Second Bracelet

I did get to do another bracelet right away -- I like these colors -- go well with jeans. I don't have the thread tails done, but the lighting was better this morning for a quick photo.
Here's a pic of the two bracelets together -- these are such fun to make --

RAW Bracelet -- Another first for me...

See, told you I couldn't get enough of beading. I saw a class was being offered at a bead shop not too far from me -- and, since I had never done a bracelet, thought I would give it a try. I loved it --- and the best part was all 8 who were in the class came home with a finished bracelet -- and all were really lovely. The different color combinations really change the look of this piece. Thank you Debra, it was a great class. Tonight I hope to make another so I don't forget how to do it.
(I did get another bracelet done tonight -- this one is in 'denim blues'. Hope to get a photo of it tomorrow)

My Bead-a-long "Orange Julia"

This should also be a fun challenge --- only shades of orange beads with one highlight color (mine will be a coppery brass color) may be used. This is for a bead-a-long and in the end, the finished doll stays with the maker -- so, Orange Julia will be mine ;-) I have even more orange and shades of orange beads -- so don't know for sure what all will be used. The fun of the beading journey. This little project will be my "take along" and "when I need a break" way of relaxing. I think it will be a blast.

100% Beaded Doll RR ~ Meet Blossom

I just can't get enough of beading -- and working on more than one project at a time is a great stimulus for me --- soooooo, I have joined a beaded doll round robin. The theme of the round robin in Summer Magic. The doll's name is "Blossom". The little form pictured has a head that may or may not be beaded as a flower (the beaders choice) and her arms are shaped like leaves -- again, whoever beads that section may see it differently -- that's what will make it so much fun -- I just put her in the mail today for the first stop in the RR. I will update the blog as I receive photos. I made her form from fabric I had found earlier in the week at an Historical Society Flea Market -- the face has a butterfly on it -(I wish I could remember where I got the face -- I have two others like it but with different colored butterflies). She is summery, yes? She is traveling with a booklet for the beaders to write in. (On the mailing route sheet, in the photo I have smudged out the names and addresses of the other RR beaders for privacy sake)

Art Institute of Chicago

Wish I could bead this.....
Four youngest grandsons, ages 11, 9, almost 7 and almost 5, silhouetted against the blue of a contemporary piece of art being displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago. I sure wish there had been computers, digital photography, etc. when the three older grandsons were young. They are grown up now and live 2000+ miles away in San Diego.

The Lone Beader ~~

The Lone Beader's wonderful piece of beading art, The Fire Truck, is in this week's Saatchi Gallery Showdown!.
To place your vote, click HERE.

June BJP Finished

Couldn't get a good photo -- but here it is, ready or not LOL.

Second June BJP piece almost done.......

This will be a 3 x 3 inch square. I'm debating taking out the bugles -- so will hold off finishing for a little while. I have begun my 3 x 3 square for July while I ponder the bugle delima. Since this is all a learning process I may just leave them and go from there. This is really a wonderful project -- thanks again, Robin, for getting it going.

BJP ~~ June

This is my beaded piece for the BJP/June -- they won't make a lot of sense until I finish at least 3 months worth -- then I will photograph what will be happening with these pieces. I am also working on a second series for the BJP -- hope to finish that piece soon so I can begin July.

BJP

I am working on my June BJP piece -- taking Pollyanna to classes and doing some traveling in between -- so for now, the posts will be short and not as often as I would like -- but darn, winter will be here soon enough and there will be a lot more time then.

Some of my beaded pieces.....

See slide show in right hand column.
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Spirit of Friendship Doll Exchange

Here is the fantastic "Spirit of Friendship" doll that was made by Barbara Weber and received by me in an exchange. I had not seen a photo of this doll and am so thrilled to have her. She is just delightful. Thank you once again, Barbara, I love her!
Click on the photos for enlarged views
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Below is the little doll I made for the Spirit of Friendship Doll Exchange

Below is a photo of the dolls in the Spirit of Friendship Doll exchange on Crazy Quilting International Group. This was a fun exchange and contributors ranged from beginner to advanced -- a fun time for all.

Beaded Journal Project 2007

It is June 1st already -- and time to get busy on the Beaded Journal Project. This will be one beaded page a month for one year project -- there are over 225 participants. Once the photos of the pages start rolling in it will truly be exciting.

Black, White and Inbetween is Finished....

At last I have finished my first improvisational beaded piece. This type of beading is such fun and a constant challenge -- keeps you on your toes, and you never get bored.

Robin

This Robin has her nest right outside our front door. It is so close that I can't believe she chose to build it there. When the door is open it is only inches from her nest.

A Little More Done on the B&W

I was able to get a little more done -- have some tweeking to do in a few places, but it is getting there ;-)

Was able to get a little more beading on my Black & White (and in between) piece. Have a way to go, but hope to finish is up before June 1st and the start of the Beaded Journal Project.

Beaded Journal 2007

I am really excited. I just finished the "Spirit of Friendship" doll for an exchange -- will take photos in the morning. Now the only thing I am working on is my Black & White -- and that is something there is no deadline on -- SOooo I am free to join Robin Atkins Bead Journal Project. Please click on the link for more information, and if you can, join in the fun --- I know this will be an exhilarating experience and I am really looking forward to it.

Tagged

I have been "tagged" by A Rose By Name.
So here goes -- 7 things about me:
1. I love beading and CQing
2. I prefer winter to summer
3. I read an average of 1 book per week
4. Mother to two wonderful daughters
5. Grandmother to 7 super grandsons
6. Have a sweet Pug, Munchkin, and will be bringing home a black lab puppy on May 21st to join our family
7. I spend too much time on the computer.
I will be tagging 7 others later today.

I just reread this, I better add number 8
8. Wife to a terrific hubby

For All You Puppy Lovers....

On May 21st we will be bringing home a darling Black Labrador Retriever puppy. She has been named Pollyanna (Polly for short) and is such a sweetie. She has her own blog already - Pollyanna's Pages. And here is a link to a short video of her taken on May 1, 2007 when she was 32 days old. POLLYANNA'S MOVIE

Added a little to Black & White

Even though we were on vacation, I was able to add just a few beads to my Black & White (and shades in between) piece. I know it doesn't look like much, but to find even 5 minutes was a challenge -- so I feel good that I was able to add something to it while we were gone.

Pennsylvania Turnpike/ Ohio Turnpike

We just returned from our trip late this afternoon. When we left Pennsylvania the weather was lovely -- by the time we got to Ohio, the weather had changed -- it was raining and there was transverse lightening -- quite a show of colors -- lovely in it's own way, but we were very happy to stop for the night shortly after these photos were taken.

Slow Progress on Black & White

A little more beading done --- thanks, Lynn for the gray beads -- they are perfect.

Friendship Doll ~ In Progress

While awaiting more beads to work on my Black & White -- am doing a 'Spirit of Friendship' crazy quilt doll for an exchange. She is pictured here in her very 'undone' state -- the outline is just a guide -- she will be smaller than the outline suggests. There is also a photo of a close up of her face -- the beads are actually almost the same color as the background material but sure don't look it in the photo. Anyway, it is fun to work on these little dolls and always special when they are done for an exchange.

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.