Bizee Bee Creations ~ My Jewelry-Crafting Journal

Promises and Resolutions

2012-01-19T09:28:00.000-05:00

I've been busy lately trying to keep to my New Year Resolutions...
1.The annual, "Gotta lose the Holiday Poundage". 5 down and 7 more to go. Yes, I was really really BAD.
2.Exercise. Does walking the dogs count?
3.Make that "Grand Business Plan". It's actually coming along, haphazardly, but still coming...
4.Pull all my Bizee Bee Creations Tax papers together. It's within arms reach. Just gotta s-t-r-e-t-c-h!

What else, what else? Ooooh, dare I say it out loud...
5.***BEAD INVENTORY!*** Yikes, that almost makes me freeze up!

What are your resolutions for the year? Have you forgotten them already? I hope not. The year is still fresh, young, and bitterly cold. So while you're indoors clean out those bead drawers, straighten up your important papers, fill out those Spring Craft Show Applications, and get ready for a Slam-Banging Bizee Year in Jewelry Design & Creation!

Now I just need to get off FaceBook for a little while... Just Kidding!

Bead & Button 2012!

2012-01-11T08:51:00.000-05:00

This is the year! The year for Bead & Button! I'm so excited to be attending with some good friends! I have signed up for three classes that seem very fun and enriching. I'll finally get to learn Kumihimo on the Marudai Table and I'm going to expand my Wire Working skills too. I've saved lots of time for shopping and I'm going to attend 2 special events: Meet the Teachers and the Bead Social.

Three years ago when I opened my Etsy shop my goal was to make enough money to afford this trip. I can't claim that profit is paying for the entire event but at least I can now claim that I'm a Wholesale Designer. This trip will help me see the bigger picture of Jewelry Design and put me solidly on the path of a newer brighter future in design and sales.

I attended Bead Fest last year with a good friend and that trip revved my engines for the trip to Milwaukee this year. Next year Tucson!!! I can see that with each event so much knowledge can be gained and shared and I'm so happy to be a part of the Jewelry Design community. I might never become the expert in my specialty but the road I've traveled has been so much FUN!

Winter Dreams and Summer Plans...

2012-01-03T18:10:00.000-05:00

We're barely into Winter and already I'm dreaming of warmer days when the birds, bees, and dragonflies are fluttering about blossoming flowers. We have many weeks of cold and dreary weather ahead of us. So the best therapy for me is get all of my spring and summer colored beads out and create something for the coming warmer months.

I'd also like to plan for my upcoming Spring Shows and decide what to make ahead of time. I learned this year that to wait for inspiration is not a good thing to do. Nothing like last minute preparations crammed into a few weeks of hectic activity to convince you that there has to be a better way to prepare!

Maybe I need a big Dry Erase Board to map out and prepare for this year's shows. Yeah, I need a plan...A Big Plan:
1. What sold well this year.
2. What shows were more successful.
3. What to make this year.
4. What supplies I need to buy.
5. When to get started and how many to make.

So while the winter winds howl and skies are dreary I will be brainstorming and making My Big Plan! And dreaming of blue skies and warm sunny days picking blackberries and watering flowers...

Happy New Year Everyone!

2012-01-01T00:12:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year to All! May 2012 bring us Peace & Prosperity!

Kumihimo!

2011-12-28T13:07:00.001-05:00

End of year listing! Seafoam Kumihimo Necklace! What do you do when you have a beautiful Venetian Glass pendant and hundreds of Fire Polish beads? I don't know about you but I tend to think about KUMIHIMO!

I love to try new Kumihimo ideas and I'll be the first to admit that they don't always turn out as I hoped... That's when you go back to the design board and rethink your vision. Many a time I've unbraided and started over... Not my favorite thing to do but each braid I've created has added to my knowledge of what works and what doesn't work on the Kumihimo Foam Disk.

Certain fibers look great together and some get buried underneath heavier cord in the braid. Some beads don't lay the way you think they will because of their shape. One word of advice if you're planning a beaded Kumi project is to string only enough beads to do about 3-4 inches of your project and if you like the effect then string the rest. Why waste time stringing hundreds of beads if it won't work for your project?

This Fire Polish project was inspired by a project from Karen DeSousa's first book, "Necklaces Braided on the Kumihimo Disk". The lightweight foam disk became very heavy once all the beads were loaded on the braiding cord. I had to take frequent breaks so that my hands did not get sore. But it was worth it and I'm very pleased with the results. I hope to do another like it very soon.

Kumihimo Braiding is so versatile! Beads, fiber, and cord can combine with so many different results! I tell my students the skies the limits and don't be afraid to try different combinations! You can always unbraid, undo, and restart as long as you haven't made that final end knot!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

2011-12-21T08:30:00.004-05:00

Have a "Holly Jolly Christmas, cause it's that time of year!" Love to hear Burl Ives sing that song! Another favorite is, "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas". And of course my all time favorite by Bing Crosby, "Mele Kalikimaka". So what are some of your favorites? Which ones hold a special place in your heart? Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, the beach, the ski slopes, your comfy chair at home, I'm sure there's a special holiday tune that you'll be humming. One that reminds you of home, loved ones, and happy Christmases of the past. Have a safe & healthy time this year, too, with your friends, neighbors, or loved ones....

~Merry Christmas & New Year from Bizee Bee Creations~

Christmas Presents with my Grand-Daughters!

2011-12-20T11:02:00.002-05:00

Family time during the holidays is the greatest joy of all. Sharing good times and making memories that will last a lifetime, that's what Christmas is all about. You don't need to spend a lot. I made Cake Pops, Christmas Cookies, and Angel Necklaces for my Grand- Daughters. I bought one toy for each that they loved. And to top it off I bought handmade "tea party" outfits and hand crocheted purses from Etsy Sellers. Next year my goal is to buy all handmade gifts or make them myself. In this age of electronic gadgetry, we should all scale back and remember that Christmas should be more about sharing and caring.

Cake Pops!

2011-12-16T11:43:00.004-05:00

Are you looking for something different to make and give away this holiday season? Try Cake Pops! They are not hard to make and taste SO delicious! I made them for my grand daughters and to give away to friends where I work and teach beading classes. They're like fudge truffles in the center with a chocolate coating. Very popular at the Craft Shows I did this Fall! That's where I discovered them! Give them a try and you'll find out how much everyone will love them!

http://www.cakepopsrecipe.com/2011/03/cake-pops-with-colorful-sprinkles

Upcycle, Recycle, Reuse, Redo

2011-12-15T14:41:00.005-05:00

A thing of the past...Vintage... Antique... Ancient... In these current times it seems strange that Vintage is so popular. After all, we're a "Throw-Away" society. If it breaks, throw it away and buy a new thing... Technology is moving so fast that there's no way to stay up to date with the latest & greatest cell phone, laptop, e-reader, tv, etc. So when a customer asked me to to remake a beautiful vintage necklace, I got excited! It was a three strand crystal and pearl necklace, probably about 50-60 years old, that her mother used to wear. I'm making it into a Sterling Silver Wire Crochet Set for her daughter. With the left over beads and pearls I'll be making a pendant and earring set for her young grand-daughter. The pieces have no dollar value but they're priceless when it comes to sentimental value.

When I teach Beading Basics I always suggest to my students that they look through mom's or grandma's old jewelry box for treasures that have lasted a life time. Redo, Recycle, Upcycle, Reuse... and create treasures that you & your daughters will love for a long time to come.

Give Away! Moonraker Beads!

2011-12-14T08:39:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't like free beads, especially handmade lampwork beads! Enter this Give-Away and you have a chance at some pretty cool stuff! Even hand-knitted winter woolies! This lampwork artist is amazing so check it out now!

http://moonrakerbeads.blogspot.com/2011/12/big-whopping-december-giveaway-palooza.html

Last Minute Holiday Gifts!

2011-12-07T09:19:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays! And thanks for helping me make this a spectacular year for Bizee Bee Creations! My Craft Shows are done but I'm still available for that last minute Christmas Holiday gift! I've got lots of Wire Crochet Sets that I haven't been able to list on Etsy so just contact me @ cselway000@yahoo.com! I'm meeting with a customer today that saw my booth at my last show this past Saturday. She admired a particular set and called me about it this week. I went ahead and made a few more sets since my inventory is low due to happy sales this Fall/Holiday Season! Word is getting out and sales are picking up on Etsy too! Someone told me once that it takes time to establish yourself with this business. And it is true! I feel like I'm turning a corner and making progress! So Happy Holiday Shopping to One & All!

Last Craft Show for 2011

2011-12-01T08:44:00.004-05:00

This has been a very exciting year for my Bizee Bee Creations business! I've quadrupled my sales and feel like I'm heading in the right direction with my creative style. I opened my Etsy business and started Bizee Bee Creations almost 3 years ago. February will mark my third anniversary there. Since that time I've really branched out by working in a bead store, teaching jewelry classes, and finally by taking on the Craft Show circuit! The last one was the hardest and I'd advise anyone that's thinking about it to do their homework.

First of all, look at what you design and create. Do you get a lot of compliments and positive feedback from your creations? Ask yourself, "Who would buy this item?" and "How can I make this so that many people would enjoy it and want to buy it?"

Next, find a friend or make a new friend who is already doing Craft Shows. Offer to help them at their next show so that you can get a feel for what this business involves. It's like trying on a pair of shoes... see if this show business "Fits" with where you'd like to take your creative energy.

Finally, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Go to craft shows and take notes about which booths appeal to you and try to find out why... the layout, the product, the original ideas...? Search the internet for helpful suggestions on craft show start-up. There's a lot of information and helpful tips!

One last note, if you do decide to go the craft show route, Start Small! Do small shows with table/booth fees under $50: Church shows, PTA shows, local Craft shows, or even a Street Fair. Design a simple booth to showcase your creations. Don't worry if it's not as fancy as your neighbors. With every show you do you'll gain more knowledge as to what really works for you and which layout appeals to many shoppers.

Let's face facts, Craft Shows are FUN if you're selling and kind of a drag if you're not. but you have to keep smiling and projecting a positive personality! That bright happy smile can do wonders for sales and for your inner spirit, too.

Support your local Artisans!

2011-11-26T14:15:00.001-05:00

Black Friday Deals! Buy Handmade!

2011-11-25T09:08:00.005-05:00

Black Friday encourages us to become consumer conscious and spend spend spend on super sales... But are those sales SO SUPER? I'm advocating that you support your local small businesses this year and especially your local artisans. BUY HANDMADE this year! If you can only afford to buy 1 or 2 gifts make it something of handmade quality. There are so many ways and places to shop: Online, in stores, at the local mall, craft shows, home shows, etc... Know what you want before you go and stick to a pre-determined budget. Know who you're buying for and don't buy gimmicky risky gifts that will be given away, returned, or even worse...Thrown Out! How disappointing is that? Gone are the days of spending wildly without a social conscience and no set budget. I did it. You did it. It was fun. Those days are over! Face it, Jimmy and Susie have all the electronic goodies they can handle at one time. How about a gift that comes from the heart and is handmade? How about a gift that reminds the recipient that there is more to life than a 3x4 inch screen that you tap and swoosh constantly. Put down the technology and have a real live conversation with the people who really mean something to you. Black Friday is more than just a day for super deals and super sales... It's a day to take a deep breath, relax with your family and friends, and contemplate the coming month of holiday celebrations. A celebration of life, rebirth, and family values.

Shows, shows, shows!

2011-11-20T09:34:00.006-05:00

Indoor show this Fall!

Outdoor show this Fall!

It's been a busy year for shows and I have 2 more to go. I've learned so much this year and hope that next year my booth and business will really sparkle & shine. Last year I started out with a partner and she helped me get my feet wet. This year I've been on my own, more or less, and it's been a true learning experience. Being a very small business owner has its' advantages and disadvantages. Thank goodness that it is my only job! I couldn't handle a real career on top of crafting and showing! Lucky for me, my husband helps me with the heavy lifting and setting up. He stays throughout the entire show and handles the credit card transactions, too. I think he enjoys the whole process. Someday he'd like to retire from his full time career and we could travel across the country in an RV and do one show after another...

New Year Hopes...

2011-01-14T08:47:00.007-05:00

Gosh, the holidays have come and gone... thank goodness. So much to look forward to this year... a trip to Hawaii, a new direction for my Etsy shop, craft shows to line up, new classes to teach at East Street Beads, new friends to meet through beading, etc. I'm super excited to share this with my readers.

After much thought and reflection, I've decided to focus my creative energies on Kumihimo braiding. Anyone can string beads, but I love finding a pendant with that "WOW" factor and then creating a complimentary Kumi braid. I just ordered two beautiful lampwork glass focal beads on Etsy, one from Norway and the other from Israel! I'm super excited to get them in the mail and start a Kumi braid for each!

Kumi, Kumi... I'm hooked on braiding! First you find that special focal piece that touches your heart and/or releases your creative energy. Then you start to visualize the braid that will most compliment it. Do you want the braid to accent the piece or the piece to accent the braid? Or both? Next you start to think about matching up the colors and deciding what material to use. That's the fun part of Kumi braiding... you can use fiber and beads! Mix it up, try something new... Satin cord, yarn, wire, silk, waxed linen mixed with... seedbeads, semiprecious stone chips, fire polished Czech glass, Swarovski crystals! I could go on and on because as I tell my Kumihimo students, the skies the limit! Don't be afraid to try a new fiber or a different bead or stone. Unleash the Kumi Queen or King and you'll be creating great pieces, too.

I use a simple foam disk for creating my braids but someday I'd love to try the Marudai Table, the original way to make a braid that is centuries old in Japan. I'm not a Kumi expert and I have lots to learn. That's so exciting! So if you've been thinking about trying a new skill this year, try Kumihimo Braiding and soon you'll be hooked, too. I still love stringing... every once in a while I take a Kumi break and go back to my roots. But my true love is Kumi.

Tis the Season!

2010-11-17T08:07:00.004-05:00

With the holidays only weeks away, I've decided to give my online shops a real facelift! Over the past year I've been so busy working, teaching, and getting ready to do craftshows that I let both of my shops, bizeebeecreations.etsy.com and bizeebeecreations.artfire.com fall into disrepair... Shame on me! But online shops are a lot of work and something had to take the backseat. Now I'm happy to announce that, Ta Da,.... (I'm doing a drumroll) "I'M BACK!!!! " Bigger, brighter, and better than ever! Check out my shop! You'll see a few familiar items that didn't sell last year, but I'm headed into a different direction. Still the same high quality, though.

I need to add another dimension to my shops and I've noticed that shops with an additional line of products that compliment jewelry seem to do well. So what should it be? Hats, purses, soap, vintage buttons??? Hm, buttons sound great. I went to a bead show this past weekend and purchased some lovely vintage Czech glass buttons... But maybe that's not the right avenue for me. Big fluffy scarves seem to be everywhere around peoples necks these days... Paired up with the right necklace and/or earrings, they look very stylish! I need to be able to offer another dimension to my jewelry shop, to attract cross-over buyers. Something different than other shops and it has to be handmade or vintage. I'm brain-storming, but in the meantime, check out my Great Christmas items in both shops!

Waterford Fair

2010-10-08T09:32:00.003-04:00

Our first trip to Virginia's Waterford Fall Fair was a huge success! We enjoyed the wonderful day strolling the quaint streets of Waterford, Virginia and visiting old homes along the way! The craft-filled booths were such a delight! The artistic talents represented there made me wish that I could spend more money and more time getting to know the artists and learning their skills. I love pottery and am always drawn to the pottery booths. I appreciated the way the booths were laid out here and there throughout the town instead of concentrating them all in one area. The food looked yummy too and I munched on Kettle Korn throughout the whole adventure. What a great way to spend the day and enjoy the fresh crisp Fall air!

Craft Fair Time!

2010-09-30T09:02:00.008-04:00

I love the cooler weather of Fall! And with this season comes my favorite time of year... Craft Fair Time! This is my first year to participate as a vendor! I signed up to do 3 shows this Fall but have since decided that was way too much activity. Preparation for a craft show requires a lot of work and you never know what to expect! Buyers/browsers come with expectations that don't necessarily jive with the seller's point of view! I feel my prices are fair but I realize that the average person, who does not make jewelry, would not understand how much supplies cost.

Due to limited table/display space I decided to go with the approach that "Less is More" when it comes to laying out my displays of jewelry. Take a look at my photos and see if you agree..
.Next time I plan to have more table-space to lay out more items but I've seen tables that are jam packed with options. I have to say that it tends to dissuade me from stopping and browsing. I love displays that have just the right amount of personality, nothing over the top with gadjets and gimmicks. So I'm striving for a happy medium to attract the most shoppers. I've got a lot to learn about craft shows and this year has been great for that. I can't believe that I've done 3 shows so far and plan to do 1 more! Last year I wouldn't have thought it possible! Next year I hope to do 6 shows and have 4 tables to display my creations!

This has definitely been a year of progress for Bizee Bee Creations! And I'm glad that I still have time to go out to see the local Craft Shows as a customer so that I can come home with fresh ideas, fresh air, and a fresh perspective for next year!

Butterflies, Blackberries, and New Kumihimo!

2010-08-09T14:51:00.008-04:00

This has been a fantastic summer for butterflies, blackberries, and new Kumihimo projects! It's been a hot summer but I've enjoyed the weather! The dogs have gotten lazy with all this heat but I'm trying to stay cool while braiding inside.

Hot !Hot !Hot!

2010-07-29T21:15:00.003-04:00

It's been a hot summer! But I'm NOT complaining! After three blizzards last winter, I'm enjoying this summer! Lots of changes on the horizon...The move out west was put on hold, which is a bummer. I was so looking forward to buying some cowboy boots! Maybe next year...

I had my last "official" workday at the bead shop yesterday... Going in a different, more positive direction with my beading. Hanging out with the dogs for now and starting a new kumi project! It involves Snowflake Obsidian and should be great for the Fall and Winter! I really needed a break from the shop but I'll miss all the great customers! I plan to fill in occasionally so I'm gone but not forgotten...

I'll be starting on some wedding projects soon for a dear friend of my daughter. We've known her since she was in second grade and I'm excited to be able to make something that she'll wear in her wedding! If it works out, I just might incorporate the new ideas into my inventory!

I went to a great bead show last weekend with a good friend of mine. We had a ball shopping and talking and sharing beading ideas. Bead shows are great for picking up new ideas and seeing what's hot in the world of jewelry making. Terri and I are beading buddies and if I could, I'd love to open a "Bead Shop" someday with this talented smart lady! Thanks, Terri, for being a terrific beading pal!

While it might be HOT as heck outside and the summer sun is turning the grass a crispy brown, I'm staying cool inside and finding lots of new projects to start. I hope you are too!

Life got so busy that I forgot to BLOG!!!

2010-07-20T14:45:00.003-04:00

Major shame on me! I haven't posted a new blog in a very long time! Today's the day that I turn over a new leaf and start back to business! First of all, I'm moving! It's exciting, scary, exhausting, and exhilarating! By Fall we should be resettled out west! I need to buy a cowboy hat and a pair of s**t kicking boots! Wa-hoo!
I've been busy sorting, sifting, tossing, and recycling about 2000lbs of household goods! I've got about 1000 or so lbs to go before I'm satisfied. The hardest part is letting go of all the kids toys! Lots of warm loving memories wrapped up with those things! But I'm determined that with this move we are starting a new phase in our life that will be simpler and less complicated with "things" that need valuable closet space!
One thing I won't give up is my beads... My investment is going with me out west and I hope to expand my business and reshape my goals for the coming year! 2011 will be my big year for Bizee Bee Creations! I plan to continue teaching, working, and selling my creations. And I want to try a few other avenues to promote my work...like home shows, craft shows, and a new website, too. I have really enjoyed Kumihimo braiding and have lots of projects lined up and waiting to go on the disk. Out west I would like to expand my skill base and take some new classes in wire work.
Back to the cleaning, sorting, and packing for now... I'll keep you posted on how it's going!!!

Happy March! Happy Birthday, Dear "older" Sis!

2010-03-06T09:14:00.010-05:00

Happy March and Happy Birthday to my dear sister, Debbie! I wanted to create something truly wonderful this year for my sweet "older" sister cause she's always teasing me that in her book I am the oldest one... Gosh, what would I do without her? So I came up with this design and absolutely love it! I left her a message on her phone telling her how much I like it and asking her how much she wanted to pay me to send it to her!!! LOL! We're always teasing each other that way. I think she'll be very surprised, if she doesn't see this before her birthday, that is. She never checks my blog, unless I tell her to read my latest post, so I think I'm safe until after her birthday. Then I'll tell her the pictures were here all along! She'll be very perturbed with me! She can't stand to wait until her birthday to open her presents! So everyone who reads this will know what it is before she does!

The stones in this set are blue Larimar, and red Sponge Coral. I Kumihimo braided the top of the necklace with 8/0 Toho seedbeads and used copper findings, clasp, and cones. It was a lot of fun designing and making this set for my sister. I'm sure she'll want me to teach her how to do the braiding the next time we get together. Now that winter is almost over and spring is almost here I can look forward to my traditional trip south for a nice long visit!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T11:32:00.003-05:00

We've had a lot of snow lately and on top of that I've been sick so I've been housebound for about 10 days. The one day I did manage to get out of the house was the day I drug myself to the doctor's office. But I've managed to keep myself sane with my Kumihimo projects. I'm working on my 6th project right now! Call me a Kumihimo addict cause I just can't stop. Ask my husband and my dogs...they'll rat me out for sure!

Between snowstorms(we had 2 major snowstorms/blizzards within one week)our hot water heater went kaput and flooded part of our basement. We were without hot water for 3 days! So my Anniversary/Valentine's Day gift from my dear sweet hubby is a brand new water heater... He said it's the gift that keeps on giving all year long! Try living without a hot shower in the middle of winter when you're sick. I never realized how much I depended on something that we all take for granted! We've got big fans blowing in the basement 24/7! It should be dried out by tomorrow sometime.

So tonight we're celebrating our 35th anniversary @ The Elkridge Furnace Inn with a romantic candlelight dinner for two. Thirty five years ago we got married at the courthouse in Selma, Ala. I was 19 and Mike was 22 and a 2nd Lt. in the Air Force. Three years ago we were in Tahiti renewing our vows. I'm glad we're home this year! Maybe next year we'll go to Hawaii. Now that my husband has returned to the workforce anything is possible! Wow! 35 years! Now that calls for a celebration and I plan to enjoy the romantic setting with a great meal and the company of the man of my dreams, the father of our children, & the love of my life.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, EVERYBODY!

Free eCards | Free Cards | Care2

2010-02-11T23:37:00.001-05:00

Free eCards | Free Cards | Care2

Global Warming!

2010-02-06T18:32:00.002-05:00

***SNOW***SNOW***SNOW***SNOW***SNOW***SNOW***

We got about 2-3 feet of the white stuff! I thought it would never stop! Meanwhile, I stayed home from work and completed another fantastic Kumihimo project! I used red and silver braiding cord on a Kumihimo disk in a Hollow Braid pattern. Then I added a 30mm Venetian glass heart pendant. Stunning! I plan to make earrings tomorrow to go with it! I love Kumihimo braiding! As long as you follow a few basic rules and guidelines, there are endless possibilities to create some very beautiful pieces. My next project involves seed beads, beach glass, and some lovely Fire Agate stones! I can't wait to start that one! After that I'm going to do a project with freshwater pearls and fire polished Czech glass! WOW! I have projects stacked up but that's OK with me. Always something new to look forward to! It'll take days to get the snow under control and I have lots to keep me busy!

Tropical Island Dreaming...

2010-01-09T16:38:00.004-05:00

About 3 years ago my hubby and I took a fantastic trip to Tahiti for 2 weeks of sand, sun, and relaxation. Boy, I sure wish we were looking forward to another trip of that caliber! I think it ranks as the best vacation we ever had the good fortune to enjoy! The South Pacific is absolutely beautiful and although I do like the Caribbean my heart belongs to the South Pacific. Hawaii...Tahiti... I'm island dreaming. But not this year. Due to a major down-turn in our finances, we'll be celebrating our 35th anniversary at home this year. You see, my husband lost his job the week before Christmas. What a jolt that was! Kind of a lousy way to say Merry Christmas, don't ya think? While others got their end of year bonus, he got a pink slip. Oh well... We have so much to be thankful for and hopefully there are new opportunities just around the corner.

This gives me the chance to go cold turkey on my bead buying habit. I'm cleaning out my bead drawers and reorganizing my bead stash. It's amazing what I've accumulated! I've got so many potential projects it makes my head spinnnn! I found my Kumihimo disk and completed 2 new projects! One is made with hand dyed nylon ribbon and has a wire wrapped fused glass pendant. The other is various shades of copper fibers braided with a single strand of beads and then wire wrapped with a copper Swarovski Galactic Pendant as the focal piece! I'm really stretching out and trying new ideas!

So while the last decade ended on a somewhat somber note for my family's financial situation, I'm still fulfilling my New Year's/New Decade's Resolution... I'm keeping a positive attitude! Life is what you make of it and although we can't go to the islands this year... there's always the hope that we can go next year! In the meantime, we're tightening our belt, dusting off the old budget, and digging out the DVD of our Tahiti trip to watch on our anniversary... and Tropical Island Dreaming...

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:31:00.001-05:00

May all your dreams come true in 2010! Happy New Year, Everyone!

2010, Here we come! New Year's Wishes!

2009-12-28T12:23:00.005-05:00

What are you hoping for this coming year, this coming decade? A new job, financial security, healthcare, a new love interest, exciting travel? What are your New Year's/New Decade's Resolutions? Lose weight, exercise, stop smoking, spend less... My top New Year's resolutions are:

1. Love and appreciate my family every day
2. Exercise
3. Eat healthy
4. Spend less
5. Save more
6. Simplify my life
7. Travel
8. Reconnect with my spiritual path
9. Make and implement a business plan/strategy for Bizee Bee Creations
10.Lose the 5 pounds I always gain during the holidays

There ya go... My New Year's/ New Decade's Goals! The next ten years are going to be a Roller-Coaster but this is one Wild Ride I don't want to miss. Think of ten years ago when we were contemplating Y2K and look where we are now! What will we be looking back on in the year 2019??? Kind of scary in an exciting kind of way. I'll be sure to read my Horoscope come January 1st, 2010! How about you?

So welcome 2010! And may it bring all of us what we wish for the most!

Christmas Prayers

2009-12-23T12:17:00.005-05:00

What's Santa bringing you for Christmas this year? A new car, a diamond ring, a vacation to Hawaii? Well, my present this year is to have all the kids home for Christmas! Brandon made it home from Tucson on Tuesday after spending Monday night in the Denver Airport... Sabrina and Adam are driving a rental car down from NYC today... And our oldest son, Shawn, and his family are driving in from Pittsburgh on Christmas Day. So we'll all sit down to Christmas Dinner and thank God that we're together.

I'll be praying for my parents continued good health and well being...

for the brave soldiers fighting for our freedom...

for a sane solution to the big health care issues...

for global peace...

for anyone who's feeling lost and alone this holiday season...

Help all of us, Lord... Protect us... and keep us safe from harm...

Amen.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ME & BIZEE BEE CREATIONS!

Angels on my shoulder!

2009-12-16T19:27:00.003-05:00

Got some sad news today... Brought tears to my eyes and much emotional conflict... But then I checked my Etsy shop and discovered that I had made two sales...Both sales were angel earrings. I'm taking that as a sign that our current difficulties will work themselves out with time if I have faith...in my Guardian Angels.

Flat Spiral Bracelets!

2009-12-16T13:08:00.003-05:00

I just love making Flat Spiral Bracelets! A customer came into the Bead Shop where I work and showed me how to do the Flat Spiral weave and I think I'll make one in every possible color! I've made about 10-12 so far! They are so easy and so much fun! Here's an example of one that I made for Christmas:I used 6mm Swarovski bicone crystals for the center, 4mm crystals for the edges, and 11/0 Delica seedbeads for the weave. Isn't it pretty? The next time I make one I promise to take pictures as I go. I think you can find demos on several websites like Artbeads.com or FusionBeads.com. If you haven't tried seedbead weaving before but would like to give it a try this is the pattern to do! Have fun with it and soon you'll be creating one in every possible color and combo just like me! And all your friends and relatives will be Oohing & Ahhing too!

Christmas...Oh Christmas!

2009-12-11T23:40:00.008-05:00

Can you believe that it's almost Christmas??? I just finished making my last Christmas present this evening! I am so ready for the big day...Christmas! The presents are wrapped... the cookies are baked... the tree is decorated... the stockings are hung... and the eggnog is chillin' in the fridge! YAY! Oops... Guess there's one more itty bitty detail... the Christmas cards! Yikes! Got to get on that this very weekend... after work! My scaled down budget had two major advantages... LESS SHOPPING and LESS WRAPPING! YAY! I can't believe how much I saved this year by really sticking to my budget! In years gone by "the budget" was just sort of a nice idea but this year it's solid as a rock! And I feel GREAT! None of that deep pitted anxiety that I spent way too much... Nope! My husband & I agreed not to buy more than a few small stocking stuffers for each other and that saved a bundle! Each of the adult kids will have one present to open and their stockings. Afterall, they told me that the stocking is their "main event" so I couldn't skip that! So bring on Christmas cause I'm full of good cheer and mighty glad that the year ended so well for me and my family! Christmas ... oh Christmas!

For all of you late last minute shoppers... I still have many Super Deals in my Etsy shop! Come and take a look! www.bizeebeecreations.etsy.com

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2009-11-25T22:07:00.008-05:00

I have so much to be thankful for this year... I have a warm loving family, great friends, two sweet dogs, good health, a roof over my head, a job that I love, a bright future, angels that watch over me, and a positive outlook... Thank-you, Lord! And thanks to all my Bizee Bee Creation followers, too. Next year will be bigger and better than ever! Ya-hoo!

Super Saver Deals!

2009-11-20T17:17:00.007-05:00

When I started designing and creating my winter/holiday line of jewelry, I decided to skip all the ultra-fancy, ultra-expensive options. I concentrated on creating quality made, economical, holiday spirited jewelry. Then I came up with the idea of labeling it "Super Saver". Not very original... but it gets the point across. I still use sterling silver in most items but I've gotten away from using some of the pricey beads that really rack up the cost. I have lots of those beads still on hand but for now I'm laying those aside so that I can offer bright holiday jewelry to fashion savvy shoppers that are on a tight budget this year.

Don't you just love the bright reds and greens that dominate the color palette for the holidays! When I'm in my studio those colors tend to cheer me up and I get energized! Most of what I make is very colorful, because vibrant colors make me feel alive and happy! You can't be around bright colors and not feel the excitement of the holidays!

So if you're on a tight budget this year but still want to buy jewelry that will last for many years to come, take a peek at my Bizee Bee Creations Shop! I'm on Etsy and on Artfire. Two shops that carry a full range of holiday shopping fun and Super Savor Deals!

Let the Holiday Shopping Begin!

2009-11-08T11:11:00.008-05:00

Yes, we're all cutting back on our holiday shopping budget... or at least I am. All of my adult children will just have to understand that we can no longer afford the big extravagant Christmas's of the past. But I'm sure we're in the same boat with a lot of other families. My husband was laid off this year and took a paycut in his new job but at least he's working! I found a new job that I love but it doesn't pay too well either!
It will be a family fun chaotic time with many memories but fewer presents to open. So this year we're concentrating on the gift of "Family-Time Together". If all goes as hoped, our family will be together this year with all 3 of our adult kids and their families coming to our house. I'm delaying my holiday shopping until later this month to see if the big sales will help S-T-R-E-T-C-H the budget a little.
I'm still creating lots of budget friendly items for holiday shoppers in my Etsy shop. With Earrings $12.50 and under, Bracelets $22 and under, and reasonably priced Necklaces too. I decided to keep cost under control and pass the savings along to those that like to purchase unique handmade jewelry for gifts.
So let the holiday shopping begin!

Turkey Day is almost here!

2009-11-05T09:21:00.005-05:00

Fall is in full swing now... Halloween marks the first of many happy celebrations at this time of year. Won't be long till Thanksgiving or as we like to call it... Turkey Day! Turkey reigns supreme in our household and we savor it twice a year... And wonder why we don't prepare it more often!

Gobble, gobble, gobble
it's almost Turkey Day!

Gobble, gobble, gobble
you can have it your way!

Gobble, gobble, gobble
Roasted or fried.

Gobble, gobble, gobble
A leg or a thigh!

Gobble, gobble, gobble!
give thanks for a plate!

Gobble, gobble, gobble
Don't be late!

Happy Fall! Happy Thanksgiving wherever you are!

Halloween Spirits

2009-10-28T20:19:00.003-04:00

These Halloween spirits have come to say
that I hope your Halloween is a special day.

Ghosts and goblins will be flying about
and when you spot them just give a shout...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-20T17:09:00.020-04:00

Just thought I'd share some of my Halloween happiness with everyone! Here are some of my creations and decorations for the Spookiest Holiday of the Year! I hope you've decorated too and have a safe fun Happy Halloween!

Prosit, Ein Prosit, Der Gemütlichkeit!

2009-10-10T11:25:00.006-04:00

It was a memorable trip to Austria and Germany with many special highlights ... such as visiting our oldest son and his family in Stuttgart, Germany. Our grand daughters have grown so much since we last saw them! We love the small quaint town of Herrenburg, where they live, with it's cobble stone square and picturesque buildings. We visited an old tumble down castle on the Neckar River and then had lunch at an old mill. It was lots of fun!Then on to beautiful Vienna where we toured the city and enjoyed all of the sites that we could fit in during our short 3 day stay. The Schonbrunn Palace, Belevedere Museum, and the Zoo were my favorites. We also enjoyed seeing the Lipizzaner Stallions during their exercise routine. And I can't forget the lovely Viennese Coffee Shops with their decadent desserts and strong rich coffee! Vienna is such a clean beautiful city that I'd love to go back and spend more time there someday...After those hectic city days we spent the next 3 days in the Austrian Alps south of Innsbruck. There we relaxed, feasted on great Austrian meals, and took in the majestic scenery of the Alps and the Stubaier Glacier while hiking and cable car riding up to the highest peaks! The Grobenhof still retains it's original charm and hospitality and the little town of Fulpmes is even more appealing than our last visit 4 years ago.After our week in Austria we ventured back to Germany where we concluded our vacation with a brief stay in Munich and a great visit to the Oktoberfest! We found a seat in the Paulaner Beer Tent and ordered a Maß or 1 liter of beer and a halb hanchen or half a roast chicken. We listened to the Oompah Band and enjoyed the feeling of festivity!After that it was time to say goodbye to Europe. It was a long flight home as most return trips are. The vacation is over, we're back to our usual routines, and I'm glad we had such a great time.
Until next time... Auf Wiedersehen, Tchuss!

Ein herzliches Grüß Gott! Austrian bound!

2009-09-11T19:19:00.007-04:00

Yes, we're Austrian bound! A vacation well deserved! We'll be visiting family in Germany, sightseeing in Vienna, and returning to a well kept secret... The Groebenhof in Fulpmes, Austria. It's just outside of Innsbruck, Austria in the Stubai Valley! We're excited to be returning to such a lovely destination. The Alpes are so lovely in Austria and we plan to do some hiking and relaxing in a big way!!! I can't wait! We'll end up in Munich for the BIG Oktoberfest 2009 and that is fun beyond belief!!! I can already taste my big maß of German bier! And Fest-Chicken! OMG! They do chicken right! Owww boy! I love Europe and I love Austrian Hospitality!!! Yahoo!

We were so lucky to have lived in Germany for 5 years back in the 80's. Two of our children were born in German hospitals! While we lived there we traveled like there was no tomorrow! With babies in tow! It didn't stop us! We visited Majorica, Paris, the Canary Islands, Sweden, Holland, the French Riviera, Italy, Switzerland and our favorite... Austria. Never forget the Rose Chapel on the hill out of Austria...

Brrrr, It's Cold Outside!

2009-09-04T21:00:00.006-04:00

It never fails to amaze me when summer comes to a close and Fall is in the air... The days are becoming shorter and the summer sun loses it's strength at sundown, leaving a crispness to the early Fall/late Summer evening. It makes you want to take long leisurely walks and enjoy the glow of a warm fire. My thoughts turn inward to all I've accomplished in the past 8-9 months and all that I need to do before the year closes in 3 short months. This Fall I would love to see my creative energy take flight and blossom into what I have visualized for the past year. I still have a lot of work to do, but to be honest... I'm very happy with the path I'm on. It will take time and patience to accomplish my goals. It's been a year of big changes for me. Nursing is now a very distant past, and creativity is my definite future. I've discovered some strengths and some weaknesses. I've made new friends and lost some old ones. At 50+ years old, I know that I'm still capable of experiencing "change" in a positive way. It's refreshing, to say the least, to know that life still holds some surprises for me. The seasons come and go like clockwork...that remains the same. It's cold outside but the warmth for my art is growing ever stronger. So bring on the Fall chill!

Fall Collection Teaser!

2009-08-29T21:18:00.007-04:00

I've been a bizee bee creating my Fall Collection this week and I wanted to give you a taste of what I've done so far! I finally got the camera out and did a mini photo shoot which is always a challenge! I am definitely photo challenged but I tried my best to capture the right light to compliment the Fall colors. It's difficult, OK? But I think I got off to a good start. If I could afford to, I would hire someone to do the photos and listing work while I spent my time creating the jewelry, but **sigh** like most entrepreneurs... I must do it all on my own...
So take a look and see what you think! There's a whole lot more to come so stayed tuned. This bizee bee gal never sleeps!

Time Vortex...Or How Did The Past Week Disappear?

2009-08-26T21:55:00.004-04:00

Did I just blink and a whole week went by without me knowing it? Must be a time travel vortex or something equally strange... Honestly, I don't know what happened to the last week! Did I misplace it or what?
My only coherent memory was the Bead Fest on Saturday. And it was a doozie! Now does anybody know the correct spelling of that word cause I don't... Back to the subject...The bead fest was awesome & stupendous, and I want to give Interweave "2 Snaps Up" for doing such a great job of putting it together. It really wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be, and all the vendors that I spoke to were extremely patient and friendly. The lighting was good for the most part, although the bottom floor could have been brighter. Some people complained about it being too warm, but I liked the temp just fine. I hate freezing cold rooms when you're trying to concentrate and can't, due to frozen extremities. No, everything was perfect for me. The booths were so colorfully put together and the beads and gemstones sparkled. Every bead in the building was calling my name but unfortunately some of them were passed up. My husband was such a trooper! He even encouraged me to spend more than I budgeted for... imagine that! ;~)
I bought a dozen different color tubes of seed beads, hand-dyed ribbon and fiber for Kumihimo braiding, real Venetian glass beads, Christmas Holiday glass beads, sterling silver/vermeil/copper cones, hand beaded focal beads from Bali & Nepal, wooden focal beads from the Philippines, and some silver clasps and findings. I collected lots of business cards from my favorite vendors, too.
If you love beads & haven't been to a BIG bead show before, then You Have Got To Go, my friend! Get there early. Wear comfortable shoes. Set a budget and figure that you'll go over it by $100 or so. Collect lots of business cards. Talk to the vendors about their product. And look for inspiration!
I can't wait till next year and do it all over again! I'm sure I'll look back and wonder how the year went by so fast. Must be that ever increasing time vortex. ;~)

Home from Peru!

2009-08-20T10:31:00.010-04:00

In the past few days my wandering son, with the Big Blue Bus, made it home to the US from his exciting adventures in Peru this summer. I was so happy that his travels were rewarding and enlightening. I never know what to expect when it comes to him but that's OK. Every family needs a free spirit to keep things light, fun, and always exciting. He connects with people and the wide universe in ways that you and I can only envy. Right now he's back to living on his bus in an Eco-Community in Arizona. He's very excited to be there and to help them continue to build up the community and improve their resources. We had a nice long chat on the phone and he told me all about his Shaman Experience in the Amazon Jungle. It sounded quite peaceful and other-worldly to me. There he was in the middle of the jungle, relaxing to the sounds of the singing of the jungle insects, and contemplating the possibilities of his future. He's a brave soul, to be sure, and I feel that in spite of it all he's a lot more grounded, now, having had this experience. I know his future is a bright one filled with warmth and the ability to connect with many people. All in all, it was an exciting and broadening trip and I'm thankful that he was able to experience another culture so different from ours. He always sees the good in every situation and I know he's now able to appreciate what he has been blessed with in this life. Welcome Home, Brandon! And thanks again for the Peruvian Opals and Amazonite! Once I receive them, I will make something beautiful and post a picture!

Going to Interweave Bead Fest In Philly!

2009-08-12T11:09:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's true! I'm going to the Interweave Bead Fest in Philly on Aug. 22nd! I'm so excited! More than 325 booths and 2 entire floors of SHOPPING! It's the biggest bead show on the East Coast! I couldn't afford to go to the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee this year. The Interweave Show is more economical for me since I live within driving distance. No plane tickets or hotel bills so I can spend more on beads! Only one drawback... I'm bringing my husband! He'll be my "voice of reason" and my "sanity check"! LOL!

We're going to make a day of it and find a nice restaurant in Philly to have a late lunch/early dinner. Got to get up early and take care of the girls before we go. It'll be a long day indoors for them but I'll give them a frozen Kong with peanut butter to keep them busy while we're gone! I don't like to leave them for more than 8 hours so I'll have to take the fest all in at a steady pace... No lingering for me! If I like it, I'll buy it, as I won't be able to go back around a second time.

I'm looking for some Kumihimo end caps and any decorative beads and fibers to use in the braiding. I have made 3 braided bracelets so far and just love the whole process! I don't think there are a lot of people doing Kumihimo just yet but I could be wrong. It would be nice to think that I'm on the leading edge of something new here in the US. Of course, Kumihimo has been around a long time in Japan!

I need a brand new pair of comfy tenny's for this type of "all-day on my feet" activity! Got to be prepared! Wish me luck! I hope to find lots to snap up and bring home for more creative projects! And maybe my "voice of reason" will have fun, too!

If you're on the East Coast and interested in going, here is a link to the fest:
http://www.beadfest.com/beadfest/philadelphia.cfm

It's Time To Kumihimo!

2009-08-07T18:59:00.005-04:00

I was lucky enough to have lived in Japan for three years back in the late 60's-early 70's. My father was in the Air Force and stationed at Tachikawa AFB, and we lived in a Family Housing Annex named Kanto Maura. I attended Chofu Middle & High School when I was in 7th-10th grade, and I made some pretty good friends there. We had a blast going shopping on the Ginza and riding the trains all over Tokyo. We ate at the local restaurants and my favorite Japanese dishes were Gyoza , Fried Rice, Yakatori, and Yakasoba. I guess Sushi was available but not all that popular with the Americans, so it didn't interest me. I even had a good paying weekend job teaching Japanese pre-schoolers how to speak English. That was lots of fun and the kids were so cute! 1000 yen bought a lot of happiness for a teenager back then, and I loved to shop for anything Japanese! Bought my very first pair of Panty-Hose in Tokyo! We didn't have them in the states in the 60's as far as I know! I made it to the World's Fair in Osaka when I was in 9th grade. Osaka was a beautiful city and the fair was fantastic. All in all, I have the best memories of living in Japan. The people were kind and very tolerant of silly, giggling American teenage girls! I'd love to go back and visit Tokyo but I know that it has grown and changed a lot in the last 40 years!

So it doesn't surprise me to discover two amazing crafting skills from Japan! Japanese Style Amigurumi Crochet and Kumihimo Braided Jewelry! Both are so darn clever and fun! It takes a little while to get the hang of the circular crochet patterns of Amigurumi but once you do, you're hooked! ;~) LOL! And Kumihimo is also based on a circular concept as well and involves a round disk that you turn in a circle as you move your cords to create a braid. I've made two bracelets so far and I've ordered more supplies so that I can practice and perfect my technique! I hope to list some of my creations in my Etsy and Artfire shops very soon!
I loved living in Japan and I'm very happy to add two totally rewarding and entertaining new skills to my crafting journal! If you haven't Kumihimo-ed yet, give it a try!

Bizee Bee Sale!

2009-08-04T16:09:00.012-04:00

This Yellow Ruffle Bracelet and earrings would really make someone smile this Christmas! Come and see what's for sale in my Etsy Shop! L ot's of bargains...Prices marked down at least 20% with a special "Buy one get one (equal or lesser value)at 30% off! You won't be disappointed! Lots of bracelets and earrings to match for that special mom, sister, daughter, frien d, or co-worker!

August Sale!

2009-08-01T07:53:00.009-04:00

Happy August! Fall is right around the corner and I'm busy making some spectacular Fall Jewelry! In order to make room for my new selections, I've dropped prices in my Etsy shop by 20% AND... I'm offering a "BUY one item and get the second of equal or lesser value for 30% off". Just mention August Sale in the comment section and I will refund the savings through Paypal!
OOPS! Now how did Sophie's picture make it into my August Sale? She just wants to go out and play instead of watching me work on my Fall Projects!!! Come to my Etsy Shop and enjoy spectacular savings on Unique One-of-a-Kind Designs! www.bizeebeecreations.etsy.com

New York, New York!

2009-07-29T15:44:00.010-04:00

Yes, it's called the Big Apple by some and that's where we spent last weekend...visiting our daughter and her husband. It was a great time and we enjoyed our visit to the big city. The highlight of our trip, besides seeing our daughter, was taking the Staten Island Ferry across the water, and seeing the Statue of Liberty. But we also enjoyed the Flea Market on 39th St and walking through the Fashion District. We ate a nice lunch in Battery Park and then strolled along the promenade next to the water. There was lots going on in the park and we got to see some professional break dancing or whatever you call it these days...it was "way-cool"! My daughter's new puppy gave us a good reason to chill out at the local dog-park and that was nice. Brina took us up to the lab on campus where she studies and works. We got to see what her research is all about and that was amazing! Living in NYC definitely has its' day-to-day challenges and I'm certainly proud of my daughter and how she's adapted to the rigors of life in a metropolis! Big cities offer so much in the way of entertainment but we always choose to do something fun and free, and except for the food it was an economical trip! My daughter and her husband love the life and they're really taking advantage of the opportunity to see and do all they can afford to. We're happy to be home again...big city life is just too hectic for me but it was well worth the trip to see how well Brina is doing and how resilient she has become!

Renaissance Time?

2009-07-22T12:25:00.009-04:00

Here in the Mid-Atlantic area when you've got those late summer blues and the magic of the holidays is still a long way off, the Maryland & Virginia Renaissance Faires are something to get excited about. Now I've never been to either one but I'm contemplating the possibility of going this year. I guess my reluctance to attend in the past has been that I've lived in Europe and I've seen beautiful castles. So why go to a fair that celebrates the Renaissance? I think this is the year to go and get some inspiration. Maybe eat a turkey leg and watch some Jousting? To celebrate the Renaissance Spirit I've designed my Dragon Collection. I'm a romantic at heart and tales of dragons and castles have always intrigued and excited me.
My friend Nikki, @ www.bastilleblue.etsy.com or www.bastillebleu.artfire.com created the lampwork beads for this collection! I know I'm buying quality when I buy from her Etsy or Artfire Shop!

Rocked the Sales!

2009-07-18T20:44:00.003-04:00

OK, so maybe it's just a coincidence... but I've worked 6 out of the last 8 days and sales at the Bead Shop have rocked!!! Is it just my sparkling personality or what??? LOL, really LOL! ... Anyway, it's so great to help people at the shop. I really get such a big sense of satisfaction when someone says, "Thanks so much for all of your help!" A lady today, who spent big bucks, told the shop manager that I was a big keeper! Talk about a compliment...
So when do I have time to make, photo, and list my creations for my Etsy and Artfire shops? Well, that's a good question... Try 12 midnight... ;~))

All Wired Up!

2009-07-16T08:39:00.005-04:00

My beading buddy, Pam, has a wonderful gift for wire-work that she is exploring and developing! She is creating some very unique projects! Here are a couple examples of her work! Please visit her Etsy shop and you'll see just how wonderful her wire-work is!
Visit her Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5736780
She's having a great Christmas In July Sale!

Thanks, Pam, for featuring my Dragon Bracelet in your blog! http://fpc4you.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-beading-buddy-is-getting-mystical.html

Some like it hot...I like it Spicy Hot!

2009-07-14T12:02:00.013-04:00

Summer's in high gear now. It's supposed to get up to 90 tomorrow and I'm lovin' the warm weather! Every year I grow a huge pot o' peppers on my deck and freeze the harvest to last all year. I like jalapenos and just about any hot pepper with the exception of the super duper hot ones like the habaneros! When we lived in Texas almost 12 years ago, we loved to go out to eat at the local Tex-Mex restaurants and I would always order an extra dish of jalapenos to put alittle more heat on my plate. When we moved up here the choice of Tex-Mex eateries was slim to poor with Chi-Chi's being the best option. So we make a lot of Tacos, Spanish rice, Pico de Gallo, Salsa, Chimichangas, and Burritos at home now. But I sure miss Pappasito's Restaurant and Cafe Brazil in Dallas!
Look at my peppers growing! I can't wait to try out the jalapenos and hot cherry peppers! We're trying a new one this year...a Hot Hungarian Yellow pepper. Here are some other pictures of my garden too!

What does Summer mean to you?

2009-07-11T21:29:00.006-04:00

I guess "Summer" means many different things to people depending on where you live and how you were raised. Growing up mainly in the South, summer meant... Ice Cream at the local Dairy Queen, Vacation Bible School for 1 week, Red Cross Swimming Lessons, Picking the sweetest Wild Blackberrries, Walking to the local shopping center with my best friend, Riding my bike from sunrise to sunset, and Going to the Saturday Matinee... Once or twice we went on a Family Vacation, but most summer breaks we stayed home. My mom did her best to keep an eye on us but she was busy doing what most mom's did back in the 50's and 60's... cleaning house, grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, and sewing clothes for the coming school year. There were no soccer leagues that I knew of or any of the activities that my kids participated in, no video games, or internet... It was a lazy summer with plenty of down time after a busy school year. I don't recall ever being bored...From the time we finished breakfast until dinner , we were outside playing all kinds of imaginary games. TV was watched if you were sick in bed or after dinner when it was too dark to stay out..For the most part, summer was spent outside , playing to our heart's content... Building forts, playing with our Barbie Dolls, or pretending we were in an imaginary land. Sigh...what great summers they were...

Aloha Bracelets!

2009-07-08T23:46:00.009-04:00

I love Hawaii! Some of our best vacations have been in Hawaii... The last "Full Family Vacation" that I can remember was back in '95 when our oldest son, Shawn, graduated from High School. It was a very memorable trip that we spent in Maui at the Maui Marriott. We rented two rooms that overlooked the beach. My hubby and I would get up in the early hours, before the kids woke up, and sit on the balcony with a cup of coffee to watch the sunrise! We went to a luau, enjoyed a snorkeling trip, ate at Momma's Fish House Restaurant, took the perilous "Drive to Hana", and enjoyed many happy hours at the beach! Sadly, we haven't had a family vacation, with all of the kids, since then... One day it would be nice to return to Hawaii with the whole family... but we're a bigger family now, with grandchildren and a new son and daughter-in-law... I can't imagine how expensive it would be or how we'd coordinate the trip so everyone could come... Oh well... maybe some day?

When I saw the Aloha Bracelets in one of my Beading magazines, I fell in love with them and knew I'd have to give them a try. They were so much fun to make and not so difficult either!

Treasury List!

2009-07-07T11:18:00.010-04:00

LittleDickensDesigns included me in her Etsy Treasury List, titled "...Hot and Happy... to brighten up even the grayest of days". Thanks, Little Dickens Designs! You made my day!

Come see the List! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=60060

Hot Salsa Bracelet will definitely brighten up your day and put a smile on your face!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T08:48:00.008-04:00

Fire up the grill, bake that Apple Pie, chill your favorite Beer, and invite your friends, family, and neighbors over... It's the 4th of July! Our day to celebrate our Independence and all things American!
It looks to be the perfect day for an outdoor party and fireworks, here in the Mid-Atlantic region! I hope it's sunny and warm where you are too! While you're having fun, don't forget our soldiers everywhere who are risking their lives to defend our Freedom! My uncle fought in WWII, my father fought in Vietnam, and I'm proud to say that I have an ancestor who was a very important officer in the Confederacy.... Jeb Stuart! "James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart (February 6, 1833 – May 12, 1864) was a U.S. Army officer from Virginia and a Confederate States Army general during the American Civil War." (from Wikipedia)

Red, White, and Blue are the colors of the day! So don't forget your Patriotic jewelry! Have a great day, enjoy the fireworks, and don't forget Mom's Apple Pie!

Let Freedom Ring!

4th of July, Freedom Rings, Red, White, and Blue Bracelet and Earring Set on Sale at Etsy!

Exciting Discovery!!!

2009-07-03T23:08:00.006-04:00

It's almost midnight but I wanted to share the most amazing discovery with everyone! Here's my latest creation and great idea! I have listed several Anklet Sets on Etsy that include two coordinating anklets and a pair of earrings. One set sold and the rest are just waiting to be snapped up by some savvy shopper... I recently discovered that if you connect the anklets they make a nice 18 inch necklace! I'm so excited! Not only do you get two anklets and a pair of earrings, you get a necklace out of the deal too! So how's that for creative genius??? Take a look and see what I mean. I think I'll be listing this set on Artfire tomorrow so head there fast and be the lucky buyer! This is truly a gorgeous color combination...aqua and copper! The glass melon beads have a unique seagreen look to them and are lovely with the coral dagger beads and Czech glass beads. Give this set a try and see how much fun it is to have a little variety! I have several other Anklet Sets for sale on Etsy that will work the same way. Summer is here and what better way to flaunt your pretty ankles or cute summer dress!

The cost of doing business!

2009-06-29T10:51:00.005-04:00

Just listed a couple new items on Artfire! It's so much fun to discover a new way to share my creations with you! Check out these new things. Do you like Bali silver? I do, that's for sure! The cost of silver has been increasing for a while so when an item lists sterling silver as a component, please understand that in order to use silver in the design, the artisan is increasing the cost dramatically! Lampwork glass is not cheap to make either, and since I don't make it myself, I have to buy from other artisans... increasing cost, yet again... I've read that to adequately price an item, the cost of supplies is tripled, then add all the other hidden costs so that the artisan can continue to support his/her business. It's no wonder that if you make quality jewelry, the retail price is high! I only make jewelry that I would like to wear, so it's got to be made with high quality components! I haven't found my niche market yet but I hope I will. In the meantime I keep investing in silver, lampwork beads, etc. Investments that will pay off someday... maybe. That's the cost of doing business!

New Artfire Shop!!!

2009-06-28T12:48:00.016-04:00

Yes, it's true, I've expanded! I now have a brand new shop on Artfire! It's so exciting to launch a new store... Whew, I'm exhausted! All that heavy typing, reading, etc...etc... Not much going on in the Etsy world for me so I thought I'd take the time to explore my other options. My biggest complaint with Etsy has always been that you can't really customize your home page. When I read that Artfire has a pretty cool format to allow customization, I thought I'd go for it! Now here's the catch... You can be a "Basic" member on Artfire and pay NO FEES, which allows minimal customization OR you can become a verified member, pay $12 per month, and enjoy full options. Hmmmm... I think I'll start at the "Basic" level and see how that works for me and then upgrade if I'm able to justify the expense...

Here's my first two listings on Artfire: Pink Lemonade Bracelet with Yellow Lampwork Flowers and Pink Circle Earrings! I'll be adding lots more to my shop in the near future so please visit my new Artfire Shop often! My Etsy and Artfire shops will offer different items - no duplicates! I still love my Etsy Shop and all the great benefits it offers, I'm just ready to branch out now that I have more on-line savvy and confidence!!!

Summer Thunderstorms

2009-06-26T18:12:00.008-04:00

Don't you just love summer thunderstorms??? I do... I love to see the building thunder bumper rainclouds and watch the darkening sky. As the storm approaches the wind picks up, the lightening crackles and sizzles, and the trees start to wave and thrash about. Then the first raindrops fall with a big plop, plop, plop... and before you know it the downpour has started. I love to sit by the window and watch the rain come down in sheets... rejoicing that I won't have to get the water hose out and do my daily round of watering the flowers. Ahhh, summer thunderstorms, they come and go so quickly, occasionally leaving a rainbow behind, one of mother nature's creative masterpieces...

Happy Monday!

2009-06-22T09:43:00.004-04:00

The sun is shining and the back door is open to the cool breeze. My dogs are running in and out and having a great time checking on their domain... the backyard! Busy week ahead...work, yoga, dentist, work, visitors coming...

I'm so glad that I got my Patriotic Jewelry Set accomplished over the weekend! It was a lot of fun and frustration, making and creating it. Did you ever finish a piece and then realize that something was totally wrong??? Well, I finished wire wrapping the necklace and tried it on...only to realize that it was lop-sided! WAHHHH! So instead of wasting 12 inches of sterling silver 20g. 1/2 hard wire, I cut it, took it apart, and re-made the front part shorter. So what you're seeing isn't exactly what I had in mind... The original was longer with wire spirals on each end. Very pretty but it would not have worked with it hanging lop-sided... When I look at the finished necklace, I like it, but do I love it? Hmmmm, what do you think?

Brandon made it to Peru! He sent us an e-mail over the weekend to say that he and his friend arrived just fine. That was a relief! He'll be there the rest of the summer, traveling, sightseeing, and doing some volunteer work. It should be an exciting adventure! They plan to take a boat trip up the Amazon River...how exotic is that? He said that he would keep in touch with us, so I hope he does... I keep reminding him to check out the local beads and send me something unusual!

Patrotic Jewelry!

2009-06-20T16:11:00.007-04:00

The good ole USA has seen some hard times recently so I think this 4th of July we should all stop and count our blessings... like freedom, family, and Mom's Apple Pie! I made this Patriotic Jewelry set with that thought in mind. It's red, white, and blue, and couldn't be any more symbolic of our country's flag. Say a prayer for our soldiers, everywhere, that are defending our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness! So Happy Birthday and let freedom ring!

What's New? Va-Va-VOOM!

2009-06-19T10:06:00.008-04:00

I seem to be "bogged down" right now...but maybe that's not the right phrase? Since I started working at the Bead Store, I've become more aware of the different styles of beading and jewelry-making for the crafting artisan. There's wire-working which intrigues me. There's seed bead work that is intricate. There's chainmaille that amazes me... Just to name a few. My dilemma, if that's really what I'm feeling, is which direction to branch out in and incorporate in my simple stringing? Simple stringing is fast, easy, with immediate results. The other specialties require time, patience, and practice to learn a new skill. I've already tried a little wire-work and it does enhance my designs but to make my stringing really stand out, I need something to give it some va-va-voooom! Anyone can pick up beads and string them on a wire but not everyone can become skilled in the areas I've mentioned. So I'm spinning my wheels and trying to decide what to try next. Guess I just need to take a few classes at the store and see if anything really sparks my creative drive!

Here's a pretty patriotic bracelet and earring set I made in honor of the upcoming July 4th holiday. I made it with real Venetian beads, not the fake imitation kind. And the sterling silver tubes lighten up the overall look and weight. I just love Swarovski Crystals so I made the focal bead in the front a 12mm crystal helix. The magnetic clasp makes it so easy to put on and take off. Plus I added a safety chain so it couldn't accidently fall off. I think it looks pretty good but it needs that little something extra to say va-va-voom!!! I just need to figure out what that could be...

Lost and Found...Angels Abound!

2009-06-14T13:52:00.003-04:00

As crazy as it might sound, there are angels in this world! I believe in them and I hope you do, as well. I have a guardian angel and my son must have one, too. But some angels aren't of the heavenly variety...they are earth-bound just like you and me.
Just about a week ago, I answered the phone on a lazy afternoon and much to my surprise a person...a stranger really...informed me that she had found my son's fanny pack along the highway in California! It contained, among other things, his passport and money. I knew that my son and his traveling companion were planning to leave his Big Blue Bus in Tucson and travel on to San Francisco, but I hadn't heard from him in a while. They were arranging a ride that would take them to their next destination on his trip to see the world up close and personal. Their goal, to catch a plane to Lima, Peru and spend the summer there. Losing his passport would not have been a great thing to happen at this point in his adventures, that's for sure!
So when I got the phone call, I couldn't believe that he had actually lost the darn thing, and I was absolutely amazed that this total stranger would actually try to track down the owner! I think a lot of people might have just kept the money and disposed of the passport... But not this stranger...not this angel. I gave her my son's cell phone number and they eventually contacted each other. They exchanged information and then met up in San Francisco, where he collected his belongings from this wonderful person. She definitely went out of her way to return his pack to him. I can't believe his good fortune that the pack ended up in the hands of such an honest person...an angel... to begin with!
Everyone loses something important, eventually, but I'm so happy that this lost and found story concluded with such a happy ending. My son regained his valuables and I regained my faith in the honesty and integrity of an earth-bound angel.

Friends helping Friends

2009-06-12T10:05:00.008-04:00

It's Friday and another whole week has gone by since my last post! Time flies way too fast to suit me! But it was a good week and I had fun too...

I had lunch with a new friend on Tuesday. I met Pam while I was working at the beadstore a couple weeks ago. I helped her pick out some beading things to make a set of earrings for her MIL. She mentioned that she had an etsy shop, www.FPC4YOU.etsy.com, so I convo'd her later that week. We started emailing each other and decided to meet for lunch. She's very nice and loves beading and wirework. We had a great lunch this week at Ruby Tuesdays and exchanged ideas. We're thinking about co-hosting an in-home jewelry show this fall. I'm so glad that I met her at the store! It's so nice to have a beading buddy close by. Thanks, Pam! Check out her shop if you're looking for pretty jewelry!

I've met a very nice person on etsy that I now count as my friend: a wonderful handmade lampwork glass artist, Nikki, @ www.bastillebleu.etsy.com. She's so talented and I love to buy her lampwork beads to create pretty new bracelets and earrings! Her work is fun, colorful, and very bright. I love all those qualities in jewelry, so we make a great team. If we lived closer I'm sure we could go into business together. She has featured my work on her blog and I want to thank her for that! So thanks, Nikki! Check out her shop for beautiful lampwork beads and she has another shop too: www.bastillebleubijoux.etsy.com that features bracelets, earrings and other creations with her handmade lampwork beads!

A dear friend of mine from childhood, Debbie, is also an etsy artist @ www.butteredparsnips.etsy.com. She was the one who told me about etsy and encouraged me to open my own shop! She has been so helpful especially the last few months while I've struggled to gain etsy recognition. She's listened to my disgruntled complaints and whining about no sales and she's helped me in lots of other ways, too. Thanks, Debbie! If you're looking for the cutest buttons ever, check out her shop!

My life has changed in a big BIG way since I joined etsy... I'm blogging, twittering, working at a beadstore to pay for supplies, and I've made new friends along the way. Friends helping friends, that's what life and etsy are all about. A wonderful community of handmade crafters... So thanks my dear friends. Without you, this whole venture would not be half as satisfying!

First sale on Etsy!

2009-06-06T13:54:00.011-04:00

The moment it happened I was working on listing a new Anklet Set and noticed that something was missing from the front page of my etsy shop! Then I realized that I'd made my first sale... Wow! After almost 3 months I thought it would never happen but I never gave up! Thank you fellow etsian, butteredparsnips! That lonely old "0"sales is now a "2"! I am now a professional. I have made a sale! Just wanted to share the good news... :~)

********Check out some of my other anklet sets!***********

Beach or Bust?

2009-06-05T14:58:00.003-04:00

Is anybody planning a beach vacation this summer? If so, don't forget to pack your favorite summer jewelry. As seen in my last post, I've been busy creating summer anklet sets. They're light, summery, and make you feel feminine with a little bit of sparkle. There's plenty more to come and since I have the weekend off from the beadstore I'll be working hard to get them created and listed.

We probably won't get to the beach this summer so I envy all of you that will. A couple years ago my hubby and I celebrated a special anniversary in Tahiti. We renewed our wedding vows on the beach in Bora Bora. Talk about a beautiful event... Just imagine it's February and snowing at home and you're in the South Pacific feeling the warm tropical breeze. All around you is the clearest blue water you've ever seen and the sun is glowing intensely. We had so much fun on that trip and it was definitely worth the 13 hour flight! We really celebrated the joys of all our 32 years together. I think the best part of the whole trip (besides the vow renewal) was the Sunset Champagne Cruise. But then again, I loved our day at the spa, complete with Papaya Body Scrub and Vichy Shower. But gosh, there was the Tahitian Dance Show on Moorea that was truely outstanding... No, no, the absolute "BESTEST" part of the trip was sitting on the deck of our Overwater Bungalow looking out over the blue waters of the lagoon that encircles Bora Bora, sipping a tropical drink... We'd love to go back and maybe someday we will... But until then I'll make these tropical anklet sets and dream of another Tahitian vacation...

Feedjit and Sitemeter!

2009-06-02T10:29:00.006-04:00

If you just started doing a blog or you're interested in making your current blog more interesting, I strongly suggest that you consider feedjit and sitemeter. I get my blog ideas from reading other blogs and these two options are so much fun! Kind of like getting those coveted hearts on etsy! Feedjit actually tells you where on this earth your blog traffic is coming from and sitemeter tells you the total number of visitors to your blog. It's so cool to see that people all over the world come to my blog and are taking the time to read about my crafting journal. And the sitemeter let's me know when my posts are interesting or boring. Hardly anybody has the time to leave a comment, so the sitemeter is a handy tool to help me know that I am connecting with people. BTW, you might have noticed that I hit the big 1-0-0 on my sitemeter today!!! If you have other blog tools that you love please let me know and leave a comment.

Otherwise, just wanted to update you on my son's progress with the Big Blue Bus and his traveling adventures! He called the other afternoon from Silver City. He and a traveling companion headed out of Austin, Tx late last week. So far the bus is holding up just fine. He must have a guardian angel that watches out for wandering travelers. Their destination is Tuscon. I imagine that they have reached the Eco-Village where they'll be camping for a while. He spent some time there last winter helping the village build a windmill to generate electricity. He really liked the area and the whole idea of a self sustaining commmunity. Thank goodness for cell phones so he can keep in touch.

Right now I'm busy making anklets sets and it's so much fun. I was into bracelets for a while and now anklets are what I'm creating. I'm going to list them in sets with a matching pair of earrings. I'll post a picture later today so come back this afternoon for a peek...

Is Time Flying or Am I in S-L-O-W -mo?

2009-05-29T22:24:00.008-04:00

I can't believe it's Friday night! I just watched "What Not To Wear" on TLC! I love that show! If I had $5000 to spend on new clothes, I'd go CRAZY! Of course I'd go to NYC to spend the money and I'd love to have Two Fashion Savvy People advise me on what to wear! For all you jewelry makers/designers/artists, the question I want to ask is: Do you buy the clothes first and then make the jewelry Or do you buy/make the jewelry first and then find clothes to match???Which comes first, the chicken or the egg... the clothes or the jewelry??? For me, it's the clothes... when I can afford to shop, that is! Right now I spend most of my money on beads to make new things for my etsy shop. But I do love to buy spring & summer clothes! Wow, just thinking about spending $5000 on clothes blows me away...

Yeah, TV's kind of slow on Friday nights when you don't have any Premium Channels... So I think I'll go upstairs and try to do something creative... like make an anklet or earrings. Of course it's 10:30pm and my brain really wants to sleep. But when I pass by "My Studio", I hear these tiny little bead voices calling to me. They're saying "Come in, come in, come in and make something pretty tonight..." That's why I'm in slow-mo...I've been listening to those little voices way too often and staying up way too late...

Priorities and other nonsense...

2009-05-24T09:13:00.011-04:00

I realize, now, that working in the beadstore and trying to make jewelry is eating up a lot of time. But I won't give either one up! I love working in the store. Beaders and jewelry artists are the happiest people on earth. What a change from working in a doctor's office, which I did for 18 years... But now the people I see and help in the bead store are creative happy people and the energy they bring with them is contagious! Sure, I don't make much money compared to what I made working as a nurse...But I'm so much happier. And I'm getting ideas all the time, too! I made 10 bracelets, 11 prs of earrings, and I worked 20 hrs at the shop this past week.

So, yeah, I'm behind on laundry and stuff but my priorities have been taken care of! First on my list is my hubby and then my dogs (or maybe it's the other way around???). We have 2 rescued dogs, an Australian Shepherd and a Border Collie. Sienna is a 6 yr old Red-Tri Aussie and as shy as they come. That's why no one wanted her. We adopted her when she was 3 and she's still fearful in some situations especially around men and strangers. Sophie is a 4 yr old Border Collie mix that we adopted out of a hording/neglect situation. She was so skinny when we brought her home 2 yrs ago. She loves everybody and has helped Sienna with her shyness. I call them "my girls"! We're a real family and they've helped me with my empty-nest syndrome. I'd be lost without them.

Yeah, I'm busy and I have a lot on my to do list. I've let the gardening slip this spring and I love to garden! Not very good at it but, none the less, I do enjoy getting outside and digging in the dirt to plant flowers. Guess life is all about priorities and learning how to let some things go while keeping your true passions at the top of the list...

I'm A Big Girl Now!

2009-05-18T09:14:00.006-04:00

When my daughter, Brina, was about 4 to 5 years old, she shouted to an entire restaurant that she did not want to share my meal with me anymore because... "I am a big girl now and want my own meal all to myself!" Our family has never let her live that down and we remind her at odd times (like in her Senior High School Yearbook) of that very declaration of independence! She's almost 25, now, and we still tease her about that episode from time to time. She takes it very well and tolerates us good naturedly. When I look at her now, I'm always reminded of what a fierce, brave little girl she was and how she's grown up to be a proud, independent, courageous, young woman. I guess every mom wants to protect their children, epsecially their daughters, but at the same time we want them to become self confident and able to defend their beliefs in a world where woman's rights are still evolving. Brina might be short in stature, at only 5'1, but she's the tallest person I know when it comes to compassion and intelligence.
When she graduated from High School and headed off to University, my world changed. She is my youngest, so not only did I have to experience the dreaded empty nest syndrome but also the loss of my best friend and shopping buddy. I was devastated for a while when she left, but I certainly wanted her to become an idependent person. I would not hold her back, that's for sure. Not only did she leave the state, she left the country for her University experience...Canada! From a far, I watched her grow into a self confident world traveler, able to hold her own in a world that could be pretty scary and down-right dangerous at times.
Brina came home for my birthday this year... The first time in several years. That was the best present of all! We shopped, talked, did girlie-things like mani/pedicures at a local day spa, and we celebrated being together again. I taught her how to wire-wrap stones to make a pendant. We had such a great weekend and I was reminded all over again about how lucky I am to be a parent and have such great kids! Her dad and I really accomplished a lot and always admire each one of the kids for their gifts and contributions to the world. When you're in the thick of parenthood and each day is a challenge you sometimes take your kids' company for granted. But now when they do come home for a visit, you stop and take a close look... Only to realize that they have grown up and yourself along with them... She is a big girl now... and I'm oh so proud.

I'm A Working Girl.......again.

2009-05-14T11:34:00.009-04:00

It's funny how your life can be going along at a certain speed, like s-l-o-w gear, and then all of a sudden it changes. Last Wednesday when Brandon left in his Big Blue Bus, that's just what happened to me...
I was feeling a little bit sad and melancholy so after I waved good-bye & shed a few tears, I decided to check my e-mails and see if I could cheer myself up with some good news or something... And there it was... A nudge... A possibility for change... A message from my local beadstore with the latest class schedule. I know what you're thinking. How could that be of significance? I saw a class for "Wire-Wrapping Pendants" coming up on Mother's Day. Brandon recently gave me a beautiful Labradorite stone and it had been laying on the kitchen windowsill for about a month. I looked at the stone and knew that I had to take that class so I could wire-wrap his gift to me. Since we had no big plans for that day and none of my kids would be in town, I decided to sign up for the class. Well, I called to see if there were any spots left in the class and sure enough there were. BUT instead of signing up over the phone, I decided to run over to the shop to sign up so that I could buy my supplies. When I got there I browsed around for a while and talked to the Shop-Owner about beading ideas and other bead related topics. And then out of the clear blue sky she said she was looking for part-time help and would I be interested!?! WOW! Did that ever take me by surprise! I was flabbergasted and didn't know what to say... So we talked about the dates and times she needed help... And all the while I'm thinking, do I really want to do this? How will this impact my "stay at home, retired lifestyle" that I had grown accustomed to? I bought my supplies and told the shop-owner that I would think about her offer and call her back the next day. Afterall, I did have ALOT to consider! Did I want to take on a commitment like this? I thought about it all the way home and realized that sometimes you just have to jump into new ideas with both feet, regardless... Afterall, I could learn more about the beading business, get dressed up for work-days, and show off what I had made! It might be the best idea EVER! It couldn't hurt! So I called her after I got home and made my commitment! Now I'm a working girl, again.... Wish me luck! As sad as it was, I guess there was a silver lining to Brandon's departure... It was the push I needed to get my life in F-A-S-T gear!

He Made It To Austin, Tx!

2009-05-09T12:42:00.006-04:00

Hallelujah! Brandon made it as far as Austin, Tx! He just called today at 12:30EST. So it took him 3 days from the East Coast, traveling @ 45mph. Guess he's pretty tired after this first leg of his long journey. Next stop is Tucson,Az. but right now he's resting up at his friend's house. I've been thinking about him off & on for the past 3 days... praying,too. My prayers were answered, as far as I'm concerned. Now I can relax and enjoy Mother's Day tomorrow... Hope to hear from my two other children as well. I'm so lucky to have such great kids. I wouldn't trade motherhood for anything in the world. I might not be rich money-wise but I'm doubly rich in having the love and respect of my children.
Thanks, Mom for being such a wonderful role model for me. And thanks for giving me life... I love you and I love my family!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone whether you're a mom or not. If you nuture and care for someone special, you should celebrate too!

(Mom's wearing the Butterfly Necklace I made for her. She loves butterflies!)

Life's Journey

2009-05-07T10:31:00.013-04:00

Yesterday my youngest son set out on a mission... To discover what the real meaning of life was for him and to create a purpose for his life. You see, he's already graduated from college and held a steady job, but that wasn't enough to satisfy his yearnings to make his reality something special. So a year ago he quit his full-time-with-benefits career job, bought an old school bus, and turned it into an RV. His goal, one might ask? Well, of course, to discover the world at large! He got some buddies together and first they painted the bus a bright aqua blue like the color of the Caribbean Sea . Then he constructed sleeping bunks, a working sink, and a living area. This process took many months to complete and he did a lot of research to get the requirements correct. Then he had to get it insured, licensed, tagged as an RV, and inspected. Over the course of a year, he managed to get the job done and learn a lot more than he ever appreciated learning in college. When the day came that all the requirements were met, he looked at me with such pride on his face and love in his heart and said, "Mom, give me a hug". What he was really saying was, "Mom, the day has come and I'll be leaving and I probably won't be seeing you for a long, long time." Well, he pulled the bus out of the driveway yesterday and as I watched him go I cried. And I prayed that he would be safe on his journey... my youngest son... my carefree son... so enthusiastic about life now... Good luck, Brandon...Please keep in touch... And God bless you.

So if you happen to see a big blue bus on the highway, heading west, please wave and honk your horn... After all it could be your son out there too..."The purpose of life is to create purpose of life."

Bella's Bracelets!

2009-05-02T09:38:00.004-04:00

Good Saturday Morning!
It's been wet and rainy the past couple of days but I don't mind... May is here! My favorite month of the year. Why? Well, it could be because it's spring and all the flowers are a-bloomin', or because the robins are back and building their nests, or maybe because the days are much longer and warmer... Yes, it's all that... and ... it's my birthday month! Yay for birthdays!!! What do I want most for my birthday this year, you might ask? I want to make my first sale in my etsy shop! I opened my shop, officially, on March 22nd and it's been somewhat of a bummer that people haven't flocked to it and bought something ... anything... Oh well ... But I'm not giving up! Not yet! Have to get my shop advertised and noticed by the right people, I guess. It's tough competition selling jewelry. So in the meantime, I'm searching ways to make my shop and blog more interesting.

And I continue to make jewelry! Look at these sweet bracelets I made for my oldest grand-daughter, Isabella. She's 3 & 1/2 and she loves jewelry already! These are very simple to make: String pretty beads on .7mm Stretch Magic, (I made her bracelets 6" so she would have enough space to put her little hand through without over stretching the bracelet) then tie 3 knots and add a few drops of G-S Hypo Cement. When the cement is dry, trim the excess Stretch Magic ends ... Easy, peasy... And she doesn't have to ask her mom for help to put them on! Do you think she'll share them with her baby sister, Isla? Someday... maybe... But for now they're all hers!

For more bracelets and great jewelry please visit my etsy shop

Home Again!

2009-04-28T07:33:00.008-04:00

I returned home yesterday after spending a lovely week with my parents in Florida. I usually visit them twice a year, in the spring and the fall. The weather is cooler then and the humidity not as bad as in the summer. My sister drives down from Alabama and we have a great time together. She is a real talker and the laughter is non-stop when we get together. My mom and dad look forward to our visits and have something planned for each day that we're there. Normally we do three things... shop, talk, and eat... My mom is a great cook and loves to plan her meals ahead of time. We usually go out to eat at our favorite restaurants, too, and give her a little break in the kitchen. My sister and I help her out by doing the clean-up after meals. The weather was wonderful last week and there were no thunderstorms! It's not unusual, at this time of year, to have lots of rain and then bright sunshine all in the same day! But this trip, it was blue skies and sunshine the whole week... My sister loves jewelry and has always been the one to buy bright colorful outfits to wear with store bought jewelry. She has always had the gift to put together great clothes with great baubles and I've always admired her style. So this trip I decided that if she was interested, I would teach her the basics of stringing and beading jewelry She was a quick learner and now she's as hooked as I am! She has a different style from mine but we agree on colors so we designed a lovely necklace and earrings for our mom and gave it to her as an early Mother's Day gift!

We bought the beads at my favorite bead shop in Florida: The L.H. Bead Gallery. Here I am, standing with Lisa in front of her new store! She is a lampwork glass artist and her beads are exceptional! I love to work with her bright colored beads. Her new shop is doing very well and she was featured in a story on Channel 7News. Good luck, Lisa! I e-mailed her a couple months ago and asked her to create a lampwork glass bee for my "signature" necklace. She said, "Sure! I'd love to do that for you!" After mailing the bee to me I created the Bizee Bee necklace and brought it with me to Florida to show to her. I think she was very impressed with the results! Now I have my Bizee Bee Creations Necklace for my Etsy Shop!
Thanks, Lisa!

So my wonderful week with my folks ended yesterday and here I am, home again! I had a great time and am so thankful that my parents are in such good health. I'll be returning in the fall for my mom's 80th birthday and until then... Thanks, Mom & Dad... I love you!
And to my sister... keep beading and Bee Creative!

Please visit my shop for more Bizee Bee Creations!

Thursday and the sun is shining!

2009-04-16T10:28:00.003-04:00

Finally, the sun is out again! After two days of wet cold rainy weather it's nice to see clear blue skies and feel the sun on my face. I love this time of year when the grass is new and the earth is just starting to blossom. Up here in Maryland we can have days of dreary weather and then the sun pops out and it's beautiful... Behind us there is open farmland and we're lucky to have views of Middletown Valley. It was once a total farming community but has slowly been taken over by new housing developments. We've lived in Maryland for 11 years and still appreciate the slow pace of life here.
This spring-time I'm rejoicing in my decision to do beading full time and try to sell my jewelry in my etsy shop. I'm thinking that I might even try a craft show come fall. I might be ready by then. We have tons of craft shows in the fall in our area and it is exciting to think that I could be a real part of that venue.
Looks like I won't get to go to the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee this year. Too expensive and I'm already spending a lot of money trying get my shop on etsy going. *S*I*G*H* Maybe next year...
I made 3 Mom's Day bracelets...Yea! They turned out so pretty! I'll take some pictures today and post them later. I think I'll also make a Chakra Energy bracelet for myself. I love yoga and get some of my best ideas while taking my class on Tuesday morning.
I've been practicing yoga on and off for about 10 years. But the last year I've been a faithful follower at Mountain Spirit Yoga in Middletown. Karla is such a gifted, talented, inspirational teacher. She really helps you to reach your goals in class.
So, for now let me wish you Hari Om, Shanti, Shanti...

Here's Mom's Day Blue Pearl Bracelet and Pink & Pearl Bracelet Set!

Visit my shop for additional necklaces, earrings, and bracelets

Happy Monday!

2009-04-13T09:11:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday! It's great to be at the beginning of a brand new week! I have lots of creative energy and I hope to accomplish many things. Starting with Mother's Day projects, I guess... I also want to start a new crochet afghan project and make some soap! WOW! Lot's of fun projects to choose from. Where do I start? What should I pick first? Still need to get that wall calender to organize myself and create goals for the week... Seems like I spend a great deal of time on the internet checking on my etsy shop, ordering new supplies, and updating my flickr page. I really need to clean the house so maybe part of today I should tackle that! Whatever I decide, there's one thing that's always true...I need more hours in the day to do it all!

I made a bright and bold bracelet and earrings since my last post!

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Greetings From BizeeBeeCreations

2009-04-09T09:16:00.001-04:00

Creating beaded jewelry is the best part of my life right now. Sitting down at my creativity desk and looking through all my colorful beads to get inspiration is fun and exciting! But trying to learn what vehicles exist to get my creations noticed and appreciated is a different story. Blogging, twittering...What's that ALL about? I feel like a tiny dot on a big page....... Somebody please notice me....... Oh, well....... THIS is challenging and I love challenges! I'm starting a blog today! WOW! Me... a blogger!

My goals:

To be creative everyday
To discover new ways to promote my product
To share my Ups & Downs with other Crafters
To share my discoveries
To learn new beading techniques
To become an interesting blogger
To get myself ORGANIZED

OK, first of all I need to consider my possibilities and get myself organized for the day. Will I order more supplies for beading? Create something new? Rearrange my bead drawers so that I can find what I need more efficiently? Guess I need a "PLAN of ACTION"! I need a big wall calendar. I will set a list of goals for each day and then check them off as I go. A checked off list makes you feel powerful and that you're truly accomplishing something.

So, I need short term goals and long term goals... check. Now let's get started!

Here's my latest bracelet made from Venetian Glass beads

Visit my shop for additional necklaces, earrings, and bracelets