Sunday, October 9, 2011

Back To School Necklace Swap Update....

Well I've been on the mend my migraines have been better so I have been able to be a tad more productive. I am still trying not to over do things,but for me being on the go and going from morning to night is a habit I find hard to break sometimes and then my health suffers,but I have been doing better.

Since I did feel a bit better I finished my necklace for a swap I participated in and was able to send it out. My partner  Marla Baer-Peckham who is an bead weaver extraordinaire is very talented she works with so many tiny seeds beads,just the thought of it makes my eyes cross and nearly gives me an anxiety attack! I enjoy these swaps because I generally receive something I would typically never make for myself or even purchase for that matter, but I am glad to have little works of art from so many talented people!

This is the necklace that I made for her. The vintage back space key was my element of back to school and then I added some crystals and Czech beads to give it an overall Victorian feel. I think it has an element of fun along with a little sophistication. I liked the result so much that I am in the works of making one for my Etsy shop.



Thursday, September 22, 2011

Some Reflection On being an overachiever...

My reflection is as follows..... as I have written before I enjoy joining different swaps and was working on my Bead Soup Party piece along with a back to school themed necklace for my other swap,along with making jewelry to supply  a local yoga studio,where I practice, my museum trunk show,the shops I supply and the farmers market, all on top of my day job,my etsy shops and the most important thing being a mom to Joey, so all I can say is that I am almost to busy for words.

So I have been trying to plug away and really get things done(overachieving).

And then BAM!!!  my illness began rearing it's ugly head this past week, just when I have zero time to be down and out. I try to stay as positive as possible about my health issues,sometime I tantrum,sometime it's so bad I cry and ALL of the time I wish it was different for me,I rarely discuss it because of how others react, I don't want a pity party,or to hear you poor girl,or the people who just shake their heads in dismay, I've had to come to grips it's just what it is and it's now part of my life.  I suffer from  facial and cranial neuralgia, migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.
Starting last spring I went from the epitomy of health to a disaster practically overnight.
Oh yeah I had every doctor completely baffled,neurologists,family doctors,alternative doctors,if there was a doctor or specialist I saw them,yet not a single one could figure out what the hell my problem was. So countless amounts of doctor visits,dentist visits,tests oh and a truckload of cash later, One specialist decided to paste a generic name on what I have(at least I think it's generic) it just means head,face and all over body pain. And the  guess is, that a non contagious strep infection in my blood is to blame. So after 6 months of hard core,and extremely painful, I might add, antibiotic injections 3 times a week,several oral antibiotics, they found out that this particular strain is resistant to antibiotics. Yep screwed.
I  would have been nice to know that, before my hair started breaking off,me becoming anemic from the injections,my teeth being discolored and my body and immune system being totally wiped out from these lovely antibiotics.

So being disgusted with what was happening to me I took matters into my own hands  the only things that the doctors were doing was screwing me up more than I was to start with. So I began  a hardcore life change which includes a supplement plan,a restricted eating plan, an exercise plan and I got off of those nasty antibiotics,started to build up my immune system with herbs,fighting the infection with colloidal silver and have been functional for about 6 months. Then of course since I was beginning to feel a bit better,maybe not my old self but way better than I had in over a year, I  completely lost my mind and started wear myself thin,by overworking and under sleeping, my already (stupid)fragile body and bite off more than my sick ass can chew. The migraines back full force this past week and face,neck and body pain from out of this world.

So the moral of all this drivel is that I took a look at my miserable reflection and said "Hey asshat,snap out of it, you need to relax a little before you are totally worthless to everyone." Every once in a while it's good to give yourself a little shake and reality check. So I guess what gets done gets done and what doesn't doesn't. Not a great motto but for now it's going to be my motto!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

My Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal

I have already shown you what my lovely partner Marie from http://moreskyjewels.etsy.com sent to me in a prior post. So many pretty focals to choose from and of course if you have ever visited my etsy  shop you all know my love of butterflies, so again here are the pretties I was sent.....

This I suppose is the before




I was sent many focals and just a spattering of Marie's lampwork beads and a beautiful verdigras hand forged clasp. I sat and looked and mulled all of new stash over and over again and came up with a whole lot of nothing. So I dove into my never ending stash and things started coming together,or so I thought. Well lets say I made and remade this necklace 3 times before I was happy with the outcome. Hopefully everyone hoping will enjoy it too!!


My finished necklace so then this is the after. 

I have never done this before,sure I have done finished exchanges using all of the things that I have,make or gravitate towards. Make a theme piece and then send it off to a partner.I working on one of those as we speak. But this was a whole new experience for me,it helped me to work outside of my comfort zone,use lamp work beads which I rarely, if ever use,and add elements that I would not have thought to use or add.

I am so overjoyed and happy with what this has done for me creatively I will now seek out such swaps as much as I can,or if I can find any others.

Now here is  the link to the other participants so if you liked seeing mine,as much as I liked showing it,I'm sure others would be thrilled for you to check out theirs' too. Yeah I know, the I'll show you mine if you show me yours innuendo is a tad over used but I just couldn't resist.So here's the link 
http://lorianderson.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7d27f8dfca54ef70719fc9ded&id=227e47ab13&e=69e7ed692f

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Back to School Week Madness

Well this past week my son started back to school and along with back to school always comes mayhem. It's so hard to fall back into a routine after a nice long,relaxing summer.
Now it's bedtime for all at 9:30, including my husband and I. I can hardly keep my eyes open past 10:00 anymore, since I get up at 5:00a.m. during the school year. I hate to admit it to Joey but I look forward to weekends just as much,if not more than him. His school offers no busing so yep I drive him to and pick him up from school everyday,I won't even begin to touch on the school parking lot mayhem that ensues everyday.

He seems to like his teacher a whole lot,which makes school more tolerable for him. But the ciriculum is getting harder and harder and the work load is also increasing. It was difficult enough to help with math homework last year, his school does something called "Think Math" I call it torture. Wish us both luck in the homework department.

Onto the subject of pretties,I am spending part of my day off catching up on some jewelry making, my museum gig is rolling around quick and the studio where I practice yoga has asked me to make a line of jewelry for the studios shop,along with my handmade soap, and then some picture taking for my etsy shop and for here. That's how I will spend my day off tomorrow. Some day off huh???

Talk to you all soon.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Just got my bead soup blog party beads.....

I am so excited this is my first time participating in the Bead Soup Blog Party. My very talented partner Marie of http://www.etsy.com/shop/Moreskyejewels  makes lovely wooden focals and her own lampwork beads. So here is was I received from her


Now I must figure out what to do.So many options it makes my head spin.

And a super big thanks to Lori Anderson  for all of her hard work setting up this entire thing for all of us beaders to participate in. I am about to show you the magnitude of what she had to do here's the list of participants.

1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2.  Barbe Saint John, Barbe Saint John
3.  Rebecca Watkins, Artybecca
4.  Doris Stumpf, Glaszwerg
5.  Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
6.  Nancy Peterson, Beading From the Heart
7.  Ingrid McCue, Wrapped in Silver
9.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul



11.  Carol Tannahill, Fire In Ice
12.  Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
13.  Jean Yates, Snap Out of It Jean, There's Beading to be Done! 
14.  Emanda Johnson, Artemesia's Studio
15.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
16.  Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
17.  Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
18.  Amy Severino, Amy Beads
19.  Debbie Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs
20.  Kim Ballor, Vitamin C ... A Daily Dose of Creativity



21.  Jen Judd Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks
22.  Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul
23.  Lynne Bowland, Island Girl Insights
24.  Mary McGraw, MK's Creative Musings
25.  Shay Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
26.  Shea Zukowski, gr8findings
27.  Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique
28. Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
29.  Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef
30.  Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium


31.  Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
32.  Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
33.  Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
34.  Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog
35.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle
36.  Tari Kahrs, Pearl and Pebble
37.  Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
38.  Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
39.  Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me
40.  Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions


41.  Shirley Moore,  Beads and Bread
42.  Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
43.  Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love
44.  Lois Moon, Que Onda Q'town?
45.  Sally Russick, Wire Worked
46.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
47.  Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles
48.  Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde
49.  Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
50.  Deci Worland, Gem Trails


51.  Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do
52.  Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
53.  Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
54.  Lisa Liddy, Metal Me This
55.  Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
56.  Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads 
57.  Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio
58.  Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
59.   Marianna Boylan, Star Girl Jewelry
60.  Jackie Ryan,  Keep Your Dreams Original!


61.  Heather Pyle, My Muse, Aquariat
62.  Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filuc
63.  Kathy Welsh, Girly Girl Art
64.  Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya
65.  Cassie Donlen, The Glass Beadle
66.  Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
67.  Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique
68.  Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
69.  Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
70.  Christine Brandel, A Hot Piece of Glass



71.  Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries
72.  Jennifer Pride,  Jewelry by J. P. 
73.   Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
74.  Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio
75.   Karen Williams, Baublicious
76.  Kristi Bowman, Kristi Bowman Design
77. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
78.  Natalie Monkivitch, Beadmonki Lampwork
79.  Marge Beebe,  Rock Creek Creations
80.  Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner


81.  Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads
82.  Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven
83.  Cat Pruitt, Boo Beads
84.  Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
85.  Karyn Bonfiglio, Plus Size Bangles
86. K. Hutchinson, Jumbled Hutch
87.  Moira McEvoy, The Musings of Mystic Pesto
88.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
89. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
90.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog


91.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
92.  Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
93.  Becky Fairclough, Chameleon Designs
94.  Jenni Connolly, Jenni Bead
95.  Wendy Chamberlain, Bears, Beads and Beautiful Thing
96.  Cory Celaya,  Art With Moxie
97.  Gretchen Nation, Art Food Lodging
98.  Davinia Algeri,  Polymer Clay Beads Baubles and Buttons
99.  Michaela Pabeschitz, La Mar de Bonita
100.  Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen


101.  Tracey Weiser, Summer Smack
102.  Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog
103.  Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
104.  Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
105.   Ana Krepel-Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
106.  Lesley Watt, The Gossiping Goddess
107.  Eleanor Snare, EBS Jewellery
108.  Gillian Lehman,  The Adventures of GillyBean and Friends
109.  Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
110.  Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf


111.  Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue
112. Beth & Evie, EB Bead and Metal Works
113. Mylene Hillam, Mill Lane Studio
114.  Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend
115.  Jill Harris, Gypsy Brocante
116.  Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures
117.  Patty Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus
118.  Christine Hendrickson, The Clay Chick
119.   Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads
120.  Poranna, Poranna Reczni Zrobila


121.  Laura Twiford, Souvenirs From Life
122.  Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
123.  Noemi Baena, Fuego, Metal y Color
124.  Natalie McKenna, Grubbi...
125.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
126.  Cindy Gimbrone, Lampwork Diva aka Cindy Gimbrone
127.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
128.  Kristi Harrison, It's a New Day
129.  Stephanie LaRosa, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
130.  Michelle Mach, Beads and Books



131.  Michelle Hardy, Firefly Visions
132.  Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick
133.  Janice Everett, JLynn Jewels
134.  Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
135.  Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
136.  Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
137.  Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
138.  Kim Hora, Kimmykats
139.  Margot Potter, I Color Outside the Lines
140.  Melinda Orr, Peace Creek Blog



141.  Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
142.  Cilla Watkins, Tell Your Girlfriends
143.  Tammy Powley, The Crafty Princess Diaries
144.  Vicky Taylor, Treasure Island Crafts
145.  Erin Grant, Erin's Jewelry Creations
146.  Nicole Rennell, Nicole Rennell Designs
147.  Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations Beaded Jewelry
148.  Sandra Wollberg, Stories from the City of Brass
149.   B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios
150.  Kelly Ramstack, Adventures with Kelly



151. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto Jewelry
152.  Julianna Cannon, Julsbeads
153.  Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy
154.  Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs
155.  Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
156. Kathleen Lange Klik, Modern Nature: My Creative World
157.   Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
158.  Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
159.  Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
160.  Amy Freeland, Copper Diem



161.  Sarah Elder, My So Called Junky Life
162.  Anitra Gordy, LeeLu Creations
163.  Kristy Abner, Kristy's Kreations
164.  DaviniaDesign, Davinia Design
165.  Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
166.  Pam Ferrari, Wait Just One More Bead
167.  Lori Bergmann, Ashlyn Design
168.  Diane Cook, Rosa - Josies
169.  Charlotte Pevny, The Infrequent Beader
170.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions



171.  Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
172.  Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs
173.  Deanna Chase, Deanna Chase
174.  Jennifer VanBenschoten, Jewelry, Art and Life
175.  Barbara Lewis,  Painting with Fire
176.  Natasha Lutes, N's Whims
177.  Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures
178.  Cris Peacock, Cris' Page
179.  Alice Craddick, Alice's Bead and Baubles
180.  Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry



181.  Cryss Thain, Here Bead Dragons
182.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
183.  Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry
184.  Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
185.  Andrea Turini, Andrea Turini Jewelry
186.  Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
187.  Melissa Clarke,  Pieces of Me
188.  Lori Greenberg, Lori Greenberg Glass Beads
189.  Allison Scott, Oh Allison Beading & Designs
190.  Cynthia Tucker, Sea of Glass



191.  Lara Kinney, Something Unique by Lara
192.   Jennifer Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
193.  Patty Evins, Patsy Evins Studio
194.  Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
195.  Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs
196.  Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box
197.   Saskia Kaffenberger,  Perlendistel
198.  Kerry Bogert, KAB's Creative Concepts
199.  Fiona Christie, Christal's Creations
200.  Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie



201.  Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
202.  Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs
203.  Pat Haight, The Wigglebutt Blog
204.  Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental
205.  Amanda Davie, Articulations
206.   Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
207.  Tammy Jones, Jewelry Making Daily
208.  Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter
209.  Susie Hibdon,  Vintage Susie & Wings
210.  Barbara Blaszczyk, Laboratorium Flory



211.   Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog
212. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell
213.  Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
214.  Cristi Clothier, 2 If By Sea
215.  Missy Rappaport, Melissa Rappaport
216.  Sally Anderson, Wild Sally Road
217.  Karen Firnberg,  Weaveabead's Blog
218.  Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
219.   Terry Matuszyk, Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
220.  Melissa Pynn, Behind the Smile



221.  Rhea Freitag, Starrgazer Creates
222.  Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels
223.  Marci Brooks, That Nothing Be Wasted
224.  Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Studios
225.  Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
226.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog & Meanderings
227.  Niki Meiners, Inspiration the Whole Year Through
228.  Michelle Buettner, MiShel Designs
229.  Dorcas Midkiff,  Wondrous Strange
230.  Kelly Morgan, Silver Parrot



231.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
232.  Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
233.  Geneva Collins, Torque Story
234.  Jenny Davies-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
235. Dana Johnson Jones, Dana's Jewelry & Etc.
236.  Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux
237.  Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog
238.  Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
239. Aimee Wheaton, creativeFlutter
240.  Andrea Trank,  Heaven Lane Creations



241.   Cynthia Deis, Shiny Little Things
242.  CJ Baushka, 4His Glory Creations
243.  Astrid Boyce, Cooking Glass
244.  Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos
245.  Theresa Fosdick, Thoughtful-Notions
246.  Polly Barker, Future Family Relics
247.  Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
248.  Laura Blanck, Laura Blanck
249.  Penny Neville,  Copper Penny Designs
250.  Gaea Cannaday, Gaea Handmade



251.  Carol Bradley, Carol Bradley Designs
252.  Charlene Jacka,  Clay Space
253.  Christine Miles, Wings N Scales
254.  Heather Marley, Creaky Cogs
255.  Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead
256.  Gail Zwang, Angelmoose Enterprises
257.  Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts
258.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
259.  Jana Tarhala, Stories of the Secret Garden
260.  Mags Saari, Mags - koruja



261.  Manuela Wutschke, GlassArt - Manuela Wutschke
262.  Sabrina Staub,  Sabrina's Glasswork
263.  Tracy Stillman, TS Designs
264.  Kristi Kyle, Kristi Kyle
265.   Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym
266.  Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home
267. Cheryl Roe,  BeadRoe
268.  Collette Collins, Firefly Myst Artisan Jewelry
269.  Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
270.  Karen Sinkowski, Krisdaka's Kreations



271.  Pepita Bos, Urracaa
272.   Janna Harttgen, Palima Lim
273.  Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
274.  Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
275.  Vonna Maslanka, Just Vonna
276.  Laurel Bielec, Bielec's Baubles
277.  Mary Eilliott, Starry Dreams Jewellery Designs
278.  Monica Johnson, Vintage in Disguise
279.  Sweet Freedom Designs, Sweet Freedom Designs
280.  Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones



281.  Suzanne Tate, Catching Up
282.   Keri Lee Sereika, Pink Lemonade
 283.  Jennifer Heynen, Jennifer Jangles
284.  Tamara Soper,  Handcrafted Baubles by Tamara
285.  Laura Sanger, Hg - Elemental Mercury
286.  Andrea Morici, Strung Out
287.  Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne
288.  Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog

289.  Pam Brisse, The Blue Between
290.  Julie Bean, Strung Out (#2)



291.  Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry
292.   Amanda Cargill Austin, Sea Shore Glass
293.  Karen Tremblay, Creative Alloy
294.  Helena Fritz,  Beadwork by H's Blog
295.  Maria Grimes, Garden Path Beads
296. Tiffany Long, Glory Hound Designs
297.  Cathy Khoury,  Touch Jewelry
298.  Barbara York, Quilting in the Panhandle
299.   Sharon Gardner, Preciousness
300.  Barrie Edwards, Barrie's Jewelry World


301. Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
302.  Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox
303.  Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead
304.   Elizabeth Woodford, Elizabeth Creates
305.  Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs
306.  Mary Hicks, Falling Into the Sky
307.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry
308.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
309.  Anna Sabina, Total Escape Clay Studio
310.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams


311.  Shay Stone, On My Path
312.  Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads and Jewelry by Lara Lutrick
313.  Bella Borgouise, Wirelicious Jewellery
314.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
315.  Kathleen Robinson Young, Ugly Duckling Beads
316.  Kari Carrigan, Kids, Glass, Life
317.  Nadezhda Parfyonova, Nally's Creation
318.  Eszter Czibulyas, Bigyo Gyar
319.  Maria Horvath, Horimarka Beads
320.  Doris Radlicki, Doralila Beads


321.  Geanina Grigore, Janina Grigore
322.  Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios
323.  Miri Agassi, Bead Work by Miri Agassi
324.   Julianna Kis, Juli Bizsu
325.  Line Labrecque, Play Sculpt Live
326. Kimberly Roberts, Bahama Dawn
327.  Maria Clark, Sweet Willow Designs
328.  Kathy Alderfer, Artful Accents
329.  Michelle Heim, Life in the Bead Lane
330.  Elizabeth Owens Dwy, Clarity of Purple Sage


331.  Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs
332.  Dee Wingrove-Smith, Beady Musings
333.  Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess
334.  Sara Hardin, Soft Flex Girl
335.  Angela May, Canterbury Cottage
336.  Terri Wlaschin, Starseed Jewelry + Beads
337.  Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio
338.  Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Designs
339.  Christine Hansen, Intuitive Sparks
340.  Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops


341.  Joyce Becker, The Joyful Gem
342.  Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
343.  Marian Hertzog, M's Place
344.   Joanne Tinley, Daisychain Jewellery
345. Salla Small, Blog by Salla
346.  Tracy Martin, Nutkitten's Jewelry
347.  Nancy Boylan, Snazzy Doodle Designs
348.  Penny Ilagan, A Crafty World
349.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
350.  Pamela Petry, Seeing is Believing 



351. Kelley Fogle, My Life... One Bead at a Time
352. Heather DeSimone, The Beadin' Blog
353.  Candice McGinnis, Craziness, The Theme of My Life
354.  Chris White,  Dzeyner Studio
355.  Jill MacKay, Jill MacKay
356.  Julie Jones, Juliery Jones
357.  Laurie Hanna, Laurie's Jewel Box
358.  Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets
359.  Barbara Judy, Beads of Spirit
360.   Lesley Weir, Djinn Rummy

 
361.  Jennifer Geldard, Torch Songs
362.  Teri Baskett, Born to Be Worn



Yeah you read it right 362 people. So go check out some of their blogs all super talented jewelers,bloggers and artists. I can't even begin to describe you just have to take a look yourself!


I will be back soon to show you what I came up with.

Again Marie thanks for your generosity and many choices in focals!




Thursday, August 25, 2011

Oh Where,Oh Where....

Has summer gone to? I can't even believe that school is going to start in just a little over a week. My little sweetie ( not so little he's 10, and is 5'2" tall,almost as tall as his mama) is going into 5th grade this year. His school has extended the school day by 15min so that means we have to get up earlier yet,which make both of us not so very happy,but such as life. So I have been busy with school supply/clothes shopping,getting back to a normal bedtime etc.. that I haven't had much time in my studio which makes me sad. My studio time is  like therapy to me and I am in serious need of an appointment. It always amazes me how I loose track of time when I'm down there,it's like a time warp or something!

I have  made about 30 pieces for my upcoming show and a few pieces for my etsy shop these past few of weeks,I really need to get in gear because things will start moving even faster when the school year starts.

Here are some pictures of my etsy newbies before I list them I hope you like them.







Love this color combo large go go style vintage drops and czech bead flowers.

A friends mom raises peacocks and gave me some feathers and here's one of the thing I made.

Made using some of my vast collection of vintage odds and ends.


I will start listing them soon, I hope. Now off to get my pumpkin to bed,I'm sure I will get some resistance, but I'm mom and that's what I do, make life unfair!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

A Few New...things that is

Just stopping by to show a few of my new pretties that I just photographed last night. I wanted to give you a sneak peak before I list them in my etsy shop.I have a few butterfly wing pretties and some other random nature inspired pieces. It's summer time here in Michigan and I have been spending alot of time outside in my gardens, as if you won't be able to tell after you see these pics.

Cute little fairy door with glass flower beads.

Lastly these dragonfly cuties.



























Wish I had more time to chat right now but have loads to do down in my studio.Too many projects going on, and so little time to do them in. I am taking a few days off of work next week so I should have a little more time to chat and create,the show at the Kingman Museum is slowly creeping up on me so I need to buckle down a little more to work on that daunting 8" table that needs to be filled. Aack.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

What's Growing On...

Not at all a typo I just wanted to share some picture's of my garden. Since it takes up a good portion of my life every spring,summer and fall I wanted to dedicate and entire blog post on my favorite and sometimes  most dreaded(weeding is all I have to say) things to do this time of year.

Here in Michigan I have to take in whatever nice weather I can by spending it outdoors. Beware loads of images to follow!!

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My happy shroom

Notice a pattern with the mushrooms? I LOVE mushrooms.

View from my side yard

Doesn't look like much now but these will be pumpkin on a stick. No Joke.





Just picked!! I can't wait to slice these babies up and load them up with sea salt. Yum.

My mother's day gift from my hubby.Love it!

My compost bin. Every year we have volunteers from veggies past.


Gourds?? Squash?? Nobody knows.


My little pumpkin. Every year I am surprised to find pumpkins growing in it.





My super happy flowers.




Saturday, July 23, 2011

I am hooked on Sookie

Okay many of you probably have no idea what I am talking about (Sookie is not a drug,elicit sex act or a cast member of Jersey Shore, that's Snookie) but those of you who know her must share my love for her. She is a character in a series of books written by Charlaine Harris. The series is of course the Sookie Stackhouse Novels.

I came across the first book at a yard sale and it looked interesting,and it was only 50 cents to boot, now I am hooked.I have read the first 4 in the series,they are super fast,addicting books,so if you start reading them you will more than likely be hooked on Sookie too.


Okay those closest to me know my infatuation with books and movies dealing with the supernatural. I love vampires,werewolves,sprites,fairies,shifters,witches well I could probably go on forever,but I'm sure you get it and I'll spare you complete boredom. I happened to mention the books to my sister and she informed me that she had read all of them and there was also a HBO series called True Blood based on the books. Of course I was shocked that she hadn't shared this info with me sooner.

Of course I will have to read all of the books before I dare watch the TV series. I already have all of the pictures of the characters trapped in my head and hate to see what the actors cast will look like. I would hate to have change what my imagination has inspired.

So if you haven't yet you must check it out from your local library. 

Friday, July 22, 2011

Here I Am,No I was not Lost

 Has it really been months since I have posted ? Talk about slacker. I'm sure no one wants to hear my pathetic excuses,but I feel the need to use a couple anyway.

I have been out of my mind with custom orders,wholesale orders(which I am new at),let me tell you it's pretty complicated filling some of these since I am a one man (woman) operation,trying to manage enough nature inspired jewelry for the upcoming trunk show at a museum of natural history,they need me to fill an 8 foot table????,and of course that's on top of my "real"job,tending to all of my gardens(yeah I said all,organic vegetable,perennial,butterfly & humming bird,herb gardens),oh and keeping my 10 year old son busy on summer break. I guess I used more than a couple of excuses, but I wanted you all to empathize,commiserate or hell maybe feel sorry enough for me, to excuse my absence.

As if all of the above was not enough I felt the need to join a  bracelet swap for one of my jewelry making yahoo groups.The theme was sunny summer of course I instantly thought of using some of my super happy yellow and orange vintage beads. But I couldn't as my swap partner mentioned that those 2 colors look dreadful on her. So I came up with this little beauty. Which happens to be reversible as no 2 sides of a butterfly are alike.

back side

front side
I think it turned out pretty nice,so nice that if I have an extra minute,or if I can take some time,and not feel guilty,I have all intentions of making one for myself.

Wish me luck with time management,my biggest flaw,well maybe not my biggest,but it's probably in the top ten ,make that twenty, well hell at least I am not delusional or in denial of ALL the flaws I have. But right now this managing time wisely thing is really what I need to work on. Maybe I will compile a flaw list at some other time.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

It's been awhile...

Since I last posted I have been so busy at work,end of year school activities with my son and gearing up for a fall show at the Battle Creek Museum of Natural History. That's right my pretties will be for sale the  museum for 3-4 weeks. Yippeee. Loads of work but hopefully worth every bit. It will be amazing exposure for me. I will be in their newsletters,press releases,website and also their advertising.

Hopefully I can handle it all. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

I'll make sure to check in with some  pics of some of my new goodies before I list them in my shop. I have started 2 new jewelry line which is very exciting and I love them I just hope others like them as much as me!!

Toodles,
~Rosa

Friday, April 29, 2011

Martha Stewart Style Easter Eggs....Yeah Right

Okay I am no Martha Stewart. My son is now ten and we have been coloring Easter eggs every year and we have tried every kit known to man Tye dyed,camouflage,stenciled,gold leaf, I'm sure if you have kids you totally understand, so this year we purchased a kit with funny faces. Since my son is on Easter Break he is able to stay up later than normal,but of course mom still gets up at the butt crack of dawn to go to work and do all those things we mom's never get a break from,so by the time we colored Easter eggs at 10:30pm I was beyond tired. A little info I TOTALLY lose my mind when I get tired. The proof of this is yet to come.

This is my mad,evil scientist egg. When I was making him all I could hear was mwah,ha,ha,ha.

Here's my rendition of Sloth from the "Goonies" (everyone has seen it whether they admit it or not).The side reads Sloth loves Chunk.


The vampire teeth set me over the edge and I had to create and "Edward"egg. If you live under a rock this character is from the "Twilight" series by Stephanie Meyer.

So you see no Martha Stewart lives here.But who could stand to be like that annoying,know it all wench anyway??

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Where The Magic Happens

Once again my studio.
I have shown you the absolute mess of my work area,now I wanted to share with you some of the things that inspire me.
When I purchased my house a few years back I told myself that I was going to strive for the minimalist approach only because  my house is very modest in size I have had to limit the amount of stuff so that it doesn't look like an overdone cluttered mess. I display a few pieces here and there that make me very happy.
But my studio is another story it is bursting with color,vintage goodies,art and other things that truly inspire me.
Mind you this is only one wall, I did not want to overwhelm.
The very lovely Audrey Hepburn.

A super happy vintage needle point.The time it must have taken to make blows my mind.

Festive vintage party decorations,vintage owl prints,and an art project that my son made this year (started out with his name,JOEY, which made the elements of this dog).

Another shot of my mess of a desk but in this one you can see my gorgeous craftsman style lamp,my love of all things paris,colbalt blue vintage bottles with purple globe thistle from the farmers market.It's so loaded with "stuff" the more you look at it,it almost resembles one of my sons I spy books.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Super Sunday ....And Where The Hell Is My Cape??

Sundays are supposed to be a day of rest,but in my uber busy life Sunday is probably the one day of the week I can get the most accomplished. I'll give you a little taste of my "Super Sunday" got up, cleaned my kitchen,did 4 loads of laundry,made 2 batches of soap (farmers market is rolling around too soon),ran to purchase a last minute gift for my son's friend (who's party was today),took a crap load of pictures of my new etsy pretties,made a few pieces of jewelry,listed 3 things in my etsy shop and that was all before 1:00pm. And no cape in sight.

Days like today it would be so great to have a personal assistant,but I am so NOT that important.

I think the term "No rest for the wicked" was coined for me. I flatter myself I'm sure to think that, but boy that's exactly how I feel today!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I'll Show You Mine......

Work area that is. Okay I have been seriously thinking that my work area looks as if an entire bead store blew up and it so happened to land right on my desk. But nope that's not the case at all.  I hate to admit but my work area is a complete disaster.

I have read many blogs where people show all that is perfect, their work areas,their gardens,their kids, their homes, but I am here to say I am by no means perfect, nor would I ever want to be,it seems like a whole lot of effort and for what? I like to enjoy life and all of the little things that go along with it. Perfection is not what I am about,so I  have just shown you the bad and ugly truth of my studio and how imperfect I really am.



The upside to all this is that I work amazingly well under these conditions!!! No joke. Who on Earth could imagine that I get so much done here? No joke I do.

Okay people here's a challenge, show me the good,the bad and the ugly of your work spaces.Come on fess up not everyone is perfect,right?? Well at least I hope not.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

It's my first Time.....

Not at all what a pervert would think, I mean my first ever blog post ever.

I have wanted to start a blog now for quite sometime and have put it off for many reasons like, what could I have to possibly say? who the heck would even want to read it???  But oh well here goes. I'm gonna start out slow for my first post. Had a super long few days at work,someone has to do all that managing stuff and pimp out the vitamins and health food!! So I am not my usual (self proclaimed) witty self.

I hope to not only use this for my random musings but also as a place to show off my jewelry,soap and super cool vintage items that I sell maybe a few healthy things toss in here and there.

So beware when you read this you will never know what you are going to get,I'm pretty sure it will be close to reading something that a person with ADD and multiple personalty disorder might write.  No my name is not Sybil it's Rosa (but that actually may be worse)!

And I am very pleased to meet you all!