I'm on a Mission!

I've been saying for a loooong time that I wanted to construct a light box...and just never got the energy and the pieces together to do it. There are a million and one reasons for this, but the time for excuses are at an end! I'm officially on a mission to make a light box.

I have a big card board box that's actually big enough for necklace stand :D and I already have the lights I've been using to take pictures. I think I'll eventually want at least one more light though... Now I just need the white fabric for the sides and I'll be good! I called a couple of people (like my Mom) to see if I could score some free fabric but no luck. So I'm thinking if I feel good tomorrow (which is always a big IF), I'll make a run to pick up some cheap fabric and make the box tomorrow! If I'm not feeling good enough tomorrow...then it's high priority for when I am! I'd go out and get fabric tonight...but this is the first day I've felt mostly good (I'm not 100%) in several days so I don't want to push myself too hard and I've already worked on a bunch of projects.

Wish me luck!

Bead Soup - and More!

Sorry I've been awol for a couple of days. I've been really sick. I'm on the mend now...I think...but not really sure. We'll see :)

Anyway, I had to show off the bead soup I got in the mail - and the new stuff I bought be before I got sick!

I'm participating in a Bead Soup Swap hosted by Lori Anderson and I got my beads in the mail this week! This picture doesn't do them justice, my brother shot a quick snap for me a couple days ago when I thought I might manage to blog while sick. Um. Yah RIGHT. That didn't happen.

The bag on the left are extra beads...and I plan on playing with those at some point after I make my Bead Soup Necklace :) I'll probably dump them out on my tray and see what inspiration hits. I'm betting I'll net several pairs of earrings and some new charms out of that conglomeration!

The bag on the right is full of gorgeous lampwork beads that compliment the focal and nifty toggle clasp that you see down on the bottom. I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do with them, but I plan on spreading them all out on my bead board and playing in the next day or two. The unveiling isn't until February 10th anyway, and I didn't want to work on the project while I was on quarter brain power while sick :P

Now for my shopping....I bought a ring stick! This means that soon I'll have rings available in my shop :D I've made up two already, and I'm excited to make more!

They also had a seed bead sale when I went in to by the ring stick (and a few other basic supplies I didn't bother photoing) so I got these! The white I needed anyway, the brown seed mix has so much potential, I've already used the iridescent beads (you'll see pics soon!), and I know EXACTLY what I'm going to use the red beads for :D

To Get You Caught Up

Hey everyone! There's been a lot going on lately so I thought it was time for a "catch up" post to help you remember it all if your interested :P

There is still plenty of time to buy into my hemp bracelet club! $55 gets you a bracelet in the mail each month for the next 6 months. Buy it for yourself, or buy it for someone you love! Either way your getting a great product, at a great price :) And did I mention you'll get a free gift with the first bracelet?

I have my on-going BNR up in the etsy treasuries again - and we've had 3 sales so far! I'm very excited for the three shops that have gotten sales - and the there's still plenty of time! The treasury will be up until Friday at 10:35 am, so come, shop, and buy YOUR place into the treasury! When you buy from one of these 12 lovely shops you get your spot in this treasury and any further BNR's I do, until YOU get your own sale! How awesome is that?

Don't forget to head on over to my One World One Heart blog entry to get your chance to win a pair of lovely earrings! I'll be giving away one pair of earrings ($5 value) for every 50 comments I get on that post, I have 47 as of this moment! Come get your chance to win :)

Want more chances to win? Every month I do a Top Commentators. I keep track of all the comments I receive and the top three commentators get gift certificates! And, just to make it fair, winners from the previous month are not eligible for the current month, so there's chances for everyone! New to my blog? That's alright! You can always do some back reading ;)

One World, One Heart - The Official Giveaway!

I blogged not too long ago saying I was going to be part of One World One Heart again...and then I missed the opening day! Ack! I was sick - that's my excuse >_> But it's here! We're taking a magic carpet ride! What does that mean?

Well for me that means giving away lots of prizes! I envision this magic carpet flying all over the world, and the more places it fly's, the more chances there are to win! I love make earrings, and so that's what my giveaway is going to be. Here's just a sample:

That's just one of the styles I offer in my $5 earrings section in my shop! For every 50 riders on this magic carpet, I'll add in another pair of earrings to give away! Winners can pick from something already in my shops, or give me color and design preferences and let me custom make something just for them.

How do you win? Just leave a comment on this blog post! All entries must be made by midnight, PST, February 14th. I'll be using a random number generator to select the winner on the morning of February 15th. Good luck :D

Renewing Frenzy!

I haven't been feeling too good the last few days, and that meant my shop got quite neglected! I had a whole bunch of items expire because I didn't renew them (I generally renew on the date they are going to expire), so today I had a renewing frenzy! Here's most of them...tell me your favorite and get an extra entry into the Top Commentators contest!

Crafty ADD #25

It's Monday - so it's that time again - time for me to share all the stuff I've been working on this last week! I had a pretty good week craft wise :) Let me share with you...

Crochet

I didn't get quite as much done on this as I would have liked last week, I kinda got caught up in beady things, so I'm resolving to do more this week!

Drawing

That's right - I actually drew something! Now if you ever ask me I'll tell you that drawing and all that "traditional" artsy stuff is entirely NOT me. But... We're doing monthly challenges with one of my groups now (Bittersweets Daily Challenge) and this month's was ACEO's! I've got another idea (in a different medium) up my sleeve but I decided to pull out my pencils and do this as well :)

Jewelry

I re-did and finished my ring for myself! Now I'm excited to get a ring stick so I can start making them for my shop - I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from this!

"Treasures of the Sea." This broach is my entry into the Etsy Bead Weavers Monthly Challenge. It's simple, probably won't win anything, but I had a lot of fun with it :) Hopefully I'll have it listed later today or tomorrow.

Remember that coin I showed you earlier this week? Well I reworked the beading around it. It's a lot tighter and looks much better now! I'll be doing the necklace for it soon :)

This was the first piece I did while lying on my back with a migraine this weekend. See, as long as I'm lying down my migraine stays at a semi-tolerable level, so I decided to figure out a way to bead lying down, and I wanted something easy to start with! I picked up this assortment of beads a few weeks ago, planning on making a necklace like this, and so that's what I worked on as I adjusted to lying down and beading :) Hope to get this one listed soon as well.

Inspired by Trinity Designer Jewellery

As you've heard me mention time and time again I am a part of the Etsy Bead Weavers. I love this team for so many reasons! I love how supportive everyone is, and I love the inspiration I receive from looking at their work and listening to their stories.

This last week I've felt a little frustrated though. I've watched my team mates put up piece after lovely piece, and I've said to myself, "why aren't I getting that done?" Now the reason are pretty simple. Life has been a little complicated lately for me to get much beading done. It seems like whenever I'm feeling good I'm trying to catch up on responsibilities, and the rest of the time I'm on my back with migraines. Not a great combination.

I've tried not to get frustrated with myself, especially because I know I have a lot of stressful things going on right now, and that my body does not react well to stress.

Today was almost the limit though. I had a place I really wanted to go tonight, and I have about 6 different ideas for beading that I REALLY want to work on. Of course, that means that I'm having a massive migraine. Well, I'm supposed to be careful about how often I use caffeine to treat my migraines (there's a long list of reasons), but I decided to actually drink some regular coffee today.

It didn't help at all.

So I called my brother to tell him I wasn't going to make it tonight, and headed for the couch to curl up with a book, complaining to my hubby on the way that I really wanted to bead today! His response was, "Too bad we can't make you some sort of vertical beading thing." I agreed and curled up to read.

Then my mind started working. Recently one of my team mates, Lorraine of Trinity Designer Jewellery, was sharing with us her struggles. I've known for awhile that she deals with health problems more extreme than my own, and I marvel at the fact that she seems to get more done! In what she shared she mentioned that she beads lying down. My mind had kinda skipped over that at first thinking that there was no way I'd pull that off, but after my husbands comment...

Well, we figured out how to make it work! I've spent the afternoon alternating between working on a necklace and reading. I can only bead for about 1/2 hr before I need a break, but I can still bead :) That makes me really happy! I'm stretched out on the couch with a pillow propping my head up slightly and a lap tray over my legs. It took me awhile to get the coordination down for beading on my back, but I'm getting a lot faster now.

Thank you Lorraine :)

Since I'm talking about her being an inspiration I want to show of this piece named "Rachele" that she recently put up on etsy. I'm in love with the colors and the way this is put together!

Now I'll go retreat to my couch again because I've been sitting up for far too long typing this...

On a Friday Afternoon...

I'm starting a new series called "Coins around the World!" I'm really excited about it - and it's definitely going to be challenging. This is the first time I've tried to "capture" an item with beads, and it was a lot of work! I'm actually going to tear this first attempt out and re-do it (multiple reasons) but that's ok, I learned a lot!

I also wanted to show some of my recently promoted items - you know the drill - tell me your favorites and get an extra entry into my top commentators contest!

Awesome Knitting and Crocheting

The Blogfire Guild's current them is showing off awesome knitting and crocheting! Well it just so happens that I have friends in both of those camps, and so I thought I'd show of their work!

Meri makes all sorts of fun things to put in her shop, but I have a special place place in my heart for these dolls she makes. The one shown is the Chess Black Queen Fairy. Not only do I think her work is very impressive, she was sweet enough to make me a purple fairy for Christmas! I was sooo suprised - and excited! My fairy, Lira, sits on my desk and watches over me while I work :)

Yvonne of Handerbeitskram is another artist I've had a lot of fun getting to know! We've both done a trade, and she ordered a custom order from me, and both transactions went wonderfully. We also talk on plurk all the time and have many of the same interests (like sci-fi). I've been learning to knit - and I really admire her handiwork. She also has bunch of great yarns in her shop so make sure to check it out. I picked these fingerless mitts to feature because I love all the bright colors in them!

Bead Soup - My Offering

I'm participating in a swap called "Bead Soup" that's being hosted by Lori Anderson - and I'm really excited! Basically its a whole bunch of jewelry artist who all signed up, we each have a swap partner, and we're sending them some bead soup. What's in this bead soup? A focal, some components to go around it, and a clasp. The picture below is what I sent to my bead soup partner, and I can hardly wait to see what I'm getting! It was hard to part with anything though, I kept thinking of how I could turn this into a necklace on my own :P I bet she comes up with something fantastic!

Crafty ADD Update #24

I had a very hard time focusing on anything this week! Part of that was going on another short road trip to see my Granny, and part of that was feeling sick, and part of that was....I don't know? Here's what I got done though :)

Crochet

Not much progress on this over the course of the week, but I got a little bit done! I'm kinda stuck on the hat I've been working on. I need to get together with Mom on that one. Not showing anything because I crocheted and tore apart several times.

Jewelry

Almost done with this! I need to get a clasp for it and then it'll be done! Woohoo!

Here's what I've gotten done on the remake of the ring I talked about yesterday! I decided to add a little design to it as well as make it narrower this time around.

This is the start of my challenge piece for the Etsy Bead Weavers Challenge this month :D I'm going to call it "Treasures of the Sea."

Trying Something New

I've been wanting to make a beaded ring for awhile now...but I keep putting it off. Part of it was that I wanted to make one for myself before I even consider making them for the shop. That wouldn't be such a problem excpet for awhile I didn't have a wedding ring. Why? Well, I gained a lot of weight in the last two years due to the meds the docs have me on, so my ring didn't fit any more. And I REALLY didn't want a beaded ring on one finger when there was nothing on my ring finger! We got me a new, plain silver, band for Christmas, so I decided it was time to move forward and make a beaded ring for myself!

I started with purple, of course, and it was really easy. The hardest part was seeing just how fat my fingers are :P I think it's cute, but it's way to wide. So I'm going to tear it apart and make a second one. With two colors this time I think...

Will these be appearing in my shop? Probably eventually. I need a ring stick though so I can make them in proper sizes.

New fun!

Life sometimes seems to be one challenge after another doesn't it? Ah well - trying hard not to let it get me down :) I seem to have developed tendinitis. I think it's because I spent a lot of time writing by hand the other day, and a lot of that was writing in the car so it wasn't on a good surface either. The good news is I can still bead :) I just have to wear a brace. It actually hurts less to bead than it does to type! So today I finally got started on my challenge piece for this month's Etsy Bead Weavers challenge. I'm excited about it!

What are YOUR Plans? Here are some of mine...

You know, I really hate New Years Resolutions, but it does provide a good time to sit back and evaluate where your at and where your going. So here's some of the things I've been planning and thinking!

1. I want to continue to learn new things. Both in the fiber arts that I've been learning, but definitely in the jewelry world as well! Maybe one new technique a month? Or something that stretches me? We'll see how doable that is :)

2. I'd really like to work on creating more bridal jewelry. I have lots of ideas, now to get them made!

3. In conjunction with number 2, I'd like to get my work on consignment in a bridal store in the next few months if at all possible.

Other than that - I'm going to keep working on everything I've been working on :P

Now......what are you planning?

It's that Time Again :)

Time to show off some of my latest listings and relistings :) I always love seeing these mosaics put together, seeing what I've put up recently. Ok, sometimes I feel a little sick of them from promoting them over and over, but usually I enjoy it! You know the drill - you get an extra entry into my Top Commentators contest if you tell me which item is your favorite and why :)

Hemp Bracelet Club - Only Available Until February 12th

Did you like the idea of my earring club that I did last month? Well this month its a new club! I'm just a wee bit late at getting it started cuz *cough* life got in the way! It's up and running now though! Just $55 for 6 bracelets over the next 6 months! What a deal eh? You can find it here in my Artfire shop or here in my Etsy shop. I'd love to brighten up your mail box for the next 6 months with lovely bracelets!

Crafty ADD Update #23

Last week was a bad one migraine wise (reacting to something new...) and I thought I didn't get very much done. The good news is that looking at the pictures shows I got more done than I thought!

Crochet

What you see here is the death and rebirth of a project. The ball on the right is what was once the purple hat I was crocheting. The biggest problem was that I didn't think to check gauge until I was REALLY far into it...and my gauge was way off. My Mom and I thought we'd figured it out, but the problem was I could no longer do counts to double check myself. I was getting close to being done - and I realized that somewhere along the way I'd manage to get WAY off. I finally decided that the only thing to do was start over and MAKE SURE I'm in gauge this time! I also decided to make sure I had the right yarn (the ball on the right was close, but no quite). I tried starting it again today, and discovered I need yet a bigger size crochet hook. Good thing is I can get one from my Mom tomorrow :)

I also started a baby blanket this weekend! That was a whole fiasco though. Mom and I are going to be making matching baby blankets for my friends that are having twin boys. I'm doing a blue and white and she's doing a green and white. Which wouldn't have been a problem except that we some how managed to get two different types of yarns and so we had to go back and return some and refigure out colors a bit. But we're all good to go now!

Jewelry

Wednesday I made one of my last Christmas presents! I had put this one off, not because it was too hard, but just because I knew I wouldn't be seeing John until after Christmas so I knew I could put it off. I know that the shot of the dragon pendant is fuzzy, but I LOVE that pendant. John did too, so we're good there :)

Saturday I made up this simple necklace in pearls and swarovski crystals. It's a wedding necklace for a family friend. She wanted something very simple. The dress is a lovely cream, and I found pearls that match exactly! The crystals match her sisters (the maid of honors) dress. The one other thing I kept in mind when designing this piece was that the dress has several places where things are grouped in threes (pleats, edging, that type of thing) and so I duplicated that in the necklace by grouping the pearls in threes!

Yeah, I'm still working on this! Going sloooow. Mostly just because I haven't put anywhere near enough time into it :P Like I said, lots of migraines again this last week. Hoping to finally get it done in the next few days though so I can get going on my next projects in the pipeline!

Tired but Crafty

It's been a long week and I haven't gotten anywhere near as much done this week as I would have liked! Thank the migraine monsters for that. Good news is we think we figured out what I was reacting too so hopefully I'll be going uphill from here again :)

I had all sorts of things I want to do and then post about today - but between the migraine, running errands, and doctors appointments, I've run out of time and energy! The good news is that one of those errands was to a craft store to buy the yarn for my nephew's baby blanket. I'm so excited! John and Becca are the type of family you chose, not that your born into, and I love them to pieces :) Becca is due at the beginning of May and she's having TWINS, so Mom and I are making matching baby blankets, just in different colors. I'm having so much fun with this!

Crafty ADD Update #22

I think this is probably the shortest Crafty ADD post I've done since I've started! That's ok though - last week was pretty full between my brother coming home, celebrating a late family Christmas, and just life in general. I also spent some time for myself writing, which I think I really needed! Hoping to get back to a more normal routine this week and balance out between crafty time and writing time. We'll see how it goes!

Crochet

I didn't get very much done on this - and I kinda messed up one of the sides, but Mom says it will work out anyway so I don't have to take it out. *phew* Since the toddler this is for has her birthday next month I've officially moved this from a Christmas present to a birthday present :P

Jewelry

This is my other late Christmas present that I have in the works - but that's ok - she'll love it whenever I get it done :D

Crafty ADD Recap - Weeks 11-20

Yah, yah, yah, I know, I'm a wee bit late in getting this up! Especially since I'll also be posting Crafty ADD #22 today... But you guys still loves me right? lol

One World, One Heart 2010

Last year I participated in a blogging event called "One World, One Heart," and this year I'm doing it again! The event will run between Jan. 25th and Feb. 15th. I will be giving away at least one prize (possibly more) as part of this event! Its a great chance to get to other bloggers, and a lot of fun. Are you interested? Check out the main blog for One World, One Heart and see how you can be a part of it!

KSTreasures is Going Out of Business!

It's time to move on, and so my second shop, Kindred Spirit Treasures, is going out of business. That means a HUGE SALE! Everything has been marked off 50%!!! Here's just a few of the great deals your going to find.

Congrats to Decembers Winners!

Welcome to the new year! I'm excited to see what the New Year has in store for me, my art, my shops, and my life. I'm ALSO very excited to see what it holds in store for all of you! Now on to the announcements...

Just a reminder of how this works: I track every comment that I receive on my blog. Then, at the end of the month, the top three commentators win prizes! Whoever wins one month is not eligible the next month to win, so sometimes it's not actually the top commentator who wins that month, because I want to give everyone a chance!

Whenever I put up a collection of my latest works promoted I give people a chance to earn extra entry's towards my commentators contest. Those extra entries are in parenthesis. And now for our winners!

Beaded Tail 19 (3)

Memories for Life 14

Play'n with Beads 5

Beaded Tail

Sierra Circles

Memories for Life

Memories Scrapbook Photo Album

Play'n with Beads

Blue People Pin

Congrats everyone!

Now here are the fun numbers...

Top Commentator: This Month - 19 Last Month - 26

Total Commentators: This Month 37 - Last Month - 42

Total Comments: This Month - 88- Last Month - 120

I'm not surprised to see my numbers go down. I only posted 19 posts after all! This last month was both stressful because of the holiday's, and because of personal family stuff. So here's looking towards the new stuff, it can only get better from here! (I hope)

Last Day!!!

My $5 earring club was only supposed to be available through the end of December - but I'm extending it for ONE MORE DAY!!!! So go check it out - and jump on this last opportunity! It won't be coming around again for awhile.