Hot !Hot !Hot!

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!

What's New? Va-Va-VOOM!

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...

Thursday and the sun is shining!

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!
















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