PEARL AND PEBBLE

2012-01-29T12:15:00.003-05:00

WOW can't believe I haven't posted in over a month! Hope everyone had a great holiday!! My life is wonderfully crazy as always. The babes are almost a year-can you believe it?!?! Our daily routine includes many servings of Cheerios these days. The other day when I poured them out on the trays I saw a heart in the middle of one. I set it aside and of course lost it. So next pour out I was on a mission to find another. Found one. Turns out it really isn't that hard actually.

Here we are with our "monster faces".

Sometimes we can even get the claws going too! I don't want to wish these baby days away, but I am looking forward to when we can make stuff together. Does any one have any non toxic media suggestions for little ones? Everything goes IN THE MOUTH. I mean everything. We went out of town after New Years. We have a mini van with split seats that allows me to climb in the back while we are driving so I can interact/give a bottle etc. Well I climbed back for no particular reason actually only to find one sleeping blissfully and the other awake with a mouth full of foam that he had been working out of a small exposure in his car seat. (Totally makes me furious with the car seat manufacturers especially as this wasn't a cheap seat, but that's another post.) The other day a wad of string. This morning a tiny moldy leaf from God knows where. So anyway, I guess we could finger paint on the high chair trays with food. I have helped them hold a marker while they move around on paper. We made a few cards this way. I'd like to play with something where they have total freedom though. Have a great weekend!!!

Don't Forget To Thank Your Angels

2011-12-22T09:41:00.002-05:00

How I do love nap time. I feel guilty at how much I love it. So yesterday when the phone rang waking one of the babies, I was annoyed. The girl from the dealership was getting back with Mr. Pearl and Pebble. So I called him, gave him the message and let him know I didn't like her because now one of the boys was howling. He laughed and was surprised she called the house because he had only left an e-mail contact. So I go upstairs to retrieve my babe in distress and as I glanced in the sleeping boy's crib, I saw this I had left gift bags from our Adoption Day ceremony next to the cribs, I thought out of harms way. Apparently not. I put one babe in the coral and woke up my other little man. He had a wad of paper pulp stored in his little cheek, and a wad stuck up on the roof of his mouth. I can't find anymore of the paper, so he must have ate the rest. But WOW! Talk about my daily dose of Divine Intervention!!!! I had just finished reading Heaven Is For Real the night before so I was even more convinced that the Angels assigned to our house were really doing their jobs well!!! So given my recent blogging activity record, I probably won't get another post out anytime soon. Just in case here is a little picture from the "Christmas card stash". I love how it shows the wonder and fasination that wee ones have with the most simple of objects.

Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!

Sweet Orange

2011-11-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

My humble offering here for Erin's color challenge. Orange is my color although I think I may have veered a bit from the citrus pallet she chose for me. Actually these earrings are the first that I made, and the only piece I finished. There are felted components unembellished and more crocheted medallions unassembled. And a few ideas still swirling around in my head. Which I think was part of the point of the challenge anyway. I love orange it seems. For some reason it is never the first color I "go" for. I don't know why. There are a zillion shades, tones and mixes of this marvelous color and yet for some reason when I think of orange I think of Home Depot and pylon cones. Ridiculous. Be sure to check out the other designers blogs to see what wonderful pieces they have made. If you click on the title links they will take you to Jessica's pages featuring her spectacular color pallets. Happy Hopping!!

1 Norma Turvey ~ Teal ~ Color Crave

2 Jeannie Dukic ~ Green ~ Mineral Tones

3 Mary McGraw ~ Teal ~ Embellished Hues

4 Jo Tinley ~ Red ~ Decadent Tones

5 Rebecca Anderson ~ Pink ~ Tulip Tones

6 Kristi Jaro ~ Red ~ Temple Entrance

7 Stephani Gorman ~ Green ~ Dew Tones

8 Melissa Meman ~ Green ~ Fruit Star

9 Kathleen Lange Klik ~ Teal ~ Silk Hues

10 Cynthia Riggs ~ Red ~ Autumn Comfort

11 Heidi Post ~ Teal ~ Flora Bright

12 Cece Cormier ~ Teal ~ Merino Teal

13 Amy Freeland ~ Gray ~ Cultured Tones

14 Alice Peterson ~ Blue ~ Island Play

15 Rose Noble ~ Gray ~ Autumn Stacked

16 Kristina Johansson ~ Yellow ~ Sunny Flower

17 Kirsi Luostarinen ~ Teal ~ Dragon Hues

18 Tari Kahrs ~ Orange ~ Citrus Tones

19 Mallory Hoffman ~ Purple ~ Petaled Dark

20 Molly Alexander ~ Brown ~ Peppered Tones

21 Regina Santerre ~ Red ~ Frosted Berry

22 Emanda Johnson ~ Teal ~ Color Purl

23 Amy Severino ~ Orange ~ Winged Tones

24 Bobbie Rafferty ~ Teal ~ Lime Hues

25 Tanya Goodwin ~ Gray ~ Pecked Tones

26 Lisa Lodge ~ Blue ~ Nocturnal Tones

27 Hope Smitherman ~ Blue ~ Bloom Tones

28 Linda Landig ~ Green ~ Cacti Dark

29 Ambra Gostoli ~ Teal ~ Perched Autumn

30 Lori Bowring-Michaud ~ Blue ~ Sharpened Blue

31 Pippa Chandler ~ Teal ~ Hungarian Hues

32 Keirsten Giles ~ Purple ~ Mineral Brights

33 Jennifer Justman ~ Blue ~ Autumn Rays

34 Sandy Richardson ~ Purple ~ Moroccan Brights

35 CJ Bauschka ~ Teal ~ Teal Air

36 Shaiha Williams ~ Teal ~ Sushi Hues

37 Kay Thomerson ~ Purple ~ Autumn Spectrum

38 Sally Russick ~ Purple ~ Golden Gate Tones

39 Cilla Watkins ~ Purple ~ Autumn Infused

40 Shirley Moore ~ Purple ~ Frozen Heather

41 Jenni Connolly ~ Gray ~ Paw Tones

42 Tamara Soper ~ Green ~ Field Tones

43 Sharyl McMillian-Nelson ~ Blue ~ Nested Blues

44 Jen Velasquez ~ Pink ~ Sweetened Tints

45 Maria Grimes ~ Red ~ Bright Bloom

46 Elisabeth Auld ~ Gray ~ Petaled Tints

47 Susan Kennedy ~ Pink ~ Zinnia Tones

48 Shannon Chomanczuk ~ Gray ~ Autumn Leaf

49 Holly Westfall ~ Yellow ~ Sprinkled Tones

50 Patty Gasparino ~ Red ~ Color Carton

51 Angela Little ~ Pink ~ Singapore Brights

52 Lizzie Zawinski ~ Green ~ Budding Hues

53 Kristen Stevens ~ Pink ~ Scooped Tones

54 Dawn Doucette ~ Brown ~ Jarred Tones

Best Thanksgiving EVER!!!

2011-11-28T13:24:00.003-05:00

Well it's OFFICIAL!! All the legalities are finalized and we are officially parents. The picture is a few weeks old-from Halloween. I made the hair from wool roving which apparently was quite distracting. It's been wwaaayy too long since my last post. Had a little hospital trip. Chest pains, a ride in the ambulance (so embarrassing) a bunch of tests and a Prilosec prescription. Oh well better safe than sorry and if you have to choose a diagnosis........ Wednesday is the 30th and that means Erin's Color Challenge Hop!!!! Click on the link on the right for more info! My color is orange by the way and of course I am NOT done!!!! We had a lovely trip to New Jersey for the Holiday. Went way to fast. The weather was gorgeous. I love sunny cool fall days. I did not pig out and felt marvelous! Babes did good in the van. But both are getting all top front teeth in and are a little uncomfortable. I do not know a good way to close this post and I need to go. Have a great day!!!

I Heart Macro

2011-10-23T15:24:00.006-04:00

I love the line and the abstract quality. It's the same attraction I have to the water splashes on the shower door. Somehow there is a unique and individual story to each mark.

It is actually the shadow of a grass that Mr. Pearl and Pebble found on the grounds of the market while I was getting our coffee beans.

Love this shot. For some reason the golden glow isn't as intense here as in my album. Hmmm. Same computer. Dunno. That is a computer issue. I'm thankful I can do what I can do. (Add that to the list Erin!)

And as I walked around the yard, I saw this lonely dude. He's not quite as spectacular, however I do like the maroon bottom he's got. For some reason he is just a "weed". Still a little beauty though. The air is crisp, but the sun is shining and that makes it a perfect day. Enjoy yours! Oh and don't forget to click on the macro button over to the left. It will take you to Lori's blog over at Waterstone where you will be able to see everyone who is playing along today. Everybody is welcome, so go get your camera!

I Heart Hedgehogs

2011-10-19T14:38:00.007-04:00

Here is the painting that is this month's inspiration for Art Bead Scene's monthly challenge. I love this painting. And I found it to be very very inspiring. Haven't assembled a piece of jewelry yet, but I did pull out my paper, polymer, pens and pencils. That is a good thing. One of the first things I started doing was just doodling on bristol with water soluble pencils and art markers.

Then I started doodling on wooden disks.

I filled in some with my art markers and really loved the color. HOWEVER when it came to varnishing, the reds tended to bleed. So now I am trying to figure out what sealer/varnish is best.

I like this one. It bled, so I took some Prismacolor pencils to it and coated it with gloss varnish/medium. Maybe now I can just use wax?

Or just leave things "naked"? I have a bunch of Aanraku bails coming. Hopefully I can get some put together to my liking and stick them in my shop. Someday.

I also played with my polymer. I want to play with my earth clay, but needed instant gratification. I like him. I have a few more that haven't been carved out, painted, inked up, stained and sealed yet, but I think I will go for it. So thank you Art Bead Scene, this was just the challenge I needed!

Macro Sunday

2011-10-16T14:02:00.003-04:00

This time of year seems to revive my cooking desires. And there are things that I am pretty picky about. One of those things I insist on is grating my nutmeg. I love the little nut. I love scraping the "outerness" off, creating these wonderful facets and revealing all sorts of fabulous patterning. I love grating it, releasing the aroma and feeling the soft shavings left behind. I swear it enhances a recipe far more than pre-ground in a jar nutmeg. But I'm sure that could be debated and is a matter of opinion. So don't worry I don't think less of anyone who doesn't whip out their Microplaner when a quiche is on the dinner menu. (I know you find this to be a great relief!)

Another thing that I find fascinating is the "pictures" I see in such things. Do you see a smiling bird with really long legs too? (Yes, of course I'm tired, but he IS there.)

I Feel Trendy

2011-10-11T14:51:00.003-04:00

There are so many things I want to do and feel like I don't have the time to do it. So when I got the word that my little earrings were selected to be in this month's issue of Bead Trends I was thrilled! Like the Universe was telling me to hang in there. And it's true, little by little I can do more.

Here they are on page 61. The charms are made by Pam at Indian Creek Studios. They feature amazonite rondelles from Rings and Things and cool rockey nuts from Beads and Pieces. Bead Trends is a beautiful magazine and I am so honored! If you haven't picked up a copy before, check it out.

I Heart Macro

2011-10-09T14:47:00.003-04:00

I love texture. And I have always been drawn to objects that indicate they have a history. My photography professor would refer to it as "decay", which technically may be true, but I find that term to be too yucky. I prefer distressed, weathered, having a story, having a history etc. The story here is simply that our water is hard. It wrecks everything-eventually. This is the base of our coffee maker, the part the pot sits on. (Please disregard the coffee overspill along the edge that I have not yet cleaned up) This is probably our 5th maker since 2002. I don't know. Maybe that's normal. But the build up/break down on the heater seat here, "distressed" as it is, is so very beautiful to me. I want to recreate this somehow. I think it would be beautiful on clay, polymer and/or earth, paper, beaded beads...............

It looks very topographical to me. And a little like the solar system. Sigh. I REALLY REALLY REALLY want a whole day to play. Does this happen before kindergarten? Seriously?

Mother's Jewels

2011-10-06T10:15:00.004-04:00

When I worked at our local bead shop the current trend was mother's bracelets with their children's names spelled out with those alphabet beads and Swarovski crystals. After about the 500th bracelet I decided that particular look was never going to be for me. Sometimes the perfect piece if mother's jewelry expresses the simple prayer that is always present in her heart as seen in Lorelei's bracelet here. When Melanie over at Earthenwood Studio posted about her rabbit set here, I was instantly excited! This is a perfect set of beads for me for a mommy creation. This being the year of the rabbit and having twins....you see?

Another great example of something for mommy would be a glass and clay pendant from Kristie over at Artisan Clay. We wanted to give our mom something special for mother's day and I asked Kristie if she could make a pendant with glass colors signifying not only the twins, but also her other children. Never ever hesitate to ask an artist if they can do a custom piece for you, because they usually can and are quite happy to do so. I know Kristie bent over backwards for me, looking for the right colors and whipping up a few pieces to make sure she had something for me.

Do you have a favorite piece of mother's jewelry that you wear all the time or that you have made for someone special?

Important Reminder......

2011-10-05T13:38:00.000-04:00

Has everyone had or scheduled all your necessary yearly appointments? Also, every now and then you should have a great facial, pedicure or massage. It feels like unnecessary indulgence, but I think it's more important than that. And it goes without saying that the bag of Dove dark should be right next to your vitamins-which you are taking RIGHT?!?!?

Very Vintage Blog Hop

2011-10-04T08:53:00.010-04:00

The lovely Michelle Mach has hosted a Very Vintage Challenge and Blog Hop. She sent a yummy assortment of vintage beads and we all came up with designs using the components. For some reason I only have a macro shot with what she sent-sorry, but below you can see not only her treasures, but some of my own vintage hoardings in some of the same luscious Autumn tones. Be sure to click on her name up there to take you to the blogs of the other participants!

I wanted to use as much vintage as possible. Although the marvelous chain is quite now from Miss Fickle Media.

Michelle's connectors suspending some repurposed vintage Sarah Coventry beads.

I have had a stash of these "turtle" beads hanging around forever it seems! This is why we keep EVERYTHING! I drilled holes in the branch and hung all the linked up Lucite leaves she sent. I took my texture hammer to the brass leaf stamping. That actually started with my attempts at stamping a little owl, but he got turned around for some reason and didn't fully stamp out, so I had to go to plan B and camouflage

Using much of my own stash as well as my prized chain!! Michelle sent a really pretty teardrop ring that originally I tried to make a toggle. I made the toggle bar by putting the smaller bits she sent on copper wire, spiraled the ends and pounded them out. After some fiddling, I decided I liked the teardrop as a drop much better. I beaded the necklace quite randomly. And after photographing, found the little green seed to be a little problematic. Oh well, I can switch it out later.

Diggin the acorn cap on the lava stone, but didn't give him a permanent home yet.

And this sweet little dude is my favorite. I have plans for him I sure do, but I didn't get to him. I tossed around a few ideas and was afraid to "mess" him up. But I think I will paint a little something on him and coat him with resin. What do you think? And there you have it. Don't forget to hop around a check everyone else out. Sorry this post was a little late, this morning. We had a little power issue. Scared me it did-thought all this was lost, but thankfully Blogger saw fit to save it! Have a great day.

Mommy Might Be a Little Cranky

2011-10-03T10:39:00.003-04:00

Sigh. These would be fabulous beads came with areas of issue for me. I'm sick of chasing after vendors. She did have a disclaimer for her Indonesian beads. These are resin. I guess I expected better OR more distressing. When there is just a single spot in an otherwise smooth area, it looks poorly made-NOT as having handmade character or however it was worded. AAANNNYHOOWW, I don't have any more energy to devote to bitching out a seller, so any thoughts on how to distress these more? Can I take a hammer to resin? Maybe stain them? Update on the beads that never came- I "opened a case" for non-delivery. (Etsy's term) and long story short, she had been sick, I now have my beads, and I have closed the case. Thanks for all your input. Babies are banging on something, I think I'll go join them!

Opinions Please

2011-09-30T12:07:00.000-04:00

So I want to work with my white wire here. "Problem" is that all I have to do is look at it much less touch it with my pliers for the white to chip off. On some level it works for me, on another it doesn't. Do you think it lends a vintage look or just plain old shoddy?

Macro Sunday Backyard Treasures

2011-09-18T20:36:00.006-04:00

Blue Soup

2011-09-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

SOUP SOUP SOUP SOUP SOUP!!!! It's here and just to refresh, here is the lovely stash that Rhea sent me. I was definitely challenged by the mix, and after rearranging and rearranging, I ended up using some of my own stash with this fabulous pendant and clasp, saving the sodalite and glass for a bracelet and earrings and another post. The pendant instantly reminded me of summers we used to spend on lake Michigan. We would spend a week, sometimes two, at Silver Lake, renting a cottage right on Silver Lake at the foot of the dunes. We would climb the dunes getting "lost" between the sandy mountains until we climbed over the peak that revealed Lake Michigan. Which looks like the ocean. A little tamer maybe, but still the same beautiful blue that stretches out until it meets the sky. Sunsets are beyond amazing. So this is what I see when I look at this pendant and I couldn't get past that. I played and played and played and I finally came up with a design that worked for me. I apologize for the light. As with everything these days I am right up to the last minute and this was all the daylight that I could muster.

The pendant is blue agate. I mixed my metals and used a bit of Swarovski crystal, labadorite, recycled glass and fabulous clay beads from Indian Creek Studios. Thanks so much for stopping by. Click on the link above to take you to Lori's blog with the whole list of this party's participants. And make sure to stop over at the lovely Rhea's blog to see what she cooked up! Enjoy!!!

2011-09-15T17:06:00.002-04:00

I am participating in Michelle's Very Vintage Fall Challenge and these are the cool little bits she sent for me to work with. My wheels are spinning, rusty as they feel these days. Love the vintage lucite and especially the little have ball charm front and center! I have bunches of vintage beads I think would be fun to use. We'll see. On a completely different note, I need some advice. I purchased some beads back on August 22. They have yet to arrive. I have convo'd the seller. Never heard back. Thought maybe the holiday, sickness, made to order??? So I convo'd again the other day. Nothing. I know she's not in the hospital, because there have been updated listings in her shop. What do I do? For the record I am a very nice person to deal with. I just want to know the status or if they have shipped, if my ding bat mail lady dropped them somewhere on the grassy spot between the sidewalk and the street again. I am more upset that I am not being acknowledged. She has hundreds of 100% positive feedback. No neutral. No negative. I do not understand.

I Heart Macro

2011-09-11T14:19:00.004-04:00

This weeks snapshot-and i did use the tripod. The beginnings of a beaded bead. I love the colors of these seed beads. I'm playing around with different beads for my Bead Soup piece(s). The pendant Rhea sent me has many wonderful shades of blues. And I have miles and miles of endless sea on the brain when I look at it. Getting so close to the deadline-the hop starts next Sat. Still we are talking about me and that means I am five and a half days ahead of schedule.

i heart macro

2011-09-04T21:00:00.005-04:00

I have been meaning to pull out my macro lens for a few weeks now and when I read the i heart macro post over at Studio Waterstone I knew it was time to pull out my lens. I should have used a tripod I know. The least little shake makes things a little more blurry. I loved the colors when I saw this little leaf floating in the bird bath. Fallen and curled, rusted and floating quietly with a few tiny yellow bugs.

Need Some Beads?

2011-08-31T17:47:00.000-04:00

Are these beads not spectacular?!?!?! Visit Laurel Moon's blog for a chance to win these babies! They are all creations of Melanie Brooks from Earthenwood Studio. Have you ever held an Earthenwood bead? They are magic. I truely hope I win of course, but best of luck to you. Go now and leave a comment!

Amber Tapestry

2011-08-26T21:02:00.003-04:00

Finally I have completed something for Art Bead Scene's monthly challenge. As each month begins, I get all excited about the new challenge. When I have half a second I start shopping for beads, dig through my stash, etc. Usually I am frustrated because the month comes to a close and I haven't done anything. I really really hate that feeling. This month I managed to make it before the deadline, and actually make it a few days before the deadline! Yay me!! Isn't the glass fabulous?!?!! The glass headpins are from Gardanne. The wonderful little jump rings are from Hanson Stone and the copper earwires are from Miss Fickle Media. I call them Amber Tapestry.

Bead Update

2011-08-21T16:27:00.005-04:00

Remember a couple weeks ago (might have been months-I don't know) when I showed you my gorgeous slag beads from Lake Michigan? Well I finally put it all together and this is what I came up with......

I love the blues-like a whole LOT, and I wish I was a keepin this one. BTW the stones are from Stone Me on Etsy. And here is my second batch of glazed beads. I am pretty happy with the results. I want a block of hours where I can play with the clay. When I get little snippets of time, I just roll morphy rounds-which I love-but it all can't be just that. I also want to play with my glazes more too.

I have a really neat gold, but it comes out quite black. The black is cool. I like it. But it is not the gold I envision when I am brushing it on.

These are my favorites. I love the matte finish. I love the turquoise. I love the "roughness" and how they look like I was digging in the backyard and came across little treasures buried decades ago.

How are you all doing with your Bead Soups? I haven't assembled yet, I have them laid out, partnered with other beads, moved around and thinking about where I want to go with them. If you don't know what Bead Soup is, click the icon at the top right of the page and seriously consider playing in the next round. Have a great day!

It might have been good George........

2011-08-20T10:25:00.003-04:00

I just got THE BEST e-mail from my sister-in-law. It's a little joke and it goes something like this: A woman was sitting in a bar enjoying a cocktail after work with some co-workers when an extraordinarily handsome, extremely sexy middle aged man wandered in. She tried to look away but couldn't stop starring. Seasoned as he was he noticed her gaze and walked over to her. He whispered in her ear " I will do anything you want me to, no matter how kinky, for twenty dollars. But there is one condition." Intrigued she asked what the condition was. "You must tell me in three words." The woman thought for a moment, reached into her purse and pressed a twenty and her address into his hand. She looked at him thankfully and said "Clean my house."

OK needless to say I found this extremely funny! All I can imagine is George Clooney wandering around my living room with the vacuum cleaner while I sip the most fabulous pomegranate margarita ever made. Johnny Depp would be OK too, as long as he was dressed in his pirate outfit.

The thing about me is that I OVER THINK sometimes, and this wondrous fantasy soon came crashing as I the pessimist took the fantasy to the point where George was constantly asking where this should go and where could he find that. So annoying. I'll just do it myself.

I know the baby pic really has nothing to do with the post, but I only have baby pics at the moment. They are laughing though!

Teaser Teaser Teaser

2011-08-16T10:06:00.003-04:00

A little teaser pic for you of the soup ingredients for my Bead Soup partner, Rhea!

Soup Beads-YUMMMMMMM

2011-08-12T15:52:00.004-04:00

Feast your eyes on this lovely bunch of beads that I received from my partner Rhea Freitag. And I have been so into the blues lately too. But she didn't just pick out these blue beauties randomly. She told me my sweet sweet babies were her inspiration! Not simply just blue for boys, the sunburst clasp represents the energy and excitement that Mr. Pearl and Pebble and I felt when we found out we were to finally be a mommy and daddy. The beautiful agate pendant, a stone of protection, especially from energy drain. And the faceted sodalite beads for inner peace. I am so touched that Rhea put so much thought into making these ingredients so personal! Jewelry isn't Rhea's only passion. She is quite a talented mixed media artist too. Head on over to her blog and shop and see what I mean. (I linked the shop to my favorite piece) This is her first Bead Soup and it is a whammy! There are hundreds participating. I can't believe how much energy our fearless leader Lori has stored up. She deserves an agate tiera!

The Results Are In..........

2011-08-12T08:52:00.008-04:00

Well the Fire Fly finished firing (sounds Seussy doesn't it?) around 10pm last night so I didn't get to see the results until this morning. I was really prepared for anything. I grabbed the camera and went downstairs, snapping as I opened it up.........

A little breath holding..........

So used to having to do things over twenty times............

Oh just open the thing........

Could it be?!?!?!

IT COULD !! IT COULD!!!!!!

As you can see I did remove about four beads before firing. Sometimes I get sooooo anxious and set myself up for failure because of my impatience.

Oh glorious beads, I love thee.........

And so dear fellow bloggers, you all are the first to share my first beady success with me! Have a great day!!!

Blessed Little Orbs

2011-08-10T17:19:00.003-04:00

Oh I am still figuring out what furniture is needed. Working with what I have though, and soooo anxious to have a load of finished beads, this is the configuration I came up with to get the most beads cooked. Shouting out to the clay people-will this work? The back left three are not touching, it is just my shooting angle. I have kiln wash on the floor. The wire is 14g hefty something or other that I just got last week from the ceramic supply. I will run it in the morning unless someone yells STOP!!!! That is a nice pallet isn't it? Very interesting (and exciting) to me that what I see is not what I will get.

Memoirs Of A Nipple Washer

2011-07-27T15:57:00.012-04:00

It's like a metropolis. The counter almost always looks like this. We have a dishwasher but we also have hard hard water and so the nipples would have a residue on them that I couldn't tolerate so I was always washing nipples by hand. Made me crazy. Mr. Pearl and Pebble did something with the water softener so the last few days, the dishwasher has been a relief. Won't last though. We need a new softener. My sweet precious babies have begun to partake of solid food. Well Gerberized of course. We l-o-v-e our green beans.

And I guess a mouth full isn't complete unless we can stick all of our fingers in too.

Green Beans. I'm just thrilled they love them. Crazy here, just crazy. My indulgence?

Poor Yellow Dog. Life just isn't the same for her either. Couldn't give her chocolate, so I let her lick the wrapper.

I did a new bisque firing at cone 4 and they are fine. BUT my holes were too small for the rods after they dried and I hung them on a high temp wire. Good thing I tried in the bisque fire, because there was MAJOR saggage. If it had been a glaze firing, I would have had a huge mess. I ordered some high temp wire in a smaller guage, but I still don't know if I trust it. Might have to do really tiny loads so that each bead can be on an isolated stretch of wire. Can't wait to glaze and see though!

Teapots, Babies, Beads Oh My!

2011-07-21T15:16:00.004-04:00

I found a teapot! I choose a little Bee House ceramic pot. Thanks for all your suggestions. I was torn really. I really liked the cast iron fish teapot that I saw at Enjoying Tea, a cool site Nan recommended. Ultimately though, I decided on this little beauty. The little guys are doing well. This week we got their helmets for their phlagiocephaly. We aren't starting off so good though because we do not have central air and it's been houvering near or at 100 degrees and I don't want them to start out in misery.

And my beads? Well I had misunderstood what I was reading on the various sites while researching product. My stoneware matures at a cone 6 and that's what I bisqued to. OOOPS! I was confused when I was looking at my glaze bottles and the label was telling me to apply to a bisqued cone 04. Now, I knew that the glaze could be fired up to 6 so that got me inquiring again. Good thing, because I am guessing if I had applied the glaze and refired it would have slid right off onto the kiln bottom. I've also purchased a shelf in the meantime so if I fufu I won't wreck anything. Hopefully. I did apply kiln wash to the floor, but I want a little more peace I guess. I suppose I should really take a refresher course, but I don't see me doing anything of the sort until about 2016. Bout the same time I get my hair cut again and this tooth filled-if it's still there.

I Need A Teapot

2011-07-11T10:34:00.004-04:00

A nice cup of tea..... Don't get me wrong, the day doesn't start well without a nice cup or two or three of coffee. I am a purist. I like it full bodied and black. I do like a nice hazelnut, but only from my local market. If you live in southeast Michigan and are near a Nino Salvaggio, get their hazelnut beans. I prefer to grind right before I brew, but I prefer to not wake sleeping babies even more. Somewhere mid day I really dig a nice cup of tea. Earl Grey is my favorite, not so pure, with sugar and milk. I do prefer loose tea, but I suspect there is a world of tea undiscovered by me.

So I am asking for some enlightenment. First let me explain that this year for my b.day, I asked for a teapot with an infuser. I have been given funds to pick out one that makes me giddy with delight. But this is not an easy thing to shop for. Do I want glass, ceramic, iron?????? Who knew? I had seen one at the hardware store and when I sent Mr. Pearl and Pebble over there yesterday, he said it was "crap". So I need some recommendations from any tea lovers out there. Please. I don't want to use my little infuser spoons anymore. What kind of teapot with an infuser should I buy? What tea makes your toes curl with delight? By the way, don't you love the mug?!?! I got that years and years ago in North Carolina at a local art fair. The artist's name is Amy Hunt. I was delighted to see that she has an Etsy shop too. And just in case I still have to do all that "stuff", Twinings has no idea I like their tea or that I posted a picture on my blog.

Finally!

2011-07-09T13:48:00.005-04:00

How long have I had my little Fire Fly Kiln?!?! It was my happy birthday present to me I believe, um, in '09. Finally I have my first baked batch of stoneware beads. Yay Me!!! Really looking forward to playing with some glazes. I chose a clay with alot of texture, so it will be interesting to see how they finally end up. I hope they won't be too scratchy. Thanks to all the Beads of Clay artists who have been so helpful and willing to share with me!!!!

Time is so limited with the babes these days. They are rolling and creeping and unless they are napping in a confined area, I can't leave them. Sooooooo I have also continued to play with my seed beads and trying to learn some patterns and following a few tutorials to see what I can come up. Pretty theaputic actually. The round beads are a tutorial from Etsy's The Crimson Moon.

Some really really really beautiful slag beach stone beads from Stone Me. I just love these blues. Indulged in this little purchase to whip up something special for my mom in law's birthday. She's so awesome. Never complains that all she ever gets from us is something handmade usually by me. Have a great weekend. Maybe I can get some glaze on my new babies and post that picture before next month. HA! Cross our fingers

My Quarterly Post Here.........

2011-06-08T11:29:00.003-04:00

Ok second attempt here! Don't know why the first post didn't take. Doesn't Blogger KNOW that I have squeeze this in between feedings?!?!?! So this is my latest find on Etsy (while browsing for beads of course.) Mary from Birch Bark Beads makes these glorious little beads from rolled birch bark. LOVE them! She also has a blog. Check it out. We are doing pretty well. We met with the boy's birth parents last week. It was the first time they have seen the babies since we all left the hospital. They were so happy to spend a few hours with them. On a much less happier note, our brother-in-law lost his battle with cancer last Friday. It has been an odd year, 2011. Grandma passed away a few months ago. A friend also lost her fight with cancer and the same brother-in-law's father went on ahead about a month or so ago. It's a very curious feeling I feel about it all. Can't put my finger on it. I guess it all just makes me more aware of my own mortality and the circle of life; and how the very nature of life means that all living things are simultaniously dying also. Sorry for the downer-go by some beads!

Hello There

2011-04-13T15:26:00.013-04:00

Oh how sweet is nap time?!?! Thought I might actually fit a bit 'o bloggin in at this time. Silly Mommy.

This lasted until I stuck the camera card in the computer. Then........STEREO WAILING. Of course to be fair, they were starving. Poor sweet things. Like little alarm clocks they are. They still have their night and day mixed up a bit. Night time is rough on Mr. Pearl and Pebble and myself. If we can maintain a feeding stagger, it works out OK. However this week they are on the same one and that means we both have to be up. Right about now, I could sleep for a week. Yellow Dog is a bit neglected these days and gets all excited when I get the camera. It used to be reserved for her and beads. Do you see her sticking out her tongue at me? Such an attitude!!!

And the beads? They are not even speaking to me they are sooooooo fed up. A few shots of portions of my table last visited in February. Yikes! I had re-situated down in the basement from the guest room where they used to live. The guest room has had to be a guest room.

Yes we have had the visitors. Next week Mr.'s sis is coming to lend a hand. She is insisting on doing my laundry. Oh how we really just shouldn't go there. My laundry and the babies bottles..... I am a bit OCD and have control issues by nature and these two areas have me a wee bit stressed. Oh well Miss Pearl just let the ones who love you take care of you if they want to.

I picked a good day to visit the blogging world. Lorelei is having an awesome giveaway! Four Jade Scott pendants. Check it out. Hopefully all my stars are in alignment. I'll cross my fingers. Click on the links for a look-see. I have a new computer and am still trying to figure out how get the pictures I want. My old HP director is gone. Mr. Pearl and Pebble is thrilled with this, but I knew how to work it and I am a bit lost.

The Little Pebbles have again begun a concerto soooo....................... (In a perfect world binkies would grow on trees)

My New Job

2011-03-25T16:32:00.002-04:00

Well I can't believe a month has come and gone, and it goes without saying I haven't touched a bead! It's all due to my new job of course. No sleep because the hours are VERY demanding and my bosses don't want any excuses from me. Sometimes I have to work through lunch and I don't know what breakfast is.....The perks though are priceless and soooooo worth it! Meet our new little men, and this time it's official! Our Birth Parents had their court date yesterday morning. We are very very lucky-they are really amazing people. This is just a quickie post as I have just been caught blogging and apparently if my hands are free I should be snuggling with someone. Remember no excuses:) And many many thanks for all of the prayers, finger crossing, and wood knocking!!!! One week old here.

2011-02-24T17:25:00.001-05:00

My soup will be delayed-babies on the way!!!!! I'll catch up later:)

Get Ready To Drool....

2011-02-01T14:30:00.005-05:00

Wait For It..... So my awesome Bead Soup partner Stacey aka Star Hitched Wagon sent me a packet of luscious ingredients and they came in this way cool package! Sorry for the poor lighting, but I had to crack into it and I was all out of daylight. Little bit closer now......

Are you tingling all over?!?!?

Oooohhhhhhooooohhhh!!!!! I think Brown Zebra Jasper is my new favorite stone! And the antler buttons! Look look look at that clasp! And the yummy Mookite rondelles.... But wait, did you notice Stacey included some gorgeous merino top roving from Indigo Crane? The picture just doesn't do it justice. The colors are soooo rich and they pick up the purples in the Mookite perfectly. Thanks Stacey:) I can't wait to start cookin'!

Soup Teaser

2011-01-27T17:22:00.003-05:00

Teaser pic of soup ingredients are going out to my partner Stacey tomorrow:)

Got Gold?

2011-01-10T14:45:00.002-05:00

Are you looking to replenish your yellow stash? I could recommend a few strands of some lovely natural stone and sea glass that I received from Auntie's Beads. Starting from the bottom, Natural Citrene nuggets, Amber Quartz nuggets, and Amber Sea Glass. Lemonade, scotch and tequila on a string. Gorgeous. (I don't remember all that disclaimer stuff, but insert that here.)

Tish's Oopps and My First Resins

2011-01-07T16:29:00.004-05:00

Hey all, if you haven't already checked out her blog, Tish is doing a fun little guessing contest and you could win a pair of earrings that she will whip up just for you! Also after reading Lorelei's post earlier this week, I had to finally try out my Ice Resin. Because I've only had it for about a year now. She mentioned it does dry up, so I figured I needed to JUST DO IT already. Sheesh. And this is the result of my very first attempt.

This stuff is very very cool. It has a consistency that really is unique and although you'd think it would be more "out of control", it actually is very workable. I also had to pour out half of what I mixed up. I didn't feel like I had bubble issues. And I did play with a little additive (diamond dust). I also poured a bit into a mold I had made with two-part putty and it came out really well, it was just to light to photograph. Definitely pull it down off of your intention shelf if you haven't used it yet. If you don't have any, you might want to consider getting some. Oh and the little copper bezels came from Earthly Adornments.

Thank You And Happy New Year

2011-01-01T13:36:00.002-05:00

Let me start this new year's post by saying thank all of you so very much for your support and e-mails over the past few months. I know I didn't always write back, but know that it meant alot to me! In spite of the fact that each day potentially presents a fresh new start, there is something very compelling about a new year which evokes renewal and the desire to set new goals and the permission to forget last years short comings and unmet goals. I am soooooo ready for this freshness. See ya 2010. It's been real. Before the baby came in August, I had just begun to play with some bead weaving. I bought a few tutorials on Etsy and worked a couple of them. The beads pictured in my banner were worked with a pattern from The Crimson Moon. So that is on the list. In August, I had just finished a patinas workshop and for my birthday, I had picked up some terrific books on metal working. I want to pick up where I left off there. I have a couple more workshops coming up, one on soldering and one on metal manipulation. This holiday season I spent alot of time crocheting. Now I just know that there is probably a lot a jewelry artist can do with some simple crocheting. So that is on the list. And since I have so much wool roving stashed, it occurred to me that I could probably hand spin some yarn. Mr. Pearl and Pebble signed me up for a spinning class for one of my Christmas presents. So all in all, I am feeling hopeful and productive for our new year here. I hope you all do as well. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

2010-10-27T21:20:00.002-04:00

I heard from a social worker today and she told me that Anna's foster parents are awesome people. I can't tell you the weight that has been lifted. I know I will still have to get through my daily "moments", but I feel much better knowing this. Mr. Pearl and Pebble and I are getting away for a couple days. This will be good too I think. I've also started putting things away each day. Today it was the bottles. Still can't bring myself to wash her clothes or move any linens out of the crib. Her little head print is still on the flannel burp cloth I made her. But I do feel better at least at the moment. Baby steps right? Have a good night all. Thanks for listening:)

Warning-downer post

2010-10-26T08:19:00.003-04:00

She's gone. Long story short, birth parents changed their mind. We had two months with this sweet precious little girl. We named her Anna. We are trying to think positively. Look at this as one of the tasks we have been given in this lifetime. We did a really great job in my opinion. But it still hurts like hell. One of the hardest feelings is knowing that we can't protect her. I won't air anyone's dirty laundry here. Please please please remember her in your thoughts and prayers.

I'm Still Here!

2010-09-28T13:10:00.004-04:00

Well golly I guess a whole month plus some slipped right by. I do have a most excellent excuse though.... Meet my little tough girl. She quacks like a baby duck and makes the sweetest sound when she smacks her lips. She has the most intoxicating scent. She could give Maggie Simpson a run for the money with the binkey action. She looks like an angel. She loves to cuddle. And I am in love! Don't ya just dig the outfit? Vintage Lucys on Etsy. A lot going on these days.... Mr. Pearl and Pebble had an appendectomy. My Brother in Law has leukemia. My S.I.L. has got to be a wreck. So prayers would be most welcome. And thank you in advance. I did make up a necklace for her during nap time. Kelley makes really wonderful glass worry stones for just such occasions. They are significant in size and weight and can be carried around in a pocket if preferred. I particularly love the colors in this one and paired it with a lavender leather cord.

Hopefully it won't be a month before I blog again. I do miss it. Bare with me and thanks for hanging around.

Angels

2010-08-25T23:30:00.002-04:00

I stopped in Michael's the other day and a lady came down the bead isle where I was contemplating seed bead colors. "Aren't the beads so beautiful?" she said. I agreed. She continued, "Angels bring beads. They love beads. Where you have beads, the angels are there." I remarked that I had better pick my piles up then so that I can see which beads are gifts from the angels. "If you draw a star in your journal at the beginning and at the end of your entry, that will bring the angels too." I told her thank you that was good to know. It might be my pile(s) of beads. It might be that I actually began and ended my journal entry with stars, but I did get "the call" today. Keep your fingers crossed everyone because tomorrow Mr. Pearl and Pebble and I are going to meet our daughter and her birth mother. I might be quiet for a few days so be patient with me. And if you think of it, say a little prayer for us too.

Meet Kate

2010-08-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

Main Ingredients: Wool, Glass, Stone. Marinate then string with a bit of pearl and a dash of metal.

I used a green gold wool with a bit of brown, black, and natural shades to make the felted beads. The colors made me think of a pretty bead that Kelley had sent me as a thank you gift with a previous order. Sure enough, the colors went really well. I was lovin it, so I asked her to make me some more. Which she did:)

Combined with some yellow turquoise, green pearl, and some brassy accents, "Kate" was born.

This was my very first submission to Stringing Magazine and I am just thrilled!!! I almost didn't make the deadline. In fact at the last minute I had given up. I had been determined for months to create something and send it in. And as usual, I was down to the wire. Like right there. With an attitude of defeat I posted a picture of my intended offering. Well let me tell you, Barbara Lewis said um um -mail her overnight! And so I did. And don't you know I am so happy I did. My next submission didn't make it in, but that won't stop me from future attempts. I love love love doing this!!! If you haven't ever sent your creation(s) in before, you really should go for it. Seriously. Why not? What have you got to loose? Click here to go to Sringing's webpage to get the skinny on deadlines for 2011. Click on the links to the right to visit other designer's blogs and read all about their fabulous creations! Make sure you leave comments, because there are some really nice giveaways going on too.

This And That

2010-08-16T10:54:00.003-04:00

I think it has probably been a good eight months since I ordered these cafe au lait swirly glass beads from Kelley. And I just completed a design with them. YAY ME!!! I have had them sitting together with these other sweet babies knowing that I loved how the colors and patterns were working so well with each other. I have had the center bead for about ten years now and don't remember anything about it except that I got it in Charlotte. The two amazing beauties next to it I picked up from Andrew Thornton's shop. And the bigger faceted barrels toward the back were someone else's destash.... I like it. I like it alot. Don't know if I want to plop it in the shop or not.

The family is on their way back to Florida. I think I am a terrible daughter/hostess. I think I totally stress when my house/space is crowded. And the heat just doesn't help. It may have caused the "episode", I don't know. I had to pull over on my way to work the other day because my heart was beating funny, I couldn't catch my breath and I was quite light headed. Mr. Pearl and Pebble came and got me and we spent the afternoon in the hospital. EKG was normal, blood was normal. ???? So I don't know. What I do know is that I do NOT like IVs. I have those cute little rolling veins and it takes forEVer to find a keeper. Ouch. The other thing I know is that it is very hard to provide a urine sample when you have a tube stuck in the bendy part of your arm and monitor wires hanging from your chest and the gown you are wearing is open in the back. It probably didn't hurt to check out the heart. Ladies, heart disease is a HUGE killer of women. And our symptoms are different from men's from what I understand. Which is why problems probably go undetected longer.

We took a little camping trip over the weekend. The campground was soooooo crowded. Still it was nice to be in our little camper with yellow dog. It even has A/C and a pottie!!!!! WHOO HOOO! We got home yesterday and planned the next trip. I am really really really looking forward to that one! The colors will be peaking (hopefully) in Michigan's upper peninsula-which is a lovely place to be no matter when if you ever get the opportunity.

Tomorrow I will be posting about my necklace that is featured in the current issue of Stringing. I know! I am so thrilled!!! Have a great day everyone:)

Little Treasures

2010-08-08T14:32:00.002-04:00

This beautiful beautiful work of art was found this morning on the driveway. Upside down and quite expired. But pretty much perfect otherwise. Look at the color and intricacy of his wings. Amazing. We also found two cicadas in a similar state. I have to say that was a bit worrisome. Is there a pesticide cloud surrounding my house? I have been a bit more quieter than usual and that's because I have had my parents and grandma staying with us this past week. And the computer is in the office/guest room. Went to my sis's yesterday for a family reunion. (I'm convinced that there is nothing more humbling than for one to be surrounded by his gene pool.) The parents and grandma will be back here with us again tomorrow for a few more days. Then they will head back to Florida. Hope you all are having a terrific weekend. What treasures have you discovered today?

Treasure Alert

2010-07-29T09:51:00.004-04:00

Look what Sue sent me! I KNOW!!!! Last week she had a fun little guessing game posted on her blog. She put little snippets up of a lovely visit she had in the Cayman Islands and had her readers guess where they were from. I love little challenges like that! And I really love the prizes!! Beautiful lampwork beads in those fabulous island colors! I love the white sugar beads, don't they look just like a pina colada slushie? Yum. And the enameled beads! The mauvy tubes look just like the subtle pearling inside a sea shell. And the bead caps are such an awesome size. But look at this little lampworked button bead! How fun is this sweet baby?!?! Thank you Sue. I am going to have lots and lots of fun! You can check out her shop Sue Beads here and pick up a few treasures of your own. I highly recommend it. There is always something new and exciting. (I really don't think Sue sleeps.) She does some really wonderful enameled head pins too:)

Playtime For The Technically Challenged

2010-07-26T22:25:00.003-04:00

Having just the hardest time trying to get an intact treasury image! This is because I am still quite computer illiterate. I know you have tried to help me in the past with this, and I thank you kindly. I'll get there. Anyhow this here is more or less a test. It's my lone treasury at the moment; full of wonderful things that I found quite lovely. As you might tell I am sort of stuck in a neutral color zone, but an elegant one nonetheless. I think I linked it just fine if you want to see things much bigger. I just can't stand how much I heart that mid-century rooster coffee pot! And the print of the lady with the bathing cap?!?! OMG grandma had the best bathing caps. All kinds of rubbery floppery hanging. She had a leopard print bathing suit. The kind with the built in bullet bra. Sexy grandma. She looked just like Doris Day.

Calder Necklace

2010-07-21T11:43:00.004-04:00

Here is what I finally decided on for this month's ABS challenge based on Calder's sculpture "Blue Feather." A few years ago I found a strand of clay bird beads in an antique shop. I don't use them, well, ever really, because A. I am a hoarder and if I use my stash then I won't have any more. B. They are kind of funky and I find them a challenge to use. However, as I was digging around in my drawers, (I'm laughing now because sometimes I have a juvenile sense of humor) as I was digging around in my bead drawers, I came across these. I had to incorporate it somehow. I had made up a batch of polymer beads for this project but ended up only using the one. I really liked the simplicity of the black thin leather cord. As I went to grab a sterling lobster, I was also thrilled to find that I had stashed away a marvelous orange enameled toggle from Gardanne Beads! Orange and with a hole no less!

Luanne The Wooded Owl

2010-07-15T14:49:00.002-04:00

Today's shop additition, meet Luann. She is long and comfy. I know this because I wore her while I made some polymer beads this morning. Don't you just LOVE the owl bead?!?! I found this little treasure at Loose Feathers. The glass jumps are from Hanson Stone. I seem to be diggin' the longer lengths these days. It might have something to do with the heat and no AC. :( (All pity remarks are welcome.)

Melinda At Last

2010-07-14T13:19:00.004-04:00

I tell ya, if I priced my pieces according to the time....... here we are looking at a $300.00 necklace. Nothing went smoothly. And I could not get the blues to photograph after I had finally finished. But my final answer is here and here. Yesterday I thought I had it finished.

I had the felted beads wire -tied and linked with double brass jumps. I put it in my Etsy shop. And darned good thing I had the inclination to take it for a test drive. The rings and ties were picking and poking, slightly, but enough to make me crazy. So when I got up this morning I reworked it. Same design really, but I switched out the brass jumps to the twisted copper rings. And re-did the felted beads with turned loops instead of ties.

Don't ya just love these blues?!?!? The fabulous wavy rings and lampworked rondelles are from Mermaid Glass. I love love love working with glass rings and the colors in these are amazing. They are shades of blues and greens that I envision seeing in the Mediterranean if we ever get to Greece. The awesome patina-ted brass rings are from Miss Ficklemedia. The lovely enameled clasp is from Gardanne Beads. And of course I just had to include some felted rounds because, well, just because.

And today's test drive was a success. Much Much more wearable. And for no particular reason, I have named her Melinda. And I think I actually like my final answer much better.

Our Little Crop

2010-07-12T21:23:00.002-04:00

Sister Trish gave Mr. Pearl and Pebble and me baby blueberry bushes for Christmas 2008. This year our bushes have begun to grow a bit and we are getting little crops of berries here and there. This is what we just picked. I love fresh blueberries. Makes all this heat worth it! What's growing in your garden?

2010-07-12T13:36:00.001-04:00

Serving side.

Cutting side. I have been looking for the perfect anniversary gift for my inlaws. When it comes to our parents, ideas for gifts get harder and harder don't they? So when I was reading Cecilia Galluccio's blog one day, it hit me! Check out this gorgeous cutting/serving board. Cecilia finds a piece of wood that speaks to her and starts working her magic. She sketches and burns out these marvelous designs. Very folksy and all hand done. I love it and I think Mr. P and P's folks will too. Click on her name to visit her blog. Click here to go to her shop.

WHHHOOOOO-HOOOOO NEED SOME GREEN?

2010-07-11T16:11:00.004-04:00

Check it out! Jen Judd and faithful feline assistant Brando are having a giveaway! Two lucky winners will be chosen to win a glorious stash o green!!!

Giveaway Alert

2010-07-09T10:00:00.002-04:00

Copper Diem is having a giveaway. I love love love this pretty silver and enamel charm don't you?!? The color is just so fresh, light and dreamy like lemon-lime chiffon. Go on over and leave her a comment to be entered in the drawing.

Giveaway Winner Alert

2010-07-06T09:27:00.002-04:00

Congratulations Jen Judd Velasquez! Thank you for coming to my tea party, you rock Jen Judd:D Please email your info and I will mail these right out to you.

Happy Happy Happy

2010-07-04T18:32:00.002-04:00

Happy Fourth of July! I hope you all have a great weekend. Tomorrow is my birthday and I just have to share what my sweet sweet honey bought me. He surprised me with a macro lens! What a guy! So this here is one of the first pictures I've taken playing around with my new toy:) Be back on Tuesday and I'll announce the winner of the earrings from the Mad Tea Party giveaway. (So if you haven't already commented, go back and leave me a little message.)

Congratulations Marieke!

2010-07-01T13:35:00.002-04:00

You are the winner of my "surprise giveaway" from our fabulous Bead Soup Party! I used the Random Generator to obtain number 51. (Couldn't figure out how to copy the image-so just take my word for it. ) Please contact me with your info and I will get these out to you! Thanks to all for visiting and leaving me nice comments!

Lana

2010-06-30T17:19:00.003-04:00

I don't know why I started naming my jewelry. I guess to get "the story" started. This is what I made for Art Bead Scene's June challenge. It's based on a painting by Lautrec, Marcelle Lender Dancing the Bolero in "Chilpiric." There is a little printout of it in picture number two. Picture number one shows Yellow Dog in the background lying on the guest bed in my most untidy work space/guest room. The art bead I used is a beautiful teal ceramic connector bead by Lisa Peters. Did you know she has two Etsy shops? Lisa Peters Art and Lisa Peters Destash. I made all the colorful wool beads, needle felted them I did. There is also some tiny swarovski crystals and pyrite beads.

Sweet And Sour

2010-06-29T13:47:00.002-04:00

First for the sweet. A new pair of earrings demonstrating yet again how my kids get along. Earwires from Miss Fickle Media. Lampwork glass rondelles from Mermaid Glass. Enameled headpins from Sue Beads. Earrings at Pearl And Pebble.

The sour. I had one of my favorite plates hanging on the guest room door. It was my grandmother's. Loved the color on black and white. Pattern on pattern. It was a Royal Winton. I love Royal Winton. Here in Michigan lately, there is either no air circulation or tornado warnings. Yesterday the wind blue the door shut and my plate flew off the nail, which actually has quite a large head on it, so ???? You are now observing my precious plate. Now I'm going to have to do a mosaic. Sigh.

A Bit Of Tea Perhaps?

2010-06-26T11:19:00.023-04:00

It truly truly is a marvelous day for The Summer Tea.

As we all gather together in Wibittoo. With the ever gracious Wibittoo Folk.

Sheep and Hedgehog arrive and approach slowly. Hedgehog forgot the invitation! Oh dear....

What should they do? We must have our invitation! But it is not a problem.

Big Hector forgot his too. He just gets sooooo flustered when he's excited!

Penwali and Elizabethe arrive. Love it- they dressed in matching outfits!

The Mossies arrived next. And soon the party is well underway.

Me? I was running a bit late because I could not find my best hat.

We have music.

And the menu! Oh my my! So divine. Toffee Sandwiches,

And liquorice kabobs!

And honey.

We enjoy a special tea. Although it is not really tea at all,

But a sweet elixir from the Lavender Tree.

Every house in Wibittoo has it's own Lavender Tree.

It is such a lovely day for such whimsy! I do think I will attend next year! And I do have my eye on a little honey in the corner....

Maybe he'll come with me.

Until next year dear folk.

Adieu.

A party would not be a party, now, if there were not any favors!! I would love to send along a little gift of my own. Leave me a note of your visit today and I will randomly choose a name for this little pair of earrings that I have made up myself.

Getting Ready For The Tea

2010-06-25T16:01:00.002-04:00

I think this is what I will wear...... Will you stop by for tea? It's a very special tea. Click the tea party button on the right side bar to find out more. I will have a special something to giveaway too. See you then.

Original Art Giveaway Alert (Insert Sirens)

2010-06-22T17:13:00.003-04:00

My friend Di has a new blog and is having a giveaway! She is a watercolorist, shows her work often and has been painting a card a day. (I had attempted this small feat myself and fell short!) This is one of her cards. Go leave a comment and you'll be entered to win it!!! Hand painted cards are like sooooo perfect. They aren't to big if you want to mat and frame them. They are also a really great as a card! Original art as opposed to mass produced.

The REAL Reveal

2010-06-22T07:53:00.005-04:00

Sorry again for any confusion the other day, and if you are returning this morning for the REAL reveal- thank you!! For any of you who are not familiar with the Bead Soup Swap, it is a fabulous exchange hosted by Lori Anderson from Pretty Things. Lori pairs beaders together and each participant sends their partner a focal, a clasp and a few beads to start "the soup". Each artist then adds their own ingredients to the pot and voila! My partner was the fabulous Whitney Lassini. She makes beautiful beautiful glass beads. And the proof is in the soup! Here are my finished pieces. The focal bead really spoke to me and I saw earth and water. Canyon rock and river. A window giving me a peek into the formation of life. So the components I chose to add to the mix were wood, Salwag saucer beads, a little glass and some brassy bits! Whitney sent me a lovely Sterling Silver clasp, and after pulling my ingredients together, I decided to "season" it, adding a little heat. I did this by hard boiling two eggs and while they were still hot, plopped them into a bag, crushed it up shell and all, and dropped the silver in. Rub. Rinse. Instant patina!

Whitney also sent along beautiful glass rondelles. I used the teal to make earrings. The enameled head pins are from Sue Beads.

Thanks for looking everyone! Click here to see what Whitney created with the stash I sent her. Click here to go to Lori's blog and follow the links for the rest of today's soupers. Make sure to leave me a comment if you want to be entered in a suprise giveaway. I will announce the winner after the festivities next Monday. Have a great day!

HUUUUGE Giveaway Alert

2010-06-21T12:46:00.002-04:00

Denise is having a super duper duper giveaway! She is like way better than Santa and the E.B. combined! Click here to go to her blog and read all about it.

Test

2010-06-21T10:44:00.003-04:00

Blogger was being mean to me this morning. This is a test. If you can see this picture, these are our very own sweet peas from our garden. Or rather they were.

I Know The Moon Is NOT Full.....

2010-06-21T09:18:00.000-04:00

What is up with Blogger? Has something changed? I can't seem to access my pictures on my computer. Sigh..... And what crazy kooky weekend. On Friday I had my soup reveal post all set and ready to go for Saturday. I knew I wasn't going to be able to hop around as we were going to be at my sister's this weekend. On Friday night, we lost power so I couldn't post on Saturday morning. When we got to my sis's I used her "computer" and quickly posted. Don't know what happened there. Appearantly no comments could be made. However it wasn't my day to reveal my creations anyway. Sheeeeesh Tari!!! This morning I wanted to be enjoying my coffee and visiting my fellow soup makers' blogs.

oops!!!

2010-06-19T19:27:00.002-04:00

Well now I somehow missed the plan to break up reveal dates!!! I posted my reveal (and have since deleted) Make sure you check back on Tues!!!

Bead Soup Sneak Peak

2010-06-18T08:53:00.002-04:00

A little sneak peak of my finished? Family Duty has called for tomorrow so I am planning on posting everything, but gettin chatty on Monday or so. I will have a yum yum to giveaway at the end of next week. All you'll have to do is leave a comment on tomorrows soup post to be entered. Randomly of course. Have a marvelous day.

Oh You Sexy Sexy Thing

2010-06-16T10:22:00.005-04:00

Look who came a 'courtin this morning!

I love his eyes. His lids in particular. What a wonderful enamel color combination, don't ya think?

Copper Diem Has Some Stash For YOU

2010-06-15T14:49:00.002-04:00

Hey Hey Hey Copper Diem has a pound of beads she's feeling like giving away. Click here and read all about it!!!

2010-06-15T11:49:00.004-04:00

Who's not loving enamel these days? This green set was grandma's. I love this set. I don't know why she acquired it, I never saw anybody smoke and there was never any cigs in the cigarette box. Most likely she was drawn to it for the same reasons I am. It is a work of art. It is so sexy and glamorous! Can't you just see this on a movie set with Cary Grant and Doris Day? So when I saw Anne's enameled clasp in this spectacular shade of emerald green, well, had to have it!

I call her Rita and she is now in my Etsy shop. Oh and the divine Ms. L has successfully enticed me over to the Dark Side. (Insert my wicked laugh here)

New Kids

2010-06-11T15:56:00.003-04:00

Well as promised, I am showing off some of my newest acquisitions. And they are getting along just fine. Love that. First , here are the little lovelies from Anne over at Gardanne Beads. I happened to be customer no. 300, and she rewarded me handsomely. She even asked me what I wanted! Couldn't do it. She had to pick. I mean come on. Ask the junkie what kind of a fix she needs? They are fabulous aren't they?

And look who's flirting with one of my new egg beads from Kelley! Well, I for one am not surprised. Takes a few weeks to snag a Kelley Egg. I have to say it's well worth the wait, and she does whatever you want and you even get to pick before you buy! So go get yourself on the list. I do HIGHLY recommend the orange.

Also from Anne, are these yummy glass head pins. They're diggin hangin around their new BFFs. If you have not purchased any patinaed wonders from Miss Fickle Media you are really, and I mean REALLY REALLY missing out. She has a new blue patina that is just out of this world. And those yummy amber glass spacers are from Elaine Dooley. Elaine just listed a set of black and white spacers. They are awesome. Somebody PLEASE save me from myself and go buy them. Please. Seriously.

2010-06-07T16:21:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite quotes is from Socrates: "Wisdom begins in wonder." This beautiful little pot is my first gift for our sweet little one. We have been waiting a little over 18 months now. The agency said the average wait is about 18-24 months. So we have been getting things together so that we can spend our time bonding with baby and not painting etc... This planter was made by Lori Koop. I love her work. It's magical. Incredibly simple and earthy. All I did was give her a basic idea of size and mentioned Socrates' quote. This wonderful wonderful planter arrived today. Lori had placed these little gifts inside. So absolutely perfect! These are the things that a child (of any age) would pick up and tuck away. Secret treasures that arouse wonder. Look at the tiny little stars dancing around the words! Thank you Lori!!

Did You Dig Out Your White Shoes?

2010-06-02T17:26:00.004-04:00

Resurfacing here after taking a little bit of time off. We had Mr. P and P's parents here and Aunt Bette. It was a nice visit. Had to stay away from the computer though because the office became Aunt Bette's room. Hence the silence. It was kind of a quiet week. Mom had hurt her back right before she came out and consequently was in pain when she sat or walked. So Aunt Bette taught us how to crochet granny squares. I love granny squares and have been wanting to learn how to make these for the longest time! Well now I have 32 of them to get started on something-not sure what. Maybe 32 coasters, who knows! Yarn aside, I have lots of new pretties that I need to post! All of a sudden all of the kids want to play so darn nice with each other. So I must share. So stay tuned! Oh and don't forget your white shoes are quite appropriate now.

THEY JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER

2010-05-20T16:37:00.002-04:00

OK Folks. This is the book Lorelei will giveaway tomorrow! Better go on over and leave her a comment. I think this one is PRETTY darn awesome!! You don't want to miss out:D

Soup Ingredients

2010-05-20T15:45:00.003-04:00

Lookey what the mail lady brought me today! SOUP FIXINS courtesy of the mega talented glass artist Whitney Lassini. Are lookin real good at that focal?!?!?!

Check Out My New Little Hubba-Hubbas!

2010-05-20T14:04:00.005-04:00

NKP Beads. GLORIOUS!

Mary Harding's offering -SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!

AND OMG-MaryAnn Carroll! LOVE THESE!! All these precious babies were not gotten because of a habit I have. No Sir! I follow the Beads of Clay Blog and they have a giveaway on second Wednesdays!!!!! Go. See. Follow. Comment. Receive. Enjoy. Also I mentioned the other day that I will be doing some little PIFs. In order for those to provide the happiest of moments, I believe that they need to show up in your mailbox unannounced. So if you are interested in gettin something from me in the hopes of making you smile, please contact me with your snail mail address.

The Best Party Favors-EVER!

2010-05-19T23:58:00.004-04:00

Lorelei is having the best birthday ever this year and she is celebrating all week by giving away the most awesome books! If you haven't checked it out, hop on over and say hi and answer her question of the day. She draws a random winner daily. Up next is Beadmaille by Cindy Thomas Pankopf. Could be yours you know!

Chocolate Veggies- It's Just MAD

2010-05-18T18:05:00.005-04:00

This is all Kelley's fault. After reading her blog post today, I had Italian Creme Cake on the brain. Only the market didn't have Italian Creme Cake. They did have cupcakes though. This one was chocolate with a little raspberry inside - and I mean that literally. There was A Little Raspberry inside. It's all good though. The chocolate was pretty amazing and I have a huge sugar buzz going on right now. I know I will regret this in about twenty minutes. I am just gearing up for the Mad Tea Party in June. It is a spectacular virtual tea party hosted by Vanessa at A Fanciful Twist. Click on the link to read more! I heard about it from Erin who participated last year and loved it! I have a whole bunch of ideas spinning 'round!

Bead Soup Teaser

2010-05-17T15:52:00.002-04:00

Just a little peek of some of the goods going to my Bead Soup Partner Whitney!!!!

IF YOU DON'T LAUGH, YOU'RE NOT 40(ish)

2010-05-17T12:53:00.003-04:00

Mr. Pearl and Pebble just forwarded this to me - his sister sent it to him. I am quite happy to hear that I am not crazy. You should probably go to the bathroom BEFORE reading.... AAADD KNOW THE SYMPTOMS! Thank goodness there is a name for this disorder...Somehow I feel better, even though I have it!! Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests: I decide to water my garden. As I turned on the hose in the driveway, I looked over at my car and decided it needs washing. As I started toward the garage, I noticed mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier. I decided to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and noticed that the can is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first. I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put i in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye- they need water. I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.... I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers. I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on to the floor. So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. AT THE END OF THE DAY: the car isn't washed the bills aren't paid there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter the flowers don't have enough water there is still only 1 check in my check book I can't find the remote I can't find my glasses and I don't remember what I did with the car keys. Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all damn day, and I'm really tired! I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail...

GOOD GOOD STUFF

2010-05-14T12:36:00.006-04:00

So as I mentioned on my sidebar, I was honored to be April's guest blogger for Rings And Things! WHOO-HOO!!! They graciously allowed it to be my pick. So now I am sharing some pictures of my choices and a few things that I have done with them so far. One of the first items I thought was so cool was the Free-Trade recycled paper beads from Uganda. Absolutely love the concept, and love the beads. I also loved the way they play so very well with LeAnn's beautiful stoneware beads. And so I made up a necklace with them which also happens to be my submission for BOC's last color challenge. I think this works pretty well for a "cool" color theme don't you? Not to toot my own horn or anything!!!....

Here is a pic of my Rings and Things Loot! I had the hardest time making up my mind. So one of the things I decided on was a strand of mixed stones. GORGEOUS!!!! They are 6mm faceted rondelles - PERFECT for just about ANYTHING but I think they work especially well for earrings and spacers. I really like to incorporate natural stone in just about everything.

Also notice the dyed Magnesite. Had to have it! Wonderful slices in graduation sizes. Great fiesta colors. Perfect for spring and summer designs. I love looking at what falls under the Special Finds category-it's the first place I look usually! I still have a lot more playing to do obviously!

But I did make up these earrings with a few of Magnesite slices! My second attempt at a little hammer work too. What do you think?

"Small Print":

All items mentioned as from Rings And Things were provided as promotional gifts for review and/or design partnership purposes only.

2010-05-13T15:32:00.002-04:00

Here is my first finished piece from my PMC class. I still need to patina it. Doesn't my reflection look like there is a ninja hovering over me? It has been cloudy and raining for about a week now. I am grateful for the rain. We had a lot last year and think that's why everything was so gorgeous all summer. However, my serotonin level appears to have sunk to minus eighty. I think the only solution is going to be to run to the market for some sort of chocolate goo. Any recommendations? I have decided to send out PIF goodies. If you are a follower, you are in. I'll randomly draw names and just keep going. Don't know what it will be. Maybe stash, maybe a finished piece, maybe art, maybe something PMC!!! In case you don't know what PIF is, "Pay It Forward" (I think) anyhow I do know the concept is simple. I will send you something because I want to make you happy. All you need to do is something with the intent to brighten someone's day. It doesn't have to be in material form either. It can be as simple as a smile and a kind word to a stranger. That's it. All about spreadin the love. Ok now show me a little and tell me what chocolate I want.

NOT ON THE ASPARAGUS!!!

2010-05-12T18:25:00.002-04:00

So I let yellow dog out when I got home and out of all the spaces in the WHOLE damn yard she goes on the asparagus! Our precious little four stalk crop. I have gotten so far behind on my blogging. I have managed to scoot around a bit and comment elsewhere, but have neglected this one. Sorry little blog:( Tomorrow.......

From The Closet Of Intentions

2010-04-29T17:40:00.008-04:00

Last year when I decided to be the two hundted and twelve billionth artist to try and sell her jewelry on Etsy, I was also thinking, oohhh and I can also make ............ Well one of my brilliant ideas was to create frog "bean bags." Remember the frogs from the 70"s? Loved them. Grandma collected them. That's probably how they came to be on my mind. I have tons of fabric so I thought I'd do my own little variation and I gathered all these cool eyes.

Well of course she just never trusts herself. I messed around with different patterns, tried to make my own. Really tried to simplify the shape. (This shape is good for owls too!) But couldn't get the tiny little puckers to not appear. Mr. Pearl and Pebble, inspite of not being crazy about stuffed stuff, seemed to think the puckers were normal. I deemed the whole thing silly and moved on to other things. They have been sitting in the closet for over a year now. When the construction end of it didn't pan out, I thought, well hey at least you have some fodder for an illustration. OK. So I did that.

Of course as I'm doing it - I love it and of course then I have to run out and buy acrylic inks and what not. AFTER IT'S DONE it's another story. "Oh it's just silly." (I can't figure out why I do this?) So I looked at it again today and it's really kind of fun. I don't know. Do you think like this? I can't figure myself out sometimes. It must have something to do with my self diagnosed ADD. My solution seems to be to buy more beads.

Village People

2010-04-26T13:59:00.010-04:00

We have a pottery studio in town where one can purchase clay and studio time and have the work fired. I know I have mentioned it, but last summer I got a kiln for my birthday. It is a small one, but it will fire to cone 10 if I want to use it for ceramics. My primary intentention was to use it for PMC-which I am learning. But anyway, I purchased a month at the studio and ended up with a few beads and these wee people. I love them! I love clay. Of course I don't really know how to do anything with it except mush it up and paint glaze on it. But that's a start right?

What should I call them?

2010-04-23T14:16:00.002-04:00

It has been a very crazy week indeed! I did manage to make a pair of earrings for my poor neglected Etsy shop. But only because I am supposed to be painting. The paintings need to be delivered next weekend. They are not all done. And the one I posted the other day? TOTALLY changed it! Why Tari? Why would you do this? you ask. Well now, I asked Mr. Pearl And Pebble (the engineer) his opinion. I love him dearly. I do. But I need to stop asking him his opinion, at least until my back bone gets stronger. So I lost some hours there reworking and reworking. And so I figured, heck, what's a few hours more? I'll make earrings. These lovely little components are from Bellas Beads. I love her findings. And the lucite is always soooo nice. This is the first time I've used the long kidney wires. I like them alot. I tend to wear smaller earrings, so I've been creating smaller earrings. But these are wonderful. Not bulky at all but comfortable and lightweight. There is a reportedly huge Earth Day Fest that starts today. Looking forward to it! The sun is shining beautifully, I just wish it were warmer.

What Say Ye?

2010-04-19T16:13:00.002-04:00

I have another show coming up and I decided to add some flora. I painted this outside today. A little chilly, and a little windy - tulips kept moving around in the vase. What do you think? (There are no wrong answers) Thanks for any input!

My New Favorite (Non-Beaded) Yum Yum

2010-04-16T15:53:00.002-04:00

OMG!!! OK let me first state for the record that this little plug is of my own accord. This is the best most excellent stuff-EVER! I went to the art museum the other day and got a yogurt at the cafe. Was a different brand, but still called Greek Yogurt. Was pretty darn good. Better than the national brands which we usually eat. So when I was at the market today, I noticed they had this. I chose the honey flavored. When I got home and cracked this puppy open it was like WOW I have never had yogurt before! Awesome!!! Like a cheesecake. No foolin. Rich, creamy, lemony, and soooo smooth. I literally licked the cup. (Apparently Heidi isn't the only one who does this.)

OPINIONS PLEASE

2010-04-15T13:55:00.002-04:00

Now, I can do a mean wire tie if I do say so myself, but I didn't want a tight wrap on these. Not so mean when I'm working loosely. So I need some critiquing here. Do these look sloppy, or do they look intentional? All comments welcome. No feelings will be hurt!

2010-04-14T19:49:00.002-04:00

For post no. 100 (yes that's right) I offer a picture of my budding cherry tree. I do believe that Spring has arrived. Today I had my first PMC class. It was all lecture. That was fine with all of us I think. I have been yacking about PMC for almost a year now. You know, got the kiln, afraid to blow it up..... So a few weeks ago when I found out about this class, I jumped on it! Can't wait to play!

The Winner Is.........

2010-04-10T09:31:00.003-04:00

Congratulations JUSTATISH! You are the winner of my little giveaway! Email me your info and I will mail these out to you! Thanks to all who played along:) Have a super great weekend!

2010-04-08T17:30:00.003-04:00

What is a weed? What is a wildflower? All I know is these tiny little flowers popped up in the garden the other day and I felt the need to pluck them, not because they were any nuisance, but because I found them so soft and fragile and lovely. The flower is a wee bit bigger than my thumbnail. The petals are tissue thin. Soft and white with stripes of pale blue and a pop of butter yellow. Dainty and fragile. I would love to see these reproduced in glass. And wouldn't they be lovely on the end of a headpin?

Like 'Em?

2010-04-07T15:42:00.003-04:00

Want 'em? Visit my current Etsy Treasury, click and comment there. Then come back here and tell me which treasury item you liked the most. That's it! The treasury expires on Saturday in the wee hours of the morning. I'll announce the randomly chosen winner a little later in the day.

What Would You Do To Win A Custom Pendant?

2010-04-06T19:17:00.002-04:00

JUSTATISH wants to make a copper and stone pendant just for you! Check it out! Leave her a comment because she is going to draw the name of a lucky somebody on Friday!!!

So Do You Like LOTS Of Beads????

2010-04-05T12:40:00.002-04:00

You might want to go here and leave Kelley a comment and answer two little questions because she is giving away ONE AND A HALF POUNDS of beads on Friday!

New Wool

2010-04-05T12:29:00.003-04:00

My latest batch of dyed wool. The top neutrals are the natural shades of the wool. The bottom oranges are after a being dyed. I can't believe how fascinated I am with this. This wool is from Icelandic Sheep that I purchased from Iclandics on Etsy. I really love this stuff. It will felt almost just by looking at it! Great sunflower colors eh?

Bluebird Necklace

2010-04-02T23:00:00.002-04:00

This is my necklace for the BOC Color Challenge using a Tetradic color scheme. Turquoise, red-orange, yellow-green and violet-red. This was a tough one. Two sets of complimentary colors gets a wee bit tricky! And yet it is one of my favorites I think. I LOVE how if feels on. Do you see the way cool pendant by Diane Hawkey?!?!?! Oh we love that yes we do!!!! Another late night here-bad lighting for the picture......same ole story! Sorry bout that. I PROMISE to try and be more organized for the next post!