dentedhalo

Ornaments everywhere but the tree!!

2011-11-26T12:08:00.001-08:00

Each year lately I've made ornament covers for these glass ornaments. I won't tell you how many glass balls I bought on clearance last year when stuff went on sale!! :)
I love the lacy beaded patterns and how you can change the color of the glass ball to make it look completely different.

I am willing to custom make your colors if you'd like, just message me or leave contact details in a comment! :)

I'm averaging a few of these a week, so hopefully I'll have tons of these by Christmas!

New Stash!

2011-09-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Making stuff like a madwoman for a sale to benefit the Side Out Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness. The WHHS volleyball team has an annual Dig Pink night where there is a volleyball game, a silent auction, and this year vendors! I have been making things for the past few weeks and will be in attendance offering my sparklies for sale. A percentage of sales goes to the side out foundation. I am also donating any sales up to the Sept 29th date at the same percentage! :)

The two smaller views of the new jewelry display are all new items. Most of the things on the back row are also brand new. Middle row is mostly things that have been made for a while or can be found in my Etsy or Artfire shops!
So, GOOD LUCK ladies!! Have a good win and hope there's a ton of money raised for your cause!

What's Old is New Again!

2011-04-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

Time for another Artbeads.com blogging project! I just love my royal purple tissue paper wrapped packages. I was really excited to get it this time as it was a slightly different project than usual for me. I love the vintage look of brass and I use it at times in my work as findings for earrings and necklace and bracelet fasteners. I haven't used it so often as a focal point. The brass findings I used, the bird and the ring, in the necklace were so easy to put together. I just love the result and it was so easy even a complete novice could put together a quick set to wear in one sitting!
In addition, I made a pair of earrings to match. I often don't like things that perfectly match for findings. I like a coordinated look, so I don't have the same thing plastered on my neck, ears, and wrist. I love that the filigree findings had spaces large enough to hook the glass lentil beads to the back so it could shine a little color through! Aqua and brown is one of my very favorite color combos, as well as giving the vintage brass a little update and color.
Aside from the Artbeads project....don't you love my little vintage-ish looking bird? I found her on clearance and she was begging to come home with me. As you can see, she loves to be draped in pretty baubles!

**Disclaimer: I have not been paid to endorse merchandise for Artbeads.com. I was supplied with components to create a blogging partners project, no further compensation was made.

Feeling Lucky?

2011-03-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

I got busy this week finally putting my Cricut machine to good use. I love the thing, and want to use it more, just can't pull myself away from jewelry and computer in time to use it. There's just too many crafts for me to dabble in and still have to work for a living! LOL, I also figured you guys see my beading all the time, but I don't always post my paper stuff I like to make.
Anyway...I purchased a program to use svg files downloaded from your computer to cut on the Cricut. I love it, and there's so many directions to use them. The name of the program is Sure Cuts A Lot.
There are a number of places on the web to find files for your SCAL program to use. Now, I wish I could tell you I had it all figured out and that I knew how to make my own files for cutting, but alas, I don't have the time to sit down and do all that!
I follow a few blogs and do some nice google searches once in a while to find free svg files. I also have bought from a few websites. NOTE: I'm a font junkie, and I love new fonts. With the SCAL you can cut any true type font installed on your computer!! Can you say awesome....???
I downloaded the shamrock svg from The Free SVG Blog. They regularly post freebies for your personal use! Anyway...these lucky shamrocks are destined for the ladies at work tomorrow. I think they will have nice little door decorations for St Paddy's day! :)

Winter Enchantment Piece

2011-03-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

Oh, better late than never!! I always have a run in with life when I'd like to be beading. There are times that I think of beading and just can't get to it, but it's always on my mind in a design sense.
I have been working on my design for the Winter Enchantment theme for the Artbeads Design Partner's Project, and can finally say that I've gotten it finished!!
First of all, no matter what I'm thinking when I pick out my initial selection of beads from Artbeads.com it's never what I end up making in the end. I always change my design idea when the beads arrive. I think it's just the artsy part of me. I should just pick out things like spinning the roulette wheel! :) That way I just make whatever when it arrives anyway.
When I received my package (Mind you, I love love love the little purple tissue wrapped packages that come from Artbeads!) the first thing that I saw was the beautiful White Opaline Swarovski elements. The pendant was gorgeous and for a magpie like me, it was quite hypnotic! The out came the furnace glass beads. That was just as beautiful. So many blues and white and stripes and round and triangle and square....oh my! They were part of the Hand Blown Fire Design Furnace Glass Mix. Great selection and there were quite a few beads left over. I got a lot of mileage from the bead selection, I got a necklace, bracelet and two pairs of earrings with leftovers. Might even be enough for another mix n match bracelet!
I didn't match well when I ordered the beads, and I picked out blue seed beads to go with my Furnace beads selection. I ended up making some bead soup! I had the tail end of about 3 different projects with blue mixed seed beads laying around in small baggies. I dumped them together in a larger container and shook the heck out of them. They made the perfect stormy blue mix I wanted to go with my pearly white TOHO seed beads for my herringbone rope portion of my necklace.
I enjoyed this challenge! Bring on the next one! :)

**Note that I was provided the materials free of charge to make a piece of my choosing. I was not compensated for my opinion nor am I a paid employee of Artbeads.com.

Moral Support Day

2011-03-08T23:10:00.001-08:00

A bit of background: My Mother has been taking classes to get a desktop publishing degree at a local college. I used to go help her with her computer classes and writing papers when she first started. Well, she has completely surpassed my basic knowledge of computers and especially Microsoft Excel! Oh my, the things she has to do with formulas and applying macros and all that other stuff flew over my head last semester or so.
Now when she is having trouble with homework or getting stressed about working and school and deadlines for submitting her papers, I can't do much but provide moral support! Well, that and supply some junk food! :) I did manage to take my copper wire and some beads over with me last time I went to spend the afternoon loaded down with sweet and salty snacks.
I have had the seafoamy green melon beads for quite some time. Bottom pic. They are from DJBeads.com I just wire wrapped some bead segments with some loops and hooked them together. Matching earrings with some pretty bead caps, which I think were also from the same supplier.
The more teal looking beads with a coppery-gold wash on them were something I think I found at Jo-Ann's in my early beady days. I had a ton of them, can't remember if I bought them alone or in a kit of some sort. I do like the way they made up. The beads have a square style, a round and a disk shape with nice large glass seeds, probably a size 6/0 ish to go with them in a nice teal color. I paired these with some copper findings I had on hand and they all turned out pretty nice. I think I've hung onto these beads thinking I'd get some gold colored something to use with them. I'm just not much on gold plated anything, and even gold-filled is too expensive for my blood at the moment. So, copper looked a lot nicer than I thought it would. I'm pleased with the result. So, I had plenty of choices for earring shapes. I made two pair. One with the square beads and a fan shaped finding and another with the fan shape at the top and chains ending in round beads. A little danglier than usual, but I thought it was a nice evening type look!

Pastel Necklace and Earrings

2011-02-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

This is a set I've had finished for a while. I decided to list it in my shops. The design is Sandra Halpenny, and as usual, I just love her designs! She is an amazing artist at beadweaving.
All beadwork is done by me, one tiny bead at a time!

Need More Drama in your Life?

2011-02-25T22:27:00.000-08:00

I have been in love with the dramatic color schemes lately. I also made some earrings with the same stones and wood beads that have copper findings, but haven't gotten to take photos of those just yet!

I didn't realize it had been so long since I'd posted an entry here....bad Carmen! :) Promise to share a bit more. I sorta went through a little jewelry and creative slump. I'm pretty much back on track and ready to go. Everybody goes through those times I guess....but I sure feel better when I can get my craft on!

Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale!

2010-11-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note that both my Etsy and Artfire shops have 20% off for the entire weekend.

Dentedhalo.etsy.com use the coupon code HOHOHO20

Dentedhalo.artfire.com prices here reflect the 20% already!

Hope that you have a great weekend!! No stress shopping here! :)

Paper Fun!

2010-11-12T22:57:00.000-08:00

I just can't resist a paper project!! I have been looking for star or snowflake shapes to form out of paper. I found this pattern in several places while searching in the past few days. I ended up using the instructions from Howaboutorange.blogspot.com. You can find the instructions HERE. I just love this! Can't wait to make it out of vellum as I saw on remodelaholic.com.

I'm actually looking forward to some Christmas crafts. I usually don't get in the mood until too late. I've been working on a wreath with some paper poinsettias. Look for some more posts in the near future! :)

Winter Photo Album

2010-11-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

This listing on Artfire.com
I may have posted this some time ago...I've had this done forever, and kept thinking I'd use it myself. Well, a couple of years have gone by and it was still sitting on my shelf, unused and feeling unloved. It was time to pull it out and share it with other crafty appreciating folks!

I have covered this photo album in lovely blues and snowflakes. Would be a fabulous gift for someone who skis, or spends lots of outdoors time in the winter! I love winter and snow pictures, but alas, I don't like to play in the snow anymore....it's too darn cold!! LOL
I have been making these covered photo albums for a few occasions here locally. I have done two fall ones recently and covered them with K&Co paper, fall and mums and pretty patterns! Lovely!

If anyone is interested, I can customize for any occasion, color theme, just contact me here. Or Etsy, at dentedhalo.etsy.com, or on Artfire, dentedhalo.artfire.com, or leave me a message here with a way to contact you! Or, try it yourself....! It's fun!

Brass Beauty

2010-10-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Colors of Fall Jewelry Set

I picked out the elements of this set based on my interpretation of the colors of the season. I chose the lovely brass for the metal in my pieces because it always reminds me of fall and winter jewerly. The dark brown of the Mocca Swarovski faceted crystals just really appealed to me, and the indicolite Graphic Crystals were just the hint of dark turquoise blue I wanted to accent. Crystal Copper was also the perfect focal color and accented the brass chain so well. Tahitian colored Swarovski Pearls topped it off just right to me! I love the color palette for this fall. There are so many beautiful combinations!

All right, this one stays right in my jewelry box! Maybe I'll just never take it off. I had a hard time taking it off just to photograph it! Love everything about it!
I started out with some brass plated chain. I added a Cosmic Crystal Swarovski Drop for a focal, and then layered Graphic Indicolite Crystal Element, Swarovski Pearls and 10mm faceleted crystal rounds in Mocca, all from Artbeads.com. You just can't go wrong with Swarovski Crystallized Elements.
I added a couple things from my stash, like the brass leaf on the focal, and some bead caps I had laying around. I have to say I love this...did I say that before? OK, I really love it! :)
Now I think I'll go fold some laundry while wearing my new beautiful fall set!

**Disclaimer: Artbeads.com provided materials for this project for evaluation and review. Writer was not otherwise compensated for review.

Copper, Copper everywhere!

2010-10-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've decided I love copper! I don't know when I decided this. Sometime after I started making jewelry, I discovered that this metal was fabulous! The warmth of gold without the cost, and it just goes with everything. Now, I won't be giving up my sterling silver anytime soon, but this is a wonderful alternative. Check out either my Etsy, or my Artfire shops.

Artfire Storefront Grand Opening Dentedhalo

2010-10-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

I've reopened my Artfire storefront. Dentedhalo.artfire.com is up and running! I'm creating a code for blog readers for a private sale. I'm running 10% off for all purchases for the next 10 days!

The Coupon Code is: GRANDOPEN10

***I thought this was up and running on the blog, but apparently I didn't push the nice little orangy publish button! So, I'll be extending the dates of this 10% off for the next 10 days!!

Time flies!

2010-10-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how time gets away from me so quickly. It's been over 2 months since I've updated my blog. Just doesn't seem possible that it's been so long! I promise I haven't been idle the entire time! :) I'm posting 2 pics with this entry. The first I finished just minutes ago. The St. Petersburg chain necklace with the beaded bead is "hot off the press"! I was trying to teach myself to do the St Petersburg stitch along with some online instructions, and was failing miserably! A recent Bead & Button magazine had a project and the instructions there finally clicked! I tend to do that with new things sometimes. I have to figure it out my way...and when it clicks, it's like the proverbial light bulb lighting up! This necklace is made with seed beads, and glass pearls. I tried a magnetic clasp to see how I liked these on a necklace. I like the look, now let's see how well it holds!!

The pink necklace and earring were donated to the annual WHHS Dig Pink Volleyball fundraiser. I haven't heard how it went, but it's always a smashing success! The gals raise a lot of money for a good cause! Thank you WHHS Volleyball players!

Lovely kitties from Maid of Clay on Etsy

2010-07-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

I recently got my second custom made angel kitty from Maid of Clay on Etsy.com. Felicia Nilson is a talented clay artist who makes many interesting clay figures. Check out her etsy shop, and if you'd like custom work done, she's amazing! I love my angel kitties. They represent two cats I've loved and lost. They had many years with me as their pet...oh wait, was that the other way around? :)

Thank you so much Felicia!

Update on UFOs

2010-07-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update....my Unfinished piece is now finished. I love the way this turned out....now to keep or to sell? That is the question!

Summer sparkle

2010-06-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this piece for a while. Well, let's just say I was gazing at the beads for a while. I generally don't use too many lampwork beads. I haven't gotten to them yet! I started out with other beads, seed beads, and then Swarovski crystals, and glass pearls....and I just haven't made it around to lampworked stuff yet! I loved these the minute I got my tissue wrapped purple package from Artbeads.com. I couldn't decide if they looked like little dotted flowers or snake-skin design. Summer is a little busier for me, just like everyone else...days are longer and there are just more things to be done. So, I stewed a bit and thought about these beads. I went through a few configurations before I decided what I really wanted to do.
I like the result very well. I love the colors together, and lime green has totally grown on me! I tend to work with sterling silver, and these were well complemented by that. I love the choice of glass beads at Artbeads.com! While you're there, check out the pendants....omg, there were so many I wanted, but I just couldn't decide!
OK, for the details on this necklace. I used a twisted herringbone technique to stitch the rope portion of the necklace. I used size 10 triangle beads for this. I capped it off with a couple of bead caps that I had on hand, just twisted the prongs down a bit more to keep it from catching on things. Then the lampworked beads were wrapped with sterling silver wire and linked together. I almost always add an extender chain and a little dangle to my necklaces. It's frustrating when you like a necklace or bracelet and you can't get it to fit! :)
For the earrings, I couldn't decide which color to match, so I made two options. One in the lime green and purple combination and one in the turquoise color. I used glass beads to accent both pairs, and of course, I like them a little dangly too!
Wink! See my cute flowers in the pic? Love my new scrapbook supplier...I'm worse than a junkie with beads and paper! :)

Disclosure: I participate in Blog Partners with Artbeads.com and have received the products free of charge from them. I am honestly reviewing the products and have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.

Pretty packages

2010-05-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post the card box and jewelry box I altered for Mother's Day. I have been picking back up on my cards and paper-crafts. I didn't realize how much I missed doing that. Mom always needs a card or two here and there, so I filled up the card box with cards I thought she would use.

I told her that the color scheme was a tribute to our crazy avacado green and orange kitchen curtains in the farmhouse where I grew up. She always loved those colors....there's a joke around our house that 'Mama likes ugly'. She's embraced it...and now since my sister and I are finally liking the earthy tones that she has always loved, she gets to say I told you so quite often!!

Inside the jewelry box was the brown and brass necklace from my last post! My sister also got her a pretty child/granchild stamped silver necklace, so she wore both all day! :) Love you Mom!!

**Box pattern design by Shannon Hebert, http://northerngirlstamper-shannon.blogspot.com wonderful tutorial for this box as well as display options!

UFO's

2010-04-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post a few of my UFO collection! No, not the Area 51 type....my Un Finished Objects of beading!

I have been beading for about 5 years now, I think...can't seem to remember a time I didn't bead thinking about it now. As most people do, if it doesn't work out, I tend to hold onto whatever project I'm doing, and start up another one that has caught my eye. Now, some things just get pinned up on my bulletin board because I like the way they look. I might also put them on my desk where I can hope to remember to search for just the right clasp or pendant, or something or other that I can imagine that it needs. Here is one of those UFO type of projects.

All it needs is a clasp. I finally found the perfect chain, and even got the dangle on there for the ending. I found some really great huge lobster clasps in brass, and was waiting on the buy with a bulk buying group. Needless to say about the time I was to put in my order my budget went beserk and I really couldn't afford to order! That's just how it goes. So, now....everything I see in brass I am trying to compare to those huge lobster claw clasps! LOL, something perfect will show up before too long. I have had the stitching on this necklace done for about a year now waiting on the perfect closure!

Now the piece I just love, and can't stop looking at whenever possible!

I have to admit that I looked at this Swarovski Crystal for a good little bit after I received it from Artbeads.com. I had always admired captured cabs, but hadn't done well with what I had attempted so far. I used instructions by Glenda Payseno, who can be found at Lulu.com with her patterns for righties and lefties alike. (There apparently aren't too many beading patterns adapted for lefties out there!) She also is the owner of a yahoo group named Beadchat! Anywho, the pattern worked up very easily, and I didn't have to adjust much from the printed directions for my particular crystal.
So now my next task is to make a necklace to go with this and maybe even further embellish the cab with a few dangly something or others. Never know what may end up happening! Actually I have no idea how I want to finish this off, time will tell!

I'm sure I will always have UFO's in my collection of goodies at home. It just means that the creative process hasn't quite finished on that particular piece. Truth be known, I have many UFO's from many mediums. Sewing, polymer clay, scrapbooking, stamping...lol, sounds like I need to go home and finish a UFO tonight!

My last thing to share regarding UFO's. It is nice to have a little stash of things that are fairly quickly finished when you get into a slump. I may not have any idea of what I want to do next, or be uninspired to begin a whole new project just yet....but finishing up a few projects that I already have in the works is sometimes a good evening out for my creativity. I don't have to think so much, or work out kinks in a pattern. :)

It's officially Derby weekend here in Kentucky. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and let's pray for some sun and not all the rain those meteorologists think is coming!!

Springtime Sparklies!

2010-04-03T09:20:00.001-07:00

I received another fabulous purple wrapped package from Artbeads recently. I was given the opportunity to select beads to make a 'The Beauty of Spring' selection. These wonderful Stoneware beads seemed perfectly suited to me. Porcelain and Ceramic beads. I chose an assortment of Firepolish beads also to accent and seperate. Any type of Glass bead could be used for this though!~ My favorite beads in this selection have to be the tiny coin pearls. I'm a pearl lovin gal anyway, and these little tiny things were the cutest pearls I'd seen in a while. All in the nicest 'not too pastel' spring tones! Find the coin pearls here!
I was pleased with these beads, they have a nice weight to them and the colors blended well with each other. I think they might be a perfect set to wear for Easter tomorrow! :)

**Please note: I received products to be commented on by Artbeads.com, but was not further compensated for my review of said products.

The R-word!

2010-03-01T22:53:00.000-08:00

OK, there's a few things I tend to get on my soapbox about. One is respect and dignity for folks with disabilities. In my regular hours job, I work with folks who have developmental disabilities. We try to educate any and everyone we can about hurtful language and respect for all!
This campaign is something we're observing at work....thought it was a good thing to share so that others might be enlightened as well.

Go to Http://www.R-word.org for more information. I apologize, I can't get it to go into the clickable format. Copy and paste to get there. You can leave your pledge with the website, or better yet, tell someone else and teach by example! :)

Hopefully I can insert a youtube video here to show exactly what this movement is all about!

I hope that everyone who reads this blog will think about their choice of words and know that even things we say in jest, or even haven't ever thought about being hurtful can cut to the core of someone who loves a person with a disability! Get rid of the R word!!

Peacock beads

2010-01-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

I love receiving my packages from Artbeads.com. I know I have blogged about how pretty their packages are when you take them out of the envelope. It's nice to see a company pay attention to the details!
I was able to choose some beads from their glass beads section this time, and also some sterling silver selections. I received these peacock beads and was so taken with how pretty they were. I knew I would like them, but they were just breathtaking in person. I was also pleased that the green firepolish assortment of beads that I ordered was a perfect match really for both the white and the shiny green colors that I got. I just loved the white beads in the necklace with the green firepolish and the silver. Using up the beads I ordered left me wanting more of these, and bigger ones, and different colors, and and and....lol. This is not to mention the Sterling Silver Stardust beads. If you're into *bling* you will adore these beads. I have used small ones here and there as dangles for bracelets and such, but these larger ones are too pretty! They could really make the simplest of designs fancy enough for a formal event!
The green and white with silver necklace and earrings was made in an asymetrical style. The necklace fastens at the front and leaves as much of a dangle as you'd like to leave. The earrings are matching in colors, but they don't match each other. I have used the random colors of green firepolish beads so they don't perfectly match each other.
The shiny green peacock earrings are the darker pair accented with the stardust beads. The shiny green of the beads doesn't really come out until the light hits a certain way. I was amazed how different they showed up with the black background as opposed to just seeing them while I was working with them.
It was a challenge to photograph these well. The shiny peacock eyes on the beads were reflective, and so were the Stardust beads. I finally got the beads to play nice after a few tries. So, when you look at the pics, just imagine how sparkly this is in person.

*Disclaimer* I received products from Artbeads.com to review and supply my opinion. I was not paid monies for an endorsement.

Who doesn't want a discount on beads???

2009-11-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

I got a discount card from Artbeads.com the other day. There are a few wonderful things about this discount card!!

First, it lasts until December 31, 2009! Yay! Lots of time to shop. The code is good on any purchase between now and then.

Next....are you ready for it? It's good for everyone! :) I wanted to make sure to share it with the folks who read my blog.

So...place an order at Artbeads.com, and use the following discount code:

SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0424

I hope that at least a few people will find that useful!

Enjoy!!

Carmen:)

Caramel Creme

2009-11-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

The whole time I was stitching this necklace I kept thinking it reminded me of vanilla ice cream and caramel topping. Imagine that caramel is one of my favorite flavors? OK, you don't have to imagine, that is a cold hard fact! The twisted necklace is a twisted tubular herringbone, or ndbele stitch. (Think "in de belly" for pronunciation.) I haven't known this stitch for too long and it's really one of my favorites. I really like the tublular type stitches, or the twisted ones. Lots of visual interest there, and that's what does it for me.
The bracelet is a little of the same type of stitch, just not in the twisted variety, it also has multiple strands twisting through the mother of pearl shell ring.
When I first began this set, I kept thinking that the colors might be too bland. I was so pleasantly surprised when they translated as rich and classic instead of just neutral. There are just times when colors will click together and be a perfect compliment, this was one of those times!
I am very pleased to announce that the pattern for these is available at DJBeads.com. The pattern page is located here: DJBeads Free Pattern Page.
For all of you non-beaders, this set is for sale. It is located at JC Salon on Grandview Drive in Frankfort, KY. Leave a comment here if you would like to inquire about pricing or to see if this set is still available.

Long overdue...

2009-09-21T00:04:00.001-07:00

I began this bracelet a long while ago...so long that I can't remember! Over a year for sure...maybe two? Anyway, it was my first time to make a substantial peyote stitch anything, but then again, it doesn't count till now, since I have finally found the perfect ending!
How many of you are like me? I can begin a project, know what I want it to end up like in my head, and still don't quite know how to pull it all together. I never knew how I would make the clasp on this. I knew it was going to be a personal piece and not something that would end up in my store. When I was preparing my order for Artbeads.com I saw the perfect ending, well I hoped it would be anyway. I wasn't disappointed. This Hematite crystal button was absolutely perfect. It blended the silver and the black of the bracelet, was just as shiny as the beads, and it was right on the money with the size. You can browse Crystallized Swarovski Elements here. The link to the button, 16mm Hematite crystal button. I also got another button, the name of the color is Meridian Blue...wow what a color! Check it out while you're browsing around the Artbeads.com buttons. They're having a sale (15% off)on Crystallized Swarovski Elements, so get over there quick!
Now, I get to wear my new, well at least newly finished bracelet tomorrow! I couldn't have created a better match if I'd wanted to!

**Disclaimer** I was provided Swarovski Crystallized Elements to review free of charge from Artbeads.com. This is an honest evaluation of said products, and I was not paid for any endorsement of the products.

Ultimate sparkle!!

2009-09-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

I got a small package in the mail a couple weeks ago. I have been trying to find the time to blog, and take pics and all the other things I meant to do since then. Life has a way of taking over and rearranging my schedule without my knowledge, and being quite stubborn about giving me back the time I'd like to have for MY things! LOL

Anyway....back to the package. I pulled open the top and poured out the contents, and they were wrapped in a tissue paper of the most regal purple, with a foil seal on the top. Usually I only see this type of wrapping when I order from folks on etsy....the small personal details of an individual with a a business to promote. I was surprised because this package came from a much larger than a one person show type of business. This little gem of a package was from Artbeads.com. I was completely impressed, and that was before I took the time to open up all my little goodies inside!
The pics you see at the top of this post are just one things from the package. This was an Aquamarine Fancy Oval 39x28. As you can see it is quite large. I sure wish I could get the sparkle to show in my pics. Well, I could, but it would blind you!
You can find the Artbeads Crystallized Swarovski Elements page here. The direct link to the Crystallized Swarovski Fancy Oval page is here. You'll find way too many choices of very beautiful colors. Now that I have mine, I have to do the hard part. I have to actually make something with it. I have in mind to bezel it with seed beads and maybe some bicones. All I can tell you right now is that I'm perfectly content to carry it around in my project bag, or place it on my desk so that I can enjoy the play of light and the beautiful color.

**Disclaimer** Artbeads.com has provided the merchandise free of charge to me for an honest opinion. No other compensation was made.
Oh wow, they're 15% off right now.....better move quick! :)

September Giveaway! Bluegrass Etsy Team

2009-09-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you love to win these? Check out the team blog for Bluegrass Etsy for instructions on how to win the trading cards and the poetry Zine from SmackinArt!

Blingin Rings!

2009-08-29T20:59:00.001-07:00

I discovered what to do with those cute swarkie hearts that I had been collecting. Make rings and pendants, of course!
I found the pattern for the pendant in a Dutch publication by Matterns & de Graaf. It has English instructions, but it doesn't give you word instructions as to how to stitch, it has diagrams and lots of arrows! LOL, sort of mind boggling until you really absorb it all. I have several of these little hardback publications, and I do really like them. They, however require some ability to change things a little. I have noticed with a few projects that maybe the bead sizes aren't quite the same. I used the called for sizes, and it just wasn't quite right....but maybe substituting a smaller size 11 than the size 10 or even 8 that was called for worked like a charm.
I purchased this book from Carrie at Djbeads.com. I'm waiting for a lot more crystals in a few more colors and sizes. I have to keep up with the orders for these....they're certainly a hit. Of course, they're swarovski, what was I thinking? :)

Finally Finished!

2009-08-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

This project has been in the works for some time. Do you ever start something and don't expect it to take nearly as long to do? This was one of those projects. Cellini spirals take a long time anyway, in just plain stitching. I wanted a long necklace and the spiral portion is about 32 inches when slightly pulled, so with the weight hanging should be about that much I would imagine. The shells and pearls part is a tad bit shorter at 26 and 1/2 inch plus about an inch of linkage to adjust.I originally intended to make these two in a single necklace and make it adjustable. In the end I decided that I would put clasps on them that would hook in a number of ways so you could wear them alone or together.
For instance, it would look amazing to wear the spiral tight around your neck and then hook the shells to hang, or just wear them hanging down together. A thinner woman than me could wear the shells up tight against the neck and hang the spiral part! LOL, which btw is MOST women!
I have just fallen in love with the combination of brown and lots of other colors. Pink and brown has been a fave for a long time, blue and brown too. I think the combo of lime green and brown has got to be one of my fave all time looks! Funny how your taste changes over the years....I wouldn't have picked up anything lime green when I was younger! I hated it, now everything lime green pulls me in!
I'll probably put this necklace up for sale. I just want to look at it for a while, it took so long to make it, well that and it's my first cellini....although I'm sure not the last. I love the undulating spiral! I'm going to try to get a "model" (read this as poor unsuspecting friend) to let me take some pics of it on in a couple different positions. Will post those later!

Sale in the artfire store!

2009-08-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

I am having a 15% off sale in my Artfire store! Take advantage of the sale prices while you can. Unfortunately, I can't keep both stores open at once, it's just not profitable. I am going to be moving my pieces to my etsy shop at the end of this month.
I will be keeping the 15% off price until I move items, so get them on sale if you like! :)
You can find the shop window just to the left of this post!

Thanks,

Carmen

Contest for July! Teambluegrass on Etsy!

2009-07-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Description:
This style of Princess flip flops are available in pink or white. The sides are braided with pink, green, and white ribbon for that special look. Complete with green and pink polka dots and a tiara, this pair is a great gift for:

-Birthdays
-Flower girls
-Birthday favors
-A Pageant Contestant
-Or any day for that special girl

All of my bows are secured with elastic cord and the ends are heat sealed. There are no pokey wires to worry about here! The tiara is nestled between two bows to ensure that it sits up far enough away from little toes. These are new, quality made, Cariris flip-flops (no cheapos) that retail without the bows for $8-$15.
These are available in the following kids' sizes:
11/12
13
1/2
3/4
and Toddler sizes with a backstrap:
7/8
9/10

They are valued at: $18.00 with the matching bow valued at $7.00

How Do I Enter?
In order to enter this drawing, please visit the Momosbows store, then come back to the teambluegrass blog and post your comment. Tell us what you like about Stephanie's shop or tell us about your favorite item. If you post this giveaway on your blog, let us know that too, for an additional chance to win. Also, if you twitter the contest, let us know and you get an extra chance for that as well.

We'll draw a random winner on July 31 and will announce it here.

Good luck to all!

Red Skies at Night-Free Pattern Download

2009-07-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have designed a necklace, bracelet and earrings set. The free pattern download and supplies can be found at DJbeads.com. Direct link to the pattern is here.
I had a lot of fun designing this set. The red pearl bicones are a really pretty bead!

chain for my nephew

2009-06-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

I made this simple 3 in 1 chain for my nephew's birthday last week. It was his first "real" piece of jewelry from Aunt Carmen!

2009-05-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

I wire wrapped this stone from Blue Heron Gems with some pretty copper wires. The chain is a custom made one as well. The idea came from the book Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry by Linda Jones. This was a custom piece for a wonderful friend of mine. I had ordered a similar stone, and when she saw it, she just had to have one. Of course, I still am gazing at my Marra Mamba stone adoringly. It hasn't told me what it wants to be just yet!:)

May Give-Away for Bluegrass Etsy Team!

2009-05-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

How about a sweet clutch from Vernon Ave.?
Lovely little bird print, and a beaded tassel, who could picture any cuter? Made by Toni of Vernon Ave. on Etsy.com. Toni is one of the Bluegrass Etsy Street Team members, check out all the team members by searching Etsy.com for teambluegrass!
Check out all contest details on the Bluegrass Etsy Street Team blog!

Good Luck!

beaded beads!

2009-05-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have a new love in my life. They're called beaded beads! I know, I know, I'm a bead crazy. I've heard that more than once. Maybe a few times. BUT, when you get beautiful bracelets like this one, how could you complain?
I haven't decided what to do with this one just yet. I'm thinking I'll keep it just to gaze at! The pattern is from beadinfinitum.com

Update on my new tenants post

2009-05-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

I'm sad to say that the birdies won't be hatching in the windowsill of my office. Mama bird didn't come back to the nest this week, and something got all the eggs. I'm sure another scavenger bird chased her off and got the eggs. Here's hoping maybe for next year!!

My new tenants

2009-04-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I went on a vacation from work a couple weeks ago. When I arrived back to work last Monday it looked like someone had thrown a mudball at my window in my office. My office window faces another building, so it would have been an odd place to have something like that land there. Anyway, after I really got to looking, it was the beginnings of a bird nest. There weren't that many sticks or leaves or anything in it yet, just basically the muddy framework. So, this Monday, there were 3 sweet little blue eggs in the nest, and Tuesday morning there were 4!
I had seen a bird hanging out and I even had joked with a co worker before about that bird that spies on me. The little birdie also left me a splotchy piece of artwork on the windowsill! LOL, oh well....now it has left me some super cute things to check on. I do have to keep my blinds closed. I'm thinking I'll bring some cardstock to tape over the lower portion of the window. Everyone who walks into the office scares her off the nest for a minute or two. So, hopefully in a little while, I'll have hungry birdie pictures to post!
I'll keep everyone up to date...now off to find out how many days it takes robin's eggs to hatch!

Earrings and Marketing

2009-04-20T00:23:00.000-07:00

I have spent much of my vacation from work taking pics and editing and writing descriptions and posting things to Etsy.com and to Artfire.com. I so underestimated what it took to sell jewelry online! I do have a small market of local sales, so I haven't tried to rely so much on online sales until recently. Those resolutions I made at the turn of the New Year had mostly to do with paying attention to the marketing of my shops and making good business decisions. Oh, as well as to eat less, walk more, work on being a better me....those things too!
I was talking to an online friend recently and telling them what was involved in making a listing for an online sales venue. First of all, make the object. Then shoot pics, edit those, retake if not quite right, re-edit! Word a listing just right, enter it online. Get all the buzz words right, so google will pick it up! :) Then tweet that you've listed things on twitter.com, blog about it, put it on your facebook, myspace business page. The marketing of the social networks has gotten quite involved. I know a lot of people do many more than I do. Linked in is another social marketing/networking site. Share with any groups you may have that let you post ads. Then tirelessly hand out business cards, and tell people who don't know about etsy and artfire and then just maybe then, you'll find a sale! :)
Now where were the days that I thought let me just list all these things on the website and I'll get rich selling my creations??? Maybe when I win the lottery, hire a PR person and spend my days lounging around making jewelry all day! Actually that doesn't sound too bad at all, anyone have any winning number tips for Wednesday or Saturday?

Earrings!

2009-04-19T01:09:00.000-07:00

I made these earrings a while back. They have taken a turn in my sisters shop and then been hoarded like treasure here at the house for a few months! I am finally getting through some of the pieces I have been stashing here, you'd think I was the guardian of the queen's jewels and not actually trying to sell some of these!
So, I have named them, and am setting them free! I have named them Tiger Eye dreams, and One Gypsy Night. The round copper finding with the tiger eye chips and round dangle are some of my earthy type favorite looks! I just loved the Gypsy pair as I usually call them, not exactly my usual colors, but who could resist seafoam green and amber together? Just beautiful!
You can find both at my artfire shop here. They'd love to find a new home! :)

Sweet, calm, shy tranquil

2009-04-18T16:36:00.001-07:00

I just love this little bauble! It really does make me feel peaceful when I handle it. It's just so darn sweet looking! One of my favorite disco balls paired with a sweet little button pearl. These are a few of my favorite things....feeling a Julie Andrews moment coming on!
I've listed this necklace on etsy, take a look!

Summer Colors

2009-04-18T00:57:00.001-07:00

I don't know what has possessed me to love lime green so much lately! I want clothes, shoes, home dec...even saw an awful cute car! I know I was liking the color at the end of the season last year, but this year it's all about some lime! I've let that bleed over into some of my jewelry too, after all you have to match those new clothes with new accessories! I still like the old staple colors too, especially the bold blues. I know those will always be something I like. You earthy tone folks will have to wait till the next round of making stuff! Summer is all about the bright and the bold for me.
I have these items listed for sale in each of my shops. The lime green "Sizzling Summer Limes" are here. The bold blue and sterling silver "Disco Ball Heaven" bracelet is located here.

Earring extravaganza!

2009-04-14T23:51:00.000-07:00

I got on a little kick last weekend and made a bunch of earrings. These are a few of those. I am trying out some designs for an earring swap I'll be participating in before the end of the month. I think I've decided what I'll make her, but will have to ask a few questions to the recipient first!
Anyway, I listed these earrings in my etsy shop!
I'm still shooting a few pics, and have a couple more pairs to list too. Not sure, but I think they'll be going to artfire instead.
I'm so tickled with my new found way of shooting pics of my pieces. I have to get a little more practice, but the pics are looking a million times better than they did in the beginning!
BTW, did you notice a little pearl thing going on in these pics? The two pair of earrings with the pearls are just two of about 4 pairs of earrings I made last week with pearls. One of my favorite things! I love pearls in about every color and shape. I'm waiting on a little shipment of some wonderful pearls that one of my groups purchased from China. I'm so excited to see those I can't stand it! I'll be sure to post a pic when I get those in my greedy little fingers!

Flower power!

2009-04-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I get on a kick of making things, I'll notice a little theme in my work. This one was flowers. I had a few things with flowers in them in the past month or so. It is most likely a subconscious wish for warmer weather and spring to arrive and STAY! Which I hope happens very soon!
The bracelet in the first two pictures is a pale pink and brown Right Angle weave with a swarovski flower stitched on top. It can be found in my Etsy shop. I pretty much designed this one myself, with a little inspiration from the Dutch book Bead Magic. I made a bracelet with the flower stitched on the top in a recent post, I called it blushing blue, a ring and bracelet set. That pattern was from the book, this bracelet was similar in design, and with the flower being stitched in nearly the same manner, not quite though.
The other picture is a Sandra Halpenny design, stitched bead by bead by me! I have called this one Pretty Posies. It is for sale in my etsy shop as well. I love Sandra's designs and everytime I shop or try to pick out a necklace, I go for something similar to her designs. They don't all look the same of course, it's the net stitch, and her style that I'm attracted to. Of course, it's a style I shouldn't wear all the time, lol. A choker doesn't look the greatest on me, but that's the style I constantly want. The great thing about making your own jewelry is that you can change that choker pattern right into something a little longer! :)

**My apologies to anyone who got the wrong link I had on here earlier. I shouldn't post in the middle of the night when my brain is fuzzy! I linked to an entirely different necklace! :)

HOP HOP HOP

2009-04-05T02:54:00.000-07:00

I've been tearing out Easter Bunnies! These sweet little bunnies are so fun to make. I think I like decorating these eggs more than the real easter eggs. It's a lot less messy believe me!
If you're interested in a card, they can be found in my Etsy shop.
Now, hop to it! :)

Etsy Sale

2009-04-03T19:18:00.001-07:00

These sweet little earrings are going to a new home in Wyoming tomorrow morning! I sell locally, but when there's a sale online, I get excited! Otherwise, how would my pieces make it to new homes all across the US? I hope they're worn all the time and that they love their new home.

More New stuff!

2009-03-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

I confess, I was a beadaholic the last couple of weeks! It was time to get down to business and get some things listed in the Etsy shop.
I stitched the emerald bracelet last week, and the ring a little ways back, just now getting around to listing. What a procrastinator!!
You can now find the emerald crystal bracelet here, and the crystal flower ring here.
I so much more enjoy the making of the pieces and seeing people wear them than the marketing and advertising process. My friends and family are wonderful advertising agents! They wear my creations and send out the word of mouth, but alas, I know there's more to it than that! So, short of hiring someone to poke me with a pointy stick now and then....I must learn to take pictures and list my pretties often!

Spirals spirals everywhere!

2009-03-28T13:22:00.001-07:00

I've been tense lately, and what do I do when I'm tense? Well, I bead!! I ordered these great copper cones from DJBeads. I just got them yesterday morning, and by last night they had already been used on this bracelet. I was a woman on a mission to use those things right now! The bugles are a warm chocolately brown with a little subtle bronze sparkle to them here and there. I used a dk topaz AB seed bead and a chocolatey brown seed. I forget how quick these russian spiral things work up, maybe I should make a few more? :)
**Note, I did lighten the one picture up quite a bit, it's hard to see the details when it's a dark brown on dark brown bead pattern.

Nervous energy!

2009-03-24T21:41:00.001-07:00

OK, I admit it. Not only did I have some nervous energy, I made a couple little impulse buys today. I think they were well worth it. I have been eyeing Deborah Roberti's patterns for a little while. She uses a lot of crystal, and her designs in earrings remind me of Victorian times. Elegant, dangly, and sparkly! I stitched up this pair in record time, and if there were a little bit more time in my day, I'd stitch up another pair or two!
Deborah's website can be found here. There is a free pattern section that has some really nice designs. If you're a beader, she writes wonderful instructions!
I can't wait to wear my earrings tomorrow! :)

New beads!

2009-03-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

I purchased two new bead patterns this weekend. I have been in awe of beaded beads lately. I have wanted to find a few things new to do, like I really needed another thing to add to my plate! I got an amazing beaded bead pattern from Amy Chevalier. Amy's shop is here. If she doesn't have a beaded bead necklace tutorial posted, I'm sure she would post one for you, just convo her! I put together some pearls and a few sizes of seed beads, and I have made myself an uber cool cell phone charm! Her pattern uses the beaded bead to make a necklace that is just stunning! I was so glad that she was selling these patterns!
The other beaded bead is a crystal ball with seed beads and swarovski crystals. I make a beaded ball, but wanted to know how the seed beads fit in there! The one I make is all crystals and a simple RAW. (Check out my Club Med earrings here.
The pic of my cat I couldn't help but to post. She is guarding me and the beads, and look how vigilant she is! No one will get in to steal my beads, for sure, LOL. She was just too sweet not to snap a pic. The saying is to let sleeping dogs lie....is it to snap pics of sleeping cats? BTW, that's Gertie, isn't she cute?

Free patterns~!

2009-03-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

DJbeads.com is a great place to shop. Carrie is the owner of the web store, and she is really helpful to all beaders. Carrie also is the list owner for a a yahoo group for beaders so all beaders can share their new sparklies, and talk about what we love to do! Visit the link if you're interested in membership!

Carrie also offers a themed Variety Pack monthly. She is always having a special on delica beads too, she offers a variety pack of them that is different each month. Please stop by and check out DJbeads.com!

I'm really excited to have a couple patterns featured on the DJbeads.com website! The free patterns page can be found here:

Free patterns.

There are some really nice designs here and of course, look for mine! :) designed by Carmen Garling!

2009-03-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

A bit more of this weekend's productiveness. I can't say that I made the bracelet at the top this weekend. Just got around to taking pics of it. It is made with David Christianson Furnace glass. I just love that stuff! I have a hard time putting it into anything, I just want to look at it instead! I made this with a dear friend in mind. I hope that she will like it. The christmas color collection had some bonus hearts in it. I was lucky enough to get a few. Both red and white beads you see in the bracelet are these heart beads. One is skinny and large, the other is shorter and longer. Sterling wire wrapped links, and my usual extender chain with a few sterling beads on the end.

I had to play around with a little peyote pattern I saw for a peyote triangle. I haven't done too many peyote things, so I was anxious to try. It went together so easily! I am always so hesitant to try new things thinking they will be too difficult, but usually I get proven wrong by the time I get it started. Most things are just unknown, not so difficult once you get past the idea of not having tried it before!

Last, some of my favorites~! Club Med....now doesn't that make you think of the ocean, relaxing, pampering....you get the drift. These were made from Erinite and Carribean Blue Opal swarovski bicones. I love this color mix!

Ok, now I need a weekend for rest and not beading.....oh wait, that was my relaxation! :)

Another busy weekend

2009-03-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

I had another productive weekend with the jewelry making. At what expense though? LOL, I did a little housework....I remembered to feed the cats and the rabbit, I was FORCED to go to the grocery store and at least buy some basics. But that's pretty much it, I was immersed in the beads this weekend, and wasn't unhappy about it at all either!
Both the necklaces are patterns from Michelle Skobel. I did a little variation on the bottom row, I added leaves instead of rounds, or pearls like the pattern called for. On the pattern it had an optional third row to go in and reinforce the stitching to add a "v" shape to the netting. I opted to do this and wow, did it make a difference in the necklace. It really gave the piece some weight and made all the difference in the world. I couldn't get the light quite right for the pics. The truest of the colors on my monitor is the one on the necklace cone. I't sort of a dusty amethyst color. (Miyuki 11/0 9142) Rosaline smooth rounds, and the leaves are a little brighter pink to pull it all together. This measures in at 17 and a half inches, and has an adjustable chain with 2 more inches in the back. Very pretty if I must say so myself.

The cobalt blue piece is also Michelle Skobel's pattern. Ice Princess was the name of the pattern. I made it backwards! LOL, the pattern called for silver lined seeds and blue firepolished beads. I did cobalt seeds and crystal AB and a blended FP bead for the small ones. It turned out well. Also approximately 17 inches and a 2 inch extender chain in the back.

I always like to have an adjustable necklace or bracelet. I haven't ever been able to buy a normal sized bracelet, even in my high school years. A tiny little bracelet wasn't going to do it for me and my large wrists~! And an anklet? Let's not even go there. I'm a plus sized lady, but my bones were bigger than the norm even way back when!
So, my work generally has a pretty little extender chain in the back with a drop of beads that coordinates with the necklace. Same for my bracelets. I like giving people an option to be able to wear my creations even if they aren't a 6 and a half, or 7 inch wrist size. I also tend to make my necklaces in a medium size, even the choker style ones. If you need a larger or smaller one, all you would need to do is request and I can make it happen! Same goes with color choices....it all starts with a request! :)

Christmas again?

2009-03-02T09:37:00.001-08:00

I made myself a promise this year to make a Christmas ornament or two every month so at the end of the year I'm not bogged down making ornament covers and snowflakes and tired of the Christmas stuff before it gets here! Now if I could just make myself carry the boxes of Christmas stuff out to the garage, that would be a good thing! :) I love this aqua blue color. There's something about aqua blue pearls that I just love, not sure why, but I just do.I just barely got this one made in February, I didn't photo it til March, but so far so good....lol, now to remember to make one in March!!

PS this is a pattern by Cathy Lampole!

Busy weekend!

2009-03-02T01:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I had a busy weekend making stuff. I think I was making up for not having such a creative streak for about 2 weeks! The first photo is a bracelet made with a sapphire color glass disco ball. Each of the large beads in the bracelet is wrapped with a loop going all the way across the bead and anchored on the other side. It's an adjustable chain, so it can be worn by anyone who wears a 7" to 8 1/2" size! I like making things so that anyone can wear them!
The next 2 pics are of the same necklace. This one is a really looong one. It's about 45" long. The super pale aqua disco balls are meant to be worn in the front. You might also be able to loop this one around twice. My neck isn't made for that! LOL, but someone else could sure get away with it! I'd wear it long, but that's just me. The big loops continue all the way around, and there's no clasp on this one, it just slips over your head.
I put the extra pic in this one so you could see how the bead changes with a different background. The beads on the paper look really blue, and the one at the bottom of the pic on the buttery yellow beading mat, looks almost green. Really cool beads!

New Stuff!

2009-02-28T14:54:00.001-08:00

I've not posted in a while, life had gotten so busy there for a minute I didn't know whether I was coming or going! I'm on the rebound from it now....and I never stopped making stuff, just didn't have time to post it.
The bottom pic is my new obsession....rings!! I've always loved rings, and being able to bead them to fit any finger, and whatever color combination I want them in. Wow, why did I wait so long to make a ring?? The ring on the far left is a pattern from Michelle Skobel, the middle one as well is her pattern. The purple flower one is a pattern from Glenda Payseno. I have a lot more patterns that I'll be trying soon! They're great little projects for fillers in between bigger projects. Sometimes if I'm doing a necklace or something a little more intense, I like a quick project to do when I get bored with it. These rings are perfect for that.
The top picture is a pattern from Sandra D Halpenny. I really like the squares in this one. Most everything I like is net stitch, and has a drop style to it. This was a little different, but not too out there for me. I love her work, and she writes really great instructions! That makes a world of difference. Even a more difficult project or something I haven't really tried before is much easier with her great directions! Michelle and Glenda are great with their directions too, btw!
Not all designers are created alike with the ability to write clear directions. I picked up some patterns that are really difficult to follow what the designer is trying to say. It's a real blessing to have great patterns along with the great directions for stitching!

This is what I think about winter!!

2008-12-30T12:59:00.001-08:00

OK, so we NEVER get this much snow....but I detest the icky gray days and dreary weather! If we got nice pretty days it wouldn't be so bad.
I just got tickled when I saw this pic of the grill.....was my sentiments exactly!

new bracelets

2008-12-20T23:12:00.000-08:00

I kept seeing a lot of these in a few of my groups and they looked nice. Everyone kept talking about how addictive they were to make, how pretty they were, etc, etc. Well, I finally gave in....I started one. In a short time it was done and it really was gorgeous. The purple one was the first. Then I decided that I needed a Christmas color one. I can't believe I sat and stitched two bracelets in one night, but hey, someone will be getting a cool bracelet for Christmas! :) And apparently they ARE addictive!

Hamster

2008-12-03T10:18:00.001-08:00

Now isn't he the cutest little thing?? Help me feed him, one of these days I'll log onto here and there won't be anything but bones!
Click your mouse anywhere and food will drop down for him. Click the center of the exersize wheel and he'll get on it and run! Cute Cute CUte!!

Go to http://abowman.com/google-modules/ and find your own, turtles, penguins, and a bunch of other stuff!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2008-11-30T20:58:00.001-08:00

I have been playing with Christmas designs for a couple of months now. I can't stand it....there are just too many designs out there, and not enough time in the day to stitch them all! I tried these ornament covers last year and I wasn't really good enough with the stitches and instructions to really "get" what I was doing. This year, with a little, ok a LOT more practice I have just taken off with making them. It could have helped if I'd had Sandra Halpenny's and Michelle Skobel's easy directions last year too! lol. I chose a beginning cover that was way too intricate for me at the time. Actually the ornament in the pictures with the long red dangles is from the harder book that I started. The finished ornament isn't straight from the book, but it's sorta close! The netting is from the book The Beadecked Ornament by Laura Jansen. I put it down because I got discouraged with it at the time and just found it again last week. I finished it off with some pretty red dangles and called it done!
I'm in the process of a bubble gum pink one! Thought it would be cute....pictures to come later!
Back to work on it, then back into some snowflakes to put with Christmas cards!

Happy Holidays!

Productive week!

2008-11-06T21:25:00.000-08:00

I've been busy playing around with some Christmas stuff! I love making ornaments and getting decorated for the holidays. I started last month or so getting ornaments ready. I haven't devoted nearly as much time as I should have to making them. I can't tell anyone how much I've enjoyed Sandra Halpenny's patterns! If you're a beader, try out her snowflakes....lovely necklaces and bracelets especially if you like net stitch!
Of course I couldn't go through the week without stopping to make something just for me. I got this wonderful cab from Blue Heron Gems, website at http://stores.ebay.com/blueherongem
http://www.blueherongems.com
Patty and John are wonderful folks! They have a fabulous selection and you can't go wrong! They also have a lot of very pretty stones for under $5, think Christmas presents!! Wire wrap a cab and someone on your list has a one of a kind gift!
All right, I'm off my soap box...and going back to making snowflakes, or wrapping that other cab, or something like that! :)

Breast Cancer Donation

2008-10-04T22:06:00.001-07:00

The Western Hills High School volleyball ladies participated in the Volley for the Cure. Local businesses donated goods to be auctioned for donations to the Susan G Komen Hospital.
My grandmother who passed away a couple years ago had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was a survivor of that, only to have another type of cancer later on. I donated this necklace to the auction. Check out the cool business cards in the lower corner that I just had made! I love them.
The ladies raised quite a bit of money for the breast cancer cause. We're all very proud of them!

Cool tempting turquoise

2008-09-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

Such a cool tempting color! I can't help to be drawn to anything of this color. Light shades, dark....I'm drawn to it all. My usual, as of late anyway, disco balls! The turquoise MOP rings are from djbeads.com (LOVE THEM!!!).
Now I just wish it was spring again! I know I want to go find some capris and a tank top and a turquoise checkered thin cotton button up! OK, so maybe I'll compromise and find something wonderfully fall-ish and wear it now! Oh, think cool turquoise and white and snowflakes and shades of blue. All right, now I think I've talked myself into thinking that this would work for every season! :)

Peridot disco balls

2008-09-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

I just love the sparkle of these disco balls! This is a peridot colored set that my sis snatched up before anyone else could get it!

Grape Lime-aid

2008-09-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

I've had a thing for lime colored shoes all summer long, now I have a thing for lime jewelry! I was trying to come up with something fabu to go with the MOP rings that I got from my friend Carrie at DJBeads. I stumbled upon the grape colored disco balls that I had stashed from a recent etsy spree. This necklace just begged to be called "Grape Lime-aid." Stay tuned for more MOP rings and disco balls!! (I bought plenty of both!)

Cuteness warning!~

2008-09-07T11:03:00.001-07:00

These are two of my three cats. The one on the left is Gertie, and the black one is Leroy Brown. Yes, he IS bad! This post is about Gertie, the calico one.
Last weekend we had a big scare. Seems that she is extremely allergic to some of the flea treatments available. She had tremors eventually leading to seizures from the topical application medicine for flea control. They started out with blinking uncontrollably and twitching of her facial muscles, to jerking her head back like someone was flicking something in front of her. Then it led to a few seizures. Luckily there is an after hours vet clinic in the next town over, and she had to be rushed to the hospital.
For anyone out there who may have problems with this type of reaction...don't delay, rinse your pet in running water, and wash with Dawn, or detergent without a lot of additives. Then rush your pet to the veterinary hospital! Ms Gertie had to stay overnight and got some really groovy muscle relaxers. She has never been so calm in her whole life, but only cause she was stoned out of her gourd! The vet informed me that they see quite a few cats and dogs during this time of year that have reactions to this medication. It is a generally safe medication, but just like people, some are sensitive to it. It is also important to only use what is formulated for your animal. Cat medicine for cats, and dog medicine for dogs! They aren't really made for each other. Please read instructions and play it safe! I'm so glad my Gert is still around....a few hundred dollars later! lol.

Colors and Supplies

2008-09-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

I think I'm more addicted to buying supplies and ooooh'ing and aaaahhhh'ing over color combinations than I am over actually wearing jewelry. That's saying something because I love to wear and see other people wearing my jewelry!
I have been trying to stretch myself a little into colors and combinations that I don't usually get into.
This palette of color and shape is just begging for my attention. I should have gotten this bug in the spring because it is more in the spring/summer colors, but who's saying it's not the new winter palette? :)

TAGGED

2008-08-07T21:53:00.000-07:00

I was “tagged” by Kaytee, of Simplexities.etsy.com a fellow Esty “eSMARTsTeam” member. Accordingly, I am posting according to the “rules of the game”.

Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

1. I'm not a natural redhead
2. I have a cat named Leroy Brown, and he IS the baddest cat in the whole downtown.
3. I do hold the title for the queendom of procrastination!
4. I believe that collecting beads is good for your soul.
5. I watch cartoons to be able to fall asleep!
6. My nephews are the two cutest boys ever!!!

I didn't play by the rules. All the bloggers I know have already been tagged, but I left Kaytee a comment and posted my 6 things....just as fun, right? :)

Tubular net bracelet

2008-07-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

I've been a busy beader the past couple of weeks. I have finished two necklaces, 4 bracelets and a few pairs of earrings. The instructions for this bracelet were posted in a bead group of mine, the design is by Glenda Paseyno.
I couldn't figure out how to end the bracelet, and decided to try something a little different than usual. The leaf design on the ends are a bead cap. I had to "smush" the leaves a little to make them not stick straight out and stab my wrist! And yes, smush is a very technical term! I've been meaning to make myself something this color for a while!
Everything except the lobster clasp and the chain came from Carrie at DJBeads.com

I'm amazed

2008-07-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

I just can't stop looking at and/or touching this piece. I had originally made it with the intentions of selling it. I'm not sure I can! I wish I could get a better pic of it, the silver is so shiny it glares, and the rest is matte black seed beads. This is Sandra Halpenny's new 200 pattern. What a great design!

New banner for my etsy shop!

2008-06-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Julie Ann Smith, of Faithhopelove.etsy.com made this beautiful banner and avatar for me. She was a wonderful mind reader, lol. Apparently she knew just what I had envisioned! If you're in need of this kind of service, she comes highly recommended!

paper! :)

2008-06-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

OK most of my posts have been of the jewelry variety since I've started then neglected this lovely little blog. I am also a paper addict. Not paperchasing like the actual money stuff, but acid free, archival safe, and cool textures! I love to make cards, small journals, scrapbooks and the like. I have a thing about covering photo albums that you buy in the dollar store type places. I've given so many of those for gifts. I'd love to do a scrapbook for most of them, but although recipients always love the book, I know half the time it never gets filled up and used.
Anyway....I love to browse through the paper aisle at the scrapbook store, or the local Jo-Ann's, and online.
My sister and I started scrapbooking when my first nephew was born. He just turned 7 in May. I'm way behind in scrapbooking and I think my sis is too...but we still love to get together occasionally to cut up pictures and rip paper and pound embellishments! As a matter of fact, I think we're way overdue for our next night of that!

Big Rocks!

2008-04-22T21:37:00.001-07:00

I absolutely ADORE these two pieces! I purchased the "white turquoise" from an ebay seller at an incredibly low price. Which leads me to thoughts that this is in fact, not turquoise....but howlite or something or other. It's all gravy though, since I just like the look of the stones. These two pieces are wonderfully heavy and they are nice and cool when on. I was worried when I was finishing up that they would be hot to wear. But, no worries, the stones are cool and I just love it. I made some figure 8 links and smashed them, and there's a couple in the necklace, and one in the bracelet right next to the clasp. Each one has a small czech glass bicone in earthy brown/red colors at the end of the rings.
I don't usually wear such big pieces of jewelry. I always love them, but I never seem to either purchase or make them for myself.

Ooooo.....oooooo.....check out the hand I've posed these things on! Doncha luv it?? I found this at the local Homegoods Store. Awesome for taking pics of my stuff!!

My Goodness, I have so neglected this blog~!

2008-03-14T10:21:00.001-07:00

Oh man, I just can't remember to write in this darn thing! I need to be a little more disciplined in my creative frenzy! I made these earrings and bracelets to sell at work. I had a couple requests for some St Paddy's day things. I had a lot of fun making these up actually. I don't use a lot of green in my work, since it's not a color I can usually wear. My mom however, loves it!
The good news was that I sold all but two pair of earrings the first day!

chips ahoy!

2007-09-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

I've been making jewelry left and right the past couple of weeks. You would think that I actually had a shop or was getting ready for a show or something. I guess it's all good therapy. The creative process is something I have found that I just can't live without. I was trying to find a use for these gemstone chips I bought with my first few stone purchases. I hear that every new beader buys these chips when they start....I must have followed suit.
I've been seeing these wonderful crocheted wire creations and thought, ok...I know how to crochet a little. I looked over some directions and kind of studied things for a minute, then decided I'd try a simple chain with some beads. The chips were a perfect medium for this one! I have a photo posted of one bracelet with three stands of fluorite chips, and one with three strands of tiger eye chips. Basically, it's a chain stitch in crochet, and as you pass the hook through the loop for the next stitch, just feed a chip, or two if they're small along with your stitch. It was incredibly easy. Now I know the ladies who do the wonderful cuffs and more intricate things don't have it that easy! It also helps to have a little basic knowledge of crocheting to begin with. But all in all, wayyy easy.
The strands stretch a little, even though they're wire. The crochet makes things a little loose, so it shifts around a little. I twisted the strands and kind of just mushed them to make it a little denser if I could see that it was stretched too far in any certain spot. I wore the fluorite one a couple times and it did loosen up while wearing it all day. I would imagine that it's something you'll just have to reposition as you wear it each time.
The tiger eye one was a gift for my mom as she has always liked tiger eye things. I remember her having a tiger eye necklace that she liked anyway, lol.

Pink Jade and Copper

2007-09-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well, here's the newest creation. Why do I want to sing, da da da da daaa dummmmm? OK, so that was a bad joke! lol

The necklace is made of copper and Pink Jade stones. The copper is twisted into S-shaped links and hooked with copper jump rings.

I am in a yahoo group for Ohio Beaders....no, I'm not in Ohio, but I'm close!! Anyway, we've had a small challenge within our group to create with copper for the month. The challenge was great for me since I had picked up some copper wire and started to play around with a few things! I bought the beads from an Etsy.com seller. If you haven't checked out Etsy yet...please do! It's a great collection of artists of all kinds.

If you're a beader in or near Ohio, and interested in the beading group drop me a comment and I'll send you a link to join!

Remembering Grandma

2007-08-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

It's funny how you think you'll never be like your elders....GASP! I've been thinking about my grandma who passed away last Christmas. She was the greatest. She also loved jewelry, and I wish I had been doing this while she was alive. She would have loved it! She had the best jewelry box to go through when I was a kid....Rhinestone sparklies and pearl necklaces. They weren't high dollar pieces, in fact most of them were just cheap dime store stuff. But to a kid going through grandma's jewelry box it was like looking through the crown jewels!
I guess in thinking about her, I've been loving pearls, and I know she would have loved these bracelets. I wish I could go over there and crawl up in her bed with the jewelry boxes all around me and try it all on and feel like a princess again. She wouldn't fuss at me to put it back, she'd usually help me drag it all out and explain where she bought it or who gave it to her. Of course, I don't remember a thing about what she said now. I really miss that lady! The bracelet pattern is from Weaving Delight by Hortense E. Thompson.

The second piece is a red necklace that I had the glass beads laying around for quite a while. I wanted something with a little bolder colors than I had been making. The glass beads have a little red and black striping in them, hard to catch them in the photos!

Starting point

2007-08-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is an all new type of thing for me. I've never blogged before...but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about! I've browsed around and hopefully caught enough to make it look half-way decent?

This bracelet was made from a pattern in Weaving Delight by Hortense E. Thompson. Pale pink isn't usually my color, but I've been liking it lately for some reason.

I haven't been beading long, but thanks to some inspiration from all the Etsy shops, and a few enablers on some of my yahoo groups (you know who you are!!), I have really gotten into this! I've always been a crafter, but more of the paper variety up till now. Cards, and scrapbooking have been interests for quite some time. I worked with beads here and there for a project or two, but now I'm completely hooked! I suppose I'll have to make paper beads out of the ton of paper I never quite get around to using anymore.....?