In Progress.....

Here's a little pin in progress.

Was able to get a little more beading done --

Another Christmas Gift Arrived

This beaded cameo pin/necklace is a gift for my daughter, Stephanie. She admired an earlier one I made and so it was easy to decide on a gift for her. She is a musician and this will be used in part as accent for a costume.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a holiday season filled with love and peace.

Another gift has arrived and been opened so I can post a photo of the beaded cameo pin I made for a friend in Canada. This too was a Christmas gift exchange.

I can now show one of the Christmas items.........

The gifts I made for a dear friend have reached their destination --- and, as I had opened my lovely gifts from Lynn ( see earlier post with the lovely bead decorated box, etc.), Lynn opened my gifts to her. The above pin/necklace is one of the gifts I made for her -- the cord is easily removed and the beaded cabochon can be worn as a pin. (Click on the photo for and enlarged view -- easier to see the detail).
In addition to the beaded pin/necklace, gifts to Lynn included: a purse organizer, fabric covered notebook, crocheted button bracelet, a wooden box with tiny doll and quilt pattern and fabric -- the box becomes a bed for the doll, two antique handkies and 6 cabochons. This was such a fun exchange.

I Really Have Been Beading

Really, I have been working --- I can't post photos of my finished projects until after Christmas as most of what I have been working on have been Christmas gifts for friends and family. As soon as the gifts are opened, I will post photos -- they are all set to go -- just waiting LOL.

Christmas Came Early

In yesterday's mail came a wonderful Christmas package. In a group I belong to we had a Christmas swap of 6 things. My package came from dear friend, Lynn, in California. I am just so thrilled with everything -- I hope to get better photos, but had to share my wonderful gifts with you.
Be sure to click on the photos for enlarged views.
First is the absolutely gorgeous round box. It is covered in material of my favorite colors. The top is all hand beaded by Lynn and I just feel so fortunate to be a recipient of one of Lynn's wonderful boxes. Then there is the antique perfume bottle with beaded accents, the charming dragon fly pin, the adorable pin cushion, a lovely button pin and, not shown, a squishy bag with fantastic fabrics and threads --- now how fortunate can one person get? Thank you, thank you, Lynn. I love each and every piece and will always treasure them -- as I treasure our friendship.

In Memory of Bailey

Today I received a card from the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, Companion Animal Memorial Fund, Urbana, Illinois. I am so touched by this act of thoughtfulness. Click here for full size viewing.. The veterinarians at the Elgin office of the Dundee Animal Hospital were so kind to Bailey and me. Thank you Dr. Gott and Dr. Yates.

Snow has Arrived

The weather reports were right --- during the night the snow came --- and is still coming down. It is beautiful. We ended up with a good 12 inches of snow.

How I wish Bailey were here -- she loved the snow so much --

Bailey's Angel

This is a photo of our beautiful Bailey. My dear friend, Patti, sent me the lovely little statue of an angel holding a chocolate Lab. Each time I look at it and the photo I feel better thinking that our Bailey is chumming around in Heaven with the angels and making little boy angels smile. Thank you, Patti, it is perfect.

More Buck a Tube Beads

Last week I was sitting the grandsons in Chicago and had the opportunity to make a quick trip to my favorite bead shop in the City. I was fortunate that there was still one basket of lovely beads at one dollar a tube. You can see my $1 a tube purchases lined up in the center row. On top, some small beads (stars and triangles in this case) that I am always looking for -- a beautiful Moss Agate Leaf and a Fluorite Leaf. The bottom row has a tube of Light Blue Ceylon #6 Miyuki seed beads --the top and bottom row were not on sale, darn. Now all is need is time to put these beauties to use LOL.

My First Spirit Doll and the one I hope to do soon......

In July I posted the following about my first Spirit doll. I made this one for a friend who had lost her dog.

I am planning on one for myself -- it is for Bailey (photo to the left) the chocolate Lab we lost a month ago. I couldn't do it at first -- but now I want a special remembrance of her that I can look at and touch besides the memories always in my heart -- so, it will be created with material from the last scarf she had around her neck, the inside will contain a small pouch with some of her lovely fur in -- and the other symbols will come as I work on it. One thing will be the tag from her collar -- anyway, below is the photo and description of my first Spirit Doll.

~~~~~~~From July 2006~~~~~~~
My First Spirit Doll
A dear friend just lost her wonderful dog of 14 years. Patti and her dog, Emma Rose - a bloodhound, were part of the Illinois/Wisconsin Search and Rescue team.I wanted to give Patti something to help ease her pain and still remember Emma Rose. I had been reading different beading books and had just received Robin Atkins lovely little Spirit Dolls book. It seemed the perfect thing to give my friend. The green and yellow side convey my wish that Emma Rose will find only green grass and sunshine to romp in at her pleasure. The bead heart on this side -- to heal Patti's heart from her loss. The rainbow material on the other side, along with the multi-colored beads are a rainbow for Emma Rose. The charms are specially chosen" An angel to be with Patti and Emma, A bone -- for no dog should be without a bone, a rose so that the scents Emma Rose follows now are all Heavenly.
The heart charm on the rainbow side is for the friendship Patti and I have shared for over 60 years.



Patti with Emma Rose (left) and Josie Wales (right).

Wonderful Bead Sale

Yesterday I drove into Chicago -- a drive that normally takes 40-45 minutes -- it took over 2 hours yesterday. Don't know where all the traffic came from -- even on a "bad" day it has never taken more than 1 1/2 hours. I went in to "sit" with 4 young grandsons. At one point during the day DD and I had just the youngest boy and so we stopped at a bead shop near her home that I have wanted to go to for ages --- well, the Gods were with me -- not only did we find a parking place but the shop was having a sale on colors they were no longer going to carry. I had very few tiny beads and well, there were literally baskets of size 15 -- all at $1.00 a tube. I picked out 21 of the colors I might want and not find later on -- so, I was in Heaven. If you notice, in the upper left corner there are tubes of "Salt and Pepper" which will be a great addition when I get to working on my "Black and White" piece. Also purchased a couple cabs and some nymo thread. The drive home took 40 minutes -- think I was floating on the clouds LOL. (Did get a few #11 beads while I was there too).

2 UFO's

Here are two of my UFO's. Once we get the painting done (3 rooms-2 hallways) I can have my beading corner set up again and get these two finished.

Munchkin

Munchkin, our Pug, searches everywhere for her buddy, Bailey. She can get to my desk by going up and over a sofa -- she just wants to be as close as possible since she lost her dear friend too. To see her looking for Bailey breaks your heart -- she misses her as much as I do.

Time to say goodby...

We took Bailey over this afternoon -- it was time to let her go.
I can't write more now ----- even though I know in my head that
this was the thing to do ---- my heart cannot accept it.

Thank you all for your love and support.

UFO ~~ A Quilt Top This Time

A while back I decided it was a good time to sort out fabrics, etc. Much to my surprise, in the bottom of a trunk I came across a quilt I began about 11 years ago. It had been put aside while we awaited the birth of a grandson -- then forgotten as in two year intervals his three brothers came along. Now, I really must finish this -- the fabric is all there and in perfect shape. Amazing what you find isn't it?

Swap Pin Arrives

My beaded face pin from the SassyArtGoddess pin swap arrived today and I am thrilled with it. The photos don't do this lovely piece justice. My pin was made by Peggy Recker -- and Peggy, I thank you -- it is wonderful. You can see all the pins in the exchange by clicking here. It was a great swap, and if Carol chooses to have a third annual swap, I certainy will sign up for it.

My Pin For the Face Pin Swap ~~ "Eros"

The pin I created as it appears on the SassyArtGoddess web site.

Sassy Art Goddess Beaded Pin Swap

The photos from the Sassy Art Goddess Beaded Face Swap are up. You can see them here. These are very lovely pins. Now to wait patiently and see what pin I will receive in the exchange. Thank you, Carol for hosting this swap.

Bailey update...............

Just a quick note ---
I'm almost afraid to say it for fear of jinxing it,
but Bailey seems somewhat improved today.
Probably the best she has been in two weeks :-)
If it is the vestibular thing, it is very possible that
this siege has run it's course and she will begin doing
better. Believe me, no more Otomax or Oticalm ---

She ate better today and drank water without my
coaxing -- actually went to her dish (which I have elevated
so she doesn't have to lower her head to drink) and took
a good long drink.

Keep your positive thought coming, I'm beginning to have
hope again.

Monday, October 2, 2006

Tomorrow I take Bailey (my chocolate lab) who has been quite ill, to a vet in Wisconsin. This will be the third vet she has seen in 4 weeks. We are so in hopes he will be able to help her. Keep us in your thoughts, if you would.

Here's a picture of Bailey with her best friend, Munchkin the Pug, trying to get her to get up and play. When Munchkin was unsuccessful she just curled up and lay next to her.

September 27 (1:30 AM)

Well, I finished Eros -- although it is going on 2 AM.
Here are photos of front and back.

I didn't think I would finish in time for the SassyArtGoddess Swap, but I did!! Yippee!! I'm in!

Sept. 21st and Sept. 22, 2006

I am continuing to work on my little beaded pin. At the moment I am not very happy with it -- but I will continue working on it until it is finished -- I may like it better then LOL. I'm learning a lot of "what not to do" --

Here's a pic of it nearing completion --- I have learned a lot working on this little piece. In some ways I would like to just clip the threads and start all over -- but everyone has a first piece, right?

UFO ~~ One of many

My first attempt at a beaded pin.
It is now in my UFO basket for a few days while we have company from California.

Remembering 9/11

In the days following 9/11/01 I created my 9/11 Angel. Tattered, tear stained and dirty -- Angel brought wings to those in need that day. She has hung in my sewing room ever since and each day I see her and feel that terrible pain -- and remember to live each day to the fullest and to remember to say I love you as often as possible -- to give extra hugs and to do all the things we sometimes think we can wait until later to do or say.

September 5, 2006

Thank you, thank you, BK -- today the mail brought your fantastic nail head hearts. They will make a great addition to my Black & White --- this piece will be extra special to me because of the bead additions from friends. I am posting a photo of these little gems -- love them :-)

Problems with posting comments.....solution

Some of you are having trouble leaving comments -- here is what I found:

"Users who have not switched to Blogger in beta will not be able to login to comment on blogs that have been switched. Commenting using the "anonymous" or "other" options will still work."

Comments are an important part of blogs -- so please, even though it is a bit of a hassle, do use the anonymous or other options to post your comments.

Beads of Friendship for B & W

The lovely beads from California arrived today. They will be a perfect addition to my Black and White.
The photo doesn't do them justice -- the lovely nail head beads, the white ones and the bugle beads that almost look zebra striped. They will be wonderful. Thank you, thank you L. You are a dear!

Was just about to take the plunge and get started --- then an email from a friend in California came. "Don't start yet" ... it reads -- L. had come across some lovely antique beads to add to the pallet and she has put them into the mail to me. I love beading, every bit of it -- but what is nicest of all are all the great people I have met and now call friends. Thank you, L. and thank you to Robin Atkins for words of encouragement -- you are my mentor, you know.Also, thank you The Lone Beader~~with your busy work schedule you always find time to bead -- and that is a big inspiration -- making (or taking) time to bead.

Life is Not Black and White

I am beginning to pull together beads for a piece I am really looking forward to doing. "Life is Not Black and White". Since this will be my first improvisational beading piece, I have no idea where I will begin or what direction the beads will take. But, shored up with encouragement from friends and bearing the banner of Robin Atkins "JUST DO IT" -- soon I will take the first step, attach that first bead -- and away I go. Above is a photo of the beads I have collected so far -- I know I need more -- different shapes, shades of black, white, gray, etc. but I may just go ahead and begin and see where it goes.

Last days of summer

Summer vacation is coming to a close -- and we will be seeing less and less of the 7 grandsons until
summer vacation returns next year. It will certainly be quiet here -- and we shall miss them so much -- but,
with all the projects I have in mind to attempt, I won't be searching for something to do.

Today we arose early and headed for yet another flea market (good thing the grandson's love to go) and I have to show you what I found. I have a plan in mind for them (or one of them) -- plan may change by the time I get to it, but can you imagine one of these being a focal point of a crazy quilt block or bead painting? The imagination runs wild.

August 10, 2006

I haven't abondoned this blog --- I know what I want to work on and have been diligently collecting beads for this.
As a relative newbie to beading, my "stash" is not what I would like it to be -- but I am getting there, LOL. The mailman almost daily brings me small packages of treasures.

I do have a crazy quilting round robin that I am in -- it is reaching it's conclusion so soon there will be more time. If you would like to take a look at my blog for this round robin, go to: Favorite Book Crazy Quilt Round Robin.

There is a wonderful discussion currently on Robin Atkin's blog, Beadlust, you may want to go there and check it out. And while you are surfing, be sure to see the fantastic new project of Diana, The Lone Beader.

I hope within the next week or so I will be able to post photos of my work in progress.

My First "Serious" Bead Purchase

I just couldn't resist these gorgeous beads from GLASS WEAVER. Now I really have to get serioius with my beading.

Summer Fun With Beading

During the summer the grandsons take turns spending time here.

They are always interested in the projects I am working on -- and beading fascinated them.

What a plus that beading is something they can do pretty much on their own.

They love it when I set out an assortment of beads for them to choose from.

Here is a photo of grandson with a sports fob he made today for his back pack (fobs at their school are very popular and both boys and girls see how many they can attach to the back packs).

July 4, 2006 ~ Two more scissor fobs & Parrot

Amazing how many friends have birthdays in July and August.
And then there is the special occasion gift -- so, just when I
thought I was through with fobs for a while -- surprise -- needed
two more. I was lucky and found some wonderful little scissors on
eBay and purchased many pair -- so the fobs also have these great
little scissors attached.
Here they are.

I also made an attempt at beading a parrot. This is for a round robin block. I have a LONG way to go with this -- but it was fun.

Spirit Doll~Scissor Fobs~Beaded Beginnings

Recently I was charmed by the lovely beading a friend, Lynn S. from California, did on a crazy quilt block.
Her beading was so very lovely I knew sooner or later I would have to give beading my humble try.
My first efforts were simple enough, beaded scissor fobs for friends.
Pictured below are a few of the scissor fobs I have done.






The fobs were followed by trying the beaded buttons pictured below, and spirit dolls (thank you, Robin Atkins)-- I felt like I was all thumbs doing these tiny beaded items.

Maybe it will come after practice -- and I know having a better assortment of bead sizes, colors and shapes will certainly add to the dimension of these little buttons.




My First Spirit Doll
A dear friend just lost her wonderful dog of 14 years. Patti and her dog, Emma Rose - a bloodhound, were part of the Illinois/Wisconsin Search and Rescue team. I wanted to give Patti something to help ease her pain and still remember Emma Rose. I had been reading different beading books and had just received Robin Atkins lovely little Spirit Dolls book. It seemed the perfect thing to give my friend.

The green and yellow side convey my wish that Emma Rose will find only green grass and sunshine to romp in at her pleasure. The bead heart on this side -- to heal Patti's heart from her loss. The rainbow material on the other side, along with the multi-colored beads are a rainbow for Emma Rose. The charms are specially chosen" An angel to be with Patti and Emma, A bone -- for no dog should be without a bone, a rose so that the scents Emma Rose follows now are all Heavenly.
The heart charm on the rainbow side is for the friendship Patti and I have shared for over 50 years.