Black, White and in between

Beginning to get some 'feel' to it. The gray beads around the black and white bead and black nail heads in the center portion are size 13 -- having trouble with getting the needle through these holes -- they seem like smaller holes than most of my 15's have.

A Half Step Forward

With a few more beads added....

Life is Not Black and White

My camera is giving me 'fits' so since I can't take a new photo, here is an older one of my work in progress (it really is further along than this photo shows). After reading Robin Atkins book, One Bead at a Time, I decided I wanted to try Improvisational bead embroidery -- my first go at it is Life is Not Black and White -- it will be interesting to see where the beads lead me. Thanks for the incentive, Robin.
I did find a photo of this piece with a little more work done on it. (above)

Teeny Tiny Easter Basket & 14 Thumbs

Have you seen BeadBabe's gorgeous little baskets? If not, be sure to click here to take a look. I just love them and thought I would take a try at doing one ---- well, did you know I suddenly have 14 thumbs???? Really, I do!!! Here is my beginnings of a little Easter Basket (thus the pastel colors). I will finish this one, but unless I can get control of my 14 thumbs and 8 other digits, this may well be my last one. The base of this little basket is under 1/2 inch in diameter. BB, how do you do it and keep all the rounds so nice and tight and even?

March 27, 2007This little basket is finished -- but it is so tiny my camera won't take a clear photo of it. Will have to wait until someone can get a picture of it for me. It is really sweet -- so was a fun venture in something I hadn't tried before.

Second Shamrock

This is the second little Shamrock pin. This one was made for DD, Amy. I did manage to have pins made for both daughters before St. Patrick's Day ;-)

Beaded Quilts for Breast Cancer Research

I was so excited tonight to see that Jeanette has completed piecing quilt number 6 for the auction to be held at the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, WI, in June. The proceeds from these auctions goes to Breast Cancer Research.

These little butterfly squares come from across the States and foreign countries. This particular quilt includes donations from beaders whose bead sites we are all familiar with -- Beading at the Beach and The Lone Beader.If you haven't checked their blogs, please do -- they are wonderful.

I am unfamiliar with the beaders of most of the blocks in this quilt (when you go to the site, you can see photos of all the completed quilts and the names of all those who contributed to each one) but I can tell you that, from the top:

1st row -- from the left number 5 and 6 are mine
2nd row - from the left number 3 and 4 made by The Lone Beader
4th row - from the left number 2 and 3 made by Beading at the Beach

Walk America ~ March of Dimes

This will be the fourth year my grandson, Andrew, has chosen to celebrate his birthday by walking for the March of Dimes benefit. Drew, joined by family members and friends will be participating in the Walk America March of Dimes Benefit walk. Please click on the above to enlarge the information to a readable size. Thank you, Gram.

PS That tiny little baby in the photo (4 lb 4 oz ~ 17 1/4 inches) is Andrew - and the second photo is almost 11 year old Andrew today.

Displaying beaded treasures

Thought you might like to see what I have done with the beaded pins I have either received as gifts/swaps, made myself or purchased. I think I will need another frame. This can be hung on a wall -- which I do -- and when I want to wear one, just open the frame -- it has a box like hinge on the side -- take out what I want to wear and later replace it. I got the frame at Hobby Lobby for 40% off yesterday.

(I know each person that made these through the internet -- and consider them all very special people. The dragonfly was a Christmas gift from dear friend, Lynn, in California. The fish were made by BeadBabe. Mary with the blue/green cab was created by The Lone Beader. The Paisley pin and the crystal hair face pin by Linda in Canada, the totem one, lower right, by Shari in Canada, the center right by Peggy. I cherish them all. The yellow sun at the left I made.)

Getting Ready for St. Patrick's Day

Every year on St. Patrick's Day I realize I don't have anything green to wear -- so, since I had a little free time decided to make a pin to wear. A simple little Shamrock shape beaded with green iridescent sequins - it really sparkles in the light. It will be fun to wear when we go out to dinner on St. Pat's Day.
March 10, 2007Now the truth can be told. This little pin was made for my daughter in San Diego. It has arrived at her house so now I can say who it was really made for.

Can Spring Be Far Away????????

~~~Finished~~~
March 2, 2007

Was able to do a couple more rounds on this piece. I love the colors -- they make me feel good ;-)

February 28, 2007

If I ever doubted that the weather has influence on what we choose to create -- well, I don't doubt it any longer after looking back through the items I have begun this winter. This Pansy brooch reflects my anticipation of Spring -- although, if I had been in a glum mood with the snow, cold, sleet, etc., it could have easily taken a different route. Hopefully, my piece with the lovely soft colors of spring reflect my hope and anticipation of time to come. This was started last night while taking a "break" from working on a crazy quilt block.

Tiny Beaded Butterfly

Finished

February 25, 2007

Second little butterfly begun. I've had this pretty butterfly button for a long time and decided to use it on one of the little "quilt blocks". Will finish this this afternoon or tonight ---

February 21, 2007




Finished







Here is the beginning of my first beaded butterfly square (1 1/2 by 1 1/2 inches) for the Bead It Forward ~ Bead Artists Against Breast Cancer beaded quilt auction.

You will find more information and entry information on Jeannette’s website where she has posted photos of beaded squares that have already been submitted, and the four beaded quilts already completed.

Did a little more work on the butterfly tonight.
Yes, I know, I am flitting back and forth between projects -- the butterfly, the paisley and 2 crazy quilt blocks. I will get them all finished ;-)

Paisley

I did a bit more on this piece -- so far it is a silver and gold piece -- now what to do with the center?






These little pins are sooooo addicting.
Here's a beginning of a new paisley shaped one.

Little Miss Sunshine

I was able to finish "Little Miss Sunshine" tonight. She was a lot of fun to create -- I keep learning so much with each pin/doll I do. Since we had more snow overnight, "Sunshine's" face - the greens and yellows - with a touch of pink flowers and leaves, brings a bit of spring into the house.

~~~BEAD IT FORWARD~~~ Bead artists against breast cancer

Bead it Forward

Jeanette Shanigan of Wasilla, Alaska has a wonderful project for anyone wanting to contribute to breast cancer research.

Bead Artists Against Breast Cancer

This project, "Beaded Quilts" (30 squares each) to be auctioned at the next Bead & Button show, with all proceeds going to breast cancer research. The theme is: Metamorphosed Like the Butterfly. Size for these tiny beaded squares is: 1.5 inches square, with 1/4 inch border. Base material is white pellon ~ Peltex 70 Ultra Firm Stabalizer
Due date is: April 1, 2007

Check Jeannette’s website where she has posted photos of beaded squares that have already been submitted, and the three beaded quilts already completed.

Information for donating a beaded square can be found here. If link doesn't work copy & paste this one: http://tinyurl.com/2bum43

A little more progress -- now for the embellishments and maybe some danglies -- this is the fun part ;-)

Little Miss Sunshine

I had so much fun making the spirit doll called "Spring" that I couldn't stop working with the cheery greens and yellows and am now working on a pin called "Little Miss Sunshine". You can see her beginnings in the photo above. The base for this pin is Lacy's Stiff Stuff that I spot dyed yellow.

Is it spring yet?

Today has been super cold -- tonight to get to -10 degrees F or colder -- and that doesn't take in to account the wind chill factor. The day wasn't made any better with the Bears loss to the Colts in the Super Bowl --- but, on a good note, I decided to work on something cheerful that made me think of warm weather -- so the time spent in front of the TV was shared with my bead tray -- and while the Bears didn't do too well, I feel I had a great afternoon -- was able to bead this little spirit/goddess doll -- she has been dubbed "Is it spring yet?" ~~ but I will call her "Spring" for short. She was a lot of fun to do and her cheerful colors made my day.

Here is a close up of Spring's face -- the beading wasn't complete here -- but you get the idea. This was a good lesson in beads. As you can see, the yellow beads are not symmetrical-- they are some of the first beads I purchased -- and not of very good quality -- the pink and green beads close to the face are "good" beads, the pink and green beads around the body are not a good quality either -- and the difference is very obvious. Since Spring is going to live with me, I will leave her as she is -- who's perfect, after all? She will be a reminder to me to use the best beads I can.

Here is a little beaded pin I made for a gift.

Packing away until next Christmas.....

Packing away the Christmas decorations, I thought to take a photo of this Santa that I made about 15 years ago. At that time I made about 10 of them -- most were smaller than this one that I kept for myself. He has joined us to celebrate Christmas ever since.

Wonderful Quote

I was surfing blogs this morning and friend and super beader, BeadBabe, had the following quote on her blog.


"I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it." (Vincent Van Gogh)

I really relate to that --- sometime I will stay with just one phase and perfect it --- but in the meantime it is so exciting to reach out and try new things.

Thanks, BB, love the quote.

Cloth Dolls

ZELDA, a cloth doll I made for a "bed doll" challenge.

No new beaded items today -- but I was cleaning out photos from the computer and came across a Picture Trail album I set up a long time ago. You might enjoy seeing some of the dolls I made. Just click on JACKIE's PICTURE TRAIL for more photos.

Blue Monday

I am diligently working on 3 small RR crazy quilt blocks. I had stitcher's block -- have finished one of them and almost done with a second and now just have a block as to what to add. Sooooo, I worked on a little spirit doll. The form was already made (I have several forms in reserve) so it was just a matter of adding a few beads. Working on "Blue Monday" seems to have cleared the fog --- now I have ideas for the blocks --- yippee!!

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.