The Sparklie Things Blog

This was the summer....

2011-10-09T10:25:00.002-06:00

I had one of the best summer's ever - a lot of good friends, many good beverages, and a lot of U2 concerts. Over the course of the summer, the pile of tickets, wristbands and goodies really added up! I've been a fan of the band for a while, but it wasn't until I went to Vancouver two years ago that I discovered what was really possible in getting to see the band. The last concert of the tour was in Moncton at the end of July, and it was a great time. It was sad to see all of the people I'd hung out with for a couple of years depart for the last time. All of the other times we'd said goodbye, I'd always been able to say that I'd see them in the next town, or in a few weeks. This time, it really was goodbye for a good long while. As sad as all of that was, I am so greatful that I was able to do it, and it felt like a new part of my life had begun.

So to celebrate, the August BJP is a butterfly, in bright beautiful colours. I love the fact that the colours remind me a lot of those used in a lot of native beadwork, as to me, there was a really spiritual element to the summer. I am enjoying doing the BJP again - it's nice to get a chance to stitch and just bead, without having to think a lot.

New Beads

2011-09-24T12:17:00.002-06:00

I entered an exchange over on Lampwork Etc., where each participant has to make 5 beads for each of 5 other people. This is the first set of 5.

What I've Been Working On

2011-09-19T00:31:00.002-06:00

Necklace (chain, lampwork beads, plus silk cord, not yet finished) and BJP for August (with many months in-between not yet started or unfinished)

Knitting

2011-09-09T10:00:00.003-06:00

The new scarf is getting there! The yarn has a very, very short bits of each colour, and the pattern (The Prismatic Scarf - free from Ravelry) promised to make yarns like this not look like clown barf. I'm rather fond of it, and am sure that I'll get good use of it in the winter.

New set

2011-09-08T07:13:00.002-06:00

Stitched - Egyptian Garden Update

2011-09-07T07:07:00.002-06:00

Progress as of September 6th

Tribal

2011-09-06T07:14:00.001-06:00

I'd had the silver beads forever, and recently paired them with some garnet red lampwork hollows and disks. I'm rather fond of the result.

Inspired!

2011-09-05T08:46:00.003-06:00

I haven't felt like continuing on with the Bead Journal project for months, and suddenly inspiration hit me today. Here's the colour scheme, and I'll post more when I'm further along the project.

Beads!

2011-09-04T08:34:00.001-06:00

A new set from me:

Hairsticks!

2011-09-03T07:52:00.002-06:00

I was approached by a lovely woodworking friend of mine to purchase some beads. Since I knew she wanted to make hairsticks from them, I asked her about a trade. She came up with these fabulous hairsticks, with perfect teardrops for beads in them!

Melanie Moertel and More

2011-09-02T00:39:00.003-06:00

I've been travelling a lot this summer, but was fortunate to attend a Melanie Moertel workshop in Edmonton. She's super sweet, and we all had a great time at the class. She also drew names for the beads she made in class (again, super sweet!), and I ended up winning her fairy bead. It's been strung, and is now resident on a lovely chain for wearing!

2011-09-01T07:22:00.001-06:00

Just Pictures - New Beads

2011-08-31T07:22:00.000-06:00

Happy 5th Blogiversary to me!

2011-04-25T21:10:00.005-06:00

It's been such a busy couple of weeks that I totally forgot about updating the blog, including annoucing that Heather won blog candy. I also totally forgot about my 5th blogiversary. I've never kept a journal, diary or other record of my life for this long, so it's pretty interesting to look back and see what's gone on.

I also have new beads to share - I cracked out the tumbler this weekend, so I have lovely smooth, satiny beads. Tumbling with fine grit is the only way to etch some glass, and it leaves most of the other glass with the most wonderful sheen and texture - sort of like ivory, but not really.

One for me... and one for blog candy

2011-03-28T22:11:00.003-06:00

Thanks to all for the lovely comments on the scissor fobs! It's been one of those weeks (ok, months) where it's hard to push yourself to do anything except work. I'm glad I made the time to get the packages together. Several of the recipients blogged about the receipts, so the full packages are with: Kathy , Erica and Jo.

I did manage to get torch time in over the last few weeks, and these are the result - cute, funky heart pendants. I've earmarked the green heart for myself, and as much as I love the lavender/blue/green heart, I'd like to give it a new home. If you adore the heart as much as I do, leave a comment, and I'll draw for something at the end of the week (April 1st).

More here.

2011-03-13T19:37:00.002-06:00

Admittedly, I haven't done much lately. But now that the four recipients of my stash packages have all received theirs, here are the four scissor fobs that accompanied the packages.

Still Here....

2011-03-01T06:41:00.003-07:00

All four packages from the giveaway are now in the mail and on their way to their new owners.

I've been on a knitting streak lately, and am over a third into a new pair of socks. I had some Kureyon Sock Yarn in the stash, and so when the knitting bug took, I decided that it would make a great new pair.

New Ornie

2011-02-21T08:00:00.002-07:00

The February ornament, plus its friends. I've (hopefully) purchased more of the vintage buttons for the centre, but they're still on the way, so they're not really finished yet.

Pattern - Floss Box Mini Biscornu Pack 1 with zig-zag border
Floss - DMC Blanc
Fabric - Christmas Red evenweave.

Giveaways!

2011-02-20T10:19:00.010-07:00

I posted a giveaway of some silk thread and lampwork buttons at the start of the week, and Erica, Jo, Kathy and Stitcher entered. Since there were only 4, and I didn't want to dissapoint any of them, I thought I'd make-up 4 packages instead.

So, without further delay, here are the four colours schemes are: Vikki Clayton's Earth Dragon (on its way to Jo), Week's Dye Works Celebration (on its way to Erica), Vikki Clayton's Midnight Rainbow (on its way to Kathy) and Vikki Clayton's Slate. I'm looking forward to seeing what they all make!

Sigh - Another LNS Gone...

2011-02-19T15:58:00.003-07:00

I stopped by my local cross-stitch shop to learn that they were closing at the end of the day for good. They were the last shop left in town, although there is a mail-order store that ships out of the city, as well as another shop in the next small town up the road. I'm not that surprised, as every time I went in, their inventory looked dated, and they didn't really have many classes and projects to keep people coming in.

Still, I will miss having a LNS nearby. It was nice to pick up one or two things, and know that if I ran out of something, I could get it reasonably quickly. Or, like my errand today, be able to pick up a few things to match what I have already in my stash. And it's sad to think that this will be the 6th shop closing that I can think of in the city - maybe we just can't support a LNS after all.

So - goodbye to the local needlework shop - I guess it's online shopping only from now on.

Feb BJP - On the wild side

2011-02-17T06:15:00.002-07:00

Welcome to this month's BJP - I'd been doing a monochromatic colour scheme for the past 13 months, and figured it was time for a departure! This colour combination was put together by my favourite bead store. They have an awesome staff member who's excellent with colour, and this was a mix of colours that came in a package. I substituted out the bronze beads for a similar shade, so I'd have enough to do the background, and added the matte white delicas to compliment the matte square beads. The buttons are from a charity shop not far from my house.

Blog Candy - with a twist!

2011-02-13T08:55:00.007-07:00

I have to admit that I love making exchange packages, pay-it-forward gifts and putting together blog candy. There's something about putting together a package in and hearing their reaction to the package that I really enjoy. I used to do quite a few stitching exchanges for this reason, but it seems like the energy has gone out of the exchange boards in the last few years. I've also been inspired by the BJP project as a chance to use colour, try new things and just generally think outside the box when it comes to making new things.

So... here's what I'm proposing. I'm putting together a blog candy package, which will contain at least the skein of Vikki Clayton's "Slate" thread, plus 5 tiny (and unique) buttons, which should fit perfectly in the centre of a biscornu. By the time I put the package in the mail, there might be other goodies in there too. I'll pick someone who comments on this post by the end of tomorrow (Feb 14th) at midnight MST.

Within 3 months of receving the package, the person getting the package agrees to use some (or all) of what's in there to stitch something of their choosing, and then send me (or post) a picture of what you've made from it. You get to keep whatever you make, plus all of the extras in the package.

New Stuff

2011-02-07T22:47:00.003-07:00

Made for an upcoming charity sale....

TUSAL and new earings

2011-02-06T09:06:00.005-07:00

I'm participating in the "Totally Useless Stitch-a-long" hosted by Daffycat this year, and have my February progress to post. I also have a cute pair of earings - the local bead stores have been having sales in advance of the big Tucson market later in the month, so it's been a good time to pick up some new beads and findings.

Since this is intended to be a monthly post, it's also probably a good time for goals!

1) BJP January - Complete!
2) One ornament - Complete, except for the buttons, which are ordered
3) Part 4/5 of St. Petes - I did stitch on this, so complete!
4) Finish Egyptian Garden - I also stitched, although perhaps not as much as I would have liked.

January BJP Finished!

2011-01-30T23:34:00.003-07:00

Here's the finished January Bead Journal Project - a 3" by 3" square, with lots of green on it. I like the organic grassy-ness of the project, and am still getting used to the new beading material. After picking buttons last year, which had their own challenges, the 6" wide interfacing has it's own characteristics, which I'm still getting used to.

Almost a finish....

2011-01-29T14:51:00.005-07:00

I decided to try completing a Christmas ornament a month again this year - there was quite a bit of energy around it a few years ago, mostly fueled by the Christmas Ornaments blog, and I thought I would give it a go again this year. I picked a similar design to one I've already completed, hoping to make a little collection at some point. I have more of the little antique buttons coming for the centre, just like the first one, but they haven't arrived yet. Since all of the stitching's done, I thought I would show it off anyways.

Pattern - Floss Box Mini Biscornu Pack 1 with zig-zag border
Floss - DMC Blanc
Fabric - Christmas Red evenweave.

Sneak Peak - BJP - January

2011-01-22T11:23:00.003-07:00

The 2011 version of the Bead Journal Project has begun, at least in my house. Each of the participants creates 12 beaded pieces to commemorate, journal or represent each of the months of the year. I quickly realized last year that the beads had a way of taking over, and even when I wanted to represent something, it didn't always turn out that way.

For 2011, I have no plan, except to create 12 3" by 3" squares each month. The first one is green, and here's a sneak peek.

Beaded January

2011-01-17T20:26:00.002-07:00

Olive, turqouise, blue and apple green.

Baby Biscornu

2011-01-16T15:35:00.004-07:00

My first finish of the year! A tiny biscornu, pattern is a freebie by Indigo Rose, thread is "70" by Minnamurra, fabric is "Southern Sky" by Country Stitch, and tiny, tiny glass button by yours truly. The second pic is the button against my hand, just to show how tiny the button truly is.

St. Petes Update

2011-01-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

I've not posted an updated picture for ages, so here it is:

Egyptian Garden - Again

2011-01-05T19:17:00.002-07:00

Out with the old

2011-01-03T11:13:00.006-07:00

This is the 2010 "ort" jar I'd been using. I moved over to the 2011 version, but thought I would take a pic before finishing. I've been working on Egyptian Garden a lot, so there's a lot of brown in there.

Because it is the new year, and I feel like I should make some goals for the year, here they are:

Goals for 2011:
- Finish Egyptian Garden
- Finish Part 4 & 5 of St. Petersburg Garden
- Stitch one Christmas ornament a month
- Complete one Bead Journal Project a month

Possible Starts for 2011:
- Chatelaine's King's Vegetable Garden
- Mirabilia's Midsummer Night's Fairy

BJP - 2010 Finished

2011-01-02T18:11:00.001-07:00

I thought I would take one last pic of the 2010 BJP, so I can make room in the side bar for the 2011 versions.

Blogging

2010-12-31T07:20:00.002-07:00

I was posting last night's entry, and wondering how I'd managed to write so many posts in earlier years, and so few this year. This year was *such* an amazing one, filled with lots of great trips, experiences and lots and lots of friends. I got to see my favourite band play one of their best shows, had a nephew join the family, eat at some great restaurants, but somehow very little of it made the blog.

I'll try and do better at documenting life next year, but until then, have a great evening, and we'll see you in 2011.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T23:45:00.002-07:00

This is the first year that I haven't participated in the TWBB (and other BB's) ornament exchange. I think I'd participated in it for 7 years, sending off 2 or 3 or 4 ornaments a year, some with a TW theme, some Christmas, some winter.

This year, the mood didn`t strike me, and, as you can see, the tree is pretty full of stitched stuff. I love the fact that I can look back, and remember opening all of those envelopes stuffed with ornaments (and sometimes other goodies!) each year.

For those of you reading, I hope the holiday season has been filled with family, friends and laughter, and I truly hope you have the best year in 2011!

Egyptian Garden Update....

2010-12-28T23:54:00.001-07:00

Seems like slow progress, but I think I'm getting somewhere....

Feeling behind....

2010-12-27T22:38:00.003-07:00

Now that the Christmas busy-ness is over, this is what I have to show:

And the last one - December's done!

2010-12-13T15:54:00.004-07:00

Here is the December BJP - a little "steampunk", I think. I had the intention of using 12 small black buttons to represent the 12 months of the project, but nothing seemed right. I ran across the grey/silver button, added it to the mix, and all of a sudden, things started jelling. A few more silver things, some matte black beads and just a few of those buttons, and voila, December is done. I've pretty much given up trying to impart deep meaning into each month's piece, and have learned to let the beads take over. This month this is what they wanted to be.

I'm trying to decide what to do for the next BJP. I have a few ideas floating around in my head, and lots of backing fabric, but nothing concrete yet. I liked the buttons, but I'm not sure I'd use them again - they were small enough that I could complete 2 or 3 of them in a month if needed, and were "self finishing", but because you had to press the beads together, everything needed to be somewhat flat and non-breakable.

New BJP - 11 done, one to go

2010-12-06T11:52:00.003-07:00

November's BJP turned out much differently than I though - I'd picked the colours for all of the months (and set aside some beads for each one) even before the year began. November was supposed to be gray, but I loved the taupe/grey/brown spiral so much that I wanted to use it. And then other grey/brown beads jumped into my hands, and found their way into the piece. So November is now grey/brown, and not just grey.

Back to the bumps....

2010-12-04T11:08:00.001-07:00

I opened back up my Etsy shop after a hiatus, and am starting to list things, including these.

Even more stitched!

2010-12-02T17:46:00.002-07:00

This is Egyptian Garden, as of December 2nd, 2010.

On a roll - October Bead Journal Project

2010-11-28T09:40:00.005-07:00

We went to the late showing of Harry Potter last night. I knew it was going to be a late night, so took an afternoon nap. I was *so* wide awake when I got home, so took advantage of the time to finish a few things off. I added the last few beads onto October's bead journal project. I'm not sure what it represents or what I was journalling, but I like the way that it turned out. I especially like that I was able to incorporate a larger lampwork piece into the work. (It's the flat disk - not fancy, but it's there)

I also have a new set to share - a couple of large hole beads, a larger focal bead and a couple of smaller spacer beads. I like the way that the large hole beads look sideways, and think they'd be cute on hoops.

More stitched!

2010-11-27T13:33:00.003-07:00

I seem to be on an ornament roll lately, and here is the latest. It's from Cherished Stitches in the JCS 2006 Ornament Issue. I replaced the recommended fibres with Kreink Braid, left off the border and added the crystals.

I've also got more bumpy beads - after all, practice makes perfect!

Finally - Stitched!

2010-11-23T21:41:00.004-07:00

It's been a year where I just haven't felt like stitching much. I'm not really sure why there's been a lack of inspiration, but the other night, I got the urge to finally stitch. I picked one of my favorite ornaments, a great colour and some lovely beads, and set to work!

This is from the JCS 2008 issue, and it's from the Cat's Whisker's Studio. Stitched entirely from Vicky Clayton's Deep Ocean, with Delica beads. This is the second time I've stitched this ornament - the first can be seen here. To complete either version, stitch everything except the small dot symbol in the same colour thread, and replace the small dot with Delica beads.

Brights!

2010-11-22T08:43:00.003-07:00

The weather here has turned grey and snowy, so I thought I'd show off some nice warm coloured beads. I've been playing (alot) with dots, so here is the result:

September finished!

2010-11-21T13:58:00.003-07:00

I finally finished September's Bead Journal Project - I wasn't really sure where this piece was going, but am really pleased about the finished result. September was a month where everything fell into line - I finally got to see the band I'd been waiting months in a series of awesome concerts, I got to see some amazing places and reconnect with some fantastic people. I think the beading reflects that - simple, orderly and more sparkles.

Back to BJP

2010-11-20T09:45:00.003-07:00

I'm participating in the Bead Journal Project for the second year. Robin Atkins, who's a genius of all things beaded, is organizing yet another round of the project, and I decided I would give it another go. If you're interested, the homepage for the project is here. I'm still 3 (and a bit) works from finishing the 2010 version, so I need to get my beading needles in gear!

I actually like the BJP quite a bit - it has all of the elements that I really liked about cross-stitch exchanges, but in the end I get to keep all of the work that I have done. I like that this gives me the chance to work on new things, to work within a set of rules, and to stretch myself. I'm excited about meeting new crafty/artsy people and about discovering new things.

More.

2010-11-15T22:09:00.006-07:00

New pair of earings and a necklace. The earings were made from beads that I just "had" to have at a sale at one of the beads stores in town. Simple, yet I really like them - I just need a ton more "special" events to wear all my sparkly stuff too.

The necklace is mostly vintage and mostly Parisian market finds. I was lucky enough to get bead shopping at some amazing stalls, and picked up many of the beads and buttons.

More bead on a bead

2010-11-13T22:35:00.002-07:00

and new earings too! Bead on a bead is all strung up, and ready to be taken out.

Bead on a Bead

2010-11-12T11:44:00.003-07:00

I'd wanted to try this for a while, and finally got myself organized enough to do this recently. This is a bead on a bead - the middle bead is completely free, and spins separatley.

Torch time - Part 2

2010-11-09T21:36:00.002-07:00

Pandora (big hole) style beads - from this weekend's torch time.

Bumble Beads

2010-11-08T23:20:00.001-07:00

I finally got to torch this weekend - lots of new beads, all with extra dots on them.

BJP - August

2010-11-07T21:34:00.002-07:00

I am months behind, but catching up. I spent almost no time at home this summer, so am feeling very behind on a number of things, including the project.

This year has been mostly defined by trips, and August was no exception. August was a quick trip to Vegas, where I unthawed, shopped, and ate. Mostly in that order. (The summer here was so awful that it seemed like summer never really began. Wool socks in August is no fun).

I also broke out the size 15's on this piece. I promised myself I wasn't going to do that, especially in seed stich, as it just takes too long. But the prospect of many hundreds of little sparkles was just too much for me to resist, and out they came....

Mid-week

2010-08-18T20:57:00.003-06:00

I promised myself I'd post more, but today I don't have much to add.

I do totally appreciate all of the comments that everyone has left. Somedays, that's enough to keep me going

July BJP

2010-08-15T19:33:00.003-06:00

Here's July's Bead Journal Project - inspired by a viewing of "Wicked" in New York, and a reference to my favourite (live) U2 song "City Of Blinding Lights". It's plenty sparkly, and totally random...

2010-08-13T21:05:00.002-06:00

One of the reasons I like beads, and making jewelry, is that I can get a quick sense of accomplishment. I love cross-stitching, but even the smallest piece is probably 4 or 5 hours of stitching to finsh, where a pair of earings is 20 minutes or so to finish? These are handmade beads, in a glass colour called Kryptonite, strung up to simple earings.

Practice makes perfect

2010-08-11T20:45:00.002-06:00

This is the second little vessle I've made, and although there's still a long way to go, I can definitley see progress.

New bead set

2010-08-09T07:07:00.002-06:00

I'm so in love with this new set - it's really amazing what this glass did all on its own. Usually with striking glasses, you need to do special techniques (and hope the glass co-operates). With this glass, it was so easy, and I love the results.

BJP - June

2010-08-08T11:11:00.004-06:00

Here's the June bead journal project (yes, I am behind). June was a month that I had planned out carefully for months, until one day, everything was set at a right angle. I follow a band, and I'd purchased concert tickets months in advance. I'd carefully watched airfares to make sure I was getting the lowest fare, booked hotels, and made all other arrangements, until one day the band postponed their 2010 ticket until 2011. I knew it wasn't anyone's fault, but it still wasn't my favourite, and required a lot of re-arranging. It looks like all will work out, but it was a crazy, topsy turvy month.

I am following a colour wheel for the 2010 BJP - if you want to see the progression, all of the finished works are at the side of my blog.

New set

2010-08-04T07:27:00.003-06:00

I have a new earing/pendant set - my photography skills still aren't the best, so in the interests of posting something that's actually in focus (and getting something up on the blog more than once a month), I have photos of each separatley.

New Necklace

2010-08-02T15:36:00.001-06:00

It feels like forever since I've posted. It seems like a lot happened, but then again, maybe not a lot of it was noteworthy. I designed this necklace for a charity function in the next few months, and figured I would share here as well.

May Bead Journal Project

2010-05-23T18:30:00.003-06:00

When I started to bead the May piece, it came together as a collection of items - some from here, some from there. I'd had the large flower for a while - it came from a beadshop in Portland, which means it's about 5 years old. And the smaller flowers are new - purchased at a bead sale earlier in the year. Some of the beads (and certainly the buttons) are vintage, but new to me, so the button is a real mix of different things. It's also the first work to incorporate my own lampwork beads, even if it's a tiny, tiny spacer. I guess the work really does mirror how the month has gone - some good, some bad, somethings that just have to be dealt with.

I wanted to follow up on my colour wheel comments from the last post. In some respects, the colour wheel is limiting, but it is also forcing me to use and look at beads that I wouldn't have otherwise. The small yellow flowers are like that - I don't usually use flowers in my work, and I'm not a huge yellow fan, but they showed up when I was browsing beads at the bead sale, and I knew I had to have a few for this piece.

April Bead Journal Project

2010-05-22T11:49:00.003-06:00

Here, and only a little late, is April's bead journal project. I'm enjoying the aspect of "journaling" through beads. I hadn't really thought much about representing my life, and the year, through beads. This month I think I've caught on to the concept, and the April piece, with its one blue dot against a background of orange, is about feeling alone in a lot of ways. My work situation changed drastically in the last year, and I'm still trying to figure out if the changes are good or bad.

Now that I'm 4 (almost 5 months) in, I don't know if I'd choose to do a colour wheel again. It gives me a chance to work in a lot of colours that I don't normally use, but there are colours I really don't like, such as orange, and having to put together a whole piece with that colour is sometimes tough.

Baking - Buche de Noel

2010-04-26T06:38:00.005-06:00

A friend hosted a turkey dinner this past weekend - a chance to catch up, enjoy good company and some good food. I wouldn't have normally attempted this, but it was nice to be able to put this together at a time that wasn't crazy with the rest of Christmas celebrations.

New Work - Pendants

2010-04-25T14:59:00.002-06:00

New Jewellery

2010-04-24T15:25:00.004-06:00

March Bead Journal Project

2010-04-04T16:59:00.003-06:00

This is perhaps the most literal of my Bead Journal pieces to date, in that it actually represents an event that took place in the month. The idea of a fish swiming in water is to commemorate a cruise taken early in the month. The cruise was the perfect holiday - too much food, a little good wine, very little connectivity to the outside world, and the company of good friends.

About the red fish ....I received the fish many years ago as a "treat" in a secret swap program, and decided that the fish would fit this month's chosen colour of "red" perfectly. (For those of you who are reading my blog for the first time, or more hopefully, are enjoying too much BJP eye candy and can't keep up with what everyone is up to, I decided to do form all of my BJP on button covers, for a 1 7/8" round shape, and decided to complete a colour wheel during the year. It seemed like a good idea at the time....)

The fish is joined by lots of seed stitches in opaque and transparent red, along with some off-centre/bubble/magatama beads to form the ground. I think the off-centre beads are actually amber, but look slightly red, and when combined with red background fabric, seem to be a perfect garnet colour. I also threw in to the mix 3 red circles purchased in New York last fall (again, while on holiday). I'm not entirely sure of the significance of three, other than it felt right, and it fell into my new mantra of trying to edit less and bead more.

Excited!

2010-03-20T19:05:00.004-06:00

I'd heard about a new bakery near where I lived that was planning to create and sell proper french macarons. As you can see, they do make them, and more than a few accompanied me on the way home today. Macarons are by far the fussiest cookies I've ever come across - for the shells, you need to stir dry ingredients into a meringue, pipe out little circles, let the whole thing set up, give the cookie sheet a good bang on the counter and then bake the cookies. Hopefully, if you've done everything right, and there's not too much humidity, you get glossy little cookies with a little ridge at the bottom. After creating the filling and sandwiching the cookies together, you have macarons. I've created quite a few batches of macarons, and only one really worked out the way it was supposed to. They are my favourite cookie, however, and so I'm glad that that I found them.

Gardening

2010-03-17T21:21:00.002-06:00

Apparently I'm a much better gardener when I go on holidays and ignore the houseplants. My Christmas cactus is flowering for the second time this year. More pictures from vacation shortly....

Wow - long time!

2010-03-14T19:36:00.002-06:00

I didn't mean for a month to go by with no posts - it's been a long time. At any rate, I'm currently working on the March edition of the BJP. I also got some torch time in recently, and came up with these fibula - style pins with the lampwork beads. They're made out of copper wire and lampwork beads, and I'll donate them to assist African grandmothers who are supporting themselves and their grandchildren. Fibula pins do best on loosely woven or knitted material, so they'll be perfect for adding to the knitted scarves and shawls that the other ladies are making.

Ootheca Bracelet Progress

2010-02-08T23:36:00.004-07:00

Here's the finish of side 1, plus a little over half of side 2 done. The other picture shows how the two sides will sit together when done. There will be small crystals to bind the two sides together, and I'm looking forward to seeing it all come together. I like the look, as it doesn't "look" like a bracelet that's made out of seed beads, even though it's entirely beads. The project is from "Seed Bead Fusion" by Rachel Nelson-Smith. I used a transparent blue with a luster finish for the darker colour and a colour-lined medium blue for the lighter colour.

The original January BJP

2010-02-04T19:34:00.001-07:00

I found this picture when I was cleaning out my photos the other day - this was the "too busy" version of the January Bead Journal Project. It had dimensional flowers, buttons, a few pressed glass beads and who knows what else on it. I liked the colour scheme, but ended up being much happier with my finished product instead.

Ort Jar - Totally Useless Stitch-a-long

2010-02-04T06:53:00.004-07:00

This is the end result of January's work - mostly lights from St. Petes, with a few other odds and ends thrown in.

Motivated

2010-02-02T18:15:00.002-07:00

After spending most of the month of January sick, I'm starting to have more energy, and more motivation to get things done. I've been working on these socks for a while - they're in Indigo Rose's "Rhapsody" colourway, which I fell in love with the moment I saw it at the knitting store.

New Project

2010-02-01T23:14:00.002-07:00

I picked up my "Ootheca Cuff" this weekend. When finished, there will be two sides, which will be joined by hundreds of tiny crystals. Right now, I'm about 2/3 the way through side one. In all, there will be 29 rows of little bumps, and the second side will have bumps alternating with the first, so that each hole will be filled. I love the way that this is coming togther, just wish that it didn't take so long to bead!

Bead Journal Project - February

2010-01-31T09:15:00.004-07:00

I finished the February Bead Journal Project piece, which I'm pretty happy with. I think it looks like detail from a belly dancer's costume. On this project, I'm working through a colour wheel, which means this month's colour is pink. I didn't really know what I would bead about, but I was inspired by parallel bugle beads arranged in a wave shape that I'd seen somewhere along the way in looking at other BJP member's blogs.

I'm also taking the opportunity to use up little bits of beads in my collection - ones that wouldn't be suitable for loomwork or peyote stitch, or that I don't have enough of to make a whole piece out of. The pink beads on the top are certainly some of those - I know that they were purchased when I worked at the bead store (which was ...well... close to 20 years ago). They're a little smaller than the size 10's usually available, and I only have a few colours. They were perfect for the pink on this piece though, and so joined some delicas, bugles and four pressed glass coins that I picked up in New York in the fall.

I learned a few things along the way this month. I wish I'd extended the beading just a bit further out, so you wouldn't see so much background fabric around the edges. I also wish I'd taken into account how much time seed stitch takes, especially when it's that close together. The top and bottom of this piece took quite a while to do, but I love the result.

More St. Pete's

2010-01-26T23:12:00.002-07:00

St. Petersburg Progress

2010-01-17T20:31:00.001-07:00

Here's White Nights in St. Petersburg by Chatelaine. I'm about 2/3 the way through part 4, and hope to have that complete by the end of the month.

Lampwork bubbles

2010-01-15T21:08:00.002-07:00

I finally got some torch time in over the last few weeks, and spent some time practicing hollows. These are the results - I love hollow beads for how the light reflects and how delicate they look.

Bead Journal Project 2010 - January

2010-01-12T21:04:00.005-07:00

I chose to make covered buttons for the Bead Journal Project. I wanted something that was not going to take forever to bead, but something that was substantial and would feel "finished" at the end of each month. For January, I started with white, which I thought represented the ideas of "new" and "hope". I used 3 vintage buttons for the centre of the design, and surrounded them with seed beads, which fade from white into grey. I learned a lot beading this design - both about the round space that I was beading and about covering a surface entirely in beads. The first version had all sorts of small flowers and miscellaneous bits on it that I was planning to bead around - much too fidly and intricate. In the end, I decided that none of it was right, and re-beaded to the design that you see here. The design, to me, represents all that has just begun or is about to begin this year - new job, new places to visit and new people to connect with.

Projects

2010-01-10T14:03:00.006-07:00

I promised updates, so without further ado, here's a WIP of Cirque de Carreaux, and some new lampwork I am working on.

It's been ages...

2010-01-05T20:20:00.003-07:00

I have lots to share, including new beads, new cross-stitch progress. For now, I also wanted to share the address of the Bead Journal Project blog, where bead journalers will be sharing their progress. It can be found here: http://bjp3.blogspot.com/

Christmas Ornaments

2009-12-07T21:12:00.006-07:00

I just got word that two of my ornaments were received, and I received one today. I made the entirely beaded one, and the bell-pull style, and received the "PEACE" ornament. For those of you who read the Wagon, the entirely beaded ornament was the one I wrote a post about a few months back, asking if people wanted/would appreciate a beaded ornament. I described the ornament as a hot-pink tie-fighter, and don't think the description is that far off.

Still Here...

2009-11-28T15:35:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy month, but there's not a lot that's blogworthy. I finished three ornaments for the TWBB Ornament exchange, and will post pictures when I can. I also got a chance to make some beads, and will post pictures later.

Winner!

2009-11-01T07:25:00.003-07:00

I drew names early this morning, and the winner is Heather! Congrats to Heather, I know she'll come up with something fantastic to use the beads for.

Finished.

2009-10-31T12:18:00.003-06:00

Blogtoberfest has come to an end, and it's been a great way to remember to post often. Thanks to everyone for joining in, including those people who are new to following my blog.

I'll draw for the beads later tonight - thanks to everyone for entering. I can't wait to see what the winner makes!

I also have finished jewellery to share - this is two new bracelets and one new necklace out of mostly my own lampwork beads, plus some crystals and some purchased pearls and other beads. I wanted the pink necklace to be somewhat funky and un-matching, similar to a purple necklace I own.

Consolidated.

2009-10-29T13:23:00.003-06:00

Sitting with my iPhone, which contains my electronic boarding pass, with my baggage claim stub attached to the back. What a far cry from paper tickets. I remember the bundled of parr that it used to take to get there and back again. Last night's concert (U2) was awesome and I can't wait to see them next year!

Yyc -> yvr

2009-10-28T11:08:00.001-06:00

Out of town again. I suspect I know why I'm so bad at blogging some days - I seem to be constantly on the road.

Joyous.

2009-10-26T21:23:00.003-06:00

n These are the latest beads - they just make me feel happy, which is probably why I like making them so much. Most of the flat round ones have already been turned in to a bracelet.

The blog giveaway is open until Saturday (the end of the month).

Sunday.

2009-10-25T16:53:00.005-06:00

When I started Blogtoberfest, I had no idea how I was going to fill 31 posts. I haven't been the most active blogger this year, and some days I feel like I have absolutely nothing to post about. But here I am, a week short of the end, having posted on all except one day. With progress on at least 3 of my WIP's, and some new beads to boot. I have more progress to share this week on St. Petes and Cirque de Carreaux, and will have new beads to share tomorrow.

Contest.

2009-10-24T16:05:00.007-06:00

Blogtoberfest is over at the end of the month, and to celebrate, I thought I'd offer up a second giveaway, which will run until the end of the month (October 31st)

This giveaway is for 10 glass beads handmade by yours truly - 5 gummy bear shaped beads, plus 5 large hole beads, which can be worn on a Pandora/Troll/European style bracelet. A couple of caveats - the gummy bears are actually glass, so should not be eaten. The large hole beads can be worn on a bracelet, but the Pandora people told me that wearing "non-Pandora" beads will revoke the warranty on the bracelets. You can also put the beads on chain or string, or anything else of your choice.

To enter, leave a comment on this post. Mentions of the contest on your blog will get you a second entry into the contest.

Snowed.

2009-10-24T10:02:00.003-06:00

It's snowing hard today - much harder than I had imagined. It's supposed to warm up this afternoon, and possibly turn to rain, but I still think I'm going to get my errands done quickly, grab some food and stitch for the rest of the day.

Won.

2009-10-23T17:21:00.002-06:00

Rainbow Child is the winner of the beads! Congratulations - I was looking through her blog, and think the beads will be going to the perfect home.

I'll likely do another giveaway starting over the weekend for the end of Blogtoberfest, so stay tuned.

Fed.

2009-10-22T20:26:00.001-06:00

Homemade spaghetti marinara for supper, with cucumber salad and a glass of wine. Life is good.

Cheeky

2009-10-21T07:07:00.001-06:00

I've received a package in the mail today - I now have tickets to something I'm very excited about (details later). I'm so shocked that the tickets came this fast - I bought them pre-sale last Wednesday, and they turned up via the DHL courier last night. I'm feeling a little cheeky, as I know my life affords me a lot of great things, and this is one of them.

Blog candy is open until Friday, details are on Sunday's post.

Stumped.

2009-10-20T18:41:00.001-06:00

After 20 days, I haven't a clue what to write for today's entry for Blogtoberfest. Perhaps tomorrow will be more inspired.

Blog candy is open until Friday, see Sunday's post for details.

Decided.

2009-10-19T20:43:00.003-06:00

I've been taking dance lessons at two different studios for the past couple of years. I liked twice a week when it was Mondays and Thursdays, but one of the studios switched to Tuesday this year, so it's now Mondays and Tuesdays, which isn't ideal. Both of the studios have increased their rates, and while I understand why, I'm now at the point where I'm not sure I can justify both sets of lessons financially, and will likely only take one set of lessons in the winter. I'm kind of sad over deciding to drop one of the lessons - I like both classes, and it's hard to pick one over the other, but I'm not sure there's much more I can do.

Blog Candy draw is Friday - to enter, add a comment on Sunday's post.

Gifted.

2009-10-18T18:21:00.003-06:00

I have new beads to share! To celebrate, its time for a little blog candy giveaway!

Draw closes on Friday, October 23rd, and I'll draw on Saturday for this set of beads - 4 spacers, 4 medium flat rounds, 1 medium flat round with dots and 1 large flat round. There's enough beads here for at least a bracelet, probably more if you want to add some extras, and perhaps even a necklace if you want to spread things out. To enter, leave a comment on this post. If you leave a link on your blog to this post (and leave me a comment saying you've done so), I'll enter you a second time.

Updated.

2009-10-18T10:36:00.004-06:00

Updates on "Cirque de Carreaux" and "White Nights in St. Petersburg"

Early.

2009-10-17T23:22:00.001-06:00

I thought I saw my first set of Christmas lights while driving home tonight. I looked closely, and noticed that they were actually Halloween lights, as one of the figures outlined was a ghost.

It's still too early for outside lights.