Little teaser. A while back I scored this Juki serger for $ 35 at a local thrift store. It was missing the foot pedal.
I finally found a foot pedal, figured out how to thread the machine and it works!
It looks like it could use a new upper blade, but so far it’s doing the job.
Stay tuned to see what I’ve been up to with this piece of equipment. I’ve been having fun.
Love it when I get to the Post Office Box and there’s a package waiting.
My Bead Soup partner, Debra Behrends (hopefuljourneys.com)
mailed a super generous package of ingredients of both beads and findings.
She also sent a small sized hand bound paper journal too.
To state that I’m thrilled with what she has shared with me would be an understatement!
Thank you Debra.
Take a peek at all the beady goodness:
The 7th Bead Soup Blog Party is kicking into high gear and is currently announcing partner match ups for the three reveals. This time around, my partner for the 1st Reveal is Debra Behrends of Hopeful Journeys. This Bead Soup business is always a fun swap and a great way to cyber meet fellow designers and artists. You can get to know just a bit about Debra by visiting her website, pinterest page, etsy shop and her blog.
(BSBP teaser photo of the loot I mailed to Debra.)
We have a few things in common besides melting glass.
We both have funny little white dogs who do tricks.
Her dog does a handstand thing and one of mine does a tripod standing thing when he eats.
We both eat gluten free and paleo.
Both of us dabble a bit in journal making, and it seems we both like a lot of color.
We both have busy schedules.
We also have a few polar opposites.
I live in the Mojave Desert and she lives in Minnesota.
She’s a Momma fours times over and I have no children.
Debra has chickens and I have none. (I am quite envious.)
So, this should be an interesting swap.
Stay tuned for more BSBP posts in the future.
Inspire change wellness words jewelry challenge…yup that’s quite a mouthful. The hostess, Tracy Statler (makebraceletsblog.com) proposed this challenge and I enjoy a good challenge. Especially a challenge that does not have too many rules or regulations.
I am never certain what will inspire me or where my creativity and imagination may go.
Tracy’s suggested guideline:
“Choose an inspirational word or phrase in an area of your life where you want to make positive change.
Make sure your words truly represent something you want to work on.
Don’t choose a word because it looks good, is popular right now or someone else thinks you should choose it.
These are the six categories of wellness that people generally want to make changes in:
Physical, Emotional, Occupational, Spiritual, Intellectual and Social.
Your words can represent any of these areas.”
I thought long and hard about selecting a word for myself . It fits all categories.
My word: ease…(It’s both a noun and a verb.)
Well, my goodness, who wouldn’t want all of the nice effects associated with this word? See definitions below:
ease [eez]
freedom from labor, pain, or physical annoyance; tranquil rest; comfort:
freedom from concern, anxiety, or solicitude; a quiet state of mind:
freedom from difficulty or great effort; facility:
freedom from financial need; plenty:
freedom from stiffness, constraint, or formality; unaffectedness:
to free from anxiety or care:
to mitigate, lighten, or lessen:
to release from pressure, tension, or the like.
to move or shift with great care:
to render less difficult; facilitate:
Synonyms:
affluence, ataraxia, bed of roses, calm, calmness, comfort, content, contentment, easiness, enjoyment, gratification, happiness, idleness, inactivity, inertia, inertness, leisure, luxury, passivity, peace of mind, prosperity, quietness, quietude, relaxation, repose, requiescence, rest, restfulness, satisfaction, security, serenity, supinity, tranquility
abate, aid, allay, ameliorate, anesthetize, appease, assist, assuage, attend to, calm, cheer, clear the way, comfort, cure, disburden, disengage, doctor, expedite, facilitate, forward, free, further, improve, lessen, let up on, lift, lighten, make easier, meliorate, mitigate, moderate, mollify, nurse, open the door, pacify, palliate, promote, quiet, relax, release, relent, relieve, run interference for, simplify, slacken, smooth, soften, soothe, speed, speed up, still, tranquilize,disentangle, edge, extricate, facilitate, handle, inch, induce, insert, join, loose, loosen, maneuver, relax, remove, right, set right, slack, slacken, slide, slip, squeeze, steer, untighten.
At ease and enjoy the blog hop:
anniamaebisuteria.blogspot.com.es/
facebook.com/hotsouthernmessdesigns
firstimpressiondesign.blogspot.com
glasstastreasures.blogspot.com
handcraftedserenity.blogspot.com
mycreativechallenge.blogspot.com
sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com
shinylittlethings.blogspot.com
sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com
Peacocks…beautiful and captivating in all their splendor.
Highly symbolic in many spiritual traditions (read more about that here.)
Black Peacocks with Japanese Persimmons
Jessie Arms Botke, 1940
Oil and Gold Leaf on Panel
I really like the texture in the tail feathers in this piece of artwork.
For the January 2013 Art Bead Scene Challenge, I wanted to try to capture the texture and also the colors and the shape of the “eye”.
I gave it a try using micro macrame knotting, seed beads and a few feather charm beads .
I pulled out my wig jig and some wire to make part of the bracelet clasp and to get this project started.
The end result is very light weight and colorful. What do you think?
Thanks for stopping by and do take a peek at what other participants have created this month on the ABS flickr site.
The past year has been filled with many personal and professional challenges.
Some tragic circumstances ( a suicide death of a remarkable friend and a manslaughter death of a co-worker.)
To say that it was a tough year would be an understatement.
I’ve learned over the years to just do my best to stay in the present moment,
and this has served me well. I tend to focus not on memories, but on what is happening in this moment.
I had no agenda or design plan for this blog hop and allowed my hands do the work for this one, rather than relying on my brain.
I decided to use some materials hanging around on my work bench:
wool yarn, bone bead, twin beads, leather strip, lampwork beads.
Technique: kumihimo braiding, macrame and hand sewing.
This is a modern, organic, primitive looking piece.
I thought about these words as I was putting it together…
Remember always that you are just a visitor here,
a traveler passing through.
Your stay is but short and the moment of your departure unknown.
None can live without toil and a craft that provides your needs is a blessing indeed.
But if you toil without rest, fatigue and weariness will overtake you,
and you will be denied the joy that comes from labor’s end.
Speak quietly and kindly and be not forward with either opinions or advice.
If you talk much, this will make you deaf to what others say,
and you should know that there are few so wise that they cannot learn from others.
Be near when help is needed, but far when praise and thanks are being offered.
Take small account of might, wealth and fame, for they soon pass and are forgotten.
Instead, nurture love within you and and strive to be a friend to all.
Truly, compassion is a balm for many wounds.
Treasure silence when you find it, and while being mindful of your duties, set time aside, to be alone with yourself.
Cast off pretense and self-deception and see yourself as you really are.
Despite all appearances, no one is really evil.
They are led astray by ignorance.
If you ponder this truth always you will offer more light, rather than blame and condemnation.
You, no less than all beings have Buddha Nature within.
Your essential Mind is pure.
Therefore, when defilements cause you to stumble and fall, let not remorse nor dark foreboding cast you down.
Be of good cheer and with this understanding, summon strength and walk on.
Faith is like a lamp and wisdom makes the flame burn bright.
Carry this lamp always and in good time the darkness will yield and you will abide in the Light.
Dhammavadaka
Thank you Lori Anderson for hosting this blog hop.
See what other participants have created using the following links:
Hostess, Lori Anderson Pretty Things
Adlinah Kamsir Dream Struck Designs
Aimee Biondolillo Aimee’s Jewelry Treasures
Alicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Barb Solem Vivi Magoo Presents
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery Stories by Indigo Heart
Birgit Klughardt Gites Beads
Bonnie Coursolle Jasper’s Gems
Cassi Paslick Beads: Rolling Downhill
Catherine King Catherine’s Musings
Cece Cormier The Beading Yogini
Chandra Leitz Juniper Goods
Charissa Nesler FireStorm Designs
Charlie Jacka Clay Space
Christina Hickman Vintage Treasures Jewelry
Christine Murrow Charis Designs Jewelry
Christine Stonefield Sweet Girl Design
Chrizette Bayman Bead Soup Mix
Cindy Wilson It’s My Sea of Dreams
CJ Bauschka 4 His Glory Creations by CJ
Crystal Thain Here Bead Dragons
Cyndi Lavin Beading Arts
Debbie Rasmussen A little of this, a little of that
Denielle Hagerman Some Beads… and other things I like
Diana Gonzalez Arte y Poemas
Diane Hawkey diane hawkey
Dita Basu ankarshilpa
Donetta Farrington Simply Gorgeous
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell Deeliteful Jewelry Creations
Elena Adams ~~TBA~~
Emma Todd A Polymer Penchant
Erin Kenny beadiful therapy
Erin Prais-Hintz Treasures Found
Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements
Gloria Allen Innovative Dreams Jewelry
Heather Marston CSW Designs
Inge von Roos Inge’s Blog
Iveth Caruso Creative Atelier
Jacqueline Marchant Fiddledeedee Jewelry
Jami Shipp Celebrating Life!
Jean Yates Snap Out of it Jean, There’s Beading to Do!
Jennifer Reno Musings of a Crafty Jenny
Jenny Robledo Peppa’s Dream
Jennifer VanBenschoten Jewelry, Art and Life
Jessica Klaaren Cellar Door Jewelry
Jessica Murray Whimsical Monkey
Joan Williams lilruby jewelry
Jo-Ann Woolverton It’s a Beadiful Creation
Joanne Browne josjewels1
Jodie Marshall Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art
Johanna Rhodes Fire Phoenix Creations
John Rasmussen Rasumussen Gems and Jewelry LLC
JuLee Wolfe The Polymer Penguin
Julie Bean Blue Pig Blog
Karen Mitchell Over the Moon Designs
Karin King The Sparklie Things Blog
Karin Slaton Backstory Beads
Kat Douglas Washoe Kat’s
Kay Bolton Toodles and Binks
Kayla Potega The Eclectic Element
Kelly Hosford Patterson The Traveling SideShow
Kim Ballor Vitamin C … A Daily Does of Creativity
Kim Dworak CianciBlue
Kim Houston The Pink Martini
Kym Hunter Kym Hunter Designs
Laren Dee Barton Laren Dee Designs
Lea Avroch LA Jewelry Designs
Leanne Loftus First Impression Design
Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art
Linda Florian Lily’s of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations
Linda Inhelder Must-Haves Jewelry
Lisa Hamilton Simply Irresistable Jewelry
Lisa Suver Fancee That
Lori Bowring Michaud Artfully Ornamental
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean
LouAnn Elwell Southpass Beads
Mallory Hoffman For the Love of Beads
Mandi Effron Craft-o-licious
Marcia DeCoster MadDesigns
Marcia Dunne The Alternative Foundry
Marcy Lamberson ~Studio Marcy~
Marie Covert Creating Interest
Marjorie Savill Linthwaite bennubirdrising
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs by Marlene
Martha Aleo Ornamento
Marti Conrad Marti’s Buttons -n- Beads
Mary Ellen Parker BeeTree by m.e.
Mary Govaars MLH Jewelry Designs
Mary Lindell Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry
Maureen Connolly Mrs Beadsley’s Workshop
Maybeline Tay The Jewelry Larder
Melissa Elgin The Addicted Beader
Melissa Mesara one-eared pig beads
Menka Gupta Menka’s Jewelry
Michaela Pabeschitz la mar de bonita
Mischelle Fanucchi Micheladas Musings
Mona Rae Baroody Who Does She Bead She Is?
Nan Emmett Spirit Rattles — Spirited Earth
Nancy Pedersen Something Heartfelt by Nancy
Natalie Davidson NorthShore Days
Nikki Douglas Bead It and Weep
Pam Farren re-maker
Pam, the Crazier Sister The Crazy Creative Corner
Pam Traub Klassy Joolz
Priya Krish Hellopalz
Rebecca Anderson Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag Becca’s Place
Robin Kae Reed Artistry HCBD
Rochelle Brisson a creative chelle
Rosa Maria Cuevas Helena de Troya
Sabine Dittrich perlendschungel
Sandi Volpe Sandi Volpe
Sandra McGriff Creative Chaos
Sarah Goode Pookledo
Sarah Singer String a Song of Sixpence
Serena Trent All Things Made Jewelry
Shai Williams Shaiha’s Ramblings
Sharon Palac Sharon’s Jewelry Garden
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Sharyl’s Jewelry & Reflections
Sheila Davis Stone Designs
Shelley Graham Turner Fabric of My Life
Sherri Stokey Knot Just Macrame
Sherry Baun Unicorns Jewels
Skylar Bre’z Brising Beads
Stephanie Haussler Pixybug Designs
Tania Spivey Moobie Grace Designs
Terri G. Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter Tapping Flamingo
Terry Matuszyk Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Toltec Jewels Jewel School Friends
Tracy Kruse Goldkisses Art
Tracy Martin Nutkitten’s Jewelry
Zia Parks Anzi~Panzi’s Work Shoppe
Zoe Marcin Beads, Tea and Sweets
At the beginning of 2012, I decided to participate in a personal challenge.
Using the Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge as my foundation, I challenged myself to complete the full year.
Let’s take a look-see and review the year of 2012…
And Happy New Year.
This is the final Art Bead Scene Challenge for 2012.
Thank goodness it’s a lovely winter scene without all of the “red and green” holiday scene background!
Sleeping Beauty by Erté, 1983
26 1/2″ x 33″ Serigraph
(color palette by Brandi Hussey)
It took me some time to come up with a design. I decided that I wanted to try my hand at needle tatting. So, I purchased some tatting needles and surfed for an on line video and the rest is history. Ironically enough, my Grandmother was a master seamstress and tatter.
Materials used: tatting thread, seed beads, felt, buttons, needle and thread.
Check out more artisan designs over at the ABS flickr group.
This is the second Challenge of Color Blog Hop that I have participated in. I find it’s always fun to have someone else choose a color palette for me to play with. This time the lovely Miss Erin and Miss Brandi gave us a selection of two palettes to choose from. (Thank you Erin and Brandi.) Each palette was specially selected for the participants. The option was to work with one or the other, or even both palettes. Both of my palettes very much remind me of my home turf and the colors of the Mojave desert.
The first palette is from Lake Amadeus in the Australian Outback. Looks very much like Badwater Basin in Death Valley. True story; I have both hiked and kayaked across Badwater. I’m pretty certain not many can claim that accomplishment. We had epic rainfall one year and out came the paddles and kayak. Otherwise, it’s just mud flats and salt heaves. I don’t even know if they still let people hike out on the basin anymore. Probably not too many ambitious enough to do that anyway.
Here’s my version Lake Amadeus:
The next palette up is Desert Patterns. I believe this is Saharan sand dunes in Algeria, Africa. We don’t have sand dunes quite that impressive here in the Mojave. In fact, when I first moved here, I was very disappointed because I had been expecting more sand dunes. I am over that now, because it would just mean more grit, dust and dirt to contend with and we have plenty already. The thing we do have in common … wind, wind and more wind.
Check out these desert colors…
Thanks for stopping in and do hop around and see what others did with this challenge.
“The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks;
The long day wanes; the slow moon climbs; the deep
Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends.
‘T is not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die…”
Alfred Lord Tennyson
I used a Vintaj Natural Brass Co. Deco Vines piece for the focal, Vintaj Aged Broze Patina, nylon cord, glass, wood, metal and dyed bone beads, metal findings and dark annealed bailing wire.
Take your interpretation of “Twinkling Lights” and create an inspiring piece using Vintaj Natural Brass, Arte Metal and/or Artisan Copper! Submissions are due by NOON (CST) Friday, November 30.
Voting will be open from December 3 – midnight December 7, with the challenge winner posted on Monday, December 10.
Editor’s Pick will be posted the same day.