Mad Maggie Designs

Joy

2011-07-30T13:54:00.002-05:00

MIA

2011-06-14T11:09:00.004-05:00

I want to apologize for being MIA. There are, unfortunately, happenings here on the homestead on a personal level that are keeping me away and busy from my blog! Thank you to Lana who emailed to check on me!! She also gave me a virtual hug that was JUST what I needed! Online friends are the best! They know when something is wrong or off, and are the first to notice and jump in when you need it most! Thank you!!! Hope to be out of this funk and creating soon! In the mean time, you all take care and thanks for being there for me!! :)

Do Over Challenge Blog Hop

2011-05-25T08:45:00.005-05:00

Hello all! Check out Jeannie's Blog for the other participants in the Do Over Challenge Blog Hop! Jeannie sent us a piece of jewelry from her collection that she had made long ago. The challenge was to use at least 50% of the beads and make it into a new piece. I got incredibly lucky!! The piece I received had seed beads! So OF COURSE I made a beaded toggle out of them! I then agonized over what to do with the mother of pearl coins! I let it sit for days....then AH HA! I remembered my bead stash that I won in a giveaway from Kitty! The lampwork heart called to me and I wrapped, almost guiltily I might add, a Vintaj dragonfly around it.......then it just all came together after that!! I hope you like it as much as I do!!! Enjoy!!

Energy.....Where Have You Gone??

2011-05-16T08:17:00.003-05:00

Hello All!! I wish I was like old Cartman above! I need my energy back! I have created some new things here, but the sun is eluding me so I have no pictures to show for it! Of course I am happy that the sun cam out this morning BUT I have to go get ready for work! Boo! If you find my energy, please return it! In the mean time I am off to work and then pick up Madelyn.....maybe the sun will still be out when we get home and I can get those pictures in! Energy and sun....2 things I need today! Have a great Monday!

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW

2011-05-11T16:17:00.000-05:00

Hello all!! It is Bead Table Wednesday! Here is what is on my table.....what is on yours?

LOVE That Picnik!!!

2011-05-10T00:00:00.001-05:00

I Heart Macro

2011-05-09T11:27:00.004-05:00

Great Mother's Day Weekend!

2011-05-09T11:01:00.004-05:00

Hello all! Hope you all had a great Mother's Day weekend! I did! We went to Chaumette Winery where Tim and I were married and took my mother out for a gourmet brunch buffet they were serving! WOW! Delicious! They had a kids buffet also that Maddy LOVED! They served a desert buffet that had chocolate fondue that Maddy thought was chocolate soup.....she can think what she wants! She dipped her cookies in it! LOVED IT! It was a fantastic day......look at that view that we had from our outside table! Free Mimosa's for the moms too.....yummm! Have a great Monday everyone!!! Enjoy!

I Heart Macro

2011-05-02T00:27:00.005-05:00

Hello all! Check out this Sunday's version of I Heart Macro at Lori's Place!!!

It's DONE!

2011-05-02T00:19:00.000-05:00

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

2011-04-29T09:48:00.006-05:00

Hello all! The big winner of the awesomeness giveaway is number 11! For My Sweet Daughter, Shannon C.!!! I used the Random Number Generator from Random.org, but could not figure out how to show the widget on here, but trust me....it said 11!!! Congrats to Shannon.....please contact me and send me your mailing address and your box of goodies will be in the mail by Monday!!!! Thank you all so much for commenting and entering the giveaway! I hope Shannon enjoys her goodies! Have a great Friday all!!!

Bead Star Contest

2011-04-25T16:52:00.007-05:00

Hello all! I am SO honored to have a piece of jewelry in the 2011 Bead Star Contest. Click HERE to go and vote for me if you are so inclined! I would greatly appreciate it! To join the Beading Daily community, go to http://www.beadingdaily.com/. Again, I am just THRILLED to have a piece in there!! Have a great day! Enjoy!!

Blog Partner

2011-04-25T08:10:00.004-05:00

Hello all! Want to participate in a blog partner program? Check out Chinook Jewelry's Blog and read more about it! I am honored to be one of the first dozen chosen to participate!!! I can not wait for my month to be chosen! I LOVE her components!!! My creative mind is racing already! Enjoy!

New Items In The Shop

2011-04-23T08:50:00.003-05:00

Hello all! New handmade beaded toggle clasps in the SHOP now! Enjoy!!!

Awesomeness Giveaway

2011-04-21T09:32:00.012-05:00

Hello all! Welcome to my first destashing giveaway! I know, everyone is doing some kind of Giveaway, right? My reason is twofold......to have someone enjoy some awesomeness and to follow in Kitty Durmaj's footsteps. You see, I won this box full of beads and awesomeness and decided to reuse the box and fill it up myself with goodies for some lucky someone!

Here is how to win! Leave a comment here on my blog......BUT here is the stipulation.....you must keep the box going! Take all that is inside, reuse the box to fill with whatever YOU want to destash with! It does NOT have to be beads....it could be scrapbooking supplies, photo supplies, mixed media goodies, etc.....

If you leave a comment here it is YOUR word that you will do this please! Also, if you follow my blog, Twitter, Facebook, blog about the giveaway on your own blog then come back and leave a separate comment with links if applicable and receive extra entries!!!

NOW! What is in the box???? Let me simplify.....BEADS! Art beads from some of your FAVORITE designers.....example: Tin Snippets from Lorelei Eurto, Leaf Pendant from Miss Fickle Media, handmade beaded toggle from me, TONS of handmade pendants from me (Easter Bunny, candy sprinkles, vintage button, birds nest with pearl eggs, ceramic bird pendant, etc......). Also, gemstone beads, a bag of misc. beads.....oh my gosh, too much to list here!

This giveaway is open to ANYONE by the way! International readers also!!! If I forgot anything I will come back and add it as an update, but I think that is all for now! If you have any questions....PLEASE feel free to ask! Thanks for checking it out and enjoy!

UPDATE: The winner will be picked Friday April 29, 2011!

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW

2011-04-20T14:03:00.001-05:00

Pricing and Value

2011-04-20T09:08:00.003-05:00

Hello all! Heather Powers over at Art Bead Scene posted this fantastic blog post! Anyone making anything for fun or profit needs to read and download it for FREE!!! Plus read the great post Heather wrote!! Full of great information, and it makes your brain ponder pricing and value! Thank you Heather!!!

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2011-04-19T09:28:00.002-05:00

*Why do dishwashers have to be SO noisy?
*I wish it would rain already....we need new space on the porch for more chalk artwork
*At 8:30am dinner was already in the crockpot
*By 9am most of my To-Do list was over half done
*Boredom brings silly things and poor decisions in me!
*LOVE my new iPhone
*I have defined knees for the first time in 15 years....thank you Lapband!
*The scale is not moving much by the way, but clothes are getting bigger......again!
*Still searching for a new job
*Not much energy, thank you allergies, to make new jewelry
*BUT I will have new beaded toggles made soon.......yay!
*My eyes are so tired still......think a morning nap may be in order
*Madelyn had a great birthday yesterday!
*LOVE the copy of 2011 Beads buying guide I picked up at Walmart......so great to see many friends in there!

My Baby Turns 6!!!!!!

2011-04-17T18:25:00.005-05:00

Unemployed

2011-04-15T12:10:00.005-05:00

I’m into my first day of unemployment, I have yet to get over the initial shock and anger. But, I am determined to embrace the awesomeness that is not having to go to work every day. Here’s a list of things I’m going to try and enjoy: 1.Sleeping in – Needs no further explanation. 2.Pajamas – Again, no explanation needed 3.A clean house – Now that I will be home more, I have plenty of time to clean the house. 4.Eating at home – We love going out to eat, but it’s nice to know that we don’t NEED to. 5.Hanging with the family in the evening (not been done in 11 months) – I love my family. 6.TV – Mostly music/video stations 7.No commute – I don’t have to fight small town traffic that used to be a regular part of my day. 8. Being home for Madelyn - FINALLY! :) 9. Making more Jewelry - Again, no explanation needed! I know that there are so many more things I will be enjoying, but these are the biggies. I know that after a month or two, I’ll be climbing the walls. But for now, I’m going to enjoy being a slacker.

Madelyn As Frannie Goat

2011-04-13T10:21:00.006-05:00

Three "Nanny" Goats Gruff

2011-04-12T08:40:00.004-05:00

Hello all! Tonight is the BIG night! Opening night for my baby girl (who will be turning 6 next week....we won't talk about that)! She was picked to play Fanny Goat in her kindergarten musical/play Three Nanny Goats Gruff! She has a solo song and lines and everything!!!!!! I am a SUPER proud momma and can NOT wait to see it tonight. I will go to work and then head on over to see it and then head back to work! I am bringing my Flip Video camera so I will come back and bore you all to death with some clips! Wish her a "break a leg" please! Have a great day! Enjoy!!!! :)

Work In Progress (WIP)

2011-04-11T11:57:00.001-05:00

Bead Porn

2011-04-11T08:44:00.008-05:00

Aluminum Chain

Patina copper metal sheets

Topaz Set

This one's for my Mom!

Set 1

Set 2

Art Bead Scene Challenge

2011-04-09T14:47:00.004-05:00

Hello all! I made this set for the ABS Challenge this month. I am just wishing I had the drive to make something with them, but alas, it is just not there. So if YOU are interested in them for your challenge piece let me know and they can be YOURS! Hope you all are having a great weekend! Enjoy!

Collaboration

2011-04-07T08:42:00.001-05:00

This is what I made last evening. My husband stamped and helped paint and distress, then I soldered......for the first time! Did you know you could stamp on wood? :)

Thank You!!!

2011-04-07T00:00:00.002-05:00

Hello all! Wow! Look at what I won! The wonderful and fabulous Kitty (my Bead Soup Blog partner) had a fantastic giveaway on her blog! My goodie box includes:

Lampwork Heart from Flameboyance Glass Thai Silver Flower Pendant Thai Silver Charms Thai Silver Beads Silver Ring from Green Girl Studios Vintage Lucite Pendant Strand of Blister Pearls Strand of Iolite Chips Strands of Czech Glass Amber Nuggets Vintage Resin Beads Vintage Glass Bell-Shaped Beads Pear Shaped Faceted Glass Beads Czech Rondelles Vintage Buttons Button from Gita Maria Rhinestone Button Lucite Flowers Mother of Pearl Pendant Photo Pendant Vintage Key Collage Gift Tag (made by moi)

If you all only knew just how much I needed this! With everything going on right now, I needed a ray of sunshine! Thank you Kitty for such a great giveaway!

Once Again

2011-04-05T21:29:00.008-05:00

Hello all! Once again we bought new furniture! We really tried to like the other "new" furniture, but, alas, we just could NOT! I know you all liked it, and we tried, we REALLY tried to like it! But, we just hated it! So here we are again, and I LOVE this new look! I fell in love with this set when I went to buy bed rails for Maddy's bed! 17 piece living room set for $1199!!! Fantastic buy! Let me know what you think, and sorry that it was a little messy at the time I took photos! I may post better ones later! Take care!

New Work....Pics Only

2011-03-31T12:09:00.001-05:00

2011-03-30T08:34:00.002-05:00

Hello all! Here is my take on Jennifer Jangles necklace tutorial that I posted yesterday! Enjoy!

Fantastic Tutorial

2011-03-29T10:17:00.004-05:00

Hello all! For a great tutorial on how to make a similar necklace click on the photo! I will take pictures of what I come up with using my new clay pendants I made! Leave a link if you try this and let me see what YOU come up with!! Thanks to Jennifer Jangles for this tutorial on her blog! Happy Tuesday! Enjoy!

Wedding #1, Dawn and Alan

2011-03-28T10:45:00.004-05:00

Hello all! While waiting for my supplies to come in for Dawn's wedding jewelry, I went ahead and made their wedding cake forks! I like them, I REALLY like them! The pattern on the stemware is classy and simple lines........and bought at Big Lots! I think I might have found a new store to visit more than once a year......where has it been all my life? Hope you all have a great Monday! Enjoy!

Playing With Clay

2011-03-27T08:54:00.005-05:00

Hello all! Today and yesterday Madelyn and I have been playing with polymer clay and here are some of our results! Madelyn mixes the colors together and I stamp and bake. Today we painted and waxed and buffed! She is working on another color right now! :) Enjoy!

Changing It Up

2011-03-26T12:00:00.003-05:00

If you see some strange changes happening here on the blog, it is just that I am playing with a new look.....thanks for your patience and PLEASE feel free to give some advice!

Recycling Pages

2011-03-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hello all! I saw these images in a magazine that came in the mail and I thought that they would make great resin pendants! That, and I was looking for an excuse to play with resin again!

New Work

2011-03-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Things that have been keeping my mind busy, thank goodness, off of other things!

When It Rains It Pours

2011-03-23T09:49:00.002-05:00

Here I am trying hard not to let it get me down! I hate negativity, as it breeds, but oh is it hard to find some possitivity in my life these last four days! Mary Sunshine will hopefully be back soon! Until then friends, keep YOUR head up and go create! Enjoy!

Madelyn Loves......

2011-03-21T11:23:00.005-05:00

........Orla Kiely. She begged me to make her a necklace this weekend. Okay, pestered and nagged more like it! So I made three pendants from 3 different Nunn Design pendant findings! Antique Silver, Antique Gold and Antique Copper. The resin did not give me too much trouble this time....just small bubbles, as usual!

I need to let you all know that there is an issue here on the home front that may have me slowing the blog and shop down a little. Please know that I am STILL here, just concentrating on the issue at hand! Thank you all for understanding! Enjoy!

Earthenwood Design Team

2011-03-18T09:00:00.005-05:00

Hello all! I was lucky enough to be chosen for the March Earthenwood Design Team! I TRULY was ecstatic!! Melanie sent me a GORGEOUS resin key......oh heavens it is beautiful! It has a blue/purple shimmery glow about it! They can be found at Melanie's Big Cartel Shop, Earthenoxide.

The one I received has a leaf and recycled printed paper in the resin! Stunning! I knew when I saw it I want it to hang from one of my sparkly wheel toggle clasps.....I had been wondering what they would look like just hanging from a chain in front. I then added great peanut seed beads, weaved in and out of the antiqued brass chain. At first I was going to hang the key from the sparkly wheel with an antiqued brass jumpring, but decided to use the same seed beads in the wheel and weave it into the design.....I really liked that! Turned out better!

A HUGE "Thank you" to Melanie! I LOVE this necklace and hope to have it listed in the SHOP soon!

Torture

2011-03-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

I had my band filled on Wednesday, which means I am on liquids for two days. I decided to torture myself by making a homemade 9 layer lasagna for my husband! It is my moms recipe from when I was little and VERY good!

Layer 1: Lasagna Noodles cooked Al Dente (9 minutes)

Layer 2: Shredded Mozzarella cheese mixed with cottage cheese and Italian seasoning

Layer 3: Turkey burger and sauce, simmered on the stove

Repeat Layers for 4, 5, & 6

Layer 7 More Noodles

Layer 8 More Meat sauce

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, take out and add

Layer 9 Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Bake for 10-15 more minutes

There you have it! Try it and enjoy!!!

I had A Dream

2011-03-17T00:01:00.010-05:00

I had a dream about these earrings that I used to make......

And in my dream I was wearing this matching necklace.....so I HAD to get up and make it right away.....at 6:38 in the morning.....oy vey!

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW

2011-03-16T01:46:00.006-05:00

Hello all! It is time for Bead Table Wednesday! Here is what is on my table!! Just some new earrings, some custom Marilyn Monroe rings, new handmade charm, rings, etc..... What is on YOUR table?

My Girl

2011-03-15T00:00:00.003-05:00

Meet "Mad Maggie", AKA Madelyn Margaret

MY GIRL

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl).

I've got so much honey the bees envy me.
I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl).

Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Ooooh.

I don't need no money, fortune, or fame.
I've got all the riches baby one man (MOMMY) can claim.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, mt girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl).

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
with my girl.
I've even got the month of May
with my girl (fade)

Random Monday Thoughts...

2011-03-14T00:30:00.001-05:00

*I could not think of a post so this is it
*I am loving the way my shop looks
*I have better pictures with my new camera, obviously, and love the shop photos
*I truly, TRULY enjoy making the new components for the shop...it is like therapy!
*I have had 2 new medicine changes and they have helped me tremendously!!!
*I apparently, according to the nurse practitioner, have been living in an allergy fog for years and I am now on Omnaris nasal spray and feel like a new person!
*That and Abilify and I think I might be able to climb the mountain of every day life without having to run back to bed for 10-12 hours a day!!
*I feel blessed that two great co-workers have asked me to make their wedding jewelry :)
*I am also ecstatic that I was granted my first request for my annual leave at work! Florida, here we come!
*MOST important Random Thought....I truly appreciate you all that stop by and read my blog! The feeling is fantastic when I get comments and also look at my "feed" and see where you all come from! Thank you!

Happy Monday!!!

New Items In The Shop

2011-03-13T00:23:00.003-06:00

Hello all!! New items were listed in the shop yesterday, these are just a few examples!! These pendants are similar to the one that Kitty used in her Bead Soup Blog Party piece! Have a great Sunday! Enjoy!

A Day That Brings Back Memories

2011-03-12T17:56:00.005-06:00

Hello! Today, we are babysitting! A little cutie boy named Peyton, who is just over 2 months old! Boy is it bringing back some memories! We have fed, burped, changed and even put on a little HBO Classical Baby DVD for him to watch. We are enjoying the heck out of our time with him! Hope you all are having a great weekend so far! :)

Book Love

2011-03-11T23:55:00.007-06:00

Hello all! I started looking through and reading this book right before I went to work yesterday....I could NOT wait to get home!!! This is one fantastic book! I can not wait to try out some of these techniques! Enjoy looking at it on Amazon.com where you can Look Inside the book......cool!

Off the back of the book:

"Embark on an expeditioner's journey back in time to uncover tattered silk, faceted stones and other forgotten items and give them new life as a pendant, ring or brooch. Found objects can be beautiful both for the unique, unexpected look they add to your work and for the stories we imagine them to tell. In the pages of Semiprecious Salvage, you will learn to reclaim remnants of the past and reinterpret their beauty in wearable works of mixed-media art.
Step-by-step instructions guide you through the basics of wirework and creating basic jewelry findings, then encourage you to don your boots and get digging as you mix and match elements to create one-of-a-kind treasures. You'll learn to:

•Age modern "flashy" objects to create the distressed look of pieces with a past.
•Combine jewelry elements with new and vintage fabrics for a soft, romantic touch.
•Master the use of a soldering iron and a propane torch in crafting metal jewelry.
•Incorporate plaster and resin into your work for added depth and intrigue."

New Work

2011-03-11T11:08:00.002-06:00

Wire Style 2 Giveaway

2011-03-10T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hello all! Hop on over to Lorelei's Blog for your chance to win an excellent prize!! She is going to randomly draw a winner Wednesday March 16th for the chance to win a copy of Denise Peck's Wire Style 2 book AND a great stash of beads, wire and chain to make one of the projects!! How COOL!!!! Run on over! :) Enjoy!

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW

2011-03-09T00:00:00.001-06:00

Hello all! This is my Wednesday installment of Bead Table Wednesday! Today....well, I am working on pendants for my Etsy shop. I need to get them photographed and listed soon...... Oh, and, PLEASE forgive the mess.....I promise I will clean it some day!

One of these pendants will be made into a necklace, and will be entered into Stringing Magazines Fall Challenge "Time Flies".....I will keep you updated!

What is on YOUR bead table?

Earthenwood Studios

2011-03-08T09:31:00.011-06:00

Hello all! While perusing Facebook I saw the photo above, and fell IN LOVE! Check out Melanie Brooks' new items in her new shop Earthen Oxide at Big Cartel for her new line of Collage and Shimmer Keys ! Wow! I think my Paypal account is in for a big hit in the balance!!!

Check out Melanie's blog for a chance to win some of these fantastic keys! Melanie stated on her blog: As always, I am going to choose two honorary Design Team members to receive goodies this month. Since February was so short and I am still finishing up the keys for this month, I am in a bit late this month. I will be shipping on Wednesday, so I am going to give you until noon on March 9th to leave a comment here for consideration. (You must have a blog and be in the US to qualify, thank you)

Head on over for you chance! A BIG thank you to Melanie for these exciting new items and the chance to design with them! Enjoy! :)

*UPDATE: I was one of the very lucky chosen designers!! Yay! Thank you Melanie!*

Flickr Group

2011-03-07T00:00:00.002-06:00

Hello all! I thought since I jumped out of my comfort zone and decided to open up my Etsy Shop and add some new handmade components that I would also start a Flickr Group......Made With Mad Maggie Designs. It is a group open to the public to add photos of any designs or creations that they made with my handmade components! Heck, I might not even get one photo added, but it sounded like fun to me since I add stuff to Flickr groups all the time! So go and join and show off your stuff!

Okay.......On a heavier note, I received word Sunday evening that one of my clients from my favorite ward at the State Hospital, where I work, passed away moments ago . She was out of our facility in a local rehabilitation center for rehab on a total knee replacement. Totally unexpected, and like a blow to my chest! She will be dearly missed....she was actually one client that I was comfortable telling during my shift that I loved her. She had just colored her hair before her surgery the same color as mine....she even had me write down what company and color number from the box so her social worker could purchase the color for her. She kept saying she needed to color over the gray and she loved my hair color, and it looked GREAT on her! She also had JUST received permission from her case worker to purchase a Mother's Pendant from me to make for her. My favorite memory will be that she called me "Miss Lovely", it started out "Miss Leslie" and moved to Miss Lovely one day.......that was her nickname for me, and I can still hear her voice in my head calling me that. I am an advocate for the mentally ill and she spent most of her entire life in the forensic system......not much of a life for her, and she was at our facility as a huge step toward being released and/or for placement to be found one day, and I HATE that this was the way she left us.......a blood clot! She will be missed! Thank you all for bearing with me while I got that all out!

Have a great Monday all! :)

Verena Rose

2011-03-06T00:00:00.018-06:00

Avatars

Banners

Hello all! I know back in October 2010 I was soon going to add a new collection to the Mad Maggie Design (MMD) label. Life got away from me and I have not had time to start that collection. So, in the mean time I thought I would allow you all to help me make some shop decisions. Click HERE to see what I have up so far! Read the description, policies, please look at the banner and avatar, and look above to see what I have to choose from and leave some comments! Below I will show some pictures of what type of jewelry will be showcased in the collection! Also, let me know what kind of vintage, antique or up-cycled pieces you would prefer to see in the shop! Thank you!! :)

Bead Soup Blog Party Necklace

2011-03-05T19:37:00.004-06:00

Hello all! I had Tim take some pictures today of my necklace and I thought I would share them with you! So here it is on, and now you know just why I am keeping it!! Take care and have a great weekend!

Dear Tooth-Fairy,

2011-03-05T10:53:00.004-06:00

My baby girl lost her first tooth! She is so excited to get to use her tooth-fairy pillow that I bought her when she was a newborn, anticipating that this day would come.....5 1/2 years later! Mommy and Daddy are excited and sad at the same time. Madelyn really hopes you come tonight and bring her some Squinkies! We have told her that when you came to see us as children we only got a quarter! Tooth-fairy inflation I guess! We will see you tonight! Thank you for taking care of our little ones first tooth!

Warmly,
Tim and Leslie

Madelyn's Bead Soup

2011-03-04T11:20:00.008-06:00

Hello all! Here is my daughter Madelyn's Bead Soup that she received from Kitty, my partner in the Bead Soup Blog Party. I am in love with it! It was also VERY sweet of Kitty to include my 5 year old in this party! Kitty knew that besides jewelry design/making and beading, my daughter is the other love of my life, of course coming in FIRST!!

I hope you enjoy the bracelet set that was made from Kitty's stash she sent me! Have a great Friday!

A Happy Day

2011-03-03T12:16:00.007-06:00

Hello all!! Yesterday I tried once again to look up on Facebook any old friend that I had lost touch with. Two in fact! And, I found them!! I have tried before, but without success!! Oh my gosh! One was my best friend Dianna! We met at work, a country and western bar, we were both attending the local college and working as bartenders/waitresses at night to support ourselves. She eventually moved in next door to me at the same trailer court we were renting from. Heavens, we were all just 21 and 23 ears of age! Youngins! She moved to Spokane Washington just a couple of years later and we kept in touch for years, but lost touch during that time too. This had to be 1994!!?? Seems like decades!

I am just so emotional over finding her again! Wow, I know some people either love Facebook or hate it, but seriously, it is moments like this that I think it is genius! Thank you Facebook!

Answer And Winner!

2011-03-01T11:51:00.021-06:00

In answer to yesterday's Game Time question:

Yes.....Aquaman and Barbie were in the middle of a "Love Tango" yesterday morning when I stumbled in the bathroom half asleep......hmmm, they DO know that this is a child's bathtub right? My husband says he did not do it, so by deductive reasoning, it had to be Madelyn. She told me he had rescued her! I am not even sure WHERE Aquaman came from! Hmmmm...

Thank you to all those who participated! I LOVED all the answers!! They made me giggle.....the bead answers especially! The winner is: Releases by Rufydoof (Karyn) who said, "I am going to guess Barbie and Ken being rather friendly. I hope that isn't too rude but it was the ''doing'' comment you made that had me wonder!" And NO it was not too rude! Very funny in fact!

Karyn, feel free to contact me using my email listed on my blog and let me know which winners item you prefer and a shipping address! Congratulations on a wonderful guess!! Great job everyone! I will do this again soon! I had a lot of fun! :)

Game Time

2011-03-01T11:25:00.012-06:00

Hello all! Okay, this might be a little unconventional, but here goes! I am going to ask a question and leave it up on my blog for 24 hours. The first comment to get the question CORRECT will win a FREE handmade beaded toggle, as shown here in my Etsy Shop. You can answer as many times as you want!! If you are the winner and you are NOT a jewelry maker or designer than you can choose a pair of earrings from my already made stash OR I can send you a surprise pair! Your choice again! The answer with a picture and announcement of the winner will be tomorrow around this time!! So, without further ado...

QUESTION: What did I find on/in Madelyn's bathtub when I got up this morning? (Madelyn is my 5 1/2 year old daughter so think Toys!) *HINT* Girly bathtub toys, nothing out of the ordinary, stuff she always has in there, but a surprise something they were "doing"???? Hope that did not give it away TOO much! :)

Have at it and enjoy! :)

Bead Porn

2011-02-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

Humblebeads

My friend Katie Deck send me a surprise package!! :)

Creative ARTiFacts

Kelleys Beads

Genea Beads

Round Rabbit Extra

Swoondimples

KABS Creative Concepts

Etsy Shop - REOPENED!

2011-02-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hello all! I am still clicking my way through the fantastic Bead Soup Blog Hop! I want to say that I really appreciate all the fantastic comments you have left here! As well as on my bead soup partner, Kitty Durmaj's, blog! Thank you all so very much! It is because of the very sweet and enthusiastic comments about my handmade beaded toggle and handmade pendant, that I decided to bite the bullet and list some of these components in my Etsy Shop!

I made 3 more beaded wheels tonight. I hope to make some candy earring tomorrow with Madelyn (she LOVES these) and then on to some pendants.....so look for these to be listed too!

This was the hard decision and IDEA I had awhile back! If it does not fly and they never sell then "Oh Well", onto something else! In truth.....they just make me plain happy to make them!

Keep enjoying the BSBP! Thanks for stopping in!

Bead Soup Blog Party....The Reveal!!!

2011-02-25T20:23:00.098-06:00

My goodies!

Hello all! I have been so very excited for this day to arrive! Today is the big reveal day! First a HUGE "Thank You" to Lori Anderson for organizing this wonderful and enormous event! It grew to monstrous proportions! The rules were to send a focal, a clasp, and other beady goodness to your partner, and then make something using the focal and the clasp as a minimum.

My lovely and wonderful BSBP partner was Kitty Durmaj, and she sent me the most FANTASTIC handmade pendant! Along with the beautiful pendant was also a SS Thai Toggle, heart charms, wire orblink, Vintage Rosette beads, sterling silver beads, copper beads, freshwater pearls, brass nuggets, bell-shaped beads, copper daisy chain, and oxidized copper wire in three gauges! YES! An awesome stash!

Kitty's pendant is SO fantastic that in ALL reality......it just needed a chain to be worn, it is THAT beautiful unto itself! But how boring of me if I just left it at that huh? Plus, the vintage rosette beads are, OH, MY, yummy! I HAD to have those in there. I knew I wanted three dangles added to the pendant! Believe me THIS was actually a really hard decision! I changed them five times!!! First ALL pearls. Then all silver (my husband informed me that there needed to be more silver). Anyhoo, a mixture is what my end result was obviously!

I LOVE the copper chain, I used the copper wire to make wrapped connectors using the rosette beads, loved using the toggle and then the brass nuggets as spacers! That is all it needed. I know it may not seem at all that creative considering all the beady goodies I received from Kitty, but that pendant does not need anything to compete with it's beauty! (I just felt the need to explain my design I guess) :)

I hope you like it as much as I do!!!

I can NOT wait to wear it!

*UPDATE* Check out what was made from my daughter's Bead Soup HERE!

Check out the rest of the BSBP peeps! Grab a drink and a snack, use the restroom, because I have a feeling once you start looking.....you may be on here a while! :)

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things (our hostess)
2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane
4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio
5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe
9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto
10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts
13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings
15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita
16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs
19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats

21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim
23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu
24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air
26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads
28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus
33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble
34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design
35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs
37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works
38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights
39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio

41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's
42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions
43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya
44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles
46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig
47. Amanda Davie, Articulations
48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux

50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks
52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde
54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog
55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning
56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem
59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa

60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do
61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog
62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs *YOU ARE HERE*
64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique
69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver

Click HERE for the master list and the rest of the links!

70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey
72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix
74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems
75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!
76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art
78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden
79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads

80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook
81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy
82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs
85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries
86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka
87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae
88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations

90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead
93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations
94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof
95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio
96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs
98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue
99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio
102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations
103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios
104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore
105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations
106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky
107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric
108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs
109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading
110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman

111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe
112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me
115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf
116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles
118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart
120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven
122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings
123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass
124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks
125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things
126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos
127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee
128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M
129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry

130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads
131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny
132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore
133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog
134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs
136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies
137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.
139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter

140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy
141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse
142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts
144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense
145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique
146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me
149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog

150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area
154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta
156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef
157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color
159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory
161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst
162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed
163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu
164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio
165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra
166. Anna Motz, Stunning
167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings
168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones
172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs
173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass
174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine Credit River Art Glass
176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog
177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio
178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art
182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen
184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink
185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin
186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer
187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels
188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry
189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos

190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.
191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini
194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse
195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between
196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets
197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts
198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs
199. Karen Williams, Baublicious

200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend
201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell
202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs
204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads
205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique
206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads
208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love
209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry
210. Shirley Moore, Homeschooling Life

Bead Soup.....Sneak Peak

2011-02-24T10:46:00.005-06:00

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW

2011-02-23T10:34:00.012-06:00

Hello all! Here it is, yet another Wednesday. Not much has changed around my bead table, but it is BEAD TABLE WEDNESDAY, so I have got to show what's been going on! Right now my "bead table' consists of a lap desk and me sitting on the bed, or on my new couch watching TV while I crank out a bunch of these Sparkly Wheels (Beadwork Magazine).....I am turning them into toggle clasps. This is the IDEA that I have been mulling over.....see THIS post! This also goes along with last weeks BTW picture of all the beads I have been purchasing. My actual bead table STILL looks as messy! :)

Bead Soup Is Coming Soon!

2011-02-22T12:59:00.051-06:00

Hell all! Here is a preview of all the wonderful blogs participating!
Mark your calendar for this Saturday, Feb 26th!

*Bear with me as I get ALL of the LINKS posted*

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane
4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio
5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe
9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto
10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts
13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings
15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita
16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs
19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats

21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim
23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu
24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air
26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads
28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus
33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble
34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design
35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs
37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works
38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights
39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio

41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's
42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions
43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya
44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles
46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig
47. Amanda Davie, Articulations
48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux

50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks
52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde
54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog
55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning
56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem
59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa

60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do
61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog
62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs *YOU ARE HERE*
64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique
69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver

70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey
72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix
74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems
75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!
76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art
78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden
79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads

80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook
81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy
82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs
85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries
86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka
87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae
88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations

90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead
93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations
94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof
95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio
96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs
98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue
99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio
102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations
103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios
104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore
105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations
106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky
107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric
108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs
109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading
110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman

111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe
112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me
115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf
116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles
118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart
120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven
122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings
123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass
124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks
125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things
126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos
127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee
128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M
129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry

130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads
131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny
132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore
133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog
134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs
136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies
137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.
139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter

140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy
141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse
142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts
144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense
145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique
146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me
149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog

150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area
154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta
156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef
157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color
159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory
161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst
162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed
163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu
164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio
165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra
166. Anna Motz, Stunning
167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings
168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
171 Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones
172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs
173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass
174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine Credit River Art Glass
176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog
177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio
178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art
182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen
184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink
185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin
186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer
187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels
188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry
189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos

190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.
191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini
194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse
195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between
196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets
197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts
198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs
199. Karen Williams, Baublicious

200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend
201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell
202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs
204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads
205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique
206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads
208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love
209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry
210. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

Andrew's Thursday Giveaway

2011-02-20T12:55:00.008-06:00

Hello all! You should RUN on over to Andrew Thornton's Blog to enter his wonderful giveaway! You could win a GREAT big bunch of brand new, not even on their website goodies! He'll be drawing a random winner on Monday Feb 21st! Good Luck! Enjoy!

New Furniture Dilemma

2011-02-18T12:07:00.007-06:00

Hello all! Our new furniture came....and well.....we don't love it. All of you that follow me on Facebook already know, and have viewed these photos, but my husband and I thought we would get MORE views and opinions on the new furniture. The OLD is the green and the NEW is the brown leather. I know it is hard to see from the photos, but we are thinking it is too large. Well, in truth it is really NOT the furniture's fault.....we have a weird living room space to work with!

So, here it is.....we have learned that there is only one way to put the furniture, contrary to what we had planned actually (we wanted it to go by the french doors). We think that we may need a rug to help tie it in, more throw pillows maybe??? Some have said to move the TV above the fireplace (not really the vision I had in this room a big TV up there....boo), or that we need a sofa table behind the new sectional (not enough room).....etc....

Anyway, please have a look, leave some comments and help us! Because.....we can NOT got our $$$ back, but we can "exchange" it....blah, blah! :) Thank you all so much! We BOTH appreciate it!

Not Comfortable, But Okay.

2011-02-17T13:00:00.010-06:00

Hello all! Heather Powers, over at Art Bead Scene blog posted about some Jewelry Contests that are open. I went and checked out Bead Star. I get their magazine when it becomes available each year, and I go look and vote on my favorites each year too! But, I did something spontaneous......TOTALLY NOT ME! I grabbed two designs I had already made, quickly re-took some photos, edited them, and then.....submitted them! Ack! WHAT was I thinking! Head on over the the ABS blog and maybe you too can do something as silly as get out of YOUR comfort zone! Won't you join me in the land of uncomfortable-ness? Enjoy!

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW

2011-02-16T12:13:00.008-06:00

Hello all! This week on Bead Table Wednesday I am showing you what my bead table REALLY looks like! A MESS!

And here I am showing you a sneak peak into what I am working on! I placed four different orders for beads, this is just ONE order here! Can you guess what they will become? I will give you a hint! Kitty, my Bead Soup partner, just blogged about the goodies she received from me! Take a look HERE!

What's on YOUR bead table?

I Have An Idea

2011-02-15T12:42:00.008-06:00

Hello all! I have been tossing around an idea for a jewelry component for...well, I guess many months now. I finally decided to expand that idea even further. I ordered everything I think I will need to complete it, and now here I sit wondering.....am I nuts? Just because I got a few nice compliments on some that I have made and utilized in my designs doesn't mean that if will fly! Oh mental doubt, why do you plague me so?

I am sure that there are other designers and artists that have felt the same feelings and trepidation that seem to be plaguing me right now. So, I sit here and try to dissect what I am feeling. Is it fear of failure? No, I don't think that scares me....that is how I learn the best, by making mistakes. I think, in all honest truth, I am scared of being laughed at. There. I said it. But why? I think that because I am a full-time mom, wife, and nurse and because I have not made this my daily career I feel like I don't "belong". Belong where though? I think maybe I hold some of my favorite designers in such HIGH regard, put them up on a pedestal, that they are out of reach, and "that I shall never be one of them"...........

Weird thoughts for a Tuesday huh?

So, as I sit and ponder all of these wacky thoughts and feeling, I have decided that I shall go on and attempt to make something that in truth.....just makes me happy. And if it fails....oh well! If I list it in my shop and no one likes it....again....oh well! More for me! :)

Thanks for listening to this roller coaster of a post! If you have any insight or have had the same experiences PLEASE feel free to tell me I am NOT alone!! Have a great day! Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T10:27:00.016-06:00

Hello all! Happy Valentine's Day to you all! We as a family celebrated over the weekend. I do not know if you all know that during the week I do no see my husband or daughter at all. That is unless there are the "snow days" that we have been having for the last 2-3 weeks here! My husband takes the little one to kindergarten and then he goes on to work, and of course I go to work before they get home. I return from work at night when they are fast asleep and I am asleep myself in the morning when they get up for work/school.....the process begins all over again each day! Which is why I LOVE my weekends with them!

I was spoiled rotten this weekend by them both! We went antique shopping Saturday and Sunday.....my husbands idea, which nearly made me have to sit down when he suggested it. He knows I have been searching all over the internet for a vintage/antique dress form. My daughter has been shopping at both our local antique malls before, but she was just a little baby being carried around in a baby sling at the time, so she obviously does not remember. She is officially hooked now and exclaimed ALL weekend how much she now LOVES antique malls. Although...some of the antique dolls "freaked her out" a little.....her words. In truth....they freak me out a little too!

We then went on, again at my husbands suggestion, to go and check out a furniture store that was going out of business. SIDEBAR: I feel bad for all of these little strip-malls on the sides of out local highway 67 because, I am assuming it was MODOT (Missouri Department of Transportation), closed all the side roads that lead from the highway to the malls, due to many accidents???? Again, assuming here....anyhoo, they have no direct highway access anymore and no one stops to shop at these little strip-malls because getting to them now is a PAIN!

I digress....we went to the furniture store to check prices on bedside tables that match our bedroom set. The set was a gift from my dad years ago. Well, we ended up with the two bedside tables......and a leather sectional and matching leather rocker/glider/swivel/recliner too! Woo hoo! To be delivered today.......

The above pictures, by the way, are terrible I know, but I took them with my husbands cell phone! They are of a vintage Hamilton Printer's Cabinet that was HUGE! Taller than chest high on me (I am 5' 7") and had double sets of drawers.....wider than my fireplace! The top was not original, but had been replaced with reclaimed pine. It was a HUGE workspace on top, if someone would wish to use it as such....like me! The price? $645!!!!!!! OH MY HEAVENS! I want it SOOOOOOOOO bad! I researched online and found some like it for $3000. My husband has informed me that we could never get it into the basement....... hmmm, so? Well, I will covet it and go visit it once in a while (if it is still there) and drool and love it and pet it and call it George.....

Tiny Dancers

2011-02-12T00:11:00.021-06:00

Hello all! On Friday Madelyn and I....okay, mostly the little girl-pest, made earrings. For her. Contrary to what my inner Mommy is saying about her being too young for dangle earrings.....I have this terrible vision of them being caught and pulled out, like ALL the way.....we made teeny-tiny dangles. I bought, oh like a MEGA TON of these enamel components from Firemountain Gems a few years ago....like in EVERY shape, size and color....I kid you NOT! And like most things, they have sat in their little plastic shoebox container. Madelyn opened the container and went "Oooooooooooo....". And there you have it! Little Tiny Dancer earrings were born! We made 19 pair! Yeah. Seriously. I do not know if you can tell from the photo, but they are itty-bitty. I should have taken a picture of Miss Maddy with a pair in, but since she like changed them every couple of minutes it was hard to catch her with a matching pair! Oh, and I had to order more sterling silver earwires as she used just about the entire package I had on hand! Again....not kidding! Oh, I sound like I am complaining, but in truth, her little face just lit up, and she could not even wait until Daddy was in the door before she showed them to him. I gave her my black earring display frame you see in the photo until the one I ordered for her on Etsy comes in.....I HAD to get one to match her room right? And don't tell me I could have made it because seriously, I know I could have, but why??.... when someone else can!

All those bright colors DO have me in the mood to make some Katie Earrings that I used to sell a ton of. That might be on tomorrows agenda! I need a pair of my own! Something to brighten up these cold, dreary winter days!

Thanks for stopping in! Have a great weekend! Enjoy!

{This Moment}

2011-02-11T23:06:00.009-06:00

From SouleMama "{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember."

Heart-Shaped Paper Clips

2011-02-10T23:29:00.011-06:00

Picture courtesy of How About Orange

Hello all! Just thought I would stop in a show you all something that I thought was really cute and SUPER easy to do! I found the directions on the blog How About Orange, and came across a quick video how-to on Youtube also. Take a look and go make some of your own! Great for the kids for Valentine's day. We are going to make a bunch, tie them with a cute ribbon and give with the store bought valentine's for Madelyn's kindergarten V-Day party! How fun! Thanks for stopping in!

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW

2011-02-09T12:29:00.008-06:00

Hello all! My Bead Table Wednesday is showing a work in progress (WIP). It is a gift for my mother. Don't worry.....my mom does not read my blog. It is Nancy Jones Dragon Bangle design as seen in Beadwork Magazine February/March 2011 edition.

What is on your bead table?

Tuesday Tutorial...and Nice People!

2011-02-08T00:51:00.013-06:00

Hello all! And thank you to those who commented on my poor-pitiful-Polly-prissy-pants post yesterday! Thanks for coming back! :)

Ok. Long post coming here! I had an extremely talented photographer add me as a contact on Flickr the other day and I got up the gumption to contact her and tell her just how beautiful her photos were! I explained that I just got my camera and have been basically playing, reading and Googling anything about my new camera and taking pictures, and if she had any words of wisdom to feel free to educate me!

Her name is Aimee Edens, and she responded so VERY nicely stating, "I am so happy you contacted me and thank you so much for the lovely compliment! I just started in May of 2010. So I am pretty new at all of this as well." She went on to say that if I had any questions to feel free to ask. She also told me about another Flickr account that has fantastic textures to use as along as you credit the artist. Oh my heavens was she not kidding! FANTASTIC textures! I could have spent hours...no DAYS with them! Check them out HERE!

Why am I bringing this up you ask? Because I have also been inspired by the great Heather Powers of Humblebeads Blog to give you a little lesson (she has been doing Picnik lessons!). The lesson I am going to clue you in on is one that I did NOT know how to do! So.....here goes!

Using Picnik upload your photo. Choose which texture you would like to add to your photo! Ah Ha! THIS is where I was going crazy!!! I COULD NOT get the texture off of the Flickr site.....

Yes, yes, I know! NOW that I know how, I feel kinda silly, but it took Aimee to tell me how. Click on the texture you like until it brings it up all on it's own....and I mean ALL on it's own...the page where there is a black background. Ok, up in the top right you will see View All Sizes. Click on that! Once it is up, choose Large if it is not already. Then right-click the mouse and Save Picture As... and save to a new folder if you wish. One just for photo textures. And that's how you save Flickr pictures that are shared by others. Seriously, do you know how long I looked for this?? No...don't say it...please!

Check out this Youtube video below on how to add textures, or in this case a TTV texture to your photo. In the video where they pull the TTV texture up from a website, you would choose From Your Computer and pick from one of your saved textures.

Just another little tip before I go. After you have added your texture layer to your photo and have chosen your Advanced Blend Mode (I use Multiply a lot), you can change the color of your texture by playing around in the Photo Color area above the Advanced Blend Mode and also Fade the texture with the slide bar to show a little or a lot of your texture!!!! Hope you have fun and enjoy playing around with this as much as I have! Take care! Hope I did not confuse or bore you all to much! Happy Tuesday!

I Think....

2011-02-07T12:58:00.009-06:00

....the weather is getting to me. I know I have a Vitamin D deficiency, but I take my supplements, so what could it be? I am tired, sick, drained, grouchy, NO energy, just plain pooped. I seriously feel like flopping face-down in bed and sleeping for a few years. Maybe I need to go to the tanning booth in town for some sunshine therapy???? What is up with me? This is seriously a boring rant.....but my brain is not functioning....I ramble! Seasonal affective disorder thingy??? Multivitamins not helping. Even WITH added iron and Vitamin C. I tried adding more protein to the diet. Drank cranberry juice with added energy stuff in it...., tried that Emergen+C stuff....

I mean, my eyebrows need waxing, my hair needs cut and colored....no energy to get the basics done. Dear Lord.....PLEASE do NOT let it be a relapse of depression....I AM TAKING MY MEDS! Ooops, TMI, SORRY! PMS? Ooops again! :)

I feel dysregulated.....a great word we use at work. Maybe I need to use DBT Skills! Ok, so I am NOT feeling as bad as THAT!

Does anyone else get this way this time of year? Could it be the season? The weather? Constant illness in this house? Plain old whinny-ass syndrome (bet that's it!). Need a good kick in the pants?

Ok, I am done....move along now, nothing to see here... :)
Hope YOU ALL have a great day! Thanks for stopping in, and if you made to the end of this post......GOD BLESS YOU! And, if you choose to come back again.....I LOVE YOU! :)

Take care!

Snow Day

2011-02-05T23:31:00.009-06:00

Slipping Through My Fingers

2011-02-05T00:00:00.006-06:00

Schoolbag in hand, she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile
I watch her go with a surge of that well-known sadness
And I have to sit down for a while
The feeling that I'm losing her forever
And without really entering her world
I'm glad whenever I can share her laughter
That funny little girl

Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see what's in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time

Sleep in our eyes, her and me at the breakfast table
Barely awake, I let precious time go by
Then when she's gone there's that odd melancholy feeling
And a sense of guilt I can't deny
What happened to the wonderful adventures
The places I had planned for us to go
(Slipping through my fingers all the time)
Well, some of that we did but most we didn't
And why I just don't know

Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see what's in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time

Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture
And save it from the funny tricks of time
Slipping through my fingers

Slipping through my fingers all the time

Schoolbag in hand she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile

What We Do On Sick Days - Part 2

2011-02-04T15:18:00.005-06:00

Hello all! Between Madelyn and I STILL being sick, and all the bad winter weather we received, we are doing our best in this house to keep occupied! The above picture is Madelyn's very own fashion show.....using what is in her closet. Today she has decided to be a fashion designer. Yesterday, and into this morning, she wanted to be a breakdancer. As we snuggled in bed this morning she told me that the planet Earth was boring because we had gravity. She wanted to be able to turn the gravity off like in outer space and float around. I said that maybe she should be an astronaut then. "No thanks", she said...."I still want to be a breakdancer". "How about a Breakdancing Austronaut?". I said. "Ohhhhh, Mommmm...", she said.

What We Do On Sick Days

2011-02-03T13:33:00.008-06:00

Oy Vey!

2011-02-01T11:32:00.005-06:00

So far, as of 11:30am, 0.7" Ice, and now comes the sleet.......

At least I have food!!!!!

Bead Soup Blog Party Partner.......My Goodies!

2011-01-30T14:06:00.016-06:00

Hello all! I got my WONDERFUL stash of Bead Soup from my Bead Soup Blog Party Partner!! Yes, you can drool too! I do....every time I look at my BEAUTIFUL stash from Kitty! She gets me.....she REALLY gets me! I LOVE the pendant!!! The vintage beads, the WIRE, the chain, the HEARTS!!!! METAL, metal, metal!! Yay!! :) Even more fantastic? Look below....it made tears come to my eyes!

She sent a little package of beads for my daughter! PRINCESS beads! For my little princess! :) Her OWN bead stash and bead soup!!!! *snif*

(Click on the pictures to enlarge them!)

Thank you Kitty MORE than I can say! You are a fantastic Partner!!

Under The Weather

2011-01-27T12:50:00.002-06:00

Hello all! I took care of my little one all last week while she was sick. I started to get ill myself, but decided that I had no time for that at the moment. Well, the illness won. I broke down and went to the doctor yesterday. So, I am going to take a little intermission from blogging for a couple of days while I allow the antibiotics to work. I will still head off to my full-time job though so as not to lose said job....sticklers for attendance they are! But that will be all my body will allow me to do for a little bit....I am pooped already and I have not even gotten ready for work yet today....oy vey! Enjoy your break from me!! :)

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW

2011-01-26T00:00:00.003-06:00

Hello all! I am participating in Heather Powers Bead Table Wednesday today. Today my bead table looks like this. A beautiful, un-drilled pendant made by the fantastic Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp of Sky Jewels and More Skye Jewels! I picked one of her beautiful pieces to try my hand at my first bead embroidered and bezeled pendants! It is a work in progress (WIP). Join Heather's Flickr Group and show what's on your bead table!

As you can see, I am still loving my new camera! I also love making collages on Picasa, and then editing on Picnik....love, love, love, love........

What's on your bead table today?

Just A Ramble

2011-01-24T12:05:00.006-06:00

Hello all! I was sitting here at the computer obsessing a little over the fact that I go through obsessions. Huh. Obsessing over obsessions. Hmm. Well, anyway, I seem to be on a Flickr kick at the moment. I never used it for anything other than "housing" my photos. Oh, I have added contacts and joined groups...that kind of thing, but never browsed the site to really see what it can do! I like it! Nothing like catching up with the times huh? There are some great people and great photos, even some people that let you use their goodies! Like Dubtastic! The TTV can be used on Picnik to make through the viewfinder looking photos! WAY COOL! Plus, just the awesome photography in general there is enough to make you swoon!

Well, that's my ramble. I tried to keep it short and sweet. I am sure next week I will have moved on to something else to obsess over.....the unfortunate side effect of having creative "mood swings". Have a great day! :)

Jewel School

2011-01-23T12:11:00.002-06:00

Hello All! This morning, as I was feeling under the weather and drinking my morning coffee, I hopped on over to read some of my favorite blogs, and Miss Margot's really caught my attention! JTV has a video on demand Jewel School! Run, don't walk, on over and check out all of the videos! Even if some of these topics you have already mastered, it is ALWAYS a good thing to watch and see someone else's technique....you might find a different and easier way to do things! I have! :)

Thank you Margot Potter and JTV!

Playing...Nikon D3100 Part 2

2011-01-22T20:47:00.004-06:00

Fusion Beads Reader Challenge: Blog Hop

2011-01-21T00:00:00.058-06:00

Hello all! Welcome! Where do I begin with these? To say that I have been itching to reveal these designs is an understatement!

Right before Christmas Lorelei Eurto posted THIS blog post. I jumped at the chance to join and began shopping right away! The only component that I could not get was the lucite walnut leaf charms. I did find some on Etsy in a chocolate brown and ordered them....but, alas, I could NOT wait to start on my designs, so they never made it in the finale!

The RULES: "For this challenge, you may create whatever you'd like. A necklace, a bracelet, earrings, whatever! Feel free to add in as many components as you want, your own focal, beads from your stash, but just make sure to try to use these components in your final piece."

This picture was the first piece I made. The necklace started with the Green Girl Studios clasp as my focal. It was to be a clasp as well, but, I am sure you all know about "the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray". No matter how well you plan something, always expect the unexpected! I added Ruby Fuschite and Picture Jasper gemstone ovals, tiny Bali Silver nugget spacers, and I used a silver Hill Tribes clasp bar to the side to finish it up. My all time favorite about the design? I am now in LOVE with drop seed beads!! They lay great!!

The bracelets came to me as I was drinking my morning coffee one Sunday, and skimming through a People Magazine my mom had left behind. There was a picture of Taylor Swift with an arm FULL of wooded bead bracelets...all layered upon each other! My brain screamed ELASTIC BRACELETS!!! And off I went! My coffee got cold :(
I am not a bead shopper at our local Wal-Mart. To be blunt....most are crap! Sorry Wal-Mart! Buuuut, I did find some great olive green suede cord and gunmetal findings, you know...just in case in could use them in my designs! I used the green suede and the leather cord Lorelei chose to tie the set of elastic bracelets together. I then made a single, drop seed bead, strand bracelet, with another GGS owl clasp to layer on top of the elastic set. Voila!
Lastly, we have the earrings. You know I am not much into making matching sets, but that Lorelei.....she picked some FANTASTIC beads! The earrings were inspired by Michelle Mach's Under the Midnight Sky earrings that were showcased in January's issue of Bead Trends.

The earrings are made using beads from the challenge, gunmetal findings, bali silver beadcaps, and a set of GGS small owl charms.

Random Thoughts.........Thursday

2011-01-19T19:39:00.012-06:00

:: I am having way TOO much fun with my new camera!

:: Or, am I having too much fun editing them into cheesy photos?

:: OR, am I having way to much fun with Madelyn when she stays home sick?

:: Saw the movie trailer for Gnomeo and Juliet yesterday....can NOT wait to see it!

:: I am STILL on cloud 9 over being able to wear XL scrubs now!! NOT 3XL! :)

:: I have some jewelry "stuff" in the works....look for tomorrows post.

:: We are supposed to get 3-6" if the white fluffy stuff....coming any time now.

:: Am I a bad mama when I am looking forward to getting back to work today and NOT having to stay home?

:: I took some pictures of my husband with my camera......I don't think he likes the new camera....hate to tell him, but these cameras don't add 10 pounds (that's just what he REALLY looks like)!

:: Just did a quick spell check on here.....thank heavens for that! Did not realize I was THAT bad!

:: I am really hoping Tim's friend Jessie, who is up in STL at Missouri Baptist Hospital, pulls through!

:: Glad it is Thursday.....one day closer to the weekend!

:: Maybe I should have gone to the store before the snow arrived.....

:: Hoping you all have a GREAT day! Enjoy!

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW

2011-01-19T11:56:00.009-06:00

Hello all! I am participating in Heather Powers Bead Table Wednesday today. Today my bead table looks like this. Beads in need of being made into a bracelet for the ABS January Challenge. Join Heather's Flickr Group and show what's on your bead table!

As you can see I LOVE my new camera! I also love making collages on Picasa, and then editing on Picnik....love, love, love, love........

What's on your bead table today?

Bead Soup Blog Party Partner

2011-01-18T13:08:00.010-06:00

Hello all! I wanted to stop in and introduce you all to my BSBP partner Kitty! For both of us, this is our first Bead Soup Blog Party! Kitty has been beading since 2004 and is addicted! Yay! Another beadaholic like myself! I have already made the focal piece and clasp for the swap, but I am struggling with the "bead" part of what to send her way!! Take a look at her BLOG and read more about her! Then, head on over to her Etsy shop and browse around....there are some fantastic designs!

I always enjoy meeting new people of the web, and it looks like I have connected with someone with a lot of the same interests as I have!

Thanks for stopping in! Have a great day.....I am off to work. Send some good and positive thoughts our way if you don't mind....looks like Madelyn has the flu. She is super sick and miserable right now! HIGH fever and horrendous sounding cough! Makes me cringe to hear it! :(

Take care!

An Interview with a 5 year old

2011-01-17T12:04:00.026-06:00

Hello all! The last time I interviewed Madelyn was in March of 2009! I am a little behind! Oops!

Favorites: 01-02-2011

• cereal: Baby Lilly Cereal (oatmeal)
• vegetable: Tomatoes
• drink: Chocolate Milk
• toy: Ellie
• TV Show: Fish Hooks
• game: Leapster Explorer
• book: Repunzel
• restaurant: Lilian’s Pizza….It’s so yummy!
• holiday: Halloween
• animal: Snake….It’s a Rattlesnake

If you could change your name, what would you choose? Sarah

What do you love about each person in our family? Mommy loves me and she helps me from getting danger. Daddy – where he keeps someone safe and where he keeps fire from someones house.

Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Florida!

What are some of your wishes for this year? I wish for new makeup, a Polly Pocket, my American Girl Doll….yes, for real!

I have these in a little notebook, but this year I want to do something a little more special. I'm typing her answers and printing them out, leaving space for a self-portrait and a photo. I'll put these in a binder or simple scrapbook so I can enjoy them each year. I may add or change the questions as Madelyn gets older, but I love capturing a little moment in times like this.

1. What is something mommy always says to you?

I love you

2. What makes Mommy happy?

When I make good choices

3. What makes Mommy sad?

When I get hurt

4. How does your Mommy make you laugh?

Tickle me

5. What was your Mommy like as a child?

Five, just like me

6. How old is your mommy?

I don’t know….maybe you can give me a hint.

7. How tall is your Mommy?

Like this tall…..*holds hand up about 10 inches apart*

8. What is Mommy’s favorite thing to do?

Makein’ jewelry

9. What does your Mommy do when you are not around?

Beading

10. What is your Mommy very good at?

Beading

11. If Mommy became famous, what would it be for?

Your pretty stylish and your jewelry is pretty famous. (I wish!)

12. What is your Mommy not very good at?

Not very good at ballet, because sometimes you trip and fall

13. What does your Mommy do for her job?

Work to not getting people sick because you’re a nurse.

14. What is your Mommy’s favorite food?

Lillian’s Pizza

15. What makes you proud of your Mommy?

When you make special jewelry for me!

16. If your Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Bea from Fish Hooks

17. What do you and your Mommy do together?

Bake cupcakes and sometimes we make desert and sometimes we make food, ‘cause I like to cook.

18. How are you and Mommy the same?

‘Cause you have brown hair and blue eyes and we both like pink and we both like kitties and we both like Hoodie (Nana’s cat) and we both like baking cookies and cupcakes.

19. How are you and your Mommy different?

I wear a nightgown, and I don’t wear a robe. And we are different because I do ballet and you do jewelry.

20. How do you know your Mommy love you?

‘Cause you tell me all the time and cuddle with me.

New Look

2011-01-16T12:23:00.006-06:00

Hello all! I hope you like the new, more updated, look here on the blog! I am not all that computer savvy, so it took me most of the night with a lot of Googling, reading, editing, etc. just to get me where I am now. I am happy with it. The picture above was my first choice for a blog banner, but I then changed it......mood swing I guess!

I like the page tabs up top, but not the font or format that they are in. I would LOVE to learn how Lorelei did hers. I like hers, but don't want exactly the same look, as it needs to be hers and hers alone, and not copied....does that make sense? I want them bigger than the ones I have now and definitely unique.

I also changed to a 2 column from the 3. I just can not decide if I want the blog body to be on the right (as seen) or on the left????? Any opinions are welcome!! Thanks for stopping in!

My Lapband Progress Part 2

2011-01-15T15:13:00.005-06:00

Hello all! Just a quick update on the weight loss progress. Down 50 pounds. From size 26 to 18. The picture in the solid pink shirt was taken today. I think the side view shows it better, as the jeans are the same jeans as in the picture with the white shirt.....and they are a little baggier now than before. Also used my new camera for today's pictures....not sure if that changes anything??? Still a long way to go, but wanted to share with those who are following me on this journey! Thanks for stopping in! Have a great weekend! Take care! :)

Zodiac Change??

2011-01-14T12:39:00.024-06:00

With ALL this talk about everyone's astrological signs changeing......ack!!....I thought I would share what I AM, and what my NEW sign would be. Just FYI, I am NOT changing, I am a CRAB and will always BE a crab. I am stubborn, hence the crab, and refuse to change! So there! :) I BOLDED the parts that are ALL ME, even though pretty much everything about Cancer the Crab is ALL ME!

Cancer
June 22 - July 22

Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is all about home. Those born under this sign are 'roots' kinds of people, and take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are maternal, domestic and love to nurture others. More than likely, their family will be large, too -- the more, the merrier! Cancers will certainly be merry if their home life is serene and harmonious. Traditions are upheld with great zest in a Cancer's household, since these folks prize family history and love communal activities. They also tend to be patriotic, waving the flag whenever possible. A Cancer's good memory is the basis for stories told around the dinner table, and don't be surprised if these folks get emotional about things. Those born under this sign wear their heart on their sleeve, which is just fine by them.

The mascot of Cancer is the Crab, and much like this shelled little critter, Cancers are quick to retreat into their shells if it suits their mood. No wonder these folks are called crabby! For Cancer, it's not that big of a deal, though, since they consider this 'shell' a second home (and they do love home). The flip side of this hiding is that shell-bound Crabs are often quite moody. Further, in keeping with their difficulty in sharing their innermost feelings, it can become a Herculean task to pry a Crab out of its secret hiding place. What to do? Give the Crab time -- eventually these folks will come out to play again. When they do, they'll be the first to say so, in keeping with the Cardinal Quality attached to this sign. It's said that Crabs are first to laugh and first to cry, so you can bet they'll fill you in. That shell, by the way, isn't the only tough thing about Crabs. These folks are tenacious and strong-willed and like to get their way. If their well-documented kindness and gentleness doesn't do the trick, however, they're not above using emotional manipulation to make things happen. If that still doesn't work, they'll just go back to their shell and sulk, or find a way to get back at the source of their pain, since Crabs can be rather vindictive. That said, any self-respecting Crab would tell you that they are ultimately motivated by protecting their home and loved ones, a most noble goal.

Cancers are ruled by the Moon -- the Great Mother of the heavens in ancient times. Here on Earth, this is manifested in the Crab's maternal instincts and desire to protect home and hearth. This may appear smothering at times, but that's the Crab for you. The Moon is associated with fertility, too, a quality that is most pleasing to Cancers. The Moon is also the ruler of moods, and Cancers have plenty of those. These folks can cry you a river if they're so inclined, and they usually are. They can be overly sensitive, easily hurt and prone to brooding. Even so, Crabs find it easy to be sympathetic to others and are quick to show their affection. Their intuition is also a great help to them, especially in times of stress.

The element associated with Cancer is Water. Like the rolling waves of the sea, the Crab's emotions can make quite a splash. These folks tend to pick up on things and bring them in, with the outward result ranging from sentimentality to possessiveness. Crabs need to resist the temptation to become selfish or to feel sorry for themselves, since this behavior won't help. On the bright side, Cancers are good with money (although some consider them too thrifty), probably because they value a sense of security. Crabs are also quick to help others and tend to avoid confrontation. In keeping with their nurturing bent, those born under this sign are a whiz with food. A hearty picnic in the park is heaven-on-earth to most Crabs.

Cancers often find that a robust workout session is just the tonic for their touchy feelings. Team sports are always nice, since they offer a sense of community; water polo should be elemental to aquatic Crabs. What are their team colors? The Moon is silver and white. Since Cancers have a tendency to be lazy, however, they may need someone to push them out the door. When it comes to the game of love, eager Crabs are devoted, romantic and able to get things going on their own. Crabs are wise to listen to their gut, since this sign rules the stomach.

The great strength of the Cancer-born is the tenacity with which they protect their loved ones. These folks don't ask for much, either: a comfortable home and sense of peace about sums it up. It's that nurturing instinct which makes Cancers a pleasure to be with.

And now, onto the NEW sign......

Gemini

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac, and those born under this sign will be quick to tell you all about it. That's because they love to talk! It's not just idle chatter with these folks, either. The driving force behind a Gemini's conversation is their mind. The Gemini-born are intellectually inclined, forever probing people and places in search of information. The more information a Gemini collects, the better. Sharing that information later on with those they love is also a lot of fun, for Geminis are supremely interested in developing their relationships. Dalliances with these folks are always enjoyable, since Geminis are bright, quick-witted and the proverbial life of the party. Even though their intellectual minds can rationalize forever and a day, Geminis also have a surplus of imagination waiting to be tapped. Can a Gemini be boring? Never!

Since Geminis are a mix of the yin and the yang, they are represented perfectly by the Twins. The Gemini-born can easily see both sides of an issue, a wonderfully practical quality. Less practical is the fact that you're not sure which Twin will show up half the time. Geminis may not know who's showing up either, which can prompt others to consider them fickle and restless.

They can be wishy-washy, too, changing their mood on a simple whim. It's this characteristic which readily suggests the Mutable Quality assigned to this sign. Mutable folks are flexible and go with the flow. Further, the Twins are adaptable and dexterous and can tackle many things at once. It's a good thing, too, when you consider their myriad interests. The downside of such a curious mind, however, can be a lack of follow-through. How much can any one person do, anyway?

Ruled by Mercury, Geminis exhibit a delicious brand of mercurial energy. They are quick-thinking, quick-witted and fast on their feet, much like the messenger god of Roman mythology that rules their sign. Geminis are both curious and clever, which is why they are such a hit at cocktail parties. Although they talk a great game, they also love to listen and learn. With any kind of luck, the Twins will find themselves in interesting company, because if they don't, they are likely to get bored and start fidgeting. Any social setting is a good one for a Gemini, however, since these folks are charming, congenial and love to share themselves with their friends. While their effusiveness may be misconstrued as scheming by some, Geminis generally have their hearts in the right place. It's that ample energy which can also paint them as scatterbrained and unfocused, but behind all that zipping around, the Twins are busily filing all that good data away.

The element associated with Gemini is Air. Air signs are the thinking person's signs, and the Twins don't disappoint. Those born under this sign prize intellect and consider it the key to all things. At work, they are the clearest of thinkers, looking at a project from all (well, at least two) sides and putting forth some logical and well-thought-out ideas. This quality makes Geminis an asset to any team, and while these folks are not inclined to take the lead, they are a most valuable component. It's also the Gemini's literary bent that allows them to offer a useful perspective on most any situation. The Twins also enjoy bringing their objective reasoning and big-picture ability into their personal relationships. While some may perceive all this logical thought as cold and unemotional, it's simply how these folks tick. They want to connect, they just do it their own way. Luckily for Geminis (and their pals), their lightness of spirit and youthful exuberance help them to appear forever young. In keeping with that skip in their step, Geminis enjoy short road trips -- and their agile minds and nimble hands ensure that they could change a tire (if needed) in no time flat. Is all of this Twin-energy more than any one person can handle? Ah, maybe that's why they are two.

When it comes to sports, Geminis would seem a natural for doubles tennis -- and they are. They love the camaraderie of games and play, which is why they excel at team events. Whether it's volleyball or a game of charades, Geminis are always ready to play. A book club would certainly stimulate their literary minds. In the game of love, Geminis are playful, flirtatious and endless fun. Physically speaking, Gemini rules the nervous system, which is why Twins should practice yoga or deep breathing techniques. Layering themselves in soft yellows and blues will also calm their mood.

The great strength of the Gemini-born is in their ability to communicate effectively and to think clearly. Adventures of the mind are what the Twins are all about. They also love to share themselves with their friends, and they make for charming companions.

So you see.....I just can not see too much of myself in the Gemini! Anyone else having this problem? I am just glad I never got that tattoo I always wanted.....JOKE! Enjoy! Have a great day.......read your horoscope for fun today!

Call For Artists

2011-01-13T12:33:00.003-06:00

CLICK the picture above for more information and how to apply!

Playing...Nikon D3100

2011-01-09T18:43:00.005-06:00

Hello all! Picked up my new camera Saturday, obviously a new Nikon D3100. I spent the weekend in my PJ's with the family taking pictures of my 2 favorite subjects. I have had the same point and shoot for over 8 years, so it was time I guess to be a big girl and get an adult sized camera!? Well, that's my justification anyway. Probably had NOTHING to do with the fact that I really wanted to have a new hobby......noooo!

Anyhoo, I am still learning, searching, playing, Googling, reading, deleting, laughing and grimacing at the whole experience! Wish me luck and wish me FUN! Thanks for stopping in!

Bead Soup Blog Party

2011-01-07T12:50:00.004-06:00

Hello all! It is that time! Time to sign up for Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party! Don't know what I am talking about?? Well, run, don't walk on over to HERE! I am in! Are you??

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW

2011-01-06T13:18:00.007-06:00

I know that it is Thursday....I'm always a day late and a dollar short. But, check out what Heather Powers of Humblebeads has started! Too fun!! :) Click on the photo above and join her Flickr group. Confused? Read about it HERE! I will catch up next Wednesday and enjoy the fun then! Enjoy!