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.