VOILA. So cute. The Blue one? The blue one (All that Jazz) is MINE! The pink one is for sale (I'll figure out the shopping cart on my website one of these days) for $125.00.
Wow, for not having a busy week - that was quite the blog post!
Peaceful, COOL beading, everyone,
TTFN
P.S. THIS is pretty much all we can get the dogs to do this week - heat indexes in the 100's - so inside in the air conditioning. What a lazy....

GRAND plans....

2011-07-12T17:40:00.000-04:00

I'm IN! I moved a nice display of beads and jewelry into The Grand-dale Shoppe today! I love that she just happened to have a booth painted the EXACT color purple that I use in my marketing. I love that ALL of the hooks, shelving, greenery and display items were ALL in one place in the mess that is my boxes of store items in the basement. I LOVE that I was able to manifest the $$ needed to take care of the rent right away. Everything is just working out perfectly for that shoppe - so I'm thinking that's a good sign! I left at about 2, and Dawn said there were already shoppers before 4! WHAHOO!
My other GRAND plan - I succeeded in coming up with an original TILA bead design. I've seen the various projects just coming out in the mags, and have been getting a few new colors of them every now and then, but just wasn't finding any of the new projects appealing. I just wanted to do something original. And without even planning it, TADA! Just happened to have TILA's, 11's, and 2 colors of 15's with me in all coordinating colors last night at bead group. I dumped out the TILA's intending to use them as accents for something completely different. Then I poured out the 15's - side by side - and an idea began to form.
I've decided to call this the LADY LOVE series - each color combo and different kit/pattern will be named after a special 'lady' in my life - starting with BELLA:

Pretty cool, huh? A few of the girls at bead group thought I should submit it to a magazine, but I think I'll keep this for teaching and selling my own kits and patterns. Once the magazines get their hands on the 'rights' - I can no longer call it my own. Kinda takes all the fun right out of it!
I had also hoped I'd be giving you the details after my interview with Pat at Crafty Retailer last week - but she still hasn't posted the finished product. Hopefully soon.
Peaceful beading, everyone. It's been a wonderfully beady summer so far....
TTFN

I'm a lover, not a fighter

2011-07-08T10:17:00.000-04:00

That's why it hurts my heart every time someone that chooses to remain anonymous, or that doesn't know me from Adam, decided to be mean and hurtful in response to one of my comments or posts.
I started this 'rant' on Facebook, but I feel that I have so much more to say on the subject. I've been told that I shouldn't be so hurt by things that people I don't know say to me, but I am an emotional being. I have feelings. That can be hurt by anyone. Especially since I RARELY consciously or deliberately direct mean and evil comment directly AT someone myself - chicky from the market a few weeks ago being an exception! (And seriously - I still didn't make my comments directly ABOUT her). Everyone says 'toughen up' 'develop a thicker skin'. Maybe. But if we ALL go around not caring what people say, not caring what WE say, and spewing hateful words - isn't that going to be just an overload of negative energy? Isn't that emotion that I feel, that many of us feel, what makes us WHO we are? I know a lot of my emotion and feelings come through my work, and it's a part of my creativity. So do we want to live in a world where there's no creativity? What is most poetry, if not emotion? What are many fiction books based upon but the emotion and feelings of the writer? Emotion adds character - and makes people interesting.
Now, I know I've had my moments of negative energy, many of you have read here how down I can get about my show situation (or lack thereof), but I don't usually stay there long. I don't usually go around hating and spreading negative energy everywhere I go. The people that surround me daily won't let me. I'm guessing that many of these 'haters' are simply unhappy with life, and are trying to spread that particular brand of 'love' so they'll have someone to commiserate with. You know the old saying "Misery loves company". Well, no thanks. I'd rather be a lover than a fighter any day. And I bet most of you would too. I'm just sayin'......
Peaceful beading, love to all,
TTFN

I'm a STAH!

2011-07-07T14:40:00.000-04:00

In my own mind, at least! lol. No, seriously - I was just interviewed by Pat Riesenburger of the "Crafty Retailer" blog! She'll be posting her interview with me, along with a photo of my "Ladybug's Realm (The Exhibition)" necklace sometime in the next week. It was a very interesting conversation. It seems that there is a trend and turn of how beads are being sold all across the country, and that brick and mortar stores are playing less and less of a part in how we do our business. Teaching, and offering kits, as well as Internet sales are becoming more important, and it seems that, despite the changes, most of us that do this - sell beads and do our beading, do it because it reaches into our SOUL. It gives us solace, peace, and a sense of accomplishment like nothing else. And I thought it was just me!
So I'll be sure to post the link both here and on Facebook as soon as she lets me know it's being posted!
I've found a few hours today and tomorrow to sit and enjoy my beads for awhile, and surprisingly, even with all the other things I've got going on in my life, I've actually got a new project idea in my head - so peaceful beading everyone - off to the bead table I go!
TTFN

Big Changes!

2011-07-06T20:40:00.000-04:00

In a good way! Although I've decided NOT to participate in 3 of the shows I had scheduled this summer, things are looking UP!
I've decided to lease some space inside a very nice, upscale consignment and crafters shop in the little village of Dimondale - called The Grand-dale Shoppe. Very nice people, cute little shop, and it sounds like it will be a good fit for not only my jewelry - but she's agreed to let me try to sell beads too. Starting small - just a half booth to start, but it's painted EXACTLY the same color purple that I use in my business marketing.
I had planned to wait until August to decide to whether or not to rent there, and to see if I could come up with the amount we agreed upon. But because of the generosity of a friend who is made of awesomeness and believes in me as an artist and designer, I was able to do that TODAY. So I'll start moving it in next week! Whew! Another manic month....
I also had a fun afternoon in the form of an impromptu 'we just feel like beading' date with a few of the bead group girls - we were JUDY free tonight! We beaded for awhile, and then all went to dinner. It's nice to have friends to do things with again. And for a change - I'm the baby of the group. We still find plenty to talk about and bead ideas to share, and that's what it's all about; that, and the Hokey Pokey, of course!
For you Bella 'watchers' -she's been in heat for the last three weeks, and so we've been kept on our toes keeping the boy dog away. Finally, today, I believe we've arrived on the other side. They can manage to be in the same room with each other without acting crazy, and making me crazy too. In fact - I found them like this this morning:

Aw. They do play pretty well together too - we've just had to make sure it didn't get carried away into MORE than play!  Next stop - VET! And another fun Bella fact that we discovered this week - we finally found out her birthday - Jan 14 - the same day as my BFF!  We're already planning a puppy party for Tracy's dog (also a girl), Bella, Tracy and I - tiaras, and cake and all kinds of girly stuff!  So silly - but fun!
More details about my GRAND adventure - and Bella updates coming soon, too, so stay tuned!  Check out the website for The Shoppe if you have time - it's really quite quaint.
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Am I Blue?

2011-07-05T08:34:00.000-04:00

Yep. And turquoise, too. This bangle matches perfectly the colors in the dress for my nephew's wedding on the 16th. I am hoping I'll get a photo of myself IN the dress that day, we'll have to see.
Off to enjoy yet another day with Mom. I will be looking into renting some space inside a gift boutique for a few months - still not sure I want to go that route, but I know the owner, and I love her little shop. More details for SURE if I decide to do that. But on a sadder related note - I had to cancel the last three shows that I had planned for this summer, simply because they were all outdoors. I just can't handle a canopy on my own, nor do I want to trust Mother Nature. It's just been too unpredictable. And with the way shows have been going this year already - I just couldn't stand stressing out about how I was going to manage.
So now I'm not stressing - just trying to find another angle. Cross your fingers.
Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend - can't believe it's JULY already! Where do the days go?
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

4th Festivities!

2011-07-04T13:07:00.000-04:00

Whatever kind of celebration this day may bring for you - Independence Day, Monday, or a whatever day - I hope it's a happy, healthy, and safe one. Besides the obvious fireworks display, here are just a couple of my more patriotic themed pieces. ENJOY!
TTFN

Pretty

2011-07-02T08:56:00.000-04:00

If you are ever in a creative 'rut', yet you still want to bead, sometimes it's nice to have someone else's creativity to fall back on - in the form of one of the MANY free patterns out there in the bead world. This one is from Bead Infinitum, where there are many VERY COOL kits and patterns to choose from. They also have a designer gallery, where they ask a certain number of beading experts around the world to use their patterns to expand upon and create different variations for a short time each year. My friend Sharon Erwine has been one of those design experts for the last few months - you'll have to go to Bead Infinitums' Designer Gallery to check out all of her project variations.
So anyway - the bracelet above is the "Crystal Bangle" which actually called for 174 4mm round Swarovski's! WOW! While I'm sure that the crystal version will sparkle way more than mine, I decided to go the inexpensive route, and substituted size 8 seed beads for the crystals. I still think it's pretty. I then decided that I have to have one of these to wear with my new outfit for the upcoming wedding, so I'm doing one in blues and aquas that is with size 6 seed beads for the fillers. IT is even prettier. Photo when done, for sure! This bangle is a free pattern that Gwen and Florence offer, and is quick and easy. Just what I needed when I've got so many other things to think about, and dogs to mind, especially in the summer heat.
Off the farmers market while it's still cool, I think, and then (hopefully) a quiet afternoon of beading - and reading. Those 7 day library books keep me on my toes!
TTFN

The reason for the sneezin'

2011-07-01T15:17:00.000-04:00

Ok. So I'm not a master gardener. I know what the most popular plants, both perennial and annual, look like, especially the ones I like the most. But there are some I don't. And all of a sudden, while sitting on the deck feeling my lungs congest and my nose fill and the sneezing start, I realized that SOMETHING growing amongst my flowers, ground cover, raspberry bushes and trees was, as Newman would say: a "VILE WEED". And I think it may be Ragweed. Which explains so much about the coughing and congestion and the wheezing in BOTH OF US right now.
I know. I should probably know what ALL the common weeds are. But I don't. And the previous owners of this home informed us that they had a landscaper that specialized in 'natural plantings' come and put some things around the perimeter of the yard just the year before. Finally this year, much of what they planted - a ground cover type of violets, Dames Rocket, Trumpet Vine, Raspberry bushes, and more - are all maturing. (I pulled the wild strawberry though -that stuff was EVERYWHERE). And I think they may have put some ragweed in there too - intentionally or unintentionally, we'll probably never know. But now that I know that that big leafed plant with big spiky purple tufts is probably what's makin' me so miserable - OFF WITH IT'S HEAD! and leaves, and roots and anything else to keep it from returning.
And speaking of maturing: check these babies out:

This was about a week ago. Today they're plump, purple and ready. Raspberry Crisp, here we come!
It feels so good to grow your own food. And this is just about the only thing we can grow, thanks to our big Black Walnut tree. But I love it's shade, and it's the neighborhood home for wayward squirrels, so no amount of tree cutters cards left at the door, and old lady neighbor complaints is gonna make me get rid of my tree. It's going to take an act of Mother Nature for that tree to come down. Cancel. Cancel. Cancel.
Hopefully my next blog post will return to beading. My own natural knack for creativity seems to have flown the coop again, but I've found a free pattern for a cute and quick bangle bracelet that I'm making. One done. One to go. And maybe more if the mood strikes me. Sometimes it nice to have someone else's creativity to fall back on when I want to bead, but just can't make my own brain create. Thanks, Bead Infinitum....
Happy holiday weekend everyone - whatever one it may be for you.
TTFN

Garden Mysteries revealed

2011-06-29T11:23:00.000-04:00

I planted a packet of seeds this spring called "Scatter Garden". It didn't really even say on the label exactly what would bloom from those little seeds. This week, the Scatter Garden is finally starting to reveal itself:

More to come.....
Spending the day with Mom - all of a sudden realized that I don't have a THING to wear to the wedding coming up in three weeks!
ttfn

Re-couped

2011-06-27T23:56:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the wonderful girls in the bead group, I've got funds again. At least enough to pay a bill or two. I decided to take a few (ok, 5 1/2) trays of beads to sell with me to group tonight. I just explained that I'd had a bad weekend as far as sales, that I didn't expect them to buy, no pressure, just look if you want, and that everything was 50% off the price marked. It worked! Some bought, some didn't. They all asked me to do it again in a few weeks. OK! And to think I couldn't get any of these ladies to buy from me when I had the store. Of course - I'm sure it was the 50% off price that lured them, but still. I can at least pay rent to Connie now. Providing I haven't made that much this month. I may have. I haven't been there very much, and I know I've sold a few things - but I doubt that I will have sold enough to pay my rent. We'll find out tomorrow....
Anyway, I thanked them all for contributing to 'the Sheryl fund'. They were happy to help!
I've already starting working with a little bit of Saturday's stash - trying to work some silk ribbon in with some chain, Vintaj brass and verdigree stained findings, and a great PURPLE (of course) dragonfly focal. It's not quite going like I'd hoped - I think I need more Vintaj!
Hopefully some photos tomorrow.... Working at Coyote, and then probably a free outdoor concert afterward. Should be a beautiful day. Visually, mentally, physically and spiritually.
TTFN

RE-foiled

2011-06-26T17:55:00.000-04:00

As far as shows go, anyway. Another bust. ONE $15 sale does not a good show make. I just don't get it. I greet everyone that walks up to the table, I smile, I'm wearing bright clothing, even though I didn't have a camera to take pictures of my table to show you - in my opinion, it kicked ass! So why didn't I? Seriously. This is getting ridiculous. I've come to the conclusion that it is just impossible to make a living selling beads and beaded jewelry. I'm not looking forward AT ALL into trying to find an actual job in the working world, but I think I'm going to have to hang up the bead crimpers. I've tried 2 different websites, having my own store, doing shows, selling on Etsy, selling on consignment. I just can't sell my stuff. Not unless I am willing to sell an $80 or $100 piece for less than $10. And I just don't think I can do it. At least not yet. I am considering having a clearance tray IF I decide to do another show (not sure I even want to do another one), and I'm gonna take a tub of beads to bead group tomorrow night and let them have them at clearance prices if they want. BUT - since we all just went on that buying trip yesterday, my guess is they aren't going to have the funds for it either....
Honestly, as much as I agree with the post about pricing your worth into your pieces, I'm starting to understand why some people may consider selling on Heartsy or at clearance prices. I've got a HUGE inventory (because I love to create) that just keeps getting bigger and bigger because apparently I am the ONLY one that appreciates my creativity. OOH's and AAAH's don't pay the bills! Once again, the beaded jewelry vendor that copies all of her jewelry out of books and magazines and sells them AT COST was the big winner, winner chicken dinner today. I just can't compete with that.
So peaceful SUCCESSFUL beading everyone - if I can't be, I hope you are....
TTFN

UNfoiled!

2011-06-25T21:15:00.000-04:00

I took a chance - and won! I felt really crappy when I got in the car and drove the few blocks to Catherine's this morning, but figured if I was just riding, and there were other passengers, I could sit quiet, not have to talk much, and just enjoy the day. Well - I ended up talking (as well as I could, anyway), way more than I planned, and although I did spend some time resting in the van while the others shopped, I felt much, much better before mid-afternoon, and was able to mostly enjoy the day. I think we all had fun - but I don't like that there are so many of us that we can't all go in one car. It's hard to talk to everyone, and see what everyone purchases.
We really squeezed in the bead shops - Munro Crafts, Too Cute Beads (the neatest, tidiest most organized bead store I've ever been in, including my own!), Bead Bohemia (as cool as it's name), and in between an excellent Italian meal, and a funky, boho hippy chic art market called The Rustbelt. Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studios has a very cool booth there full of steampunk, key charms, lots of clay lovelies, and silk ribbons to finish it all. I'm excited to play with my purchases - I will probably do 'stash' photos from all 4 stores throughout the week - I don't even know which one to start with first!
Wish me luck tomorrow. The first of 4 Crafters' Marketplace (or Art Markets) at the Central Park Pavilion in Okemos. I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Packing the Jeep will be a 3 or 4 trip (tops) thang in the morning - and off I'll go.
Hope I get more sleep tonight. I'm feeling better, but very tired. I think Ibuprofen and a dog or two to cuddle is in order....
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Foiled

2011-06-25T05:56:00.000-04:00

As in plans. Maybe. I thought this dang cold/virus thing was close to gone, even going out into the world and running errands yesterday. That may have been my mistake. Because something has now settled in my throat, and although I haven't had a chance to actually speak to anyone - I have a feeling nothing more than a squeek is going to come out. yay. I still have time to decide whether I want to chance joining the girls today, for two reasons: 1. I don't want them to catch what I have and 2. I don't know if this is going to progressively get worse throughout the day. And I don't even want to think about tomorrow. It's very possible that I am going to have to skip the Art Market. Not sure what the Universe is trying to tell me by beating me down when I most desperately need to be UP - but there's not much I can do. I am allergic to many (most) cold meds, especially anything with an antihistimine. I can't just 'pop a pill' like most people. I just have to stay calm, and ride it out.
So you may see me here again later today. Because I may have nothing else to do. Rats.
TTFN
'

Books, Books and more books

2011-06-24T08:40:00.000-04:00

Did you know.....that I self published TWO books?

Beading Zen....Finding yourself among your Beads is chock full of tips I've learned along the way, as well as information on beading from a metaphysical point of view - semi precious stones, use of Chakras, Goddess inspiration, and nature's influence, to name a few. This was a labor of love that took over a year. No one even knew I was doing it except for Connie, the owner of Coyote Wisdom where I'm currently working and selling beads. She proof read the chapters, and gave me suggestions and encouragement when needed. I just knew I wanted to do it, something was telling me I HAD to do it, so it was mostly for ME. Finding a way to publish it was the hardest part. Using Blurb was simple - they supply the FREE software with options for many different layouts, but unfortunately, getting the book noticed when done this way is practically impossible. I have a few copies - both hard cover and soft cover that I had put away, but have begun taking it to the shows again this year. Even if it's just a conversation piece - it's getting noticed.
Then, because creating Beading Zen was so much fun, just a few months later, I chose to do My Life in Beads

which is more of a photo journal, and something that I used as a portfolio for awhile. It, too, was more for ME, and contains photos of some of my favorite pieces, along with beautiful quotes, song lyrics and sayings I love. The feeling of accomplishment was so great after doing these, that I have a THIRD book in the planning stages - with actual projects this time - but would like to find a different way to publish. It will happen, when the time is right.
And one more thing about those books - almost ALL of the photography for these books was done by my sister in law, Holly Mayes of Photos from the Heart photography. At the time she was just getting started, and hadn't really worked with this medium before. She is now a professional photographer in the area, specializing in some of the most unique and beautiful wedding photography I've ever seen. Proud of you, girl!
So anyway, that's my little horn toot for today-for me, and for Holly! I'm feeling much better, my head is clearer, and I may even be able to go out into the world today. Actually I HAVE to go out into the world today to pick up a few things and head to the credit union before Sunday's Art Market. I went through my previous inventory yesterday, pulled some things out, added some things in, and am once again ready to roll. Now if I can just remember where I put those dang earring case keys....
Peaceful beading everyone! I'll blog again after my road trip with the bead girls (all 4 Judy's are going) to bead shops in the Detroit area, and the Art Market on Sunday. WISH ME LUCK!
TTFN

Book, Museum and Runway

2011-06-23T22:39:00.000-04:00

If you read my last blog post then you read the mention about having one of my pieces worn on 'the runway'. It occurred to me that at the point that all that happened, it was PREBLOG, so not very many people are or were even aware of my very first 'brush with fame'.
One of my pieces was chosen from a call for artists to appear in a beautiful inspiration 'coffee table' book called "Bead Dazzled: Where Beads and Inspiration Meet" by Penni Diamonte of BeadDazzled in Maryland.

"Turquoise Dream" was sent to Maryland, modeled on an actual person for the book, and then placed on exhibit for a museum gallery opening gala. I was invited to the show, but alas, wasn't able to attend. Included as a part of the gallery gala was a fashion show, where models wore the pieces that were featured in the book. BUT - somehow, because they displayed the jewelry before the evening of the gala, they SOLD "Turquoise Dream", so didn't have the piece for the model to wear.

So they called me and asked me to send something else that I felt was worthy of the runway. Enter "Butterfly Garden". This was the piece that the model wore on the runway at the gala.....

Believe it or not, "Butterfly Garden" is still around, and probably in a zip bag in a box somewhere. It was also an original design project I submitted to Bead and Button (and was rejected), had for sale at our local art gallery, and was also one of the feature pieces at my OWN gallery opening a few years ago. I think I need to get it back out to enjoy another summer of shows, don't you?

TTFN

Pricing jewelry? READ THIS!

2011-06-23T22:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a link to a wonderfully written blog ('Handmade jewelry-ridiculously cheap' is the header) regarding pricing ANYTHING handmade - it doesn't have to apply just to jewelry - although I believe most of her followers are jewelry and glass makers. All I know is - nothing annoys me more than people commenting that they can 'make it cheaper', or someone wanting something - one of my HANDMADE creations - for next to nothing, because they don't understand, or maybe just don't CARE - about the work that goes into our ART. I get a little testy when people refer to me as a crafter, too. I am WAAAAAAY past crafter, peeps. My work is Art Gallery, Museum and RUNWAY (yes, I had a piece worn on a model a few years ago) worthy. THAT is art - and is worthy of every penny I ask for it.
So read this blog - and the subsequent comments. It's very interesting, enlightening, and eye opening.

http://glassaddictions.com/

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Pin me!

2011-06-22T17:53:00.000-04:00

My latest idea - pendants on removeable necklace ribbon or cord with a pin back on it - Pin-Dants! My mom didn't seem real impressed with the idea - we'll see how they do at the Marketplace on Sunday. I have these made, and am working on one more - A Red Hat themed one, but that one may have to make it's debut at the next Marketplace.

"Shoulda been a Cowgirl" - hard to see close up, but it's quite western, with little stars and lots of browns and blues...

"Shades of Summer" This one has changed since the photo.

Mom thought it looked nicer on a turquoise ribbon....

"I Believe I can Fly"....

"Whispering Wind" - don't know why - it just looked windy to me.

This one was the easiest, because I did the Onyx Cab/Pearl focal a couple of years ago to attach to a tatted choker that my sister in law made. It was recently 'recycled' - and this is what happened to the pendant portion. "Pearly Girl".

These are really fun to do, without the added hassle of how to finish a strap. I hope my customers like the concept.

And here's a question for you - how does everyone feel about the whole 'ethics in beading' thing? I THINK that there is an ArtBeads FB posting regarding a piece that the woman claims is an original design - that came straight out of a mag. I could be wrong - or SHE could be the designer of the piece in the mag - but I don't think so. I was just wondering if I should ask the question - or just let it go and let karma run it's course....I think I'm goin' with the karma angle...
Peaceful beading, all - and I sure hope you are not the next recipient of this cold that seems to be literally sweeping the country! Everyone that attended B&B in Milwaukee seems to have caught something, as well as everyone I seem to run into around here locally. I got mine from my hubby. And I didn't get him anything....
TTFN

Show me the money

2011-06-21T12:13:00.000-04:00

Please. Somebody. Anybody. Because this being broke thing is for the birds. And even the birds probably have what they need. I'm so disappointed that I'm having to cancel my plans to go with the bead group girls on Saturday - but I have been unable to manifest a miracle and make some money somehow. I'm really at a loss as to how so many of my fellow beaders manage to sell so successfully - their work and their beads. Because no one seems to want mine, no matter what the venue. Online. In person. In a shop. At a show. Nothing is happening. I have 4 dollars to last me until next Friday, and that's only because MY HUSBAND gets paid that day. I am doing a show on Sunday, but am trying not to get my hopes up. I can't. I've been disappointed and made no money one too many times, despite the positive manifestation work I do.
I know you guys don't like to read sad, depressing blogs, so I'll stop now. I'll post again when there's happy to report.
And oh by the way, Bella followers - she's in heat. LOVELY.
TTFN

Moms worry

2011-06-20T22:32:00.000-04:00

Even dog moms. We're just getting Zeus to a point where his arthritis isn't slowing him down so much - and now I think our poor Bella has some issues. I'm seeing signs of a possible ear infection, and maybe a bladder infection too. Don't think she's in heat - I think the boy dog would be making a bigger fuss about her if she was. She's not eating as well as she was a week ago, either. So we really need to get her to the vet. Our problem is basically lack of funds. Zeus' arthritis issues and subsequent prescription set us back an entire two weeks worth of pay, and the current two week pay period includes the house payment - also leaving us with little to nothing left when bills are done. I didn't think that my bead store brought me that much extra to live on, but it must have covered enough to keep me from being totally broke. This sucks. We've had to turn in the pocket change that we usually save in the coffee cans for vacation, and now my husband is considering cashing in his 'state quarters' that he so diligently saved for so long. Sure wish these beads would start pulling their weight....no check from the art gallery again this month, and of course, not nearly the profit I was hoping for at the show last weekend. And I'm still really bummed that I wasn't able to get Etsy to work for me. So many people are successful with that site - for some reason, I was not. Even following some of the tips and tricks they suggested. So anyway - let's hope Sunday's market makes up for all of that. Still trying to figure out where I'm going to get the $ for Saturday's jaunt - I need gas money, lunch money and bead money, not necessarily in that order, and also the $ for petty cash for Sunday. May need to ask Mom for a loan....
So I am full of worry this week. Worry about the dogs, my hubby (he is starting to feel his age and struggle with his physical job), our $ situation, my aging parents, Terry's aging parents, and anything else I can think of to worry about. I have a feeling I will be having a few long, sleepless nights. I'm just thankful that the 2nd degree burn I received on the sole of my foot yesterday (stray charcoal briquet) hasn't called for a trip to Redi-care. It isn't stinging, or hurting, and I can walk on it. Still blistery - and I'm being careful - so I hope I can continue to heal it on my own.
On the bright side - I've finished several 'Pin-dants' - which I need to photograph and get loaded on here!
They are bead embroidered pendants, with a brooch pin on the back, and also a loop at the top that can be strung on a ribbon or chain. I am working on number 6 - and hope to have them all carded and priced and ready for market on Sunday. And since I have no money to go anywhere and do anything this week - chances are good that I'll finish. So that's a good thing, I think....
Peaceful, abundant beading to all, (someone's gotta be, if it isn't me)....
TTFN

Three bead cheers!

2011-06-20T08:29:00.000-04:00

For Lisa Crone over at A Bead A Day! She has been asked to be a guest on Bead, Baubles, and Jewels! Lisa has been kind enough to feature me and my work in her blog a few times, so I can at least return the favor! This is HUGE - a big nod that I could only hope to achieve one day.

And if you haven't seen or purchased Lisa's book yet - it has some very cute, very unique projects - one of which she'll be demonstrating on the show. Bella gives it two paws up! (Hey, I may be on to something there....)
So happy for you, Lisa. THIS is a wonderful opportunity for you!
Peaceful beading, everyone,
TTFN

Spoiled Rotten

2011-06-19T07:33:00.000-04:00

Need I say more?
Happy Father's Day to everyone's dads, papas, pops, or whatever they are to you. Mine is spending the day with my youngest brother and his family today. Since I see him all the time, he's already had his 15 minutes of Father's Day fame with us! lol
Enjoy the day.
TTFN

A Bella treat for you....

2011-06-18T07:38:00.000-04:00

She is such a happy girl. This week, we are at the "I only want the toy he/she has" stage. So I've been wrangling and scolding a bit. Not too much. I'm sure it's a dominance thing, and am just glad they are being mostly playful about it. They were both gifted with brand spanking new tennis balls yesterday, which promptly became tennis MUSH, and then proceeded to 'fight' over the red ball again. Which is interesting, because that chewed up, dirty red ball has been outside, ignored and not wanted by the boy dog for over a year. Brat.
I'm enjoying this new experience, and finally getting a chance to use the camera for more than jewelry photos. I'm figuring out a lot of things about it that I never knew - or needed. Like the ZOOM lens. I got some really cool garden photos using the zoom yesterday....I can't believe they actually came from MY little Sony Cybershot. Who knew? We've got 4 professional photographers in our family (two on each side), can one more be far behind? LOL (not with a tiny digital, for sure!)

And oh, by the way, I received a PHONE CALL from the director of Meridian Township events yesterday. She wanted to let me know that she wasn't actually the 'higher up' for that show last Saturday, but that she sent my email on to the person that was. She shared with me that she knew there were issues with the event in the past (big surprise), and they were considering cancelling future plans for it. Which is too bad, because my guess is with the right event planner, that Art Walk could do wonders for that little 4 corner burgh. It was a very positive phone call, followed by an extremely detailed confirmation email for HER upcoming event - the Meridian Crafters Marketplace. It also mentions that each of us that are participating (only about 20 again this year, though, bummer) will be featured in the local community paper, and they are asking for detailed photos of our work to accompany it. Now, THAT is marketing.
Off to get ready for a bridal shower luncheon for my nephew's fiancee. Not real wild about this little chicky. She's quite selfish, and from what I've seen and heard - also quite the Bridezilla. They already have a child together, and having been living together for almost two years. I'm almost certain the marriage won't last - so the shower should be interesting. Maybe she'll behave with Grandma present. Ha.
Hope you enjoyed the Bella update, everyone.
TTFN

'Curve Appeal'

2011-06-16T04:15:00.000-04:00

I didn't think it would all come together so soon. I had the focal part finished a few days ago, but was able to sit down yesterday after my jaunt to Williamston, and the rest just seemed to complete itself. That top 'frilly' section actually 'curves' a bit more when it's ON, forming a sort of S curve. The black Chinese crystal focal was a gift from my bead friend Sharon, and is the first one I've ever seen drilled in that particular direction. Wasn't easy to work with. And you may be wondering about how the curve stays maintained? WIRE. Trip to Williamston with mom wasn't quite what I had hoped yesterday. The greenhouse was great - I would have spent more time (and probably a lot more money) there, but it's not mom's thing - so I knew she wasn't really enjoying it. I did manage to get two pretty hanging baskets of bright flowers for $4.99 each. And they have lots - so I may go back again once I've got funds again. I can hold out hope for a check from the gallery this month - can't I?
Anyway - couldn't find the big antique mall - it must be off the beaten path, which was full of orange construction barrels and detours. Wish I'd of had a heads up on that one. So on to Okemos to Olive Garden for lunch, and then to Wally World and Hobby Lobby. It was still nice to spend time together, which we'll probably start making a weekly habit of again this summer.
Bella update: she and Zeus are starting to really bond as friends. They are playing with toys together now, and surprisingly, I found them lying next to each other last night, practically spooning, and quite pleased with themselves. This dog mom so happy! I'm listening to her chase rabbits in her sleep - she's quite happy with all the wuffs and ruffs. Cutie.
Guess I should go try to catch a few more winks myself, but I don't think I'll be chasin' rabbits. 'Night all. Peaceful beading....
TTFN

Bead Table Wednesday road trip!

2011-06-15T08:11:00.000-04:00

Here's what's on PART of my bead table today. I've decided not to give any more sneek peaks of my newest piece until it's complete. (Facebook followers were the lucky peekers at the focal piece!) The seed beads are from Fusion Beads, which have GREAT 10 gram mixes, in all the sizes. And some Tila beads too, although I still haven't found (or better yet created) a unique pattern for them yet. I just wanted to have several different colors on hand for when the bell rings in my head. They're fairly new on the market, so not much is being done with them yet. One of the WWB (Women Who Bead) group gals was working a cute bracelet with hers the other night. One of these days I'll think of something.
And believe it or not, even after Saturday's fiasco of a show, I just send for information about doing ONE MORE this summer. I know, crazy, right? But instead of bringing me down and depressing me like it would have a few years ago, the situation made me so angry that I seem to want to PROVE that I can succeed at it even more. It's a new feeling for me. Anyway - the show I'm inquiring about is taking place in, and being sponsored by the merchants of - OLD TOWN. Very artsy community. I was in one of the galleries there, once. I would like to be in one again - just not the same one. So maybe this will give me an opportunity to meet with a few of them. I know and have proved that my work is gallery worthy (not just beads on a string), I just have to sell MYSELF. Much more difficult for lil' ole' me....
And as for the road trip - Mom and I will be heading for Williamston today. The greenhouse there is having a $4.99 flat and basket sale, and they have some nice shops and boutiques there too - some of which I've always wanted to inquire at. Lunch. Leisure. But maybe some rain. Oh well.
And for you Bella watchers: nothing really new. She's getting along well, sleeping on the bed, pushing her new brother around, playing ball, cuddling. So far just the perfect dog. I'll try and get some new photos soon....
Until next time, peaceful beading,
TTFN

Making things right

2011-06-14T11:16:00.000-04:00

For those of you that commented and have been following me since my little fiasco on Saturday, you may like to know that I did find out who the 'higher up' person was in charge of the nitwit organizer of the event, and a very professional but to the point letter was emailed to her this morning. Not sure it will help, do good, or do anything but get me kicked out of all the rest of the summer markets (there is an affiliation between the two events), but I didn't feel that I could let the situation rest. Especially upon speaking with a few other vendors that had dealt with her in the past. Someone needs to know that things aren't getting done properly, or professionally. I may have sacrificed my own summer market profits to do it - but I felt it needed to be done. I don't know why I feel it's so important - I've had crappy, unattended shows in the past, but this one had a blatantly unprofessional, unorganized ring to it, and the full moon eclipse about to take place is making me even more outspoken. I'll let you know if I hear back from the event coordinators superior - or even from the event coordinator herself. (EEK)
Today has turned out to be a beautiful day, and I plan to make the most of it. Time outdoors, time in my favorite places, and with some of my favorite people. And it's only Tuesday. :0D

Peaceful beading,

TTFN