Happy Flowers...

Aren't these just the happiest flowers? I smile everytime I see them. It began with the petunias Mr. C gave me for Mother's Day along with some other potting flowers. I usually do not like to receive florist bouquets because they do not last and are sooo expensive. So the potting flowers were perfect as I can enjoy them for a really long time. The red geraniums and Royal Purple's are so vibrant and in the blue pot just look perfectly patriotic with the flag flying.

I do not know which geranium variety these are however I have never seen such a beautiful varigated color scheme. Oh Grandma I miss you as I should have paid more attention to your amazing knowledge of plants.

This little Saucy Chick is looking over her recently planted flower seeds. Hmmm...let's see if any of them sprout. She does have a couple of volunteer plants she watches over.

Flowers have always been such a bright and happy spot in my life. Here the critters eat everything that is planted so I have just a few on my upstairs deck for the season and they are doing a super good job of making me happy and smile.

I am off to bead in the studio. There is a necklace designing session waiting for me.

Which flower is your favorite or is it too hard to pick just one?!!

I do love them all.

Happy creating...

Turquoise 2010...

It is a beautiful color and one that I have liked all my life...Turquoise. This year 2010 it is the official color of Pantone. In the color world Pantone is THE ultimate word on color.

When I was very young my family would drive to the Indian reservations and I was always intrigued with the beautiful turquoise beads that were in the silver necklaces. My mother got a fabulous Squash Blossom necklace that I just loved and hoped one day it would be mine. Unfortunately a thief stole it many years ago. But I still have my very small "little girl" squash blossom necklace I got that same day as Mom got hers and I cherish it.

I have been working with some turquoise beads lately not knowing it was THE color of the year. I just love how it looks and I was in a Santa Fe kind of mood while making the latest necklace. I don't have photos yet as the weather is very dark and rainy and my lighting is not right.

As you can see the boa above is also the color turquoise. It is as beautiful in person as it is in this photo. I made this for my design line "Where the Boas Are". Yes, it is available in my etsy shop and thank you for asking. ;o)

I am seeing lots of turquoise in the current catalogs for clothes and jewelry. Now we know why.

Years ago I did own a 1964 1/2 Mustang in a shade of aqua turquoise and I hated that color. For a mustang? Please! Let's keep the color turquoise for clothing, jewelry and some home decor.

What does the color turquoise represent for you?

Moonlight Snow...

In holding with my 2010 goal of trying to "focus" I am spending my time working on my jewelry design line. This is a peek of Moonlight Snow.

I purchased three of the focal lampwork beads while on a recent trip to Italy. I met with the artisan and then purchased these beads with no plan in mind other than to design and make jewelry.

When I get an idea I usually sketch it on paper. Then I get out my supplies and see what I have that works with what my mind sees. I lay out the design to see if it looks in reality as good as it looked in my mind and better than in my sketch. Then I usually let it rest for a few days while I try different beads or placements or focal pieces. I like to adjust everything before I string it.

What are your successes for making jewelry? I would love to hear your best ideas of what works for you.

I have lots of ideas and more beads to string so I will continue to make my Adorn Me! jewelry.

Good Information re Gemstones...

Good day bloggers.

If you are unaware of this website http://www.firemountaingems.com/ then welcome. You have just reached your bonanza for beads, ready made gifts, and all sorts of invaluable information about beading and jewelry making.

I have been a customer of Fire Mountain for many years and I am not part of their staff however I love their service and products. So I want to share it with all of you.

They just recently did an article on Gemstone Enhancement Guide and it is very interesting. It may help you while you are shopping so that you can be more informed and not buy something that isn't what you really want. You can check it out here http://www.firemountaingems.com/encyclobeadia/beading_resources.asp?docid=GMSTNNHNCMNTGD&WT.fmg_linksection=621VJ91C8E0M&WT.mc_id=NL091201

I know this link seems long and tedious but the article is short and easy to read. I actually printed it out (just two short pages) and I will keep it in my 3-ring binder to refer to when my memory fails me and I need a refresher.

I have been busy in the studio and here is a gift I made myself (photo above top). The beads are vintage garnets from my girlfriend who is a January baby. Various beads and components from Fire Mountian Gems. And the focal bead is a signed KLEW (Karen Lewis) polymer bead I purchased at her studio in Tehachapi http://www.klewexpressions.com/. I so appreciate the time and talent KLEW put into such a beautiful bead. My girlfriend and I met Karen while we were at her studio and she was so nice and interesting and really spent time with us. I do apologize for the lighting and you all know I am not a professional photographer.

I hope this blog has been interesting and worth your time to read as I know so well that all of you are busy and have plenty to do in this month of overload and holiday happiness.

Bead Trends Magazine...

Wow! Bead Trends magazine www.beadtrendsmag.com is my new favorite tool for my upcoming designer line of jewelry..."Adorn Me". Soon to be debuting in my online shop http://createology.etsy.com
If you love jewelry...making it, wearing it, buying it or giving it you need to see this magazine. No, I do not have any vested interest in this publication. It is simply and beautifully done.
I found Bead Trends at my closest big book store last week. At $17.95 it seemed very pricey for a monthly issue, however I decided to splurge and give it a solid try. Well, upon bringing it home and literally devouring it page by page I am sold on the quality and focus of this magazine. The photography is amazing and interesting. Each piece of jewelry is shown and then lists the materials used. This is an excellent resource for everyone making their own jewelry. Use it as wonderful inspiration but never copy pieces for resale. Be unique in your style. There is an artist feature and display of their jewelry. Excellent how to directions for a piece of jewelry.
This beautiful magazine has very few advertisements and therefore the true focus is on jewelry. I believe I have found my new favorite resource in my pursuit of making "Adorn Me" a successful venture. I look forward to submitting my work to Bead Trends for possible publication. What a gem among the numerous beading magazines on the shelves.
Have you read or seen this Bead Trends magazine? Has it inspired your jewelry making?

Beading a little fun...

Do you know what this beaded item is?

It is a small leash for your scissors so you can find them easily amongst your work in progress.

They are actually very quick and simple to make.

Using a "lanyard" normally for cell phone charms you simply select the beads and/or charms you wish to dangle from your scissors.

My stork scissors I use while beading have a heart theme with a blue glass heart focal bead.

I just assembled beads for the newest one. Shades of purple. A glass focal bead, some glass flower beads, a purple glass heart bead and a silver plated "Made with Love" heart charm. Stack the beads on an eye pin and form a top loop that attaches to the lanyard. The newly completed lanyard is shown here without being attached to anything as of yet.

My friend Bev showed my one she had purchased for $7.99 and I made her one for quite a bit less than that price. It was my thank you for her sharing such a great idea.

Now you can give this a try if you like to bead. I think they will make great gifts and stocking stuffers this holiday season.

P.S. It felt so great to be creative and bead today. Even for only a very few minutes. :o)

Studio time beading...

Today I spent time in my studio and it felt great. I have been promising myself to complete an old task before starting a new one. Doesn't that sound familiar? Well today I did just that. I restrung a necklace that was very old and fraying.

About fifteen years ago my daughter hand beaded these lovely earrings for me. So I beaded a very simple necklace to go with them. Long ago when I would bead it was popular to use dental floss to string with as it was affordable and very strong. In fact it did last for at least a dozen years before becoming frayed.

I got out the supplies: needle, nymo beading thread, pliers, spare beads (for the ones I drop and can't find on the floor lol), scissors and bead threader/cutter. I can't imagine why I kept putting this task off as it was very simple and didn't take long to complete at all.

Now I have kept my promise to myself and completed an old task that was just always hanging over me. I feel so much better for having finished this. I am ready to wear these earrings and necklace and due to the beautiful pastel colors they will be very nice during the hot weather we will still have this summer.

Thank you daughter for continuing our family legacy of being creative and making beautiful things with your hands and heart.