Ruby's Shoes

Rustic

2012-02-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

"Jardin Rouge"

2012-02-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

"Jardin Rouge" bracelet. Just added to my Etsy shop.

Cobwebs and cathair, oh my....

2012-02-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

Boy, February 1st already. Before you know it spring will be here. It's always a bit freaky this time of the year when the sun comes out after many dreary days and I look around my house at all the dirt I don't see when it's dark. I'm staring at the cobweb that stretches from the entertainment center to the windowsill a few feet away. The reason I can see it is because the sun is glinting off of it. I also spy all the cat hair on the arm of the leather sofa. Hmmmmm. Maybe I'll just go grab the feather duster real quick......... While I'm at it I better vacuum.....

New camera lens.....

2012-01-25T14:10:00.000-08:00

Playing with my new Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens.

The dark wintery days are difficult for me. I find myself wanting to take a nap by late morning. It's the lack of light. I don't function very well without it.
We had a windstorm here on the island yesterday and it was so dark and stormy that the streetlights in front of my house actually came on. Hibernation time for me. I parked myself in my favorite chair for the afternoon and watched out the window as the wind blew just emptied trash cans down the street. I went out later to retrieve said trash can and found that it's completely dissappeared! I was able the lid but the can is gone!

I bought a new lens for my camera as a birthday gift to myself. I've been playing around with it and taking some photos in natural light, (when there is some that is....). I so admire those who are creative with a camera. I struggle. I read everything I can find on the subject and I do practice but not nearly enough. I never think to take my camera with me when I go somewhere. I think that's probably because I'm not good at all at taking photos of people. I just don't know how to get those candid shots. I need to practice more you say........ yes I do.

No more snow please!

2012-01-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

"Eye Heart You" pendant new in my Etsy shop!

Cabin fever is rampant in my house this week. I'm going to get out of the house tomorrow if I have to use snowshoes!

Big snow!

2012-01-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

Purse pendants MADE TO ORDER here.

Winter has turned it up a notch here in western Washington. It's rare that we get more than a skiff of snow at any one time but a storm dropped about 10 inches on us early today and more is expected tonight and tomorrow. It's very pretty to look at but I'm really not that into snow. I hope it doesn't last too long.

Brrrrrrrrrrr!

2012-01-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

A few Valentine hearts in my Etsy shop today!

Chilly today and through the weekend. Chance of snow. I need a roaring fire and a cuppa hot chocolate before I make some more Valentine hearts.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!!!

2012-01-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

"Lollygaggle" bracelet new in my Etsy shop.

My youngest son Michael's birthday is today and the whole family gathered at Norm's Place last night to help him celebrate. (Why can't I remember to take photos?) We all had a great time catching up and listening to karaoke with Tony and many other talented as well as "enthusiastic" singers. I am a little tired today but spending the day playing golf with some friends. The sun is supposed to shine and the temp should be mild enough that we shouldn't have to wear too many layers.

RED!

2012-01-03T19:09:00.000-08:00

"Secret Spice" bracelet. New in my Etsy shop.

In case you didn't know, my favorite color is RED. I have always been drawn to red. My kitchen was even red at one time. I'm talking GUMBALL red, (the acutal name of the paint color)!
Not everyone shares my love of bright color and so when I started thinking about a new bracelet in THESE colors I really wasn't sure how it would go over. But so far I'm getting a great response. Christmas is over but how about... cardinal red with tomato red, coral, cotton candy pink and.....veridian green. I love it! I may have to make another bracelet like this to keep for myself.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2011-12-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

May your troubles be less

and your blessings be more

and nothing but happiness

come through your door.

....author unknown

Blustery day......

2011-12-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

Lots of paperwork on this very grey day. Time to close the year and get ready for taxes. Not my favorite thing to do but I have a date with my guy tonight so I have something to look forward to. Now where did I put those receipts..............???

4 more days......

2011-12-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

In my Etsy shop.

Etsy

Pendants

2011-12-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

"Always Charming" pendant. New in my Etsy shop.

"Blue Yonder" pendant. New in my Etsy shop.

Christmas Shopping

2011-12-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

"Clarksville Hearts" necklace in my Etsy shop.

I started my Christmas shopping today. I'm usually done by this time. Trouble is it's so hard to choose the perfect gifts. There is just too much to choose from. I go to the toy department and I just circle. Then I circle some more. It really shouldn't be this difficult although I really like the toy department It inspires my creativity. All those bright happy colors. Guess I'm just a kid at heart...... easily distracted.

Smile, it's Friday!!!

2011-12-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

"Thingamabob" Necklace

Stacked Dot Focal Pair

Dichroic Slider Necklace

Stacked Dot Focal

What a beautiful frosty December morning! The sun is shining and the sky is a brilliant blue.
Today is a computer day. I've added a few new things to my Etsy shop and you may just find the perfect gift for that special somebody.
Have a lovely weekend!

Big Beads

2011-12-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

This bead has been made into a pendant that hangs from a ball strand chain. Find it in my Etsy shop.

Playing around with dots. Stacking and manipulating into sweet little hearts.

Monday Monday

2011-11-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

"Eye of The Beholder" totem pendant new in my Etsy shop.

Stuffed!

2011-11-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

"Devil's Food Daisies" new in my Etsy shop.

I feel like the turkey I stuffed yesterday! All I want to do is eat leftovers play on the computer.
I hope you all had as good of a Thanksgiving as I did. It's been of couple years since I've prepared dinner and had the whole family over. I loved it! The grandkids are getting older, (and bigger), and it's getting harder to cram everyone in my little house but we made do. The turkey and all the trimmings turned out great and I am so thankful for my family and everything I have. It's a good life!

Now I'm going to try and get motivated to make some beads.....

Custom Jewelry Tags

2011-11-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

Custom stamp with small bench block, (purchased separately).

Mirror image of logo seen in shiney tag allows me to

line up evenly.

Looks even but the impression is a little deeper on one side, (this is the

reason I wish I would have purchase the 2 part stamp).

Now I use a Sharpie to color over the logo making sure the ink

sinks into the impression. Much quicker than mixing up a

batch of smelly liver of sulphur).

Remove excess ink with a polishing cloth and there you have your finished tag.

Just add a jumpring to attach to your jewelry.

So many folks have asked me about my custom jewelry tags that I thought I would post the information for all to see.
I bought a custom stamp with my Hippkitty Beads logo on it at Infinitystamps. I also bought the tiny sterling tags from them the first time, (more on this later). They have different shapes and sizes depending on your logo. They have instructions on their site explaining how to upload your logo for them to make a custom design. I simply chose my favorite font, typed my business name to create the file they needed and uploaded it to their site. I can't remember how long it took to get the order but I do remember they recommended that I buy their 2 part stamp, which I didn't do, thinking I didn't need to go to the extra expense. The cost was quite a bit more but now I wish I would have gone that route because the chances of a miss hit are pretty much non existant with the 2 part stamp and I do mess up a tag every now and then not having the base that the stamp fits in. Take a look at the site if you are confused and this should become more clear to you.

I now purchase the sterling tags from RioGrande because the guage

is a bit thicker and I get a deeper impression, thus a nicer

looking tag.

Etched turquoise and ivory series

2011-11-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

"Sky High" available in my Etsy shop.

Another adorable bracelet in a series of turquoise and ivory pieces that I've etched with acid for a satiny matte finish. I love the effect and especially for this color combination. I use turquoise and ivory glass together often because I like the black outline effect around the designs, (looks like I worked much harder than I actually did). This black line is caused from a reaction that occurs when the metals in the two colors are mixed.
I love to combine lots of different shapes and textures in my work and this bracelet is a really fun example. The etched turquoise and ivory beads are very popular with my customers and the pieces that I create from them sell very well.

I Heart You!

2011-11-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

I'm on a quest to create some low dough gallery items for the holiday season. This is my first bunch of heart key rings. Aren't they sweet and oh-so-colorful!

Frost on the pumpkin

2011-11-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

A big honker! 21mm. I'm going to turn this into

a necklace for Shack Art Center.

It certainly is a crisp fall morning. I think I'll build a roaring fire and make some rib stickin' soup for dinner but first, some excersize and fresh air. A round of golf is in order. Just as soon as the frost melts..........

And the WINNER is..........

2011-10-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

......Lori Peterson, COME ON DOWN!!!

(Lori, please contact me at vicmil@wavecable.com so I can get your shipping address.)

Thank you all for playing and for all the nice comments! I LOVE you guys!

Don't miss your chance......

2011-10-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

To win the bead in the previous post! Contest ends at midnight.

Would you like to win this bead?

2011-10-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

One bead shown both front and back.

All you have to do is leave a comment. Yep, simple as that!

Contest will be active until Sunday Oct. 30, 2011 at midnight, (Pacific time). Drawing for the winner will be held on Monday October 31, 2011, (Yep, Halloween), and announced at 9 am. So go on, leave a comment.......

Lots of new stuff!

2011-10-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

"Zentangle" Necklace

"Skywriter" bracelet. Available in my Etsy shop.

Floral focal. Available at Etsy.

Hollyhock heart focal. Also available at Etsy.

It's a perfect autumn day. I have a nice cozy fire in the fireplace and I'm watching out the window as the leaves fall from the trees. This is also "Date Night". Dinner with my man and we will not be going to Norm's Place! We will be spending plenty of time there this weekend as it's our 1 year anniversay and we have lots of special stuff going on. Yep, 1 year! Wow!

Life

2011-10-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Seems that life has taken the upper hand with me lately. Since my last post so much has happened and although it was only a few days ago it seems like months.12 days ago I ended up in

the emergency room with a severe gall bladder attack. Since this was the second attack since June and my attempts at trying to control the pain with diet weren't working, it was decided I

would be admitted for emergency surgery to remove said gall bladder.
This was the very first surgery I've ever experienced. No joke. I never even had my tonsils removed as a kid or had a broken bone. I'm soon to be 58 years old and pretty healthy overall. It's

a good thing because what I thought was going to be a piece of cake, this surgery.... has kicked my butt. I'm slowly coming around to feeling human again but it's a process. I thought it was

pretty cool on the first day home from the hospital to have an excuse to lay in bed and watch movies all day, because that's not something I would ever do, but the first few days that

followed left me feeling so sick I could think of little else but sleep. I started feeling normal again after about the sixth day and today I'm feeling pretty good. Tired today because I spent

yesterday cleaning house and vacuuming and moping is probably something I should have saved till I was a little further along in the healing process. Oh well, it's done now and I can

hopefully get back to making beads tomorrow.

Remember my broken car? Well, now that the medical bills for surgery will start piling up we aren't really in a position to buy a new car. So, my old car was repaired and for now she runs

like new.

Stay tuned for new items from me as I start getting geared up for the holidays............

Without wheels :-(

2011-10-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

I'm waiting for a chain for this gorgeous pendant. The encased floral bead is a rectangular cube shape and took several hours to create.

Hmmm, let's see.....what's new and exciting? Only 20 more days until our 1 year anniversary of opening Norm's Place. We are planning on a weekend long Halloween/Annniversary bash at the bar. Great food and drink specials, live music as well as Karaoke, and a costumn party on the 31st! It's gonna be a blast but I have soooo much to do to get prepared. And wouldn't you know my poor 13 year old car is in a very bad way and I think it needs way more help than I am willing to pay for. Perhaps it's time for a new/ or, new-to-me car. In the meantime I have to work my schedule around Norm's so I can use his truck for my errands.

I have owned exactly 2 cars in the last 26 years. Yes, I've been very lucky and haven't had the problems with cars that lots of people do. I've been thinking about the type of car I would buy if I chose a new car and I'm thinking about this.........

I've been doing some research online to find the pros and cons, (which there are in every car I'm sure). I'm liking what I've discovered so far. The Kia Soul is a less expensive car so I know I will be giving up some things I've been used to. I am willing to concede on things like a NON luxury interior and a little more road noise than my old car. But I think the Soul is really cute and fits my personality.

I may decide to buy a "previouly owned" car. In that case who knows what I may end up with. All I know is I sure hope I have a different car in my garage next week at this time because I don't like being without one.

Autumn and Family

2011-10-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

I have a younger sister that lives in Alaska. Her name is Kelly and we have lived in different states for over 20 years. I don't get to see her much. I miss spending time with her. For some reason this first bracelet makes me think of Kelly so I decided to name it "Miss You Sister". I love you Kelly! Isn't it time for a visit? I have a brother that I miss also but at least he and I live in the same state. For some reason autumn makes me think of family and spending time with them.

Hello Autumn

2011-09-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Polka Dot Chocolate!

I know it's been a few weeks since I've checked in here. Life has been very busy as it tends to get as summer winds down. Folks like me that live in the Pacific Northwest learn to appreciate the beautiful summer weather when it happens and we don't waste a minute of it. So I've been playing lots of golf and enjoying time spent with my husband and good friends. We spent a long weekend in Chelan, Washington and we knew that the glorious weather we were enjoying would be our last hurrah for the summer of 2011 and sure enough we returned home to a cloudy, blustery fall-like day and this morning we are expecting high winds and more rain. Goodbye SUMMER, I will miss you.........

I haven't spent much time at the torch in the last couple weeks of but I did manage to get one or two new pieces made. "Polka Dot Chocolate" was one of the bracelets I'll be adding to my Etsy shop soon.

Heavy heart

2011-08-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

"Dandy" 1998-2011

RIP my precious girl.You will be sadly missed.

Birthday Weekend

2011-08-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

New in my Etsy shop!

I can't believe summer is almost over. Just when the weather finally starts to improve. We've had some beautiful afternoons though mornings are always overcast and cool.

The Hubs birthday is Sunday so I think I'll start thinking about a nice day for him. Wish he would take the day off but I don't think that is going to happen. Meanwhile I need to wash vehicles and the old RV today. I plan on enjoying the sun while it's here. What exciting things do you have planned for this late summer weekend?

25 years ago today....

2011-08-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

......I got married to a very special man. He is still my best friend and I love him very much. He works hard and he takes excellent care of us but most of all....he makes me smile...every day, and I know I am loved...

Mailing list

2011-08-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

"Happy Hour" Bracelet

Recreating lost mailing list from broken computer. Click here and let me know if you would like to be added.

BEADS!

2011-08-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

What a great pendant these would make! Find them here.

It would be so nice to wake up to sunshine just once this summer....:-(

Saturday Golf Tournement

2011-08-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

"In Loving Color" necklace

Still busy making beads and jewelry for Schack Art Center. My newest piece "In Loving Color" was time consuming but fun to make. The colorful pendent hangs from a hand wire wrapped and beaded chain of black and red Czech glass beads. I love it!

What a great Saturday we had! Norm's Place first Annual Golf Tournement was held at Camaloch Golf Course here on Camano Island with close to 50 of our friends and customers and what a smashing success it was! Everyone had a great time and our 4 person best ball round was played in a near record breaking 4 hours! The highlight of the day was on hole number one when a young eagle with a wingspan of several feet swooped down, landed next to a lady standing on the fairway and stole her partners golf ball! Yep, true story! After golf we headed back to Norm's for awards and a prime rib feast. I already can't wait till next year!

Just coming up for air.....

2011-08-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

Schack Art Center, home of the Snohomish County Arts Council, is a beautiful art facility in Everett, Washington, housed in a brand spanking new building that includes not only an art gallery but a store called the Schack Shop, art production facilities for kiln forming and glass blowing, and classrooms to accomodate a large variety of art media and events. I toured this building a few weeks ago and was big time impressed! I immediately decided I would love to be part of what goes on there so I submitted some photos of my work and sat back, not-so-patiently waiting. Two weeks went by and being busy with other projects I sort of forgot about it. Well, a few days ago I got an email from the director of Schack, Carie Collver, who told me she would love to have some of my pieces to add to their Schack shop.

Whooo hoooo!!!!!!!! One tiny problem though..... I just finished a show not too long ago and I don't really have an inventory. I had exactly six days to come up with enough pieces for a tiny body of work to present to the director of Schack. That was yesterday. I had been working pretty much non stop for the last six days but I made enough for a start. After checking in my few pieces with Carie she said with a smile, "Now go home and get busy!"

NOT havin' a heat wave.....

2011-07-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

"Windsong" bracelet in my Etsy shop.

New items at BigCartel.

July is almost over and while a large part of the country is suffering a heatwave, we here in the Pacific Northwest are still wondering if spring will be over and summer will ever begin! Hmmmmm. Clouds and rain again today!
We did manage to find the sun this past weekend, in the eastern part of the state. The weather was glorious and after spending a few days relaxing with friends we found, upon returning home, the sun was shining here too. We didn't waste a second of it!

My grandson Linkoln hopefully gets his cast removed tomorrow. It's been nearly two months since he broke his femur kicking a soccer ball. The reeking, (as you can imagine), cast, is now kept in place by ace bandages and cloth tape. Two weeks ago his doctor temporarily removed the cast because Linkoln had developed a painful rash and he decided to leave the cast in pieces so his parents could remove it, allowing them to clean the wound a couple times a day. It's been a process for mom and dad everytime this needs to be done, as it takes two people to accomplish this task.
Linkoln has developed a very strong bond with his cast. He screams when it is removed. Not because of pain but because for a two year old, I'm sure this thing that's been on his leg for two months feels like part of his body.

Linkoln will also have to have phsical therapy for quite some time. Although he had been walking on his own for several months before the break, two-year-olds don't retain the memory of being able to walk. In other words when the cast comes off he won't know how to walk. The leg that was broken will also be slightly shorter and he will need to be taught how to walk without a limp for the rest of his life. Interesting don't you think?
At any rate mom and dad will be overjoyed when the cast comes off!

Another easy way to shop......

2011-07-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

...for Hippkitty Beads. Bigcartel/Hippkittybeads

Summer days.....

2011-07-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

Funky Buttons

Aqua Teal Roses

Pink Rose Cubes SOLD

Summer is flying by at a rapid pace. Time spent with family and friends has been precious. I'll be travelling to the eastern part of the state later in the week for some golf in the sun.

I'm thinking of looking for new gallery opportunities both in Washington as well as other states and once again I'm also thinking about sharing my bead and jewelry making knowledge. Maybe I'll teach a class. Perhaps you would like to take a class from me? Hmmmm.....

Back to regularly scheduled programming.......

2011-07-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

Art By the Bay 2011. More photos here.

Friday morning, set-up day for "Art By The Bay", was bleak to say the least. Pouring rain and very cool temperatures. I was DREADING spending the weekend in a tent, in the rain, waiting for people that probably weren't going to show up. Miraculously the skies cleared by 10 a.m. and the sun came out and stayed the entire weekend. I was so thankful I could have cried!

The show handler put me in a different location than last year, a much better location, so I was also pleased about that. There were plenty of attendants and I had a great time talking to people. I always enjoy Art By The Bay. There is so many talented artists in our area and this show is such a great venue for us. Can't wait till next year!

Thank you to my friends Vicki and Diana for helping me out and also my wonderful husband for helping me set up and tear down. I just got everything packed up and put away for the next show. Whew!

Fireworks!

2011-07-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

"Crazy Nelson" necklace. New in my Etsy shop.

Have a fantastic 4th of July!

End of Junuary.......

2011-06-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

"April in Me" Etsy shop

"Heart of Mine"

Linkoln learning how to manuever with his cast as Joe Boxer watches.

I'm pretty sure this month will go down in the history books for being the coldest and wettest June ever! I'm praying for some sunny days and especially for Art by the Bay come July 9th. Come on.....! Whoever's in charge up there, send some sun....

New and noteworthy

2011-06-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Just added to my Etsy shop!

Holy cow, June is nearly over and we are still waiting for summer. We seem to get a bit of a tease of sunshine here and there but it's not stuck around for more than a half day. Around these parts we don't expect summer to start till after the 4th of July. which is just about 3 days away. Waiting.......

Art by the Bay 2011

2011-06-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Art by the Bay 2011

Stanwood Camano Fairgrounds

Saturday July 9, Sunday July 10

10 a.m.-5 p.m

I hope you will stop by and visit if you are in the area. I am booth #70.

Heartring Necklace

2011-06-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

In my Etsy shop soon!

Soccer Ball Mishap

2011-06-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

Linky waiting for the doctor to on the cast.

At home on the sofa surrounded by toys. Lots of art on the cast already...

My sweet little 2 year old grandson Linkoln (pictured below with the puppy) broke his leg on Friday while trying to kick a soccer ball. Yep, he took a tumble and his little leg got twisted somehow. Poor guy! This happened while Linkoln was at a family outing with his parents. Would you believe there just happened to be a cousin there that is a paramedic and another cousin in attendance that is an emergency room nurse. So the break was assessed quickly and by late afternoon he was on his way to Children's Hospital in Seattle, by ambulance, where a cast put on and he spent the night. Thank goodness, even though it was a bad break it didn't require surgery. As you can see the cast goes from his ankle to his chest. It will be a challenge keeping an immobile 2 year old happy and entertained for the next couple weeks till he can get a walking cast.

Summertime!

2011-06-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, I have new jewelry for my Etsy shop! I've been a busy girl this week. Lots of beads.....

Linkoln and Jaxon

2011-06-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

New photos of Linkoln, my 2 year old grandson, taken by Linkoln's Aunt Molly. She does such a great job doesn't she?

Golf anyone?

2011-06-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

Our friend Rick, left, me, and Norm on the right.

We recently took a few days off and spent some time at a familiar golf resort in eastern Washington with a group of our closest friends. When I say golf resort it sounds sort of uppity but Alta Lake Golf Resort is a pretty laid back place. My husband and I, along with a pretty large group of our friends, started an annual golf tournement there over 20 years ago. Except for the obvious aging, this group of friends has changed very little over the years and we all still get along like family. It's such a relaxing experience and we always come back refreshed and happy. We played 72 holes of golf in 4 days so we got plenty of excersize. The weather could have been a bit better, only one day of sun, but I've decided not to complain about it and I'm already looking forward to next year....

Takin' a break....

2011-06-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

20% off "After Midnight" bracelet now in my Etsy shop.

Hubby and I are getting ready for a few well deserved days off. Hopefully we are headed off to some sun-filled fun with a big bunch of friends. It will only be 3 days so we will have to squeeze every bit that we can out of our time away. Sun....golf....friends....sun...relaxing by the pool. Can't wait!

I'm dreaming...

2011-05-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

Focal beads with FREE spacers in my Etsy shop.

...of a vacation in a hot, sunny climate. Bare feet on white sand, the smell of the ocean, the sound of carribbean reggae in the distance, an icy tropical drink in my hand....... Well, I said I was dreaming. I can only wish.

We spent the long weekend relaxing, playing golf, and visiting friends. It was nice. Too short, but nice. I have to concentrate on chores today so I can get back to beads tomorrow.

No sun for the weekend?

2011-05-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

"Skywriter" necklace. New in my Etsy shop.

"Ring Around the Roses" glass ring and slider beads.

Hope you all have a super Memorial Day weekend! Think SUNSHINE!

In case you've been waiting.....

2011-05-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

"Soul's Picnic" now in my Etsy shop.

I've been excused from jury duty. It seems there are no superior court cases to jury in our tiny county seat of Coopeville at the moment. Probably just as well.

I think I'll make some beads......

I've been chosen......

2011-05-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

Yep, me.......chosen for jury duty next week. Hope it's interesting. The last time I served on a jury, about 5 years ago, it was an assault case about a man whose girlfriend threatened to shoot him with his own gun. It lasted 2 days and was very interesting. I learned that if you threaten someone and they are in fear for their life, even though you don't harm them, you can be charged. Charges were dropped in this case because it was a he said/she said situation. I remember thinking at the time that I would like to serve again.

Success!!!

2011-05-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2011 and another successful Camano Art Studio Tour weekend. Despite the yucky weather our island was visited by hundreds of tourgoers and it was reported by Doris Platis, owner of Seagrass Gallery, #38 on the list of stops, that even though the weather was awful folks showed up in droves, (dressed as though it were January), to spy new work by not only me, but 24 other local artists that Seagrass represents. We really look forward to showing off for this successful event every year and now that's it's over we will start thinking about how to make next years tour even better!

Friday the 13th.....

2011-05-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

There seems to be lots of problems with Blogger in the last couple days. They removed posts and then hopefully put them back. Pretty inconvenient but I guess it happens.

Good thing I'm not superstitious. I'm predicting it will be a spectacular Friday the 13th! The sun is shining and we don't get much of that around here so I'm not going to waste a minute of it.

So go do something fun!!!!!

She's back where she belongs.....

2011-05-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

"Sylvia" is back home where she belongs.

I still don't have an answer to the mystery. Norm was at the bar performing his morning rituals of cleaning and paperwork when one of our vendors showed up and noticed Sylvia sitting on top of the picnic table out in the patio area of the bar, right outside the door. Her captor had returned her and managed to make an escape without being detected. So we may never know the particulars of her adventure but I'm so glad she's back.

Floral focal button sets above added to my Etsy shop.

Beam me up......

2011-05-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

"Soul's Picnic"

I've been in a rather funky mood the last few days and this bracelet is the outcome...... It's fun and funky and not for everyone but I love it all the same. "Soul's Picnic". I'm saving this one for "Art By The Bay" but contact me if you are interested.

This is a photo of "Sylvia", a statue of a very busty, old-fashioned, bar wench. She was a good luck gift to us, from dear friends, when we opened our bar, Norm's Place, a few months ago. I am very sad to say, Sylvia, was STOLEN from Norm's last Saturday night. Yep, she was snatched from high atop our freezer, her permanent place of prestige, just before closing time. No one seems to know what happened to Sylvia but the perp took this photo of her and has created a Facebook Fanpage and naming it "Sylvia Largeass", and invited myself, as well as employees, and even some of our customers, to become "friends". Obviously this person, or people, are quite pleased with the joke. I, on the other hand am NOT amused............ More to come I'm sure.

Annual Studio Tour

2011-05-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

"Thyme n Tide"

The 2011 "Camano Island Studio Tour" is this Mother's Day weekend, May 6-8, and for the second year, an encore weekend of May 14 and 15. I will be at Seagrass Gallery, which is #39 on the tour, Saturday May 7, from 1-5pm. So if you are in the area stop by and see me, (and gobs of my jewelry), as well as many other immensely talented local artists.

Here is a pdf of this year's brochure:

http://www.camanoarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Camano2011-web.pdf

The bracelet above, "Thyme n Tide" has just been added to my Etsy shop. A simple yet fun bracelet in just three colors.

The sun is shining and this is "Date Day". Hubby and I have trouble staying awake for "Date Night" anymore so we now date on Wednes..days...... Sad but true.

Weather Crazy-ness!!!

2011-04-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

Boy what crazy weather! I think this year's will go down in the history books. What I wouldn't do for a few days of sun and warm temperatures. I should consider myself lucky after seeing what some other folks in this country are going through. My heart goes out to all those who were affected by the latest storms and tornadoes.

I think all this craziness is affecting my creativity. I haven't been very productive in the bead department in the last week or so. I have an upcoming show I need to be getting ready for. This weekend I think I will try and find some new inspiration. Any ideas?

"Kawaii" Tropical Bracelet

2011-04-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

"Kawaii"

Oh my, such a sunny color palette in this extra fun bracelet I call "Kawaii". Yep, it reminds me of Hawaii with all of it's colorful tropical lushness. Citrisy orange and lime green with watery aqua and turquoise blue and just a tiny kiss of pink. Handmade lampwork glass rounds, with a ton of color and texture, along with dangles of tiny aqua Czech glass hearts, suspended from sterling silver rings. Rose pink Swarovski crystal and sterling components add lots of sparkle to this stunning bracelet. In my Etsy shop now!

Heart and Soul

2011-04-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

"Heart and Soul" necklace. Custom order.

We've been blessed with some sunshine the last couple days. There are still some rain showers here and there though, and even snow flakes yesterday morning! Spring has not arrived to the Pacific Northwest yet. Still waiting.......

X Factor

2011-04-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Tony, our Karaoke host at Norm's Place is auditioning for "X Factor" in Seattle tomorrow. "X Factor", with Simon Cowell, is a reality TV series where individual and group contestants of at least 12 years of age with musical aspirations compete for a $5 million recording contract. I want to wish Tony all the best. He is a very talented guy. I wouldn't want to loose him as a host because we all love him but he deserves a break. So let's see if he has the "X Factor"....

Not the greatest photo of Tony, our Karaoke host at Norm's Place.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOBY!!!!!

2011-04-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! My frustrating email problem has been solved somewhat but I'm still not able to send a group email. Still working on that problem.

Today is my oldest son's birthday and I just want to say HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY TOBY!!! I LOVE YOU! I hope you have a super day.

Our entire family got together at a favorite restaurant for Toby's birthday last Sunday. There were a bunch of us all together to help celebrate. It was really fun to have all of us together. Doesn't happen often enough anymore.

And I hope all of you have a super weekend!

More new stuff added to my Etsy shop today....

Email woes....

2011-04-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I've spent way too many hours in the last couple days trying to figure out why my email program on my new computer won't work properly. Any of you have issues with Windows Live Mail? It seems to be pass the buck time with tech people trying to get help. I've given up for now so I'm having to resort to using my ISP's website to send and receive email. It works but I have no way to send a group email to all you nice folks who want to be updated when I have new items. The only thing I can offer is to become a follower here on my blog. I always report when I have new items here. Or....you could also just check my Etsy shop everyday ;-). I know lots of you do and lots of folks would rather not get the email anyway. Just sayin'....

I purchased a tutorial to make this pendant from the very talented bead artist and teacher, Dustin Tabor. Hopefully I'll add more of my own spin on this great design. By the way, I just added this necklace to my Etsy inventory.

I'm still here.....

2011-04-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

"Juliette Rose"

My computer died about a week and a half ago and my new Toshiba arrived yesterday. I've spent a very frustrating day trying to figure out a problem with my email. It seems to be pass the buck time in trying to get help. Oy!

I have managed to add this very sweet bracelet called "Juliette Rose" to my Etsy shop though. And I will have some more things to add as I get time. I know it's been awhile. And I will also post an update on other things as soon as I get caught up, I promise.

Technical Difficulties.. Back soon.

2011-04-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

Warning! RANT POST!

2011-03-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

I don't like to use my blog to complain but I have something I have to get off my chest.

First of all, I love and appreciate my customers. I mean really, you guys are the best! You give me your hard earned dollars because you like what I do and in return I try to ship your merchandise as quickly as I possibly can. In some cases within minutes of receiving your payment. I'm not looking for any special praise for that. It's part of my job as an online merchant.

Now, here comes the rant.... Folks that have online shops or websites that wait a week or more to ship. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? I just don't think there is ANY excuse for that. I can see getting backed up so that you are a couple days behind, but a week? I can ship a package to the other side of the world and it is usually there within a week to 10 days. Come on, if you have more than you can handle, enlist someone to help. You owe it to your customers. When I have to wait 2 weeks for a unique clasp that I've ordered for a custom bracelet that means my customer also has to wait, and that is not okay with me.

I'm ranting because this has happened to me more times than not lately. As an example, for whatever reason, Etsy sellers can maintain 100 percent positive feedback even though they may have several neg. and neut. ratings. I don't understand that. Why have the feedback system at all? How are we supposed to know about the sellers that are notorious slow shippers and/or basic non-responsive sellers without reading every single feedback response?

So I've decided the next time I encounter one of these sellers, (and believe me, I will do better researce before I buy), they will receive, in their feedback, this very eye-catching award........

There are too many great Etsy sellers who really care

about their customers to bother with those that don't.

Okay,I feel better now......

Hello Sunshine!

2011-03-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

PARTY ON!

Aren't you glad spring is finally here? I am sooooo over winter!

I've been busy in the bead dept. this week. I've made some new pieces for Seagrass Gallery and also I'm trying to add to existing inventory for upcoming shows.

We are in the planning stages of spiffing things up out in the beer garden at Norm's Place. I don't have any photos yet of the work in progess but I hope to have soon. Our landscaper is just finishing up with some general cleanup. Planting some new lawn areas and adding some more cement blocks and such. I can't wait until it's warm enough to plant some flowers. We hope to make this area a comfy outdoor extention of our bar and grill for warm weather. Hopefully a spot that's hard to resist for folks driving by.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2011-03-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

Maybe I deserve a pinch. I don't have any green beads today. Just classic black and white in this adorable toggle bracelet. I may just have to make another for me. You can find "A Fine Line" bracelet in my Etsy shop today.

They're back.......

2011-03-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

......and right on time. Our hummingbirds arrive every year on March 10th. We could set our watch by that very fact. We have a feeder right outside our living room window and it's been in the same spot for many years. Last Wednesday, March 9th, I brought the feeder inside, cleaned and sterilized it, and filled it with nectar, (just a mixture of sugar and water that I boil for a few minutes to prevent fermentation). After letting it cool I placed it on the shepard's hook where it belongs. The next afternoon my husband came and tapped me on the shoulder and told me our little friends had arrived, right on time. How do they know?

The Global Genes Project-7000 Bracelets For Hope

2011-03-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

"Blue Jean Baby"

A CHILDREN'S RARE DISEASE CAMPAIGN

Please read about this very important project here.

I guess I won't be making beads today.....

2011-03-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

I turned on the kiln and started the oxycon this morning. Found some soothing tunes on my CD player. I was really appreciating the sun shining through my studio window right onto my work surface. As soon as I lit the torch however, the power flickered out. It came right back on but it's a really good thing I didn't have a kiln full of beads or they would have been garbage. The wind is HOWLING today. I just didn't realize it before I sat down to make beads. Guess I'll have to go to plan B and find something else to do. Maybe I should think about vacuuming, or tackling the ironing I've been putting off. Just doesn't sound as interesting as making beads.

A lady contacted me by email a couple days ago and she told me she was so excited to find my website online. She stated that her husband had purchased one of my bracelets for her several years ago at an art gallery in Cheyenne, Wyoming and she loved it so much but unforturnately lost it. At first she asked me if I would remake the beads so she could perhaps make another bracelet. I dug through my archives and actually found a photo of the original bracelet. I emailed the photo to her and told her I could remake the bracelet and she was so, so grateful. The bracelet had held such a sentimental value for her because it was a gift from her husband. She also stated her daughters and granddaughters were hoping that she may give the bracelet up to one of them one day. How sweet that one of my pieces could mean so much to someone. I am more than happy to make her day! I was even able to find the unusual sterling silver fish clasp and Birkenstock sandal charm that I used for the original bracelet. I can't wait till it's done and I can send it to her. I wish I could be there when she opens the package!

I've been a busy beadmaker...

2011-02-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

New wheelie necklaces available at Seagrass Gallery on Camano Island.

"A Rose Is A Rose" petit bicone pendant on chain also available at Seagrass Gallery.

The last few days have been very productive beadwise, (is that a word?). I've made tons of new pieces for Seagrass Gallery. My jewelry case there was starting to look a little depleted. Now it's time to start thinking about the outdoor shows I have coming up. I better step up the pace a bit.

Speaking of snow, I'm so over it, but the temperature is climbing today and it's starting to melt. Yay! Please hurry spring!

A Rose Is A Rose

2011-02-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

"A Rose Is A Rose" bracelet.

Pink roses for a sunny but frigid Friday.

I've been cooped up in the house all week. Time to get out and mingle with friends. Maybe I'll see you at Norm's Place. ;-)

Have a super weekend!

Say NO to Snow!

2011-02-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

"Vista" Bracelet available in my Etsy shop.

Winter is still holding on. Everett, the city where Norm's Place, (our bar and grill), is located had a couple inches of snow this morning and the weatherman says more tomorrow. Just say "NO" to snow I say!
Snow... after a beautiful weekend of sunshine. Yep, Saturday and Sunday we were able to go outside and work in the yard. It was blissful and I'm so happy to be caught up with some of those outdoor chores leftover from the fall. We still had sad looking cornstalks in the vegetable garden and rotting geraniums in the flower pots. Our fall of 2010 was spent working on getting the bar ready to open, so there wasn't any time for yard tidying back when it should have been done. We are almost ready to plant when spring finally shows up.

Spring Bling!

2011-02-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

Pink Celebrity

Just a quick post to share my latest pieces. "Pink Celebrity" in my Etsy shop soon.

New washer and dryer tomorrow. I'll be catching up on the laundry this weekend. I hope you have something much more exciting planned....

Hurry spring!

2011-02-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Tropic Canna

I have a nagging case of SPRING FEVER. Happens every year at this time and especially when the sun makes an appearance. February in the Pacific Northwest can be, and usually is, very wet, cold, and dreary and I know this year I should consider myself lucky that we haven't had the extreme weather conditions experienced by folks in other areas of the country, but still, I'm just sooo ready for spring. It's beautiful and sunny today. I should be working in my yard but I'm making jewelry instead. New things for Etsy and Seagrass Gallery.

Feelin' a bit shakey...

2011-02-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

"Color Hungry" 33 inch Necklace

The flu has kicked my butt this week! It must have caught me in a weak moment because I can't remember the last time I was sick with even a cold. I'm a tough ole bird but today I'm ready to cry UNCLE!

After 4 days of almost complete bedrest I got up this morning and took a shower, (makeup and everything today), then made a few beads for orders and now after only a couple hours of that I think I need a nice long nap....and maybe an asprin-Nyquil cocktail beforehand. Oy! I hope I remember this next year when it's flu shot time. I'll be first in line!

Walkin' on Sunshine...

2011-01-26T18:36:00.000-08:00

Hollow bubbles and rings of pretty colors.

Watch my Etsy shop for these fun necklaces and more.

We had some much needed sunshine today and what a mood enhancer! I cleaned the entire house and got all the laundry done and my bookkeeper was here to help me finish up the paperwork to file my state taxes. So I'm going to clean the carpet tomorrow and I will have finished everything on my to-do list for the week. Funny how all it takes is a little sunshine to give you that energy boost to get you through your day. Please Lord, I could really use some sunshine tomorrow too...

Will she get it all done?

2011-01-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

Hollow focal beads.

Today is a computer day. Posted a couple things in my Etsy shop and now I have to finish closing the year and getting ready for tax time. There just aren't enough hours in a day to get everything done.

I'm under pressure to put together a website and Facebook page for Norm's Place. I can't tell you how many people have asked about that. I still have to get some decent photos of the place. I promise to work on that this weekend. We should be packed. Karaoke again Sat. and Sun. Now if I can just remember to bring my camera....

Purple....

2011-01-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

I love all the different shades of purple and violet lampwork glass. The colors are stunning but I don't use them very often because I just can't seem to get the photos of the beads to look as yummy as they are in real life. The photos here are okay but they really don't do justice to the actual beads. Taking photos in natural light would probably be wiser but it's such a dreary dark day it would be impossible to get a decent shot. (In fact the lights are flickering as I write this. We may lose power anytime.) I'll just add them to my Etsy store and hope for the best.

What are your plans for the weekend? I need to do some cleaning and try to come up with a few Valentine decorating ideas for Norm's Place. The bar is looking a little bare since we took down all the Christmas decorations.

Winter continues......

2011-01-11T16:46:00.000-08:00

Small "Loosie Goosie" sets in my Etsy store.

Baby, it's COLD outside! I rushed around this morning getting all my errands done for Norm's Place as soon as I could and then beat feet to get back home before the snow flies. We are suppose to get some noticable accumulation over the next couple days. So I guess I'll hunker down, put some more wood on the fire and go make some more beads....

2011-01-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

We had a packed house at Norm's Place on New Years Eve and I took my camera but didn't realize I had a dead battery so I only got a couple shots. Dang! Probably our busiest night ever and I didn't get a photo of all the people! Missed that photo opportunity again!

We have had cold temperatures here but plenty of sun for the last few days. I love it but did you ever notice when the sun shines brightly in the wintertime it highlights all the cobwebs and dust bunnys in your house? Dirty windows and undusted furniture. I think I need to get started on the spring cleaning early.....

New Years Eve at Norm's Place before the crowd arrives.

Yes, I do plan on sleeping all day. Got a problem with that!

Only 2 more days left......

2010-12-29T19:28:00.000-08:00

Colorful stacked dot bicones.

....of 2010. All I can think of is the paperwork I am so behind on.

Norm and I just spent the entire evening rolling coins that he has been saving for over a year. We decided not to use Coin Star this time and do it ourselves. Over $400. Wow! Done except I still have to roll the pennies. Tomorrow is another day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

Back in business....

2010-12-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I did end up having to buy another oxygen concentrator. It wasn't quite as costly as I first thought although plenty expensive for a reconditioned machine. I thought about buying a new machine rather than having to mess with another reconditioned model and dealing with the sometimes "fly-by-night" vendors that sell them, but I found out you have to have a doctor's perscription! Hmmmm.

You see the problem is, it's impossible to find someone local to do maintainance on an oxycon that's used for "non-medical" purposes. In order to have my machine worked on I would have to pay shipping both ways, (from $50-$80 one way), and then whatever is charged for repair. It's also very common to incur shipping damage because we all know how "careful" the shipping companies are the way they throw things around. I wish I knew someone who would be willing to learn how to maintain this equipment because I have a feeling they could stay pretty busy with all the beadmakers in my area. So let's just hope this machine lasts as long as the last one did.
Here are the first beads made with the newer oxygen concentrator. No name yet as I haven't decided what to make with them, if anything. Just happy to be making beads again.

Hand dyed silk ribbon and beads....

2010-12-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

I have to think about finishing up my Christmas shopping this week. I have just a few more things to buy but I actually have to physically go out and shop. I purchased most everything online this year. I love to shop online. I'm not big on crowds and people get so CRANKY this time of year.
I also have to think about a new hairdresser. I've had the same hair person for the last 15 years. My sweet Tana has moved to West Virginia. Every hair on my head will miss her. I loved the way she cut my hair and now I have to get used to someone else. Wish me luck I have an appt. next week!
I'm having some problems with my oxygen concentrator, (can't make beads without it), and I may have to buy a new one. Very expensive and takes a bit of time. Not like you just go to a store and buy one. I could use tanked oxygen but that would also be very expensive and not very practicle. I'll have to do some research.

Thoughts on hollow cone beads......

2010-12-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

I've been asked by beadmakers many times about my cone beads. I've inspired others to make their own but many are frustrated with their failed attempts. Let me just say that if I can do it, so can you, IF, you are willing to practice and work through your mistakes. You don't really think that I started making perfect cone beads right from the start do you? NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!!

First of all I buy my cone mandrels from Arrow Springs. They are the Osibin Cone Mandrel and I have the 5/8" and 3/8".

Here are a few tips on construction:
I cover the entire cone part of the mandrel with bead release. I do not however, cover the entire cone part of the mandrel with glass. I start wrapping the glass about 1/4" from the bottom, (fat end), of the cone. If it makes a difference to you I use Fusion or Fosterfire bead release. Make sure to spend enough time preheating your mandrel insuring that it is RED HOT before applying the glass. The nice thing about the Osibin mandrel is once you preheat it it holds the heat really well which means a lot when you're trying to keep the bead from cracking as you apply finishing touches.

I use fat stringers, (about 3mm at least), for the initial wrap so I pull several before I start.

The bead release almost always cracks as I am applying the initial wrap. I'm very careful not to push or pull too much causing the bead release to flake off because if the molten glass touches the bare mandrel I'll have to start over. This is why I think people are having a problem getting their beads off the mandrel. The bead release has flaked off exposing the glass to bare metal. Usually this means a hopelessly stuck bead.

I use the thick stringers to cover the mandrel initially, making sure each wrap touches the one before. Once the mandrel is covered I then spend time evening out the surface of the glass on the cone. Adding or moving glass around with my tungsten poker before using my brass and/or graphite marvers to further smooth the surface before adding any embellishments. All the while applying heat where needed to keep the bead from cracking.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions please let me know by leaving a comment. Good luck and don't give up!

Date night...

2010-12-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

"Tomfoolery" necklace

Norm took me out for dinner tonight. Olive Garden....yummmm! I love their spaghetti and meatballs. And, I love their salad and bread sticks hot from the oven. I'm a happy girl. Now I'm home watching reruns of "The Office" on TV before I hit the hay.

Early snow for Thanksgiving week.

2010-11-22T13:11:00.000-08:00

It's a little early and though I'm not ready for snow, it is rather pretty. I was just waiting for Mr. Furnace Repairman to show up. Hmmm. What a time for the furnace to be on the fritz... We won't freeze. We're all cozy with a fire in the woodstove.

Sitting here thinking about the holidays ahead. Thanksgiving in just a couple days. My son and daughter-in-law are hosting this years feast. I miss having everyone at my house but I don't miss all the work of preparing a huge meal and the cleanup after.

I've started working on Christmas decorations and I'm thinking of some holiday themed beads and jewelry maybe. Busy times ahead. Norm is very busy with the bar and I don't see him much during the week. I expect a rush at Norm's Place with it being a short work week and all. Especially Black Friday.

Thank you Veterans!

2010-11-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the men and women that have served in the past and are now serving our country! I pray for you, I cry for you and I raise my glass to you and your families!
It's been a productive week for me. I made several new pieces that I will be adding to my Etsy store as soon as possible. Hope you like them....
I'm off to Norm's Place to meet some friends for dinner. Did I tell you we are having Karaoke this Saturday and Sunday, (Nov. 13 & 14)? We're gonna have a blast!

BEADS!!!!

2010-11-08T17:35:00.000-08:00

I spent the whole day at the torch making beads today. I hope to get some new things made for the old Etsy shop this week. It's nice being home again every day and having the time to devote to my business and no longer feeling obligated to spend every waking hour at NORM'S PLACE. We now have an entire staff working to help Norm with the bar so my time is pretty much my own again.

I've also been working on a new type of jewelry, (new for me anyway). Very delicate strands of braided cord with gemstones or pearls. I then add small sterling charms, gemstone drops, and other interesting things. The necklace above was woven with tiny turquoise gemstone seed beads and roundells. I used some Hilltribe silver charms, a faceted oval aquamarine and one of my lampwork beads.

Getting back to a "new" normal....

2010-10-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

After weeks and weeks spent cleaning and spucing up a very old building I've spent the last three days at home catching up with laundry and housecleaning and I even managed to make a few beads turning them into this adorable bracelet......"MERRY ME" available in my Etsy shop.

I'm just wondering what our "new" normal will be like. Norm and I now own a business together and he will be spending nearly all of his waking hours there to begin with. Norm's Place (a bar and grill) will be open for business for the very first time in just a few days and although I will help out with shopping, menu planning and playing hostess at times, I won't be there every day. I plan on spending as much time as I possibly can restocking my gallery space, (Seagrass Gallery on Camano Island), and Etsy shop with lots and lots of new items before the holidays. I know, I know....not much time....

Regrouping

2010-09-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

What a magnificent fall day! The sky is a brilliant blue and the sun is unusually warm for this time of year.

I've spent the day catching up on household chores that have been ignored for the last few weeks. Still getting the new business ready to open. We have a ways to go yet we will get there. We have had so much help and support from family and friends. We are so blessed. I don't know how we will ever repay them.

Where have I been?

2010-09-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

I know I've been pretty scarce lately and I apologize for that. You see my husband and I have started a new business venture. Yes, instead of going into retirement, which Norm just wasn't ready to do after losing his job in this miserable economy, we decided to buy the little neighborhood bar that he has dreamed about since owning one back in the eighties.
No I'm not giving up beadmaking. Norm will run the bar himself with little help from me eventually but getting it ready for the public is taking all the resources we have at the moment. The building has suffered years of neglect and we have been slowly removing years of grime. With the loving help of friends and family we've come a long way but still have tons to do so that's where I've been most everyday the last month minus the days I've spent on the computer filling out reams of paperwork for licenses and such. Oy! So much paperwork!
I intend on announcing our opening here in the next few weeks and then I'll get back to beadmaking. After all, this isn't a blog about a bar, it's a blog about beads ;-)

A Southwest feel...

2010-09-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

"Cimmeron"

Labor Day has come and gone and the leaves are turning color. Mornings are crisp and cool and there are spider webs everywhere I turn! Fall is here. Our very short summer has ended and it's time to start thinking about warmer clothes and , gasp......shoes. I've worn flip flops all summer long and yesterday, after wearing sneakers all day, my feet were not happy :-(. And what little bit of summer tan I had is fading very quickly.

Here is another necklace I finished recently. "Cimmeron" features one of my handmade lampwork heart beads and I've paired it with turquoise gemstones in an oval shape and Karen Hill Tribe silver seed beads. You can find it in my Etsy shop.

Fall-like day......

2010-08-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

I'm not ready to let go of summer yet. We had so little of it, it seems. Today feels like November is already here. Pouring rain, wind, and cool temperatures. Makes me wanna build a fire in the fireplace and take a nap. Maybe I'll just think about some more fall themed beads and jewelry instead. Like this adorable witch's hat necklace that I just listed in my Etsy shop.

Fun weekend!

2010-08-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

I spent a really fun weekend with a few of my very dear girlfriends. Yep, a golf outing for just the ladies. We left about noon on Friday and spent the afternoon in Leavenworth, (Wa). Did a bit of shopping and had lunch and then continued on a few more miles to our destination. Wenatchee is where we spent the next couple days playing golf, laughing lots, eating lots, and shopping a little.

Wenatchee is a beautiful town in the eastern part of our state known as the apple capitol of the country. The photo above is a shot taken from the clubhouse at Highlander Golf Course in Wenatchee and it shows just a bit of the spectacular view of the surrounding hillsides. I took more photos but they just don't do justice to what we experienced in person. The sky was so brilliantly blue and the grass so green. It really doesn't matter where you are in town you are always surrounded by these gorgeous views of the hillsides and apple orchards. I was really sorry to come back across the mountain pass this afternoon to our dreary weather on this side.

Small Doses

2010-08-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

I think this necklace turned out really cute even though it isn't a real vessel. The tiny hole closed up as I was doing the final flame polishing but even so there was still an opening to add a tiny cork stopper. So adorable! Check out the little sterling silver heart charm on the side. The vessel pendant is stung on extra supple deer leather lace and it's totally adjustable just by tying a knot. You can wear it long or wear it short.