Friday, December 30, 2011

Words of Encouragement

As an old year ends the inevitable happens. I reflect on the past 365 days and look forward to the next 365.

With the New Year just a few days away, resolutions seem to just naturally present themselves. They fly in and out of my head. Kind of like when I am perusing the shoe aisle and flit from one pretty pair to the next. But planning to organize my closet, alphabetize my spice rack and loose 40 lbs all before breakfast just doesn't seem realistic somehow.

But life really shouldn't be about flitting from one pair of shoes to the next or neat spices lined up in a row. (At least not TODAY.) This year I am taking a cue from a couple of ladies that I admire. Instead of resolutions they chose words to describe what they want from the upcoming year.

They inspired me to choose a word for myself.

I found this cool Visual Thesaurus online. I might be addicted.

Welcome 2012. Here's to GROW!

If you have a word you'd like to share, leave it in the comments. I'd like to know what you're thinking for your year ahead. Plus I need an excuse to go play some more with the visual thesaurus.

Happy New Year to you.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

All is Merry and Bright

The stockings are hung. The gifts are finished and wrapped. The champagne and orange juice are chilling.

 Have a ...

 ...very, very, very...

...Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Bead & Button 2012 Class Previews!

The previews are UP!!! That's right. You can peruse the gazillion classes that are scheduled for the  biggest bead show of the year, Bead & Button in Milwaukee, WI.

I teach three of the gazillion classes:

Crystal Frame Ring


Simple Soldering


Dapped, Capped and Soldered Beads
Here are a few samples that students have made in past classes:

Lovely Crystal Frame Rings. This photo also shows the two metal practice rings that students make in class. You'll finish 3-4 rings during class.

Here a a few dapped beads that feature tube riveting with some small soldered beads in brass and sterling. A great start to a lovely necklace design.

 Stacks and stacks of rings are just a few of the things students make in Simple Soldering.
Registration opens Tuesday, January 10 at 12 noon CST. Hope you can join me!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Today I wish...

...I was here.

With my friend Susan. And Mary. And Beth. And Monet. And my Mom.
Susan would be spinning.
I would be weaving. (Okay. I would be napping.)
My Mom and Mary would be quilting.
Beth would be watching football.
Monet would be making Bloody Marys.

 It would be the perfect day.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Pearls of Wisdom

I love pearls. Pearl knotting is a great skill to have in your beading repertoire. The luscious look of a knotted pearl strand compliments any outfit.

Wait? What is that you say? You don't know how to knot pearls? You think it's too difficult? Pshaw! Look here...

It's the only pearl-knotting how-to you'll ever need in the upcoming January 2012 issue of BeadStyle Magazine.

Let's check it out.

 Look at all of those lovely strands. And that author photo looks familiar...


Yep! It's me. I teach you all about how to knot pearls, how to choose thread, some alternate designs, plus more tips and tricks.

As a special bonus you can also check out my quick guide to necklace lengths in the Bead Room online forum on the BeadStyle magazine website.

I am so excited. My Mom and I are going to have to go on another magazine hunt to find this issue. You can find it at your local book and craft stores in the next couple of weeks.