Birthday Gifts...

Happy Birthday Sisty.  Mr. C's sister is celebrating a milestone birthday in just a few days and we won't be together to celebrate it.  We live quite a distance apart and this is such a busy time of year.  Independent of Mr. C honoring her day I made Sisty this Origami Pouch in some beautiful fall fabrics with golden highlights shimmering throughout. 

I also put together this necklace and earrings set which utilizes the new acrylic beads that are super lightweight and very popular right now.  I am showing these because Sisty has received them and no surprises will be spoiled. 
My little studio has been quite busy lately as I am certain each of you have been.  This time of year can get so overloaded so easily and so quickly that it is important to stop and take a break from the hectic and just be grateful for even the smallest of things.  I am grateful for having my wonderful sister-in-law in my life.  I am also grateful for my family and my youngest granddaughter who is having a birthday this month.  Happy Birthday Amy.  I have so much to be grateful for and I feel very blessed. 
Now we interrupt this calm to get back to being busy and productive. 
Wonderful week ahead...

Back to Beads...

 In a recent post I lamented about inspiration and beading.  I also inquired how others sort and store their beads.  I got some wonderful responses.  I am so appreciative when bloggers leave comments that are relative and meaningful.  Thank you sincerely.  These photos will show you my current bead storage.  These bins are sorted by bead types...gemstones, seed beads, pearls, etcetera.  Within each bin are little baggies of beads...by type or color relating to the category.  This works pretty well for me. 

 Here are more examples of my storage organization.  The little clear paint cans on the top left are costume jewelry bits sorted by category...pins, earrings, bracelets, etcetera.  Eye candy for certain.  When I can see what I have it is that much easier for me to be inspired and to use what I have.  The mason and jelly jars contain buttons of which I never have too many.  These are sorted by colors and some by type...flowers.  All of the clear boxes are actually tackle boxes for fishing.  They contain dividers that are movable so as to size the compartments to fit the contents...wooden beads, charms, pony beads, sequins...you get the idea. 

 This shelf is a bit more industrial.  The tool box is what it stores...tools.  I love my tools and once I sorted them into this little tool box now I know exactly where to find that screwdriver or pliers or whatever.  The plastic bins contain more jewelry supplies. I'll post the contents in the blue lidded box soon.

Here is another tackle box/briefcase style container.  The dividers in this are not changable.  I put beads in here that I was working with.  Key word...was!  I really need to empty this case and reorganize it completely.  I really have no need for it to be portable as I am not traveling with it any further than from the shelf to the table.  :o) 

 Here is a photo of one of the tackle boxes with the movable dividers.  This one is containing gemstone chips.

Then I have this large clear glass container holding lots of my lovely costume bead necklaces sitting on a shelf in plain view just waiting for the perfect project.  I find when I can see my stash then I am much more inclined to use what I have. 
Can you tell I love beads?  It is true.  I love beads!  I always have since I was little.  My Grandma did lots of beading.  She would sew a dress and then sew little tiny beads all over the neckline or down the front just to make it extra special.  Oh how I do love beads. 
Thank you for inspiring my bead storage and helping me to really see what I have. 
Now I am getting inspired to do some beading.  Yay!
Our weather has turned very cold!  We are having rain!  Over two inches just during the night.  It is so cold that there is considerable snow falling just above us closer to Lake Tahoe.  The snowboarders and skiers are getting a very early start to their winter of activities and fun.  I really like the snow...if it is at least 50 miles from me!  Did I say how cold it is?  I can hardly type with my frozen fingers.  We have turned on the heater and it is working overtime.  Summer was far too short for my likes.  Autumn was beginning to happen and hopefully will come back once we are past this extreme cold spell and rain.  Yes, the cold is necessary as it is what allows the leaves to turn the intense colors of Fall. 
Wonderful days of Autumn...

Inspiration...Hellooo...

My goodness.  I layed out some beads and lace on one of my bead design trays and then set it aside.  I have seen this tray several times over many months and still it sits neglected on a shelf.  No inspiration comes from this.  Never has and probably never will.  I think it is time to put each of these components away and use the board for another layout.  I have much better inspiration in my head with different beads and components.  I think today is the day to clean up this mess and start something new. 
I never like to force an idea.  Actually I have not been making any jewelry for quite some time now.  I really miss playing and producing with my beautiful beads.  This may just be the right time to organize my stash and see what designs come to mind. 
How do you store your beads?  By color? By type? By sizes?  In trays or baggies or drawers?  I have been re-thinking my bead organization.  I would love any suggestions you have to offer. 
This just may be the inspiration I have been searching for.  Thank you.
Awesome October and Happy Haunting...

Giving and Receiving...

This blogging community continues to inspire me and overwhelm me with its incredible generosity.  The amount of inspiration that is shared on a daily basis is just so amazing. 
Do you love to read comments left on your blog posts?  I certianly love to read them.  I think they are the one thing that really speak to me about how I am doing as a blogger and as a crafter and as a person.
I do not always respond to every post however once in a while there are those comments that just call out to me. 

 I have said before I have not had any formal giveaways because I like to send surprises to my loyal blog commenters.  A few posts ago I showed a Wizard of Oz ATC.  One of my followers really liked the little ruby slippers and asked where I got them.  Long ago and no longer to be found and not even any manufacturers name is what I had to reply to her.  So instead I offered to send her one of mine. In return completely surprising me she made and sent this beautiful thank u card and beaded charm.  Her name is Ana of Scrappy Pink Corner .  She creates adorable mini albums and I am smitten with them. 

 Along with the beautiful card and charm she included this giant envelope chock full of the most fun elements that I can now use to create wonderful cards and albums and lots of great projects.  To say I was overwhelmed would be a gross understatement.  I gave her so little and yet she gives me so much.  Life is like that...you get what you give.  No, not literally but in the sense that if you are generous and giving then you shall also receive much good in your life and that is exactly what has happened here. 
Mr. C has always told me I am generous to a fault!  Now that I didn't understand...how could being generous with others be a fault?  He explained that I do not have money or wealth to share with others as I need what little I have to support me (this was when I was single and struggling).  I also over volunteer my time.  For me it is about the giving to others to help them or share my supplies or talents and that my friends FEEDS MY SOUL AND MAKES ME SO VERY HAPPY!  Money cannot buy that.  Having things cannot buy that. 

So THANK YOU Ana.  Your generosity is so very appreciated and this is what life is about...happiness!
Now for using these fabulous goodies you sent me and creating beautiful pieces of pleasure. 
P.S.  I always ask before I post something I have received so as not to put the giver in a possible uncomfortable position. 
Don't you agree that this blogging community is amazing and generous and kind and creative? 
Do each of you enjoy reading your comments? 
Do you check older posts to see if anyone has gone back and left a comment you may have missed? 
I do!  I really do find it to be wonderful feedback for me.
Now I am off to get crafting... 

Fabic Pouch Obsession...

 These are the same Origami Pouches I have been making and sharing but with new fabrics.  This time in some gorgeous Christmas fabric.  This fabric has some gold sparkles in the threads and the colors are vibrant and elegant. 
I have used buttons in place of the charms on these and really like the look.  I also turned the flap up a bit to show the lining fabric and make it just a wee bit more fun. 

 Here are two of my favorite blue fabrics.  Each bag uses the exact two fabrics...Fairy Frost and a floral fabric my friend Margaret gave me after she finished her project.  It was merely a matter while making these which side I chose to be the feature leaving the other fabric to become the lining.  The floral pouch has beaded dangles while the blue one has buttons for trim. 

This is probably the most fun pouch I have made so far.  It all started with seeing the chocolate covered strawberry fabric at my local Ben Franklin.  I didn't buy it but my girlfriend did.  Then a few days later I was looking for a special bead and came across these glass strawberry "earrings" that my girlfriend had purchased but not done anything with.  Yes, I do have her bead box here in my studio as we almost always bead together and we share and divide most of our beads.  Well...I was obsessed with getting some of the strawberry fabric I had seen and making her this little pouch.  Hmmm...how could I do that without asking her permission to use her "earring" beads?  So I shared my idea with her and she agreed the two had to go together.  Back to Ben's I went and lucky day they had just enough fabric left on the bolt.  I lined this one with a very sweet black with red polka dots fabric.  The gathering ties are just right with the red and white polka dot ribbon.  An entire theme and I super love how it turned out.  So did Saucy Chick Lorraine when I gave it to her. 
I am having so much fun making these.  With my obesssion in fabrics I think I can make them until the world runs out of thread.  :o)
Enjoying my end of summer holiday weekend.  Staying home, visiting with friends, doing some much needed Fall cleaning (I probably missed my Spring cleaning since we never had Spring for all the seven months of winter), weeding which never seems to end and overall enjoying every moment of every day.  I even spent time organizing and putting away tons of stuff in the studio.  Amazing how my 4' x 8' work table can get so cluttered and I find myself working in a space of only inches. 
May you each have a safe and wonderful end of summer weekend and celebrate our Labor Holiday if in the USA. 
I am seeing lots of Halloween goodies...what are you working on these days?

Charms Received...Amazing...

I was thinking of doing a swap as I follow quite a few blogs that participate in swaps and it always looks so fun to see what everyone makes and receives.  Well...I did participate in my very first swap that was for charms.  It was hosted and organized and completed by the very talented Roni of http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/ I cannot express enough how thrilled I am with this swap.Thank you to Roni and everyone who participated.  Here is a group photo of the box I received.  I was like a child filled with wonder and excitement on Christmas morning when I opened this box of charms.  Each and every charm is lovingly handmade and so clever and precious.  Thank you to each artist I was lucky enough to get one of your charms.

 This is one of the three sets of charms I made and submitted.  I used black O-rings, copper wire and beads.  I attached a lobster clasp to each one for easy use.

 This charm is larger and I wanted it to represent the beautiful pine trees I live amongst.  I added beads, fancy yarns, some copper wire and a lobster clasp. 

Each set of charms (I made three sets) were five per set.  This set is double sided with truffle pictures and small beads for some bling.  So far I think this charm was very popular because who doesn't like chocolate...even if it is a photo of chocolate!
I will definitely be participating again early next year when Roni hosts this swap once more.  It truly was a delightful experience. 
Now I must get busy and thank each of my charm makers.  We did include our info and I have already received some emails thanking me for my charms. 
I spent my morning at my local Chamber helping visitors.  Our weather is just perfect.  Then Mr. C came along and took me to lunch at my favorite Beach Hut Deli for my California sandwich.  Life is good.
May your week progress with all the wonderful things that make you happy...

Halloween Origami Pouches...

With less weeds to be pulled I am finding more time to be in my sewing room where I love to sew. There is something quite calming and relaxing about sewing...provided I am not attempting a new pattern or technique unfamiliar to me.
So here are a couple of Origami Pouches in Halloween fabrics.

This is very vintage fabric that I have owned forever. I added a cute charm to each side flap. The lining is the same bright yellow as the cording. These are so simple to make that I actually made two at the same time.

This is some new fabric I bought this year and I adore it. This photo does not do justice to the fabric but that is for another day...photography and I do not see eye to eye. It has such a graphic flair to the standard spider web look. "Hallowgraphix" by Jason Yenter for "In the Beginning" fabrics. I only wish I had bought more than one yard. Each little pouch takes an 18.5" square of fabric and lining.

On this one I sewed buttons to the flaps and like the look.

I am already planning a few more of these little fun pieces for gifts this year. With fabric choices and flap embellishments the options are endless.

Do you sew? Do you prefer fabric or paper or ???

Happy mid week to all...

New Earrings...

I have been busy in my studio playing with some of my beads and making earrings.
Now my task this week is to get them listed in my etsy shoppe. This always seems to be such a chore for me. First the photography which I really do not enjoy keeps holding me back. Then the actual writing of the description is always tricky...say enough but not too much.
So by posting here I am forcing myself to be accountable to follow through and get them listed.
This first pair is charming with the little bee "tasting" the honey hued Swarovski crystal beneath the Czech flower bead.

I had purchased some new antique copper findings and wanted to put them together with some interesting beads. French pierced earwires with black Obsidian hearts and Czech Vitrail Glass Flower cone beads, Swarovski crystals and antique copper spacers are stunning in person.

These are very simply done using silver-plate earwires, blue-green glass beads, Swarovski crystals and Turquoise nuggets. I kept the drop length on each of these pairs to just about one inch.

This is probably the most interesting pair using the antique copper findings. I paired Fancy Jasper hearts with true Sedona Red Rock barrel beads purchased while in Sedona earlier this year. Of course now I am wondering why I didn't buy lots more of these unique Red Rock beads. It is said that Sedona Red Rock beauty awakens spirit and the energy that is created gives rise to a heightened awareness and enhanced appreciation for life. Wow! If you have ever visited Sedonna and been in the presence of the Red Rocks you would definitely agree that the entire area is aweinspiring.

Wonderful week to all...many of you are busy packing for those fall trips...many preparing the little ones for back to school...and some of you very busy in your studios making fabulous art.

Me? I will be enjoying each day of our perfect summer we have been having here in Northern California. I spent Saturday at the local Farmers Market and then volunteering at our Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. It was a day filled with meeting lots of interesting folks from all over. I always enjoy my day.

Now I must get on task and work my list of to do items...Hugs to all...

Charmed I'm Sure...

My little studio has been a very busy place of late and for that I am grateful. It is where I like to spend time and it makes me happy to create things.
I decided several weeks ago to participate in a charm swap that Roni is hosting. I am certain you all follow her escapades with ink and such. If not please visit her. http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/
I actually made three sets of charms and sent them in for swapping. I am not showing them here as the swap is in the process stage and soon to be sent out to all participants and I certainly don't want to spoil any surprises.
This photo is of a single charm I did for Roni herself. Super simple using a chipboard letter (lower case r with glitter), jump rings with beads attached and a lobster clasp for attaching to anything desired.
I must say I am getting excited to see which charms I receive. Roni has been giving hints of the charms she is receiving and they all sound amazing.
What swaps have you participated in? Any favorites you have enjoyed?
I am thinking of some I might join in the future. I know time must be set aside just for each swap so that the items are the best possible. I think this would be a great way to expand my art and sharing is something I love to do. Hmmm...
Summer is marching along. Our local county fair is happening this week. I think I shall avoid all the traffic and crowds this year. If only I could attend just to see all the handmade items that people show. No, I will spend my precious time in my studio and sewing room making my very own handmade items.
Enjoy your days doing something that makes you happy...

Lace Envelopes...

Here are more of my little kraft envelopes. They are merely 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" so much too small for ATCs. I managed to sew some of my favorite lace around them. Then I took my heart punch and made some tags. They are colored on one side and plain on the other so I could write a thank you note.

Then I created some charms and attached them to the heart tags. This tassel is made of beads strung on beading thread. I sent this to a special follower as a surprise.

This charm is made from an old costume earring. I love the pearls effect and how it dangles.

This charm is a special mix of beads I bought in Rome Italy on holiday.

Each of these charms is attached to a lobster clasp and can be used for zippers, charm pins, decoration on curtains or pillows or anything else you can think of.

I just love the look of lace on the tiny little envelopes. The photos do not show that the lace continues on the flap to complete the look. Therefore instead of sealing the flap I chose to tie ribbon around the envelope to close it.

A little beaded surprise wrapped in tissue enclosed in a tiny lace covered envelope. Yum!

I still have a lot of these tiny envelopes so I shall be putting on my creative thinking cap.

Please share any ideas you might have for using them. I think I have a balance of at least 400.

I am still weeding, trimming and cleaning house in preparation of company arriving. The hours and days are passing so quickly. I must adopt the attitude that whatever I do get done will be far more than nothing. Got to get back to my duties as "daylight's a burning" so Mr. C says.

Happy Summer Creating...

Patriotic ATC...

As we come upon a very important day in our United States of America I realize we all celebrate differently. Some of us make a long weekend out of the Fourth of July. Some of us make it into an entire week or more. We celebrate with picnics, BBQs and pool parties. We go camping. Whatever we do or however we celebrate it is a very meaningful day in our history.

I am thankful for all those that came before and for all those that are now fighting for our American freedom. It is so easy to take it all for granted. This time of year allows us to reflect on just how fortunate we are and how grateful we are for our freedom.

I have made this ATC to honor my freedom and to remember Freedom is not Free.

Twyla and Lindsey of Two Crazy Crafters are having a blog hop of Patriotic ATC's. I am not able to link to them but wanted to participate.
May you each enjoy your Fourth of July celebrations and stay safe.

Grateful for Gifted Friends...

So many of you know and adore Paulette of Beedeebabee. She is a very gifted artist with felt, beads, needle and thread. Please visit her blog to see some of her newest offerings.

I was so fortunate to open my mail one day recently and this is the fabulous treasure I received. I am truly grateful as I cherish her handwork. Now I am able to also cherish her friendship. Once again blogland has brought the best people and their creative talents to my circle of inspiration. Thank you so very dearly Paulette. I am very grateful.

Today is the beginning of a new week of opportunity and I shall try to rise to meet the challenge. I have lots of things in mind and now all I need to do is get to them...NOW!

Happy February Hearts to each of you.

Success Is In Doing...

I feel success is in doing for a couple of reasons. Mr. C and I traveled to Italy a while back and had a wonderful trip. I was focused on beads and inspiration for making jewelry. I have shared a lot of this in previous posts. In one of the more upscale fashion districts in Florence I saw a necklace displayed in a shop window and I was entranced. Of course my photos wouldn't work because of the glass and the lighting. So in my mind was this necklace I just had to make as my own. Time passes...more time passes and I never make it. Well you know the story...doubt held me back! So in my 2011 frame of mind to do it NOW I went into my studio yesterday and pulled out everything I thought I might like to use. I knew it would be black and silver overall. Well...

Here is my version of the coveted Italian necklace. I used all things I already owned. A couple of vintage necklaces, some purchased chain, black suede hearts, Swarovski crystals in clear and smokey black diamond, a black tassel, some sheer polka dot ribbon and two purchased round charms. I started to assemble everything together and just let the pieces fall where they wanted to. I am so pleased with how this turned out and will be wearing it this weekend which I shall share in a future post.

My feeling of success is the best. Getting it done NOW is even better. I am feeling quite positive about this year and what I personally will be able to achieve.

Getting things done is something I can accomplish. It may be cleaning a room, it may be spending time with my family and friends or it may be creating something fun.

I hope you are feeling success with something important to you.

Happy creating...

Beading in the Studio...

Here is my design board for bracelets. It is a smaller version than the large one I use for necklace designs. As you can see I got this from my favorite online source Fire Mountain Gems. I have spent time in the studio today beading some bracelets for Valentine's holiday.

I had fun digging through my bead boxes for colors and combinations that looked good together. This is proof that you do not need to purchase special beads for every design. I managed to make three bracelets with beads I had in my stash. These could have been beads I had previously purchased or in many cases beads left over from other projects.

I think you might agree that these three bracelets have heart and clearly look good for Valentine's day celebrations.

I loved being in the studio and making these bracelets. They came together quite quickly and easily. Now I am ready for Valentine's.

I hope you are able to spend time in your art room this week and make happy art.

Happy creating...

Hello October...

Hello October and welcome Fall. This is a time to breathe and re-group so we can get ready for the rush of holidays...Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our days and nights will be very busy and we will try to do too many things for too many people and not enough for ourselves.
So...sit back and put your feet up for a few minutes and think of all the things we have to be grateful for that do not make us feel rushed or crazy.

Then have some fun with whimsy this month. Like wearing fun socks on those cool days of Fall. Here I am wearing my brand new ghosts socks. Their happy little faces with the big smiles just make me smile. Yes these are my newest black shoes which I love. I admit to having a weakness for shoes and it actually offsets my weakness for all the other things I love like fabrics, beads, laces, ribbons and so many other crafting supplies.

Hello October and let's all enjoy this month of Fall and fun and family and friends.

Happy Haunting...

Powell's Book Store...Portland

This is a bonanza of my visit to Powell's Book store in Portland Oregon. They refer to it as a city of books and I completely agree. Hours of browsing are not enough to see even a sampling of all the books they carry. I merely focused on beading and found so many books I got overwhelmed very quickly.

While in Barcelona Spain Mr. C and I were quite enchanted with Antoni Gaudi and his amazing architecture. We visited the Familia de Sagrada however did not buy any books while there thinking we could get them once we were home. NOT! Well not until we found Powell's and their rare books floor. This is just one of the many selections they had for us to choose from. Now we can enjoy what we saw first hand while looking at this book many times over.

This is a very large book on beading that I could not resist. It is like an encyclopedia of many different styles and types of beading techniques. I was happy to buy this for my studio library. Just a note: books can get very heavy and I bought all of these early in the day and then had to carry them all over as we rode the MAX public transportation to visit our other points of interest. What was I thinking?

This is another beautiful beading book that I could not resist. It is an amazing reference for numerous types of techniques and styles to put beads to use in my jewelry and wearable art.

If you have not ever been to Powell's Books in Portland it is definitely worth the visit.

I merely wish I would have had more time to really scour the different book sections.

What section would be your favorite must visit?

More on my visit to Portland coming soon.

Now I must bid goodbye to my favorite month of August and welcome September and all that it brings.

I Felt Love...

I recently received this wonderful package in the mail. Surprises are the best don't you think?!
Pat Winter is a truly kind and generous artistic soul. I met Pat through blogging and the Comfort Doll project she began and ran for many years.

Since I cannot seem to figure out how to link a site with my text I shall give you Pat's blog address http://gatherings100.blogspot.com/ so you can visit and discover her many talents unless you already follow this amazing woman.

So back to my surprise package. I love opening mail and find cleverness inside. Wrapped in pattern tissue and stamped and stitched is the most beautiful handmade brooch. Pat felted it and embellished it with her signature fabric ciggy and beads and ribbon embroidery. This brooch is truly a tiny work of art and I shall cherish owning it.

Thank you so very much dear Pat.

Isn't this beautiful with it's greens and purples, lace, ribbons, beads and the special heart attached? I am thrilled with this piece of felted love.

Happy creating...