~~~~~~~~~ No Beading, No CQ, No Stitching ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ But What a Wonderful Weekend ~~~~~~~~~

This past weekend no beading, no CQ, no items for FAT or BAD -- but what a wonderful weekend it was.We spent the weekend with our friends in central Illinois on their farm --the colors were still somewhat intact there --thought you'd enjoy them.

We were able to take our grandson, Drew, with us as he had Thursday off school. He was gone from sun up to sun down playing with the dog, walking the grounds and just having a wonderful time. He was also able to drive a tractor and help load and unload dirt.


The pig belongs to a tenant on the farm -- it is a "pet" and they take it for walks, it has it's own tire swing and is a big (over 400 pound) spoiled baby. Also has a fantastic "house of straw" made for him. Guess no one has told him the story of the 3 Little Pigs and what happened to the 'house of straw".

REMEMBER TO CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE THEM

Dotee Doll #2

Just finished my second doll for the F.A.T. swap.
They sure are fun to do. Thanks to Dot in Australia for not only sharing her dolls but also a fantastic tutorial for making them. (See links to right or below for link to Dot's blog)
NOVEMBER 11, 2007
Finished Dotee #3 tonight (see below)

Another F.A.T. Swap Dolls

Below: Dotee #1 Finished


Another F.A.T. swap has begun. This is for tiny palm sized dolls. [Dotee Dolls] I started my 3 tonight -- they are pictured above in various stages -- none are finished yet -- sure are fun to do.These are such fun I have several more "bodies" ready to stitch and then embellish.

Bottle Cap Pincushions ~ F.A.T. Swap

I made these 3 little bottle cap pincushions last night for another F.A.T. exchange. These exchanges are so much fun -- they are quick, inexpensive, easy to mail -- and a delightful break from the 'larger' projects.

Prayer Pillows for F.A.T. Swap

These 3 tiny little pillows ( the largest 1 3/4 in square ) were made for the F.A.T. exchange. Inside each is a "prayer" for the receiver. The Dragonflies are charms and I used them because in some cultures the Dragonfly symbolizes new light and joy. Dragonflies are viewed as as a representation of positive forces, renewal and the power of life. The charms, along with the little personal prayer inside should cover a lot ;-)

Treasures From Missouri ~ Cabs and Beads

The picture shows the treasures I brought home from our trip to Missouri.I usually take photos of my "finds" so I don't forget where I got them.I am so thrilled with all these -- most were from one dealer at the Gem and Jewelry show -- I got a lot at the shop on Friday and more from the same people at the show on Saturday. I just love it all.
Click on the photo to enlarge it

Round Robin Beaded Doll

October 4, 2007
Finished up my part of Jo's doll for the round robin. The theme is, Summer Magic, so I added the green of grass, the flowers of summer and blue for sky and water. Now it is on it's way to Indiana for the next beader to add her interpratation.

I have started beading on Jo's doll for a Round Robin. The theme of the round robin is "Summer Magic". The blues I have beaded so far are representative sky and water -- a way to go, but I love these RR's The beaded 'hair' was done by another beader in the RR (Susan). Because the doll is laying face down, the 'hair' has separated. When she is upright it looks lovely.

Julia is finished.....

I finished Julia's back side last night. Somehow, it is sad when you finish a project -- but on to the next challenge. And what fun I shall have along the way.

Almost Finished

Only a bit more and Orange Julia's back will be finished -- then just a few embellishments here and there and she will be done.

Orange Julia ~~ A Little More Done

I can't believe how busy these last few weeks have been -- I did do a little more beading on Orange Julia. I decided that since Julia will be staying with me, and this is my first 100% beaded doll, that I would use her to try out different ways to cover the form with beads -- her back is getting there -- and I am having a lot of fun trying out different beads and stitches. Some beads do not photograph well (below her neck, for instance) -- this has really been fun -- just wish I had a little more time.

Heliotrope II ~ Crystals

This is a box of antique Swarvoski crystals I was lucky to get. The color is called "Heliotrope II" and as you can see, it sparkles mostly in the purple hues. These beads are all the same -- some are sitting upside down in the box -- the backs are really much more purple than they show. (Click on the photo for an enlarged view)

Another Bracelet

Finished the bracelet for my sister-in-law's birthday. This one is silver.
Now to finish Orange Julia and also work on a special project that I can hardly wait to begin.

Front Finished ~ Almost

I have finished the front of Orange Julia except for a few "danglies" that I will add when the doll is completely finished.

She's a hard one to get a photo of -- the lovely nailhead beads in the bottom half just don't show to their true beauty.

Now to the back half.

Comfort Doll Project

I have been wanting to make dolls for the COMFORT DOLL project headed by Pat Winter. Alas, I have been behind in my projects and then I remembered I had a little doll I had made a while back -- so off she went to Pat. She will be on her way to LA and I hope that whoever receives her will know my thoughts and prayers for that person are attached to the doll. This is a wonderful project and so far Pat has sent off 60 doll to 5 different shelters. I hope to make more now that fall is almost here and I have more time. Anyone caring to participate, contact Pat .

Progress on Orange Julia

Did get a little more beading on Orange Julia. Here she is, "In Progress".

Clear Sky ~ Full Moon

After last weeks storms it was a delight to look up into the sky last night and see a clear midnight blue sky and a gorgeous full moon.

Tennis Bracelet #2

Had to do a second bracelet right away so I don't forget. This one is made with Amber Gold Luster seed beads and Topaz Swarvoski crystals.

My First Tennis Bracelet

This is my first tennis bracelet -- I will have to try to get a better photo because it is really quite pretty. Made in RAW with seed beads and Swarovski crystals. I can't wait to make another one.

Stormy Sky

Severe storms have been going through our area for several days now. I caught these photos at a little after 8 PM tonight -- the sun was trying hard to come through after one line of storms passed -- didn't make it though, as another line of storms came through. We are lucky here -- still have power and a dry basement -- there is massive flooding in the area and many people are without power. Even in all nature's fury, beauty can be seen.

In Between Projects.....

Had a little fun between projects making bracelet #4. You will get tired of seeing these before I get tired of making them LOL.
This one is lovely gold beads.

Magia del Verano ~ Summer Magic ~ Beaded Doll RR

This is my addition to Susan F's doll, Magia del Verano (Summer Magic).
This is a 100% beaded doll round robin. When I received Susan's adorable little doll, she had her face in place, This is a very nice doll form and stuffed very tightly. It was a lot of fun to work on -- this is my first beaded doll RR and I really enjoyed working on Magia del Verano. Susan requested warm colors --- to reflect her Arizona summers -- I may have gone up a few degrees in my colors and ended up hot. From here the doll travels to Indiana for more beading.

A little more progress on Orange Julia

A little more beading done on the front of Orange Julia's body. I love the big orange nailhead bead.

Orange Julia's "Hair" finished -- I think

It sure takes a lot of time and beads to do hair -- and after all that work, it is even harder to get decent photos -- but here they are -- now I can begin the body and I am looking forward to that.

A Little More Done on Orange Julia

At last I was able to squeeze out a little extra time and did some more beading on Orange Julia. Her hair is almost complete. I will be glad to start a new phase on her -- so many pretty orange beads just waiting to be used ;-)

Nice Matters Award

"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world."

You can imagine my surprise when Donetta honored me with this award. Thank you, Donetta, you made my day -- I am not worthy of such an award, but I will pass it on later this week to those who so truly deserve it. [The dolls for the women's shelters was started by Pat Winter -- already a recipient of this award -- and justly so] Thanks again, I appreciate the thought very much.

August 15, 2007
Today I have named Bobbi (Beading at the Beach), Diana (The Lone Beader) and Robin (Beadlust) as my choice for recipients of the Nice Matters Award.

Orange Julia's beginnings ....

I did a little beading on the "orange challenge" beaded doll. Want some practice before I do any stitching on the Summer Dayz beaded doll RR. Here's Orange Julia's start -- just a bit of hair -- but it's a start and I like the hair so far.

New Body Form for Orange challenge ~~~~~~~~~~ And Then There Were Three

A surprise package came in the mail yesterday from Sammy. Somehow Sammy knew I didn't have any orange material and so gifted me with a lovely assortment of oranges. Well, just had to make a new doll form for the "orange" beaded doll challenge with the fantastic fabric Sammy sent. Thank you so very much, Sammy -- it was such a surprise and sure made my day.

And then there were three....

Also did one more bracelet. They are addicting :-)

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.