My Bead Journey

Beading Babes Reveal - And Echo Creative Club part 1

2012-03-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

Wow for some reason I thought this wasn't til the 12th. I hope I am not in for any more calendar issues this year. That would be bad.

So if you are not familiar with Beading Babes I will let you know about it. Karyn at Releases by Rufydoof gathered a pretty cool bunch of beaders to pick then work on a project from either Bead and Button or Beadwork magazine. It is so much fun to see what others think of the patterns and also offer advise to each other when we hit stumbling blocks. So how about this month.

Well it seemed that many of us hit several stumbling blocks on our projects for this round. Either the time was at issue or the pieces weren't coming together as expected. I did attempt both projects for the month but ran into some difficulties myself.

First up is Smadar Grossman and Ravishing Rosettes published in the December 2011 issue of Bead and Button. I will totally admit that the color scheme in the magazine is not me in any way so initially I overlooked it. I have decided not to vote on the projects because I need the challenge so when this was one of the picks I had to take a second look. And I love it. I needed to adjust it a bit to either fit the beads I was using or the tension issues you all know I have. Smadar is a fabulous designer and I hope to one day get one of her own patterns as we all know the magazines tend to edit some pretty important tips right out of print. So here is my Tangerine Tango

See Dawn I told you I was totally rocking tangerine!

What a fun and cheery necklace this makes and I have to tell you I (yes really) I made a simple 2 by 2 chain maille connection to finish it!

And as promised I have it as a pairing! Yay!

I also tried Barbara Falkowitz Runway of Pearls published in the Dec/Jan 2012 issue of Beadwork but that was not as successful as I would have hoped. I am not sure if the triangles I used were right and I ran out of pearls. So what I want you to do is hop over to Amy's blog and check hers out. It is Awesome!

So I mentioned the Echo Creative Club too right. Well I received my beads from Jeannie this week and WOW I really can not believe she made them out of polymer clay. I was so excited I was working on them when I got a sweet little email from her asking if we would also post when we receive the beads. OOPS I already opened it up. But you know what? I was so careful opening it because I love her packaging that it was easy to put most of them back in the bag and make it look like I hadn't touched them yet. LOOK at these!

I have told Jeannie (probably way too many times) I love being part of this and playing with her beads more than I can really put into words.

I do have a bit of a busy week ahead but things are beginning to get better. Hope I didn't just jinxed it.

Hugs and Blessings

Challenge of Music

2012-02-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Erin's Challenge of Music. This is the third challenge that I have done with her and usually they are totally out of my comfort zone. This one....No! Music is a huge part of my life. I have so many songs that I can hear to bring back specific memories and all the feelings that go with them. I do love all different genre's of music and when I first signed up I had 3 very different songs in mind but the song and memory attached to this Challenge are from the Monster Ballad's of the 80's.

The night I signed up and was looking through my stash we (my hubby, Derek and I) were listening to music. We do this a lot as a family but this time as Michael was looking through his extremely extensive (he has already filled an 8g I pod) he noticed we did not have any Great White. This was a shock to say the least. Great White was one of the best bands (in my opinion) and has a very very significant part in the beginning of my life with Michael. "Save all your love" was the second song he ever sang to me. The lyrics are so us and in fact this was almost our wedding dance song but the DJ didn't have it. As we listened to it that night it was as if we were both transported back to that time and at the same time we see that it still has as much significance as it used to.

Now I have the song. Inspiration for the design comes from Nancy Dale's Lila Tutorial.

This is an incredibly well written and oh so inspiring tutorial!

I have been waiting to review this tutorial because one of the greatest gift's is when you can take the designers pattern that is written so well and morph it. I had been working on this very morph but had hit a stumbling block. I wanted a "love" style bracelet but I didn't want it to actually say it in your face. I had played with these components and now I had the inspiration to finish them. Oh you know me I try to make everything harder than it should be and all that I was trying just wasn't working. Until I just listened to the beads. But listening to them and doing what they wanted was no easy task. I should have taken a picture of them before I tied up all the loose threads...OH MY!

Now since I only just finished it Monday night I will also tell you that I am still a little leery on the double toggle I made. We will see if I come up with something different. For me this is a very personal piece so I have to say the rest of it I LOVE!

Here is the set of "Save All Your Love"

Pictures are total courtesy of Dawn because she can totally rock crappy ass pictures!

And you can also thank Nascar's Juan Pablo Montoya for causing a huge delay in the already postponed Daytona 500 Monday night as I was able to create the pendent and beginning of the chain while waiting for the finish. (yes my dear friends I stayed up til the end at 1:15am)

The pendent is totally inspired by My favorite verse....

"And here in my heart

where no one else will ever be.

We've come so far

So Baby stay with me!"

I hope you all enjoy the rest of the hop! Thank you so much Erin for putting this all together and letting me be a part of it!

Dawn Doucette
Malin de Koning

Beth Emery

Michelle Escano-Caballero

Kristen Stevens * this is me

PS my friends I may or may not be able to view all of your lovelies today as I had to get a cortisone shot in my foot and stairs are not going to be a friend to me if it is hurting as much as the last time. I will get there it just may take me a while.

Hugs and Blessings

Echo Creative Challenge - February

2012-02-25T07:00:00.003-05:00

YAY! I have so been waiting for this reveal although I did only just finish part of it yesterday. Jeannie (this is a link directly to her website as I know you are going shoppin after you read this!)was so happy with our Club last month that she offered a set she had made for her January piece to the first responder. Guess what? Yep I replied nearly instantly for these gorgeous beauties!

Minus the glass beads but as you will see I didn't need them!

Oh yes I love them. It is so funny that you fall in love with a picture over the computer and sometimes they are no where near what you thought they were but in this case you guessed it, these beauties are beyond words. I thought I had a plan for them but when they arrived my direction was totally changed. I discovered something about my journey into this beading world. I can see a design in my head now. I new exactly were to take this necklace and frankly it is not too shabby at all.

Introducing Rockin Blossom!

I used a great tutorial I have used before by Nancy Dale of NEDbeads. I love this Trellis necklace for not only how it works up but how it wears. The rope is so soft and also a bit bolder but this is exactly what this necklace needed. For anyone who is not a seed beader I will tell you that it does take time but the results are mind blowing.

Now the bracelet well that was really hard for me. I had 2 of the accent beads left and I wanted to give them a proper compliment. I had seen these beaded beads in a magazine (I can't remember which one and since I have totally misplaced it......yeah, luckily I had made one bead before loosing it) I thought I could make them work with the beads. You all know I am not not not a stringer. This scares be because of the symmetry thing. I know what you are thinking I make the seeds work right? Well they work for me, string and wire? Not so much. So I finally finished the beads Thursday night and set to "weave" them together. Yep if I say that it works. Let me know what you think.

Being a part of this Club is amazing for me. Not only do I get my hands on some spectacular Art Beads which I totally covet. I get to meld them with my style and inspiration. Jeannie's beads are AWESOME and her great attention to detail gives each one a special personality.

Oh hey BTW I realized the other day that my blog was created to show you pairings as well but I totally have not been sharing those as I should so.............

I plan to make sure you can see where I get some of my inspiration from.

Now check out all the lovely members in this months challenge and send Jeannie some love for letting me be a part of this!

Cindy Cima Edwards http://www.cindycima.com

Courtney Breul http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com

Dagi http://kokopellidesign.blogspot.com

Jeannie K Dukic http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog

Lola Surwillo http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com

Malin de Koning http://beadingbymalindekoning.blogspot.com

Michelle Buettner http://www.MiShelDesigns.blogspot.com

Molly Alexander http://www.beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com

Shannon Chomanczuk http://www.formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com

Hugs and Blessings

You all know how I feel bout orange right?

2012-02-20T09:19:00.000-05:00

I totally want to be on this design team! I mean I am really wanting to play with this gorgeous porcelin creations! Did I mention I really want this? And just look at the first set of pretties!

Check out Diana's blog Suburban Girl Studio but don't you dare put your name in K?

Today we are off to Syracuse to pick up tickets for Monster Jam!

Hugs and Blessings
KK

When ADD and OCD meet.

2012-02-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

Still nursing my foot which is not broken. I have tendonpathy. Fancy word for really stretched tendon. Trying not to let it get me down so I thought I would throw out a quick post to show you all what my trays look like when I wake up in the morning.

Yes they really do look like that. I know I know pathetic right? I think it comes from the fact that the vacuum has stolen too many projects, needing to make sure I don't lose any of those precious beads, and frankly because I can't seem to focus on just one thing. You know that last part is so true for all of us as while we are working on something an inspiration strikes and we have to explore it. 4 of the projects are for challenges that I am working on and 1 is a review. The others well.........

I hope all is well with you and yours my friends.

Hugs and Blessings

Oh I am so in for this one...Are you?

2012-02-01T10:43:00.001-05:00

Oh I am so excited about this next challenge of Erin's. She inspires me beyond words. AND since I am currently confined to this........

Yep 6 week of this gorgeous (NOT) boot! Whoo Hoo! I think I can get this done!

Hugs and Blessings

Official Review - Manek-Manek Beads...Again? Oh Yeah!

2012-01-27T08:45:00.000-05:00

Okay so Helena did not ask me to review this one but I am telling you it needed reviewing. Back when I review the "Pnut2 cuff" I showed you the next piece I fell in love with. To be honest it had moved to the top of my wish list because I had been so wanting to find a way to make a knot like this.

Well funny thing and sweet and generous and (really I could go on and on but) a friend sent this to me! Yep you all know me so well I was in utter tears. It still amazes me the community of beaders and their generosity, support and friendship are beyond a blessing to so many of us. How lucky we all are to have connected in the cyber world and that it stretches beyond that sometimes. Well for Christmas my sweet friend also sent me this.

Okay by now seeing this amazing stitching most of you know I was again blown away and I felt like a princess. I had intended to make a present for her as well but what to make for her? And honestly after seeing her stitching up close you know I was thinking "will my stitching be good enough?" Self-doubt out the window. Yep I had a pattern I knew would guide me to what I wanted and all I needed to do was follow.

Here is "Knot just a friend"

I gave it this title for 2 reasons. First it is for my friend that has supported me, guided me, laughed with me, commiserated with me, and has become an important part of my life. Second I did reach out to another friend to boost my confidence and steady my nerves. And third, Helena. I met her through this friend but she is just as supportive and frankly an extremely talented pattern designer.

So about Helena's pattern. Oh my! What an incredibly well written pattern. Her steps are so easy to follow and the working this really flows from your fingers....As long as your husband does not suck up two of the ropes you have started! Yep in the vacuum a total of 8 inches of beads and if you all do not know I will tell you that when fireline and the beater bar of the vacuum meet those poor little beads do not stand a chance. Luckily this time I actually had enough beads to spare or you would not be reading this post. Then knot in this pattern is well I want to say easy to make and it is but it is also complex in the tying process but yet if you follow her steps you really can not fail. The rope is put together in a way that when you wear it....well it is just plain awesome. If you have a good feel for stitching you have to go get this pattern. Really you will love it and following her steps you can not fail.

I also wanted to show you this other pattern of hers. With all of the tila patterns out there, and they are all pretty cool, this one happens to be my favorite.

I hope you go visit Helena at Manek-Manek Beads and pick something out for yourself. You will not regret it at all!

Hugs and Blessings

Echo Creative Challenge - January

2012-01-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

First I need to tell you that I have been struggling with "my word" for the new year. Nothing seemed to fit. I still want to grow in my beading but I wanted another challenge, then it totally smacked me in the face when one of my dear friends sent me an e-mail telling me about Jeannie's challange. PURSUE! Most of the time when someone suggests that I look into something I do just that, look into it. No more. This year I want to pursue it until it's end and see what happens. I did just that. Nerves on the very brink I contacted Jeannie and asked if I could be considered. Any you know what? Well yes I know I wouldn't be posting this unless she actually said not only yes but showed so much excitement in my participation. I went over to her site Jewelry by Jeannie and checked out what she was offering.

Well you know I fell in love with these gorgeous blossoms! So I told her my choice and waited for it to arrive. I ACTUALLY thought I had a plan in mind and would jump right in when it came. HA! I should have known better (and actually check the size of the blossom) It came and at first I of course new it was so much bigger than I am used to using. Hello Seed Beader Here! But that lasted only about 2.2 seconds because this is GORGEOUS!!!! Her workmanship is outstanding, her color choices and blending is impeccable and to be totally frank I am in total love with this pendant! In fact I loved it so much and the inspiration flowed so fast I forgot to take a picture of it on it's own.

Yes I did choose Denim. I love denim and I don't think you can ever have enough denim!

So as you can see the first part came together so quickly I thought I would have this done in no time. HA! Again! Nope remember that I am still using my stash so the beads in the first sparkly wheels yeah not enough to make another set the same size. What to do? Hey make some smaller ones. K that works. So here is my progression into what I have now called "Denim Blossom"

Now you probably thought that was all Right? Nope! Here is a list of the other participants (and since I am writing this yesterday I can't wait to see them either) So check them all out and if you are looking for an awesome statement pendant hop on over to Jewelry by Jeannie and pick one of these up for yourself!

Molly Alexander http://www.beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com

Courtney Breul http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com

Michelle Buettner http://www.MiShelDesigns.blogspot.com

Shannon Chomanczuk http://www.formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com

Cindy Cima Edwards http://www.cindycima.com

Beth Emery http://storiesbyindigoheart.blogspot.com

Kristen Stevens http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com

Jeannie K Dukic http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Ps If anyone is wondering why I have not responded or checked out many of your blogs as of late I am currently only able to sit down here for short periods of time due to the fact that I have to keep my hurt foot elevated. I will get it looked at and hopefully (I know I keep saying that) get caught up soon.

Book Review - Artistic Seed Bead Jewelry by Maggie Roschyk

2012-01-19T09:48:00.000-05:00

A funny thing happened on my way to writing this post. Yep you guessed it life! I know it is late but here is what you all have been waiting for. My sort of annual Tipsy Beading Post. If you read last years post I have to tell you that so much has changed since that post. I said that it would not be a regular feature but since so many of you had a good laugh I thought I would attempt another "beading til the Ball dropped" with a bit of help from this.....

So what pattern to pick? Well that was a no brainer once I saw the "Helena Elements" excerpt from Maggie's book in the Feb/Mar issue of Bead and Button. In my usual style I fall in love with something that I end up having to morph because I generally stick to my stash for reasons you are all well aware of by now and I tend to fall for projects with beads that are just plain too expensive or hard to find. I had some gorgeous 12mm puffed squares that I have been holding on to forever and as soon as I saw this pattern I totally knew this was the reason to use them.

I even made a snap clasp to finish this off.

Helena Elements is a fantastic well written and frankly ingenious way of showcasing these beads. I did have to adjust my bead counts but with how her pattern is written that was an easy task. I did make one before I started drinking though just to insure I wasn't going to have any surprises. By the way just in case you are all thinking I am a lush....you know how bars sometimes have a 2 drink minimum? Well Kristen has a 2 drink MAX. Yep I am a total lightweight.

So on the tipsy part....

1. I did so much better on the three I made while waiting for the ball than the first test run.

2. When threading the needle....the middle needle and thread are best to follow!

2. Yes by the time the ball drops you are so ready to morph just about anything ( in your dreams )

5. You totally loose count too often making it very difficult to finish a whole project.

8. Lady Gaga can really freak you out if you have been staring at beads then look up. Love her music though.

7. Make sure if you want to continue with your Mimosa's watching the New Years Day Parade that it is not on a Sunday! Had to wait a whole week to have them!

There now you are well aware of the challenges faced when attempting to plan a tipsy post. Next time (if there is) I think I will just let it flow.

On the review part of Maggie's book Artistic Seed Bead Jewelry......Yes I have the book.

I have to tell you that I do love the books that are out there but sometimes I also think some bead designers do not remember what it is like to have a restricted budget which can make their projects seem unattainable. When my hubby asked if I wanted the book I had these reservations, however they were totally unfounded. Yes the 8mm cubes I so desperately want are a bit difficult to find at a good price for me but her book is filled with so many awesome projects using a lot of readily available beads that I can not wait to make another project. Her instructions are easy to follow and she can really inspire you to think totally out of the box. For that I am truly grateful to her for sharing her knowledge.

So there you have it a 2for post. I can not wait for you all to see the next post. I have been so lucky to have been selected by Jeannie to participate in........

That's right she picked me! Click the pic and it will send you to her! I have been working on my design and the reveal is January 25th. I am so excited to be part of this and she really inspired me to go way outside my comfort zone!

Til then

Hugs and Blessings

Official Review - NEDbeads

2012-01-09T14:54:00.000-05:00

Well sort of. She didn't ask for it but I am doing it anyway. I happened across a bit of extra funds and I completely fell in love with this tutorial so you know I HAD to have it. The Perfect Evening Earrings. ( go ahead and check it out I'll wait........*tapping feet*......) Did you buy it? Well you totally should! Now as you saw this tutorial is for earrings but when Nancy posted a bracelet of these I was hooked (line and sinker too). So why not make both? Well this is the part where I tell you that you can never ever have enough rivolis! I had purchased these stunning silk rivolis at Artbeads and been hoarding them for a while now. Unfortunately no one carries them (at least that I can find) in 12 mm anymore so I can't even direct you to a picture or place to buy them. So I started with the first element and decided that working towards the bracelet would be my first goal.

Here is my Perfect Silk and Denim Bracelet

Ain't it just tooooooo purdy!!!!!!

Nancy's instructions are completely fail proof. If you follow them you will create such a work of art and amaze yourself with the finished product. I did need to make a few adjustments to create the bracelet but like I said if you follow her lead you can easily add your own style or preference without fail. This is actually the third of her tutorials that I have worked with and first I want you to know that with all the pictures and hints she gives in each of them I was not confused once (unless I read too fast because once I got going I just get too excited.) I can also tell you that this and her other patterns are kept in a special go to place in my folder for inspiration and I will be making a set of earrings as soon as I find the rivoli's again. How great is it that we are so lucky to have tutorials from artist's that really want you to succeed and explore? I will tell you that Nancy is not only one heck of an artist but she backs that up with a true desire to see others grow. What a great supporter of all of us she is. I hope I have A- convinced you to go and get this pattern because you know you are hoarding rivoli's too (or at least want to) and B-done Nancy proud!

Now don't you all worry this is only the first of the three posts you all voted for. I stretched my tipsy beading a week apart and now I am totally trying to remember what exactly I should or shouldn't tell you all about.

Hugs and Blessings

PS Someone should really tell spell check that Rivoli really is a word! Just sayin!

I really did Grow in 2011.

2012-01-03T11:04:00.001-05:00

Today I am getting back to normal and checking out all the blogs I have so missed and I will be replying to all your sweet and funny comments. But as I started reading though the blogs this morning I realized I had picked a word at the start of 2011. I had chosen to *Grow*. Not only in my beadwork but also in my friendships and family relationships. You know what? I really did Grow.

First I branched out into the Facebook world to meet and befriend so of my favorite designers and bloggers. Yes Facebook is at times so much easier to get to than the blogs and for this year I have to make sure to keep a balance of them both. I made some spectacular friendships that never would have happened had I not taken this leap. You all know who you are and I hope you know what you mean to me. (You probably do because I am such a sap I tend to tell you all the time)

Second I came to grips on what relationships work for me and when to just go with the flow and not cause ripples that would generally end up drowning me in guilt. It is a wonderful thing to know when it is time to just let go of trying to be something you are not. A very freeing feeling indeed. I did have some backlash but overall so much better for me not having to work so hard to please the unpleasable.

And Finally I did grow as a beader. I was truly blown away by this realization when a friend of mine first called me "the Macguyver" of beadweaving because I have a tendency to change up a pattern to fit my stash. Yes I am forced to do this but it also stretched my creativity and problem solving so much that I did in fact design 3 different pieces that are all out of my beady brain. WOW! AND it seems that with the joining of the Beading Babes another fantastic surprise has happened. I have sent my "Turtle's Paradise" necklace to Interveave to be professionally photographed and may just appear in the April/May issue of Beadwork along side some of my fellow Babes! YAY!

Then this same friend told me that she had watched me go from a newbie beader to bead artist. OMG did she really call me a "Bead Artist"? Yes she did. I will tell you that yes it is both amazing and scary at the same time that my skills have grown to this level. First, I have begun to look at beads in a whole new way and second I have begun to dream about where to take the stitch.

So I will leave you with a few pictures of the beginning of this years creations to my most recent. Do you think I have fulfilled my goal to *Grow* this year? I haven't yet picked a word for 2012 but I will let you know.

Hugs and Blessings

Yes I am still a blogger if you all still want me!

2012-01-01T12:35:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year my dear friends and followers (if any of you still follow after the forced hiatus I took). First I will give all of you that just like the eye candy a picture of my last set of 2010.

This was a great pattern from the December Bead and Button Magazine. I loved it so much I did a variation of the stitch for the bracelet. As you can see I did use czech seed beads in a permanent finish and it gives it the look of spun silver.

For those of you who will read further I will give you a few options for what could come in the next few posts.

1. The reason I had to take my long hiatus including the following,

a. Derek's strep throat and following surgery (he is so much better now)

b. The fun development of panic attacks (WTF really?)

2. Two spectacular pattern reviews that includes,

a. Why I have a love hate relationship with my hubby's vacuum. (Yes ladies he is the one who vacuums!)

b. Why one of these pieces may not make it to my friend until summer.

c. Why you can never have enough rivolis!

d. And all of the fun stuff in between.

3. A tipsy beading post gone totally wrong including,

a. Why you should never plan a tipsy beading post.

b. Why it is always best to go with the middle of what you are looking at.

c. Why I couldn't continue the mimosa tradition (Really isn't the Rose Parade supposed to be on New Year's?)

So what is your vote?

Hugs and Blessings

Beading Babes Reveal

2011-12-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

So I may have missed my marks totally on these two projects but sometimes that is just how I roll. LOL

First we tackled another Carol Ohl project. Earthly Hues from the August/September issue of Beadwork. I loved this project from the beginning so I knew I had filed it somewhere. That was the first issue. Where is somewhere? With a bit of help the pattern was located and now to start gathering supplies. Well you know I can not make anything easy on myself so here comes the story. I had 4mm cubes and I had 2mm cubes. If I go with the 4mm I would not have enough and where the heck were the 10mm rounds I thought I had? Frantic searching in the hallway putting beads in piles of colors. No luck. Scrap that idea. 2mm cubes would so work but the colors were either blue or pink. Now to search for the 8mm to match. Well you wouldn't know it from my color challenge in the previous post but I tend to stay away from pink. Really I do. So where will inspiration strike. Hummmmmmmm.....Well it struck in the form of an orphan bracelet I made back in September. You can read about it here.

So with that in mind you know I changed up the beads to fit my own unique style. I have always said that I follow patterns well and that is still very true when doing reviews but when I am just playing I like to throw in a bit of well me. So in my version of Earthly Hues (which is still earthy but on the ocean side) I used 8mm round crystals, 2mm cubes, drops, and 11 and 8 seeds. I really enjoyed making this one once I got the rhythm going but when it came to making the pendent...yep another issue. I couldn't get the cubes and the 8mm beads to sit like the picture. After about 6 attempts I knew it was a total no go. What to do? Set it aside til something sparks. And spark it did. I had been keeping this little turtle because he was just too cute. He called to me and said "pick me I have all the right colors". Now you know the beads talk to you too so don't look at me like I'm the crazy one. Anyway here is what I have decided to call "Turtle's Paradise"

I really do like this one so much even though it is way off the pattern path.

On to project 2. Sleek in Silver by Hatsumi Oshitani in the October/November issue of Beadwork. Well honestly I thought I was out of making this project because frankly I am still on a tight bead budget and those sweet tila's in this one seemed so out of my reach. Well thanks to Kelli Burns of the Hole Bead Shoppe Blog and her really cool Friday Trivia game I won a $25 gift certificate to her shop!!!!!!!! I raced over and saw she had those sweet tilas!!! Win and of course I picked a few extras for my stash! And you know what they came on my birthday!!!!!! Beads on my birthday! (do you see the happy dance?) I knew exactly what I wanted to use in this one and so without further ado (because you all know I can "ado" for so much longer) Here is Spike Silver.

and doesn't it so match my Delightful Daggers bracelet?

So now I have to cut this post short as I just received a call from my son's doctor. He has strep AGAIN!!!!! OMG he has had it since October 21st and I am so glad and nervous that he is getting his tonsils and adenoids out on the 15th! I hope this post finds you all a little less crazy than I am right now!

Don't forget to pop over to Karyn's Blog to check out the rest of the Beading Babe's versions of these two awesome projects

Hugs and Blessings

Challenge of Color Blog Hop!

2011-11-30T08:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 2nd annual Challenge of Color Blog Hop!

First I totally need to thank Erin for putting this all together for us. As you all know I have been a bit scarse in blogland as of late with all the goings on in my families life so I have to tell you I almost missed the opportunity to particapate in this one (luckily Erin is to sweet to say no when you are late ,,,Whew!) that she was more than happy (I hope) to squeeze me in on this one. I participated in the first one last year and loved it so much I would have been left crying and screaming "how could you miss this!" to myself until the next challenge and I am sure none of you want to hear my whining anymore!

With that said once again

Welcome to the 2nd annual Challenge of Color Blog Hop!

All that was required was that you contact Miss Erin (who is one of the sweetest and inspiring women on the planet) and give her a color. Now what kind of challenge would it be if I continued on my current color rut of brown, blue and green? Not a challenge so I choose Pink! Yes Pink. I really don't work in this color unless someone asks me to (which doesn't happen very often) so I thought it might get me to break out and try something new. Here is the palette she sent me.....

I was instantly in love with it, AND you know what else? I had stash to match! What a WIN! So what to do....what to do?

Well I did something that I have yet to ever do. I set my colors on my tray and let the beads tell me where they wanted to be. I was intending to try and use all the colors in the palette but those sweet beads said NO! Here is what they said I should use....

So I began stitching with no plan in mind at all. What a completely scary concept this was for me. I have a pretty good knowledge of stitches and how they lay when you wear them so what could happen?

Scooped Up is what happened.

I love where the colors led me even though the green did not stand out like I thought it would, this is a cherished piece to me for so many reasons. Now I am still not so sure about the beginnings of that bracelet but, this challenge finally gave me the courage to explore my abilities and stretch my skills as a beader and designer. For that I am truly grateful to Erin for leading me to a totally different hallway with a door I never knew was there. She is my "Inspirationalist" with that did you see those little earrings?

SO a funny thing happened on my way through this challenge.

I never thought my bead journey would take me to this place but I have started my own designing. I KNOW! I am as surprised as you! I have begun writing a tutorial for the sweetest little earrings. Actually the tutorial is written I just need to make a couple more pairs for color variations for the title page and clean up a few photos and then I will be opening my own ETSY shop. I am still very concerned that in my own excitement I am overestimating the value of my design but I am finally willing to take this leap of faith and dive in head first. We will just have to see what the next step brings.

Please enjoy visiting all these amazing artists and their journey's through this challenge and give a huge shout out to Erin for being Erin!

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

Hugs and Blessings!
KK

Official Review - Manek-Manek Beads

2011-11-28T09:54:00.000-05:00

First I would like to apologize to Helena Tang of Manek-Manek Beads. I have been working on this one on and off for a while now and it totally had nothing to do with this incredible pattern. At the end of September my friend Nancy told me about an awesome pattern she purchased from Helena and that I should totally check her out. Of course you know me and patterns, I must have spent an hour just looking (and drooling) over her creations. So again you all know I like to chat so I messaged her to tell her how much I liked her designs and that they are totally going on my wish list. Once again I was totally blown away when she told me she would love it if I would review one for her and to pick my favorite. Oh that was the hardest part. Since I am in love with these little peanut beads (aka farfalle) I choose the PNut2 Cuff. Here is what I made...

Like I said before it took forever to get this one completed. First I ran out of my favorite needles and needed them because the cuff is made up of 15/0 and peanuts. Then as I was almost complete I misplaced the little accent beads I was using. It took a week but I found them under the end table. Not where I thought I had lost them. Then (yes there is another issue, hey you should all know me by now right?) I did not have a proper 6mm bead to make that gorgeous large peanut that is used as a clasp. Really?

Despite all of my issues let me tell you this pattern is awesome! First it uses RAW (right angle weave) which I am in love with right now and 15/0's that you all know I am particularly fond of. As well as those little cute peanuts that I love. Also for the clasp she has a clever section to create a large peanut for the clasp! LOVE! Her instructions are so easy to follow and the other thing I love about designer patterns it that they have clearer step by step patterns. Again I am not totally fond of flatwork but as you stitch this lovely it seems to take on a dimension of it's own creating a very soft and fun cuff to wear. In fact my sweet girl tried to steal it from me before I even got the pictures taken. So if you are looking for a fun pattern or to test yourself without questioning what the pattern says you totally need to pop over to Helena's site and pick a favorite out for your self. I in fact have a favorite on the top of my wish list right now.

Are you as intrigued as I am with this one? I tried to convince my hubby to get it this weekend but we had to pay for college so Christmas is a bit small. No worries though I will find a way to get this pattern! LOL

I know I have been scattered in Blogland as of late but there are some really good and not so good things happening as soon as they all balance I should be back on track. Oh and just a bit of a heads up I will be posting a Challenge of Color post and the Beading Babes project post this week. I know 3 posts in a week....Can she do it?

Hugs and Blessings

Love My Art Jewelry giveaway x 2 and a glimse of my sweet friends awesomeness!

2011-11-14T10:31:00.000-05:00

Okay so you all know that I love handmade and would love to have any of the pieces that any one of these artists have made so I am here to tell you once again that I think you should check them all out and yes there is a giveaway too!

Love My Art Jewelry: A giveaway x 2: by MaryAnn Carroll To celebrate our Art Spark theme of gratitude we have two wonderful donations by two wonderful designers. That mea...

Now before you go over I would like to tell you all about Erin @ Treasures Found. I met her through her blog and frankly I was totally amazed. First her writing is captivating and really tells her story in ways I wish I could sometimes write. Then there are her outstanding creations in jewelry that also tell so many stories. WOW just look at these pieces she just posted about working with Girl scouts and teaching them about embossing!

This is not all of what she does. She is so supportive and provides in site and inspiration to me even though she doesn't work with seeds. I am so lucky to have her take a few minutes to give me a boost or offer a suggestion. Right now she is also hosting "Challenge of Color". I almost missed getting involved this time. Whew she squeezed me in. I participated in her last challenge you can see here. I had so much fun and I plan to again this time!

But that is not all. She started a venture a while back that has me in awe every time I see these little treasures. "Simple Truths" are her spectacular creations and honestly you have to go and look at all of them. She has a way of capturing your feelings and true soul with them and I guarantee you WILL fall in love with one or all of them.

Here are a few of my favorites.

So that is my little bit for the day. And as she always says "Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Anonymous

Hugs and Blessings

Failure is not an option it is inevitable!

2011-11-07T09:45:00.000-05:00

But that is okay. Sometimes it is actually good and can lead to this

This is actually the first NEDBeads Trellis rope I tried. When I received these gorgeous beads (yes they are Julsbeads so you know I am already in love)And I almost quit more than a few times. Mainly because the beads (my sweet little 15's) were a total nightmare! If I didn't understand why beaders used cullers before I totally do now. But look at it! Juli, Nancy and Me. I will be another one of those go to pieces for me! Thanks girls I love how you inspire me.

And sometimes there are questions even at the end like this one.

I wanted it to match the necklace but I am still not sure about it. I used Kelli Burns pattern from the last Beadwork but I did not use the same beads she called for because I wanted to stay in my stash. I am still debating on attaching the clasp.

Then there are utter failures. Remember this?

Yes the elusive dragon. Well I did get more of the magatamas in crystal and so I started all over again. Mind you this was to be the 4th time I started it again. I thought it was going pretty well but as I started zipping it started breaking. 5th time, and breaking, 6th time, and breaking okay that's it I have to totally admit defeat right? So I start ripping it apart and thought it would break as I went along but you know what I got to a certain point and it just wouldn't break! Well Damn it I have had it I put it in a baggy and shoved it in the closet so I don't have to look at it again!!!!! It beat me! But that is okay.

Then there are failures that turn into success...

I used the wrong size beads in my first attempt at Heather Collins Guinevere. But look what happened. This turned out beautiful and is another one of those go to pieces.

So I guess this post is to let everyone know that yes we will fail and sometimes it just plain sucks BUT other times well just look around your own world today an see I am sure there are things that may have started out like a epic fail but totally turned into Success!

Hugs and Blessings,

Wishlist Tuesday!

2011-11-01T13:03:00.000-04:00

Since this is my birthday month and I thought it would be good to put a wish list out there. Maybe one of my friend can show my hubby and that can give him some ideas. Although he did already buy me some awesome beads that I totally forgot to take a picture of before I started using them. It is a great package of all the things I needed to finish some projects. Thanks you awesome Babe you!

Anyway here is my list! And they are in no particular order.

Really this has to be it for now because it took me almost an hour to put it all on here. LOL I will have to make a second version soon.

Hugs and Blessings
KK

I am totally nuts!

2011-10-28T13:52:00.000-04:00

Big surprise, I know right? Well this time it is for those little treasures that are either called peanuts or farfalle beads. I have had a little stash of them and when I did get them I had a plan in mind but it never quite panned out. They are the cutest little beads but "What the heck do you do with them?" Well here's my little story......

I recently met a friend on FB that led me to take a peak at Bead Imag. I did find the magazine a great source of information but one thing in particular stood out. I have been forever wanting to try my hand at Oglala stitch. I could not find a free patten to get me started so I just kept it in the back of my mind. Imag and Lesley to the rescue. So this is my newest necklace. Yes I started with a necklace. I can't believe it either.

I love the colors of this and it matches my shirt so perfectly. Win Win! I used those little peanuts to give the piece more texture and a bit of bling. Well you know what? Since I had peanuts, melons, and seeds (sounds like a salad) leftover I thought I would take some advise from the beady goddesses and play around a bit and see where it took me...guess what happened? I know my own little design, can you believe it? Anyway after showing it to friends on FB it seems that a tutorial is called for. Oh MY I am not good at that and my sweet friend Nancy ( I have totally linked you to a spectacular post about her color play ropes...you will love it!)offered to write the instructions for me if I take the pictures. Oh what an offer! So I was so excited I told my hubby and you know what he said? "I want you to try to write it first, you have all the tools and you know what you like in a pattern so you need to try that first." OMG do you know how scary a proposition this is? I have decided to try and take it on but will keep Nancy on stand my just in case. LOL So here is my sweet little Leafy Trail.

So that is my story for today and I am totally stickin to it!

Hugs and Blessings

Ella, Juls, Rebecca, Rhiannon, Heather, Dawn and me.

2011-10-23T15:28:00.001-04:00

Confusing title to be sure! Well this is how it all went. Remember when I did the review for Ellad2, and I posted the bracelet that I was dying to do next? Well she liked my review so much that she sent me the tutorial. Oh how I love turquoise and brown together BUT....yep I now lack a supply of size 8/0's (I will have to work on that when I win the lottery) So what to do? What to do? Ohhhhhh I think white and chocolate would be beautiful (hunt through stash here) I knew I had a stash of the most gorgeous brown textured beads and well I have a thing for creams and whites so that was no problem either.

TaDa!

My Cookies and Cream Ojo! (my hubby named it) I really love this. It has beautiful support and strength and what a great and easy to follow tutorial. One of the other things I like about her creations is that she uses readily available beads so you no special purchases are necessary. Yay! Stash busting is awesome!. The only problem was the clasp. None of the toggles I had would match that antique dark brass and I didn't want to make a simple loop because well when do I do anything easy? I am really pleased with what I chose. I know it looks familiar to some of you because yes it is half a sparkly wheel. Ella is celebrating a milestone so make sure to visit her to see what surprises she has in store for us. Thanks so much Ella!

Okay so how do Juls, Rebecca, Rhiannon and Heather Kingsley Heath come into this? Well I had decided to try Heather's Master Class pattern in the most recent issue of Beadwork. Oh Boy a master I am not! I have to tell you I had alot of trouble with this one. I found the way she has you stitch the components very fiddly for me and the first three parts of it literally gave me fits. (yes stomping was involved as well as the urge to toss the bead tray across the room BUT I wasn't going to actually do that!) So on a recent trip up north which is a 4 hour drive I played and found that if I complete each portion of the component and it's embellishment then work the next row it was so much easier. Okay but now how to make it me? Just then my sweet muse who I call Rhiannon took a vacation. Isn't that always the way. Well I was typing my dilemma in FB and my friend Rebecca said that she had made a sheep for her boyfriend and he had named it Rhiannon, maybe she should send me a picture and it might help. Yeah I don't think a picture of a sheep could help.......

WRONG!!!!!!

You know what happened? Just like a smack in the back of the head a beautiful set of beads that Juli of the fabulishous Julsbeads sent me for my birthday last year popped into my head. No joke I ran upstairs and put all three pieces together and they were an absolute perfect match!

Paying with a light box of sorts

This is what it looks like on.

This is my Spice Latte. I am totally in love with this necklace for all the reasons listed above and more. I have been trying since my last birthday to make these beads into something and all I needed was a picture of a sheep. Huh go figure. Oh and I also have to thank my cheerleader Dawn. Every time I have an idea I bounce it off her and I swear the girl has some sort of connection into my head or something because she sees what I am describing and I see her suggestions. Spooky!

So I guess that's my story and I;m stickin to it!

Hugs and Blessings

Oh Oh OH I totally wanted to tell you that I WON something!!!!! Yes I am totally blessed to have been the first name drawn in BeadsForever giveaway! Yep the first name so I get that outstandingly funky cab that she made! and The Art of Bead Embroidery! I nearly fell off my chair when I got Linda's message! She is so sweet and makes art that will knock your socks off!

Beading Babes with Carole Ohl and links

2011-10-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

Hey has it really been a week? I have to tell you all that I have been a bad blog friend these past few weeks just lurking around and not posting much of anything as well as having trouble replying to the awesome comments you have sent. I have either just been coming off the high drama of all that happened with Shelby, sad because I never seem to have enough time with my family up north, and well my muse I call Rhiannon had also decided to venture out without even a whisper of why. I have been so off that I even messaged Karyn (our founder of this awesome group) on Friday because I looked at the calender and it said the 16th but I totally knew she had mentioned Sunday in her post. DUH it totally would have helped to change the calender from September to October before making myself sound like a total moron. Okay I know I can do that just fine so maybe not. Anyway I want you all to know that all is good at the moment so I hope to get back into the swing of things. You are all so sweet to still follow this crazy girl!

With that done let me tell you what this post is really about!

Beading Babes!

Karyn at Releases by Rufydoof came up with this concept that we pick a pattern, generally from a magazine, and each one of us makes it and then shows it. Well hay that is why we blog anyway but what is so cool is that she gathered beaders of all skill types together as a way of encouraging each other to learn and have fun. Ain't she just too sweet?

So the pattern that was chosen was one that I have set aside for that "I so want to do this someday" pile. You know the one we forget about til we come across it again. I was so happy because it did jump out at me when I first saw it and this was the perfect excuse to make it. Well you know me and oh yeah the deadline thing. I tend to wait until the last minute and I was beading that awesome bracelet of Jaycee's in my last post as well as working on a piece that I have been wanting to finish, and then I was sweetly gifted another great pattern by a designer Nancy hooked me up with. Thanks girl because I am truly loving it. Well again I am a terrible judge of bead quantities so I have once again run out of a couple of things so the last two projects had to be put aside. You know what I had to go to a baby shower up north and I needed a new bracelet! Camelot Cross to the rescue! I also had an awesome find at Walmart that was just the ticket to make this project sparkle! Yay!

Here is my version (and once again I as still working on perfecting my picture taking but I still think you will get the gist of it)

I changed two elements in the pattern. First is the clasp. I did not care for or have a button that would match and I am no longer a fan of a simple beaded loop to hold oh and neither of them really gave me that finished look I like. So I beaded another square without the crystals and let me tell you I love it!!!! A simple little toggle and oh yeah baby it works! Also as you can see my crystals (walmart score) alternated color in each of the squares. It made for a simple little twist to make it unique to me. I know that others had found a flaw in the pattern but because I had been just looking at the diagram I think I missed it. This pattern not only worked up fabulous it wears awesome!

Thanks so much Karyn for doing this I had a great time making it.

Two quick things to let you know about. First I am loving the Book Tour of Barbara Lewis', Painting with Fire Artwear Goddess! Yes I have been trying to visit each one and the tips, tricks, and artwork are totally amazing. I would love to get into this art medium but that my just be a long time in the future, In the mean time you should check everyone out it is so pretty amazing stuff!

And

Shannon's (Missficklemedia) husband is having a sale for "Mike's Ladies" as a way of saying thanks. Go read that awesome post.

I guess I have made this post long enough huh?

Hugs and Blessings,

Official Review - Jayceepatterns

2011-10-04T11:31:00.000-04:00

Bare with me my dear friends as I hab a cood! I wanted to post this yesterday but unfortunately I first ran out of energy then well I was hoping for a bit of sunshine for my picture but that isn't looking like it is going to happen. I also want to thank you all so much for the support for Shelby this past week. She is doing well right now and we are hoping it stays that way. On to the fun!

Jaycee of jayceepatterns really needs you all to give her some major love for me. If you remember a while back I did a little review of a free pattern of hers, a Russian spiral variation. She liked it so much that SHE approached me to do this review for her AND knowing that I most likely did not have the beads for it she sent them to me. Yes I know I was so blown away by not only her generosity but that she had so much faith in me and values my opinion you could have knocked me over with a feather. She not only deserves my loyalty but also my trust and friendship. Thank you Jaycee.

Here is Spanish Lace

Now isn't that gorgeous? This pattern looks crazy to try and stitch doesn't it? Let me tell you it is not and if it weren't for waiting for the beads to arrive and the drama of last week I would have posted it so much sooner. This pattern flows so easily and her diagrams are spot on. I find it funny now that when I get a pattern to review I first read through the whole thing to see if I can work easily or if a serious amount of concentration. This requires attention but not brain binding in any way. Also it has the benefit of not feeling as if all you are doing is repeating the same stitch. You know what I mean I hope. Here is the funniest part yet though. I do not like "flat" beadwork. I like "beefy" and dimensional but I am TOTALLY IN LOVE with this piece. The feel of it, the look of it and let's face it, it is just plain gorgeous! She has also designed a necklace and earrings to go with it and I WILL be getting those as soon as I can get the beads to do it. Here they are and the links are in the pictures.

I am so thrilled that she had that much faith in me and I can never thank her enough for that!

I need a nap now.

Hugs and Blessings

My Hero

2011-09-28T09:33:00.000-04:00

I need to tell you all about someone who holds my utmost respect, admiration, awe and yes my heart. There have been many challenges over the years. Embarrassments that would have made anyone crawl into a hole but not her. Violence that she has had to endure for being a good person and again she faced it head on. This week has once again tested her metal and she has once again shown me a strength that is beyond compare. I am not saying that the effects haven't left her feeling alone, scared, hurt and just plain tired. No she has broken down and even let the fear overwhelm her at times but then this strength comes from deep within her fibers and a light shines through her. She somehow picks herself up and faces the challenge head on. No not without fear but with determination that she will not let those who wish to control or condemn her for her beliefs win. For that I am....well honestly words can not express how lucky I am that she came into my life. Those of you close to me know that this has been a horrible week and a half for her and have sent you her love and for that she and I are truly blessed. For those of you who don't know yet who I am referring to I am telling you right now and for all the world to know.....

MY DAUGHTER IS MY HERO!

It has been very hard at this stage in her life that although we can be there to help her through it and support her decisions we ultimately can not fix the situation. As a parent that is the worst feeling but we have made contact and insured that those who can fix the issue she is facing right now realize the seriousness and urgency it requires to fix and protect her.

Hugs and Blessings

Pattern Review - NEDbeads

2011-09-19T17:17:00.000-04:00

You know what I have learned? First not to start a beading project with emotional stress, Second make sure when you print a pattern you are not running low on ink so that you are unable to see the pictures clearly, Third there is a difference in beads and cheap is not good! When I got past those three things I truly loved this pattern so much that I have made a second (for a contest no less) and have plans for a third.

NEDbeads is the home of Nancy Dale and all her awesomeness. She is the most amazing beader and once again I have been lucky enough to stumble upon not only a women with the kindest heart but a budding friendship. Her Trellis Pattern is truly phenomenal! It is a large pattern but with that I can assure you that every little detail is covered and the only way you won't succeed is if you are in the earlier state I mentioned. It is extremely adaptable too. Here is the first project I started not only using her pattern but a grouping of beads she sent me for a pick me up.

See those gorgeous netting beads...Yeah they are AWFUL!!!!! Totally uneven and have really sent me into a tizzy! BUT they are the perfect color for this chain so as you can see I have trudged on. I had to eliminate some of the steps in the tutorial because of it but I think it is looking gorgeous. AND yes those are Juli's of Julsbeads. I love them!!!! I will be working on this one for the next few nights if I don't throw them tiny little evil beads across the room!

This is the second necklace I have made for the Maven Meld. Yes I have sent the picture to them and although I have kept it simple I truly love this piece! That's all that matters right?

See how it matches Guinevere? I love love love this pairing!!!

Please also take a peek at the gorgeous Lila earring tutorial of Nancys which I would have been able to show you if I had bought the right chatons!

Hugs and Blessings

Belinda is truly Amazing!

2011-09-19T09:16:00.000-04:00

Belinda Saville - Handcrafted Jewellery: A giveaway...to give thanks

She is supportive, inspiring, and a truly sweet person. I have loved watching her take this new path of metalsmithing and I am in awe of the talent that flows from her. She was born to this and even though I would love to be the winner I will spread this far and wide so you all can see the beauty she creates!

Hugs
KK

Releases by Rufydoof: Encouraging others to learn

2011-09-12T09:46:00.000-04:00

Releases by Rufydoof: Encouraging others to learn: Over the past few weeks I have made a lot of new friends through the magical world of Facebook and blog land. Due to this blog a...

Has anyone else seen this? Let me tell you all about Karyn. When I first started beading I was very interested in the "Use the Muse" contest. I even entered once but there was a problem with shipping so I had to cancel. Anyway one of my favorite pieces was this one of Karyn's.

Oh I would so love to feel this one in person!!!!!

I am totally in love with seahorses and this just jumped out at me. In fact I think I was so excited for her to win the "Wonderfully Whimsical" category I might have been the one who told her first! I had also just started my blog adventure and she was one of my first followers. Her beadwork is totally astounding and the friendship we have forged is priceless. Please check this group out. I am totally looking forward to participating and learning from her and others experiences. This group will also encourage new beaders and help them through the learning process!

Come have fun with us!

Hugs and Blessings

Vanishing Pearl: Fan Page Giveaway!

2011-09-08T08:53:00.000-04:00

Vanishing Pearl: Fan Page Giveaway!: After much deliberating, I have decided to give away a piece of jewelry for my 150 Facebook fan page celebration. I am at 144 likes right no...

Now I tell you all this because I think this girl is awesome! She did a spectacular destash in OTTBS a few weeks ago and I am just getting around to tell you all about it... Shame on me! This is what I was lucky enough to receive. (with a little help from a dear granny pants wearing friend!)

Also I have to tell you I am so going to try and make this!

You all know I love using hardware so this is so totally up my ally! She posted the tutorial on her blog here. Tamara is not only generous but incredibly sweet and even though I am old enough (just) to be her mother her beading skills are beyond her years. Please stop by and check her out!

On a much more personal note I have to tell you that my sweet Buddy has started Kindergarten!

Ain't he just the cutest! I am having a bit of a time getting used to all the changes going on here with my sweet girl in College and Buddy in school now and I have been volunteering during lunch at his school (boy those little ones can keep you hoppin) so changing up my routine is also a big adjustment. Hey why is it that when the kids go off to school everyone thinks you have so much more time on your hands? There is still all the housework to do. I have also been working on the most gorgeous Trellis Rope with the WORST 15's I have ever purchased! I would scrap them but the color is perfect so I am struggling with it. We will have to see how it works because I will tell you right now the pattern is sooooooo not the problem. Anyway that is a glimpse into my craziness at the moment. Stay tuned because tomorrow...YES tomorrow I will be posting a great review on another pattern I have completed!

Hugs and Blessings

Designs by Dawn Marie: Freebie Friday - Fantastic Giveaway That will Have your Ears Ringing... Or Blinging

2011-09-02T13:52:00.000-04:00

Designs by Dawn Marie: Freebie Friday - Fantastic Giveaway That will Have your Ears Ringing... Or Blinging

I do want you all to go and check these gorgeous beauties out but please do not comment or post anywhere because I want them all to myself!!!!1 TeeeHeee I am a naughty girl!!!

Hugs and Happy Labor Day weekend to all!!!!!!!!!!

KK

Official Review - Good Quill Hunting

2011-08-31T09:01:00.002-04:00

Oh let me tell you I was in the right place at the right time. Well sort of..LOL Christina (the awesomest designer) at Good Quill Hunting. Posted on FB that she needed someone who had time on Thursday to test a pattern for her she had listed the beads that were needed and ya know what? I had them!!!!. Well being that I am home all the time I replied. However upon refreshing the page I saw that 4 others before me had already responded. Darn it *stomped off to look at my beads and pout*. I have been a fan of hers for a while (didn't know she had a blog though...Duh well I do now!) so I have to say I was totally surprised when she e-mailed it to me out of a tiny bit of guilt (which you all know I usually don't feel good about making anyone feel guilty...but) Wooo Hooo!

Aemelia is an amazing rope and I am in love with it! Yep I was giddy with excitement and immediately went and gathered the beads that I needed and set to work. I did make a tiny substitution at first with the pearl rounds because they so matched the fire polished they just needed to be in the rope (I do not argue with my beads in this respect) And off to work I went.

Did you think it went that smoothly? Remember this blog you are following...Yeah...NO! There is not a think wrong with this pattern. It covers all the stitches and if you are familiar with cubic RAW you will love this pattern. I will work up quickly and literally have you drooling over your own creation. (at least I was) As long as you are not hit with the "Beader's Plague" You know the one where your fingers, brain and eyes decided to no longer cooperate and you have to froggy stitch when you are almost half way through your creation. Yep it hit and hit hard! Luckily for me once again reading this pattern was so easy that I found my errors easily and was able to back track to them. Then tragedy struck. I had worked on a bit of it and told Christina that I loved it and if I had found any misprints (which I did not) but I would have to put it down as my sweet girl was coming home on Friday for a brief visit. So as I was getting the house ready I vacuumed. I can hear the collective *gasp* now. Yes I learned my lesson in not leaving my bead tray on the floor but I had forgotten to check if any threads were hanging......did you know that fire polished beads vs fire line wrapping around the vacuum brush causes a beautiful and sparkly dust? Well you do now! I did however have some smaller rounds that I was again able to substitute so all in all I really hope I made her proud.

Go get that Aemelia pattern you will love it!!!!!!!!!

Hugs and Blessings

Three in one!

2011-08-25T11:01:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of my newest set.

The bracelet is made using a Russian Spiral variation I saw on Jaycee's Blog jayceepatterns. She offered this one for free. I so love the Russian Spiral stitch so naturally I jumped right to email her. It is a bit fiddly to start and she puts that right in the instructions, but OH MY it works up in no time and wears so sweetly and I love the gorgeous colors I choose. I have been in a bit of a green mode. Her instructions are very clear especially for a free tutorial. I have seen her patterns in the magazines but I know sometime soon I have to get my hands on her tutorials. I know they will be amazing! Thanks so much Jaycee it was a pleasure to make this!

The necklace. Well I originally posted a picture of a necklace to match in Operation Tackle That Bead Stash on FB, because it just didn't do it for me. I loved the pendant (Which the lovely and sweet Mandy over at Beads for Brains posted here) but it just doesn't work with the chain. It was so cool to put it out there for good ideas when I knew it wasn't working. Thanks girls!

So back to the drawing board....well to the patterns at least. So my sweet friend Anna at A Beaders Blog decided to translate a pattern she saw on Mandy's blog (which I couldn't find to link you too) which I had seen on the Hungarian blog but still needed some clarification to do, so you know it had been sitting for a while in my "want to try" pile. So she so sweetly took tons of pictures and posted a two part translation of the pattern. So so easy and she really put alot into it and I am so glad she did! You have to try this one out! Thanks so much Anna, look at the pretty I made from it!

The chain you ask...Well Beadwork to the rescue! In the August issue Melinda Barta did another Custom Cool that I just love! It is a Serpentine Chain. I don't know about all of you but sometimes the magazine patterns lack necessary information that we are all left to figure out on our own and while I am sometimes able to do just that, this feature is not one of those. Melinda gives such clear instructions that it is a breeze to follow! Thanks again Melinda!

So on a more personal note I want to thank all of you that have sent hugs my way as we took my sweet girl to college. She is doing AWESOME! I am so proud of her and since it is going so well all I have to deal with is the day to day missing of her being here (although we do talk 4 or 5 times a day!) With that I am sure you have notice my lack of commenting on your blogs. Well I do love reading all of them but I still have a little one here that has needed a bit more attention and so by the time I finish reading I have to go. This blog and the friendships I have made through it are such a blessing I can't thank you all enough. I need to end this now before I babble myself to tears!

Hugs and Blessings,

Tounge Tied Tuesday

2011-08-23T14:35:00.000-04:00

Fun at Watkins Glen International Raceway.

Tailgate Tickets are Awesome!

Near the track for all the action IF you are watching the right way!

My awesome kids (picture edited by Dawn awesomely except for that women in the back!)

This was a great friendship and they enjoyed every minute of it!

I am a Dale Jr. fan so this is the bracelet made for the race.

Hugs and Blessings

Giveaway Alert!

2011-08-20T11:34:00.000-04:00

Still a bit out of it but I thought I would share this one with you!

Hugs and Blessings
KK

Giveaway alert! And a sale for Christian.

2011-08-10T11:19:00.000-04:00

I have to tell you I am a clay fan but did not know about this blog! I would so love to win these and make them work with seeds!

Beads of Clay Blog: 2nd Wednesday Giveaway time!
Why do we give away o...: "2nd Wednesday Giveaway time! Why do we give away our work? Because we can! Today we are giving away ALL of these beautiful handmade cer..."

You all know I love my sweet friend Juls. Well her nephew was born 4 weeks too soon and his family needs to be near him. Go check out this sale! She makes the best stuff and all the proceeds are going to the family.

Julsbeads: Coupon for our Baby Christian.: "If you are new to this blog, you can read HERE to discover what this post is about. Guys, I'm having another sale in my Etsy Shop. I ha..."

Hugs and Blessings!
KK

Mamma's gotta brag!!!

2011-08-09T09:40:00.002-04:00

I am taking a small break between laundry and list checking to bring you a Mamma Brag!

LOOK at what my sweet girl made with the Julsbead she Ninjad from me!

I usually use her as a judge of my creations by her "Can I has" response. This time it was my turn!
Oh yeah I forgot to tell you that she has started a new blog if anyone wants to check it out! Little Bizarre Things 2.o

Hugs and Blessings
KK

Change is Good....Really?

2011-08-08T09:33:00.000-04:00

Downstairs there is an ever growing pile of totes, boxes, and storage units. It is a beautifully color coordinated pile in blacks, greys and a splash of purple. In them are sheets, comforters, pillows, kitchen supplies, bathroom supplies, and decorative items. Each day something new is added, subtracted from the place that it has called home. I look at this pile everyday. The OCD part of me can't wait for it to find it's proper place BUT BUT BUT the Mom in me wishes I could just tuck it all back into it's proper home and keep life at its current status quo. Once again in my life I am filled with Pride and Panic all at the same time. In 8 days my sweet girl is spreading those strong and gorgeous wings of hers and embarking on the biggest change of her life. She will do great of that I have no doubts. I just wish I could.........well in this case I don't want this particular wish to come so I won't even bother to finish it. So my sweet friends once again we have hit a crazy point in my life that will take more of my attention. So I will let you all know that you mean so much to me, all 100 of you (yep I hit 100 although I know I should have some sort of celebration it is just too crazy here right now) I may once again be scattered so if I miss a post or two know that I will try to catch up as soon as I can. Email or calling is probably going to be the best way to get my attention any you know I don't mind either. I really don't know what else to say.

Hugs and Blessings

Official Review - Dream Weavers Studio

2011-08-04T13:10:00.000-04:00

This review has been in the works for almost 2 months. Not Not Not because of the pattern but solely on the shoulders of this beader! I know that's a surprise Huh?

Let me tell you I am in love with Heather Collin's skillz! She was so sweet when this pattern first came out to let me give it a try. (well I think it's more because she wanted me to stop drooling all over the computer) I started chatting with her on FB before this pattern came out and you know what she told me? She has only been doing this for 4 years. 4 YEARS! Her talent is amazing! And I know this won' come as a surprise but she is also a Bead Maven. Gotta love them all!

So which pattern had me cleaning my keyboard again? Guinevere!

Isn't it gorgeous!!! I asked her what beads were needed and she was so sweet to provide me the list and then sent this gorgeous tutorial. OMG Really? (that part is still amazing to me) And let me tell you (although I know that is why you are reading) This artist can write a tutorial amazingly! Each stitch is explained and diagrams provided a bit of tension information is also in there and you all know I so need that! I love the way she made the beads go in different directions and the beads well OH MY! This is a truly awesome pattern. You know me so I did try to make my stash work for me when making it and I did sub bead sizes and types in my first attempt in making it and it totally works but.....

It makes one honkin bead so putting 3 strands together would probably make this cover up to my elbow..LOL. It totally works as a single strand and I am making the other one into a necklace.

So this posed a super dilemma. How to I give her the props she deserves if I haven't made the actual pattern. Hummm "Oh Hunny, sweet hubby of mine I need to go to the bead shop!" When I got there these beads spoke to me (really they yelled out loud "Make me Guinevere!") well you know they came home with me for sure! Fast forward a month or so (hey when you can only bead a couple hours a night if your lucky it takes a bit ) and proudly ready to finish the final strand. No Way I ran out of beads. Why oh why did I start a craft that not only is expensive it still makes me buy less than I actually need! Believe it or not He took me to the shop again and I bought enough to finish and while I was there got a bit extra as inspiration and friendship bipped me in the back of the head! But you will all have to wait awhile for that reveal. K? All strands finished time to zip up and guess what? It went together perfectly!

Thank you so much Heather! This was truly a pleasure to make and review and has so many possibilities that I am sure I will be incorporating it many many times! You have to go check out her store I know you will not be disappointed in anything you purchase!

Here are some other patterns of hers that I also love!

Stunning Right?

Hugs and Blessings

Hue Me?

2011-08-02T10:13:00.000-04:00

Amy at Amybeads has started a cool new challenge called "What's it to Hue".

I have been keeping an eye on this for a while but have been so busy I hadn't had a chance to give it a go. But this time around I thought I just might have a shot at having enough in my stash to really take this one on. Does any one remember what my favorite color is?

I know what you are thinking. Does she really have the colors that meet this challenge? Well this what the challenge pallet...

Do I have what it takes? Hummmmm I don't know for sure!

I thought I would have a jump on this one because of those gorgeous little sparkly wheels but alas I did not have enough of those "limited edition" druk beads! That will teach me never buy just one of anything labeled "limited edition" So what to do?

Hey duh what is the theme of your blog goofy girl? I need to check my closet. I did and guess what? I had a perfect match for another small set of rounds that Juls had sent me (by the way she is having a sale and a giveaway but wait til after this post to go there K?) when she saw them there sparklies and knew I didn't have enough to finish. So okay well this combo can be a bit on the overwhelming side if not done right but I totally think I done right cuz I wore this baby to a party (for kids and moms) and it totally rocked the place!

So without further ado (which I kinda really like to ado) here is my "Hue Me?"

And here it is as a pairing....

Brutal honesty is required in all comments (although I know I don't accept anonymous so I am pretty safe there)

Hugs and Blessings

KK loves ya!

Giveaway beyond sanity!

2011-07-31T17:41:00.000-04:00

Okay so you all know how much I love Juls right? Well there are 2 very awesome reasons why this is true. Not only has she given me the gift of a friendship beyond compair with support, trust and a sisterhood that I have looked for for a long time but her beads...WOW!
Seed beaders and stringers alike who have been lucky and smart enough to get their hands on these know what I am about to tell you. Her beads are like butter! When you feel them for the first time I can guarantee you will know this and kick yourself for not ever having gotten them before. Now go immediately to this link and read the post and start shopping!!!!

Julsbeads: Seriously. Who reads this stuff?: "You know that nagging feeling you get for absolutely no reason and the harder you try to ignore it the more persistent it becomes? I'm not ..."

Humblebeads Blog: Big Huge Giveaway - that's the BHG!

2011-07-30T15:55:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this? I swear these are beads I have so coveted from afar for so long so you all might has well just check out what I am winning. K

Humblebeads Blog: Big Huge Giveaway - that's the BHG!

I know wishful thinkin but hey a girl can dream can't she?

Hugs
KK

He really blew me away!

2011-07-29T12:56:00.001-04:00

21 Flowers

21 Kisses (w/almonds)

My first attempt at Macro!

And a wish for 21 more!
I needed this more than he knew!
Happy weekend to all of you!

This is the post where I tell you why no beading was completed and I am totally skeezed out!!!!

2011-07-25T10:27:00.000-04:00

So picture this

Friday.

I take Derek to Summer Rec, My sweet hubby comes home from his half day of work to take Shelby to pay tuition and get her ID for college. I pick Derek up from Summer Rec and we go to our neighbors for a quick swim before lunch. Come home have lunch, Shelby and Daddy come home and we decided to check out local garage sales looking for a dresser for Derek. A good day right?

WELL it all went south sort of,

Home from garage sale hunting not finding a dresser (oh well no biggie ) and I get the basket of laundry to fold when I notice that it is all wet underneath. Clothes are dry, humm look at the floor and follow the water to....the furnace! Okay the furnace peed all over my floor it's Friday afternoon is our guy going to be able to come? Yes! A few adjustments and sealing to the unit and all should be fine. Right?

Wrong! The furnace is fine but the carbon monoxide detector has now decided to freak out during our very late dinner. Really my family swears that they will all blow up if they do not have dinner before 7pm and it is now 7:30 and I am not cleaning up guts and brain matter so I think they exaggerate just a bit. Anyway after a bit of searching and checking things around the house it seems that it was just letting us know in it's own freaky way that the battery was dead. There now all is well Right?

NOT!!!!

I am out side watering the garden and tree because we still haven't had any rain to speak of and Shelby goes into the pantry for a snack..............Apparently on Thursday during the record breaking heat a sweltering 98 degrees with a furnace hot 20mph wind it was too hot for everyone because the ants found their way into my house!!! YES ANTS and HUNDREDS of the little tiny bastards! Now those of you who have been reading my blog know that I have a bit of OCD when it comes to the house and friends that visit always ask the same question "Where is your clutter?" I tell them I can't have clutter because it freaks me out. So you can totally tell at this point I am TOTALLY SKEEZED OUT BEYOND REASON! I was so ready to bomb the kitchen. But with my sweet hubby keeping me focused we went through the whole cupboard removing everything and checking every box. Yes alot was tossed for sure and after a through cleaning of all the packages left and piling it all on the kitchen table I proceeded to wash the dishes when he said "Should we check the other cupboard?"

@#$%#$%$%^&&#%%^&*$%!!!!!

Yep there too! More cleaning and by the time 11:00pm rolled around I was finally able to mop the floor.

Then of course I feel as if they are all crawling on me so to the shower to cleanse!!!

I almost took a picture of my cupboard this morning to show you but I figure I will just let you use your imagination when I tell you it is now totally "Rubbermaid".

So there is my explaination of why I have not been around the last few days and that there are so many blogs I need to catch up on and a really stunning bracelet I need to review for all of you, plus I promised Amy @ Amybeads to participate in "What's it to Hue" I have no idea when I will be catching up with all of you. I hope you all know that if I do follow you that you are very important to me and if I miss a post I will try to get to them sometime.

Hugs and Blessings

My beady brain went on overdrive

2011-07-18T10:32:00.000-04:00

Oh I so need some help here. This was a very busy weekend and I needed a quick traveling piece to work on while the boys were fishing. They didn't catch me any perch but I love the project I chose. I have been working on another piece but I needed more beads. I really need to get better at buying the proper quantities and quality that I need! Anyway I had these beads in my stash just because I loved them and then this pattern showed up in the latest Bead and Button. "Daring Daggers" by Marcia Rose. It works up so quick and easy but as with me once again I did not have enough daggers to go all the way around. But I think that is okay because I would not want to have the possibility of breaking the daggers on the underside so I just finish the edge pieces with the 8/0's. As I was completing it I liked the simple blend of colors and thought I would like to make a necklace to match it. Well the other day Shirley over at Beads and Bread made a sweet little daisy chain bracelet and well she told me it was fun. I haven't attempted daisy chain well to be totally honest I thought it was too simple. DUH! Sometimes simple can be fun and well it got me to thinkin. So here is what I need help with......

I love the bracelet but I am wondering if I should do a sweet little picot edge in pink to draw that color out a bit.

The pendent is so unique because the bezel started with daisy chain and I just sort of played from there. Oh the glass piece yeah it is a candle pebble but the color matched perfectly.

So I intend to make a daisy chain for the strap but should I make a couple more bezels (without daggers) for balance or just keep it simple. And oh yeah do they match?

I will be reviewing an absolutely stunning pattern at the end of the week as I was able to pick up the needed beads (I think)

Hugs and Blessings

Where inspirations come from

2011-07-13T13:47:00.000-04:00

Making friends with all of you is still amazing to me. I have made some of the best friends I ever have through this little blog of mine. I so enjoy responding to all of your comments (those of you who have provided your e-mails so I can) and continuing the conversations. I have enjoyed when we keep in touch even when our lives are so busy. I am truly blessed. I have some that have even exchanged phone #'s with me as I am a stay at home mom and sometimes adult voices are so needed in my world. LOL

I have also come in contact with the most generous of friends who want to send me goodies in the mail (we all love that although I think my whining about the most restricted bead budget on the planet sometimes guilt's them a bit) I love it all. I also try to be a good friend who is here for any of you when you need or want me. Although I may be a bit talky at first (my little quirk when I am feeling a bit shy...I know it doesn't make sense but that's me and I never make sense and you all should know that by now) I really do care for you. Oh so where was I going with this....Well last week a new friend who I have come to treasure wanted to give me a boost. She sent me a package (which I am so not sharing right now as I know the SSoBN is reading) As you all are well aware of my reactions...yes I did cry! I cry when I am happy, sad and mad those damn tear ducts of mine are never on a break. Anyway when I was looking through the gorgeousness and let me tell you it was gorgeousness! I was smacked right upside the head with an amazing inspiration bolt! It was so awesome. You know you all have those projects that have smacked right into a wall and you are not sure where to go.

Well my sweet friend inspired me to finish this......

I am calling it Tidal Love and really it encompasses alot in the title. This is the first ever Julsbead that I purchased and you all know that I stalk covet worship love her work. She is one of these friends I have spoke of but I think you all know that. This bead reminds me of the water of Lake Ontario where the water changes color the farther out you go and that is where my sweet hubby and I spent alot of time when we were younger. And to my sweet friend Nancy who gave me the spark I needed whether she knew it or not.

Oh and I so can't forget the SSoBN for making me wear this baby to bed as to keep it safe and happy! LOL

Hugs and Blessings

What happens at the Woodcliff stays at the Woodcliff!

2011-07-11T20:40:00.000-04:00

Well sort of. This is to tell you all that "Mama got out" again. The last time that happened was well this post. Yes it was back in September. What a great night. My sweet hubby and I were lucky to be invited to the Wedding of a friend of his at work and I am so glad we were. Due to babysitting issues he went to the wedding and then we both went to the reception. And what an awesome reception it was! A wonderful open bar on the outdoor pool patio. Yep open and boy did those cranberry/vodka drinks go down smooth! One of the best parts other than celebrating the start of a great marriage was that I was able to hang with my girl Mel and her friend. She not only makes me feel so good and part of the group she likes to hang with an old fart like me. Seriously I could be her mother y'all! We ate awesome snacks, drank, drank and chatted up a storm. They had us in a table in the corner but we were far from unnoticed (although they put Mel at another table, but that so didn't stop us!). My husband works with such a great group of people and well lets just say we took over the dance floor and everything else as I said in the title "stays at the Woodcliff"! Although I will tell you one more thing. My hubby has a good friend who is Irish and he wore his kilt! That is so cool!

Anyway Thanks baby for a rockin night and "G" we so need to do this more often!

Well that's it for now other than one last reminder to all of us who get out as often as I do.....I takes a lot longer to recover than it used to!

Hugs and Blessings

Official Pattern Review - Sages Cupboard

2011-07-06T11:26:00.000-04:00

Oh my my my it has been a long time in the making of this one. Not because it what difficult but because I put so much on my plate that a few things slipped a bit. Humph go figure me put too much on myself...No Way!

My sweet friend Mortira at Inspirational Beading and the force behind The Sages Cupboard has been so patient with me. I was so blown away when she first featured my blog on her blog and that she has so much talent in color composition and posts the best inspirations. She was actually the first one to ask me to "Officially" review one of her patterns back in April. Yes I told you she has been patient. You should have been there when I opened the email from her...I nearly fell of my chair. I was so honored. There are a couple of things I do regret though. First, Shelby liked the patterns on her site so I let her decide. Well if any of you know a teenager that took a bit of deciding but she finally choose this one. Then I said I would make it for her in the colors of her choice and well you guessed it that took a bit too. Let's now throw in the end of school activities, graduations and all that jazz and yep it took a bit to get it done. And now I regret making it for her! LOL

BUT.......

Oh wow this was so worth it! First let me tell you that yes I have done beaded rings and yes I have connected them and yes I was pleased with the result. However if I had had this pattern before I would have been so much less frustrated and broken fewer needles and not yelled at my sweet seeds quite as much. Mortira has covered everything in this pattern. AND I mean everything! She has included pictures of how the beads look as you are working, she tells you about tension (yea I know I need help on that one!) AND AND AND How and where to knot and end the threads. This was the greatest gift she gave me. If any of you have been "pattern taught" like me through magazines (which I still so love) you know this information is like a well kept secret. I remember the first time I read one and I ended up looking through the whole magazine trying to find how to end the thread and you know what? It wasn't there! I eventually gave up and just faked it. Well you know as well as I do a few pieces ended up getting froggy stitched because of that. Anyway this IS the pattern for beginners and even those of us who have been left out of those sweet little secrets the rest of the beady world is in on. So here I give you what Shelby has named "Lemongrass links".

What do you think of my prop? I kinda like it but we'll have to see how it works with other things.

Oh thank you so much Mortira for the honor of reviewing your pattern and being patient through all my craziness as of late. Please please please stop by her shop and check out her other tutorials and her gorgeous creations.

As always I have given you my true assessment of this pattern and have not been paid for it!

Hugs and Blessings

Quick post containing Giveaway info and a thought, I know I said it was quick!

2011-07-01T09:32:00.001-04:00

First let me tell you about my friend Amy. She had an awesome opportunity to shop at a closing store (collective tears here as we hate to see any shop close) and hit the mother load. Her blog is Spyder Jewels and I love it! She posts her creations, both quilting and beading and I love them both. Please go check her out and show her much blog love! Here is just a same of what she is giving ( ME I Hope!)

See why I WANT!

Also I had a thought yesterday ( okay just stop giggling right now it really does happen ) I was curious about whether or not the non seed beaders out there who like the look of it would be open purchasing their favorite pattern/beads and then having someone else make it for them for a small fee? What do you think?

My sweet hubby has planned some cool staycation activities for us over the next few days so I will be back on Tuesday to check up on you all! Happy 4th of July and a belated Happy Canada Day to all my sweet Canadian friends!

Hugs and Blessings

Bittersweet Beginnings

2011-06-27T11:11:00.000-04:00

Here she is as she begins the rest of her life....

Rock it Baby!

There she is


Waiting for her turn...

Who's that sappy Mom with Neena?

She is Graduated!

We weren't quite ready but there we all are!

I have survived and am the proudest of Mom's at all that she has accomplished and all the work she did to get to this moment where the rest of her life begins. WOW!

Hugs and Blessings

This is me!

2011-06-22T09:26:00.000-04:00

!@#@ #$%%$# %%%^#% ^###^%^&!
Need I say more?

Well there was supposed to be a picture here BUT as par for my current mental state it didn't happen!

Hugs and Blessings
KK!

More Great Giveaways!

2011-06-15T09:37:00.001-04:00

I am hooking you up again today with the first of three awesome giveaways.

Mortira over at Inspirational Beading has put together another incredible mix of beads and paired with an abundance of gorgeous seeds you really need to check out! I had totally missed it until this morning! I so love her blog and her Bracelet a Week posts!

Cindy at Sweet Bead Studio and Lori at Pretty Things are both having...........

Yep you guessed it an incredible giveaway from their trip to Bead and Button! You have to check out what they are giving away and yes yes yes WATCH the video! I loved hearing the voices to these lovely ladies that I have followed it was truly a gift to hear their excitement and exhaustion! Thank you both for that!!!

Still hectic here but the countdown begins!

3 days til Derek's Preschool graduation

7 Days til his 6th Birthday

AND

10 Days til my sweet sweet Shelby Graduates from High School!

I am such a proud Mom! However there are still presents to get. Decorations to decide on. Food to order. House to clean. And lets not forget Father's Day is Sunday! Just in case there wasn't enough to throw in the mix!

Hugs and wish me sanity!

UPDATED!!!!Just came across this fantastic Blog! AND Bead Ninja's unite!

2011-06-14T16:54:00.003-04:00

I popped over to Lana's blog just to see what she had for a giveaway and I am hooked! She is a miss talky like me and she is also having a fab and I mean FAB giveaway. You have to go check it out right now and make sure to take a few minutes to read she sounds like someone we should all get to know!

somethinguniquebylana: Blog Love..Fav Etsy Shops & A Giveaway.......: "Finally I Can Share The Love.......... I have been wanting to do this for quite some time now but with everything that has been going on in..."

Oh I am calling a meeting of the Bead Ninjas! We need to head over to Amy's and raid her stash right now! I am so wanting to play with all the glorious beads she obtains! And she is having a giveaway!
somethinguniquebylana: Copper Diem PIF Giveaway.......: "Amy over at Copper Diem received a gift in the mail and to PIF she is having a Generous giveaway!! Just hop over to her blog for all t..."

I am trying to keep up with all of you and my crazy life right now so if I miss something you know I should see shoot me an e-mail and I won't miss it. Hugs to all of you and after next Saturday I should be back to just normal craziness!

Hugs

KK
Okay I also came across Kate of Tropical Blonde and she is amazing with polymer clay! She is also having a giveaway that I sooooooo want to win!
How I came across her is my sweet friend Laura at Little Treats and believe me there is nothing little about her treats! She is a superb seed beader and a sweet girl too! She is also having a sweet little giveaway!
AND
Nicole over at Beadwright is giving away a really awesome book! Go check out the review and enter! If she says it's good you will so want it!

BTW I want all of these so if any of you win I will be stalking! LOL!

Arianne's Creamsicle - Pattern Review - Mikki Ferrugiaro

2011-06-10T13:36:00.000-04:00

This is actually a twofer if you read far enough. Frankly once again I am a bit on the nervous side still on posting reviews. I have mostly worked with patterns from magazines and with that there hasn't been much to review about. With the magazines you have small instructional pages so you have to take a few minutes when you stumble to work them out. I was lucky enough to splurge on this pattern "Arianne Bangle" by Mikki Ferrugiaro. Oh I should mention right now that all of Mikki's patterns are priced so that you can sell them if you wish, giving her credit of course but if you want to make them just for yourself she will adjust the price when you return a signed copy of a personal use contract that she has created. Either way this pattern is well worth the price.

I fell in love with this when I saw it posted on Facebook before she created the pattern. I waited (and waited...you know I am a bit on the impatient side right?) Begged the hubby and then finally got it. Yippie! It seemed simple enough but once again being a not so experienced beader with tension issues made it a bit more difficult for me. I have learned 2 things in the process of making this. First delicas are totally awesome to work with and feel like butter on the wrist as long as you don't try to pull them through each other. LOL Tension is a big deal. Second that not all 3mm beads are created equal. I once again attempted to make my stash work for me so I used firepolished 3 mm instead of 3mm crystals and you know what the firepolished are a bit longer. DUH! Anyway I forgot there is one other thing. You really should read all the way through a pattern before you freak out and e-mail the designer with a stupid question that is right on the next page. Thanks Mikki for not bipping me in the back of the head with a big "DUH". She was so sweet to answer plainly and NOT make me feel like an idiot. I do just fine on my own with that! There was only one thing I would change in the instructions. I think (and remember this is my opinion and I could be wrong) when I make the next one I will add the embellishment round before completing the bands even if it is just the pearls because going through them at the end was to say the least difficult for me.

With all that said you can imagine me working on this and wondering "Why doesn't it look right?" Hey I just realized another lesson. Keep going because with all those awesome tips and instructions included the end result is AWESOME. Now before I show you a picture of my version of "Arianne Bangle" I need you all to remember what I said about tension issues. I am still working on that so my version is a bit more angular than Mikki's but Shelby wants it badly so I know it is still well made.

And did you see the necklace? Course you did because it is in the picture. (insert collective DUH KK here) Well that was a little freebie that Mikki posted on the Bead Maven blog called Beaded Bead Chain and you know what? I HAD all the beads with a bit of a switch up. I needed a sweet necklace for a field trip we were going on and this works up FAST and FABULOUS! I love this pairing set!

So can a beginner do this?

Yes! With a little patience and a medium tension.

Oh yeah I also forgot to mention that she gives awesome sizing instructions too!

Can you use what you have on hand?

I would make sure you have the delicas because the feel of this on is amazing. I did like my firepolished rounds but I am going to use the crystals on my next one.

Are the instructions easy to follow?

Oh yeah and I love her diagrams too!

Should I buy this?

Yes Yes and a resounding Yes!

I hope everyone is still enjoying my reviews because frankly life is getting busy and otherwise you would be hearing the rantings of a crazy woman

Oh Oh OH and guess WHO is having a Destash over at Big Cartel. My sweet Juls! Oh yeah and they are stupid cheap prices! Go go go visit Studio Juls right now!

Hugs and Blessings

You Have to check these giveaways out

2011-06-09T09:23:00.000-04:00

A CRAFTY WORLD: My Giveaway Announcement (Watercolor Impressions P...: "This is it...my promised giveaway!!! There's so much to celebrate that I figured it is about that time again to have a giveaway.... First..."

A gorgeous pendent!!

Melinda Orr Metal & Clay Jewelry Designs: DIY Glass Image Art ~ Giveaway!: "DIY Glass Image art ~ Giveaway! Through the summer a big part of our road show is Glass Image Art ~ We are now offering DIY (Do it yourself..."

A DIY glass kit! I Wants it!

Go ahead and check I will wait.................................

Did you enter? I love Penny and Melinda's work and once again I am adding it to my ~~temper tantrum stamping feet I WANT~~ wish list. It is also a blast to read how they get to the finish on her projects. I may have offended them as of late with my silliness so I truly want to make it up to them!

So yesterday we, and when I say we I am meaning the entire preschool class..of 29. Yes both the morning and afternoon class went to the Strong National Museum of Play. This is not your ordinary museum it is literally a museum of play. You would have thought that we never let our children out to play EVER. They went nuts! Nuts in a good way like when we all go to a bead show and get over excited never knowing where to start. They also have a butterfly conservatory with is small but awesome. I felt like a little girl watching all the butterfly's flying inches from my head. It was awesome BUT if you have never visited a butterfly conservatory attached to a museum of play let me give you a couple of tips. Visit the Butterfly's first especially if it is 93 and humid beyond normal outside. The butterfly's are kept in a very tropical environment and you will roast and you also have been running around the museum and then have to get on a hot hot hot school bus for a 40 minute ride home and even with ALL the windows open the air is still hot! You will look much like a melted version of yourself and come home to hopefully a beautifully air conditioned house to melt on your couch for a couple of hours. So visit the butterfly's first and don't go on a bus if you can help it. Got it? I would have some pictures but hey they are on my phone and I have to use a cord to upload them. Remember not puter savvy? Also by the time I figure it all out I HAVE to Volunteer at school today so then there would be no post and I so couldn't do that to Penny or Melinda. Remember them at the top of the post?

Hugs and Blessings

I want I want I want!!! stamping feet hissy fit

2011-06-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

Oh if only I had a million dollars,

I would spread it all over this land,

I would buy this

Frankly I want to hoard Julsbeads so I want them all!!!!

And this

She has awesome tutorials and a great smile too!

And this

You also have to see her and her daughters glass art!

And this

Oh Barbara's polymer clay is just awesome!

And this

Oh I also want all of Sabine's Patterns!

And this

Heather is a new Bead Maven too!

And this

Shannon's designs speak volumes to me. Hey the beads talk to you all too!

And this

Erin's awakens my mind and spirit so much!

And this

Oh Mikki your so fine your so fine you blow my mind! LOL

Oh so this post is already a bit long but I have to tell you this is only a sampling of the ~~temper tantrum causing wants~~ wish list items that would be fabulous to hold in my hot little hands. I will probably have another huge list some other time but I really wanted you all to see and know that IF it were possible I would so be supporting your passions!!!

There are some finds I couldn't post because hey I am not a puter genius ya know. But I will find a way to get them out some other time.

I hope all is well with all of you and I have 2 reviews coming in the next couple of days if I can keep the housework at bay and visualize that it is all clean. What do you think will that work? Hey here is another question for you if you have actually read this far. Is there anything about my blog that you would like to see more of or are you satisfied with my silly little comic life mixed with beady goodness?

Hugs and Blessings

My Silly Life! - BTW umm I mean Thursday!

2011-06-02T11:23:00.000-04:00

Okay so you all know I have had my ups and downs lately. Oh but first I want to thank everyone for sending Sally your good thoughts and wishes. I love her friendship so much and I hope this is the fix she needs to feel better. Anyway I have quite a few things to tell you but first let me show you just how back to me I am. This is my bead tray(s) with everything (well maybe not everything cuz that may just take up a billboard or two) and it will show that I have been busy but completing has been a big issue lately. There are also a few repairs that need to be made and an inspiration or two just to keep me thinkin. (a little bit of Juls to rev the juices and a little bit of Beth to boost my creativity) *bouncing in my chair trying to remember the actual word to the song*

I left my silly feet in the picture because well that's just me!

As you can see my sweet and fun ADD seems to be back and frankly I missed it! It can drive me a bit crazy at times but ya know what? It is the fun of me! This month is going to be a crazy one so I may only get to post a couple more Reviews but I plan on getting back in touch with my friends and keeping up with your blogs as much as possible. Here's whats in store for our family in the next few weeks.

4 Field trips with Preschool

Senior Awards night

Senior Bash prep (yes I did join in this and so far have not regretted it)

Fathers Day

Preschool Graduation

Sweet Derek's Birthday

Senior Show and Bash night

My sweet Shelby's Graduation

The Party

Prep for Summer College course.

I know there are probably others and I hope that I don't miss any due to my calendar issues which bit me again this week when I e-mailed Derek's teacher that he was sick and wouldn't make the field trip only to discover that it is not until next week. DUH!

Here are a few thank yous that are long over due!

Lori and Nicole

Thank you so much for waiting patiently for me to get back to myself and I promise not to let that happen again.

Sally, Dawn, and Juls

Thanks for answering your phones and listening to me in all my craziness. You girls Rock!

Janie

Let me tell you she has warmed my heart with the thought and love she put into helping Shelby with her Senior paper. Check out her three part interview she did with Shelby! Words can not express my gratitude!

Oh wow I have talked too much and now I need to hurry up and take a shower! I hope you all are doing well and I will update you when I can about more craziness that is me. If you still like me of course!

Hugs and Blessings

Our Friend Sally.

2011-05-28T19:01:00.000-04:00

Oh she will either be mad that I have posted this and never speak to me again but I know you all love her comments as much as I do and wish she would just get her own blog already. I am sure you feel the same as I do when we get those sweet comments and know that it truly comes from a good hearted person. Anyway Sally Anderson is having surgery in a couple of days and I am asking everyone to send her hugs and healing thoughts. She doesn't have a blog of her own YET so either leave messages here or if you have her e-mail let her know how much she means to all of us and wish her the speediest of recoveries.

Hugs and Blessings

PS Blogger has bit me too but it is weird it doesn't happen all the time. I am reading your pages so if I haven't commented you know why.

PSS Sally you know I had to do this. Hugs Hugs and More Hugs!

The Elusive Dragon - Pattern Review-Nancy Jones

2011-05-25T09:14:00.000-04:00

This elusive Dragon is a complete understatement to be sure. Dragon Bangle was published in the Feb/Mar issue of Beadwork. First let me tell you I LOVE the look of this bracelet. I love the feel of the beads and the funkiness of it. I really love the colors I finally choose. I totally and completely HATED making it. The problem with making this bracelet was all on the beader NOT the designer. Nancy's pattern was easy to follow and her instructions very clear for a magazine published pattern. Her design concept is awesome for those of us who like a little funk in their jewelry. This is one of those that someone sees and says "WOW that is interesting, I think I like it"

This beader is the total problem with this review. I have mentioned before that I have tension issues. I have remade this 4 times. I was not real proficient in brick stitch before I attempted this and should have known a bit more. First I was frustrated with getting the first few rows to stay stable and continued with that tension through the first 12 rows of the piece. I had chosen a purple size 8 seed thinking it would work HOWEVER they were not uniform and that makes such a difference so I ripped it out. I didn't have another purple that I liked so I attempted to make it with size 11's but they made the piece too loose for my liking (which she did mention you could try and that it would be a bit looser) so again I ripped it out. I finally bit the bullet so to speak and purchased the perfect toho size 8's at Bello Modo and began again. I attempted a looser tension but as I got about half way through I realized the threads were showing and I really can't stand that. Okay so obviously I had to put it down for a bit and work on a few other projects to make sure when I picked it up again I would have a fresh out look because let me tell you we had quite a few arguments with each other and it was not pretty at all!

Fresh outlook, medium tension, perfect beads I am ready to start it again. I went along beautifully and I finally was enjoying the beads and pattern. Time to zip it up...Wow that was great. Here is my Sea Dragon....

It feels awesome. It is not hard like you think it would be and well I would love to tell you how it wears but you still see the thread don't you. Well once again the beader *&%$ed it up! I am 13 beads short. Yes this little dragon is just that little and I am out of beads and frankly I am not seeing any possibility in the near future of getting any more of these magatama drops any time soon. What a bummer!

So what do I think of Nancy's design. Well first I still LOVE it! That is what sucks about not being able to wear it. I do not think a beginner should try it before having done brick stitch before but I do recommend it. Her instructions are clear her design is unique and I would love to see more of her! So Thank you Nancy but this dragon is eluding this beader I wish I could have done your pattern better.

Hugs and Blessings

PS I have had 2 field trips this week so I hope to catch up with you all tomorrow. I hope you are all having a good week so far.

Silence is not always golden!

2011-05-23T15:33:00.000-04:00

Okay so I have been a bit silent lately about life. I am still here in my comic life although at times it is much less comical than I would like. I have gone off the ADD med because it had way too many side effects that were just plain crappy. The first was that I wasn't able to relax enough to enjoy the days or write with any type of feeling. The second was the shaking of my hands. Yuck for a beader for sure. So the up side of stopping is that I'M BACK! I am able to reconnect with my thoughts and feelings, I am getting back to being able to reads AND comment on all of your lovely blogs, my creative sparks are back and as you can see I am back to myself in my posts again. The down side is that I am able to reconnect with my thoughts and feelings (ain't that always a double edged sword). I will give you a bit of a glimpse of why this is a true statement. Yesterday we went to Walmart and I went to look for Capri's. Well no luck so I went to look for my family. 2 times around the store, heart pumping 300 beats a second because I couldn't find them and there I was standing in the long front isle looking (lets face it frantically scanning the crowd) for them. When I finally spotted Shelby I almost broke down in tears. When I finally got to my hubby he knew something was wrong before I even said anything. I swore right then I would never leave them in a store again. Pathetic right? Well I have been told that part of my issues are totally normal for the upcoming changes in my life and that I will not only survive them there will also be pluses.

Now that I have babbled once again about my corner of the world let me give you a bit of beady goodness. I finally figured out how to put the matching bracelet to "Dialed up" together with the exception of the clasp. I know of a perfect tutorial that should be coming out soon for a perfect beaded clasp. ( I tried to grab the picture but it didn't work.) So here is "Dialed In"

Once again I am so pleased to have been a part of the Artbeads Design Team it really gets me in the best of creative moods.

I have also been finishing a couple of projects that I will review this week if all goes according to plan and I have been given another tutorial to review (oh where was she when I started beading) that any and all beginners should buy.

So all in all this is a post to say "I'm Back" and overall glad of it!

Hugs and Blessings

Official Pattern Review - NLP Bead Design

2011-05-16T08:04:00.003-04:00

This is my first "Official" pattern review and I am so excited to tell you all about it. I am not exactly sure when I first started following Nancy Peterson of Beading at Heart but I will tell you I have been loving it ever since. Nancy is so talented and such a genuinely nice person and has always been one to give me that much needed boost and compliments that we all love. She has had several designs in Beadwork and I have them all in my "to do" pile. One of the reasons that I love seeing her creations is that she is usually inspired by someone when she creates her designs. I think that makes each one so special and unique that I can't help but feel a connection when I see and read about them. When she so sweetly asked me (although I will have to say that I have been telling her forever that I can't wait to get one of her designs so she may have just given in so I would shut up....LOL) to review one of her patterns I didn't even hesitate in saying yes, yes, yes! I was also stunned when instead of asking me if there was one I would like (course she probably knew it wouldn't matter to me....see above) she sent me Karina.

Right now I will tell you that I am very connected to this design and please read her post about why she created it. It was just before Mother's Day and being that I had been in a bit of a funk I started it with the hope that I would be able to wear it that weekend. Well.....no that didn't happen for 2 reasons. The first is that in my excitement I made an error and had to frog about 6 inches on chain and the second is that I changed my mind on the color combo I originally choose. I know silly me but I knew that I was working with a great pattern so I wanted the first to be as good as possible. Well also in my haste I miscounted the crystals that I needed (well not actually miscounted it was actually a very ugly vacuum cleaner incident that I had forgotten about....believe me that's all the explanation I can give) So I ended up 4 crystals short BUT with her design I had a real good feeling that this wouldn't make a huge upset in the final design. I do wish I had the last row as it does make the curve a bit hard to manage (and if I hadn't had the worst luck with the needles I had purchased it may have been a bit easier) I also made a small adjustment in the picot edging because I have had trouble getting it to lay correctly and I read somewhere (I am so sorry for not remembering where but if you know me that happens a lot...LOL) that if you use a larger size for the middle of the picot it will lay much better and you know what it does. So with those minor adjustments because if the beader not the designer I set off.

I know I am getting a bit wordy now so on to my thoughts of her pattern. Not only was it so well written and the diagrams and photos outstanding enough for a beginner to try (with a bit of patience) she also introduced me to a very unique herringbone rope that I will try using again. I also was able to bezel a rivoli which you know I have just learned bezeling so I loved this part. The instructions were so easy to follow and the measurements spot on there is no way you can go wrong. So many times I have been intimidated by a design that one or two miss reads and I totally give up. That did not happen with Nancy's pattern and I am pretty proud of my finished piece!

Here is my version of Karina

I wore this to the meat market on Friday (yes we were out for the afternoon you know movie, lunch, meat market. You can't tell me you haven't done that too) and the woman at the register told me "I love that you should so sell them". Yes I had a smile all the way home!

I highly recommend this pattern and also recommend that you go directly to NLP Bead Design or Lanai Kinsky to check out all of her other patterns. Thank you so much for this opportunity Nancy! Oh and when you do make yours (because I know a lot of you will fall in love with this too) please send me a picture.

Hugs and Blessings

*disclaimer

I have received this pattern from the designer to offer an honest review and have not received any payment for that opinion.

Giveaways and New Friends

2011-05-12T09:56:00.000-04:00

Awesome Giveaways
Pretty Things: *** Bronze Clasp Giveaway! ***

Inspirational Beading: Bead Giveaway: Pretty Pinks

Friends to check out
Beads For Brains: 365: Good Morning!

zingalasworkshop.blogspot.com

fuego, metal y color: I won another book!/He ganado otro libro

Have a great weekend!
Hugs and Blessings
KK

Self-taught? Nope

2011-05-06T10:03:00.000-04:00

First before I get to the actual subject of this post I am having a brag moment and posting a picture of Shelby at prom. Yes Lori, I am sorry I hadn't posted it yet. (Oh by the way you need to check out all the gorgeousness that Lori @ Out of the flames has been making lately...YUM) He is my sweet girl looking so grown up.

Ain't she just the BOMB! She is also such a great friend to have. I am so lucky to have her and my sweet Derek.

Oh one more thing I have to thank you all so much for the wonderful words on my "Dialed Up" Artbeads bracelet. I had been in a funk mentally (not about the challenge) and the kindness you all showed gave me a much needed boost (actually it kicked my butt right out of it) for that I say you are all so treasured to me! HUGS!

Okay now on to the subject at hand. I have been hearing a lot about copyright infringement and blatant copying of others work. Yes we all know this is a touchy subject and has more than once made me want to stop beading. I am not one to get into all the ins and outs of the legal yuck it involves and I have finally found a way to make my feelings known and not let it get me crazy anymore. I am not a self taught beader. Nope I am Proudly a pattern taught beader and I have recently been able to not only purchase patterns from some outstanding beady goddesses I have also been blessed with 2 offers to review (Oh I can't wait to tell you all about them!) Yes when I first started beading and purchased our favorite magazines I thought I was smart enough to check out what was on the web that I could make for myself. Yes I know that is a key to this I am not a seller so to try to recreate for myself is supposed to be okay. Well I have to say I am one of those who would end up feeling guilty and I have stumbled upon something no one else has touched on this subject. Each pattern and process IS unique. You may think you know from a picture how it goes together but guess what? You would be wrong. Yes it may be herringbone but are there tips and tricks that the designer has to offer that you don't know? Yes. So to make this as short as possible I am telling any newbies out there as well as those who may think they know how a pattern works. Stop right now. Purchase the pattern. Yes I know there is expense involved that you may or may not have but you won't regret purchasing a glimpse into a designers mind. I PROMISE!

I was going to try and link as many glorious designers that I could but that will have to wait for another time. I may even put a thingy on my page to link you to my favorites but again that will have to wait. I hope you all don't mind my 2 cents on this subject.

Hugs and Blessings

Artbeads and me

2011-05-04T19:55:00.000-04:00

Frankly when I first learned of the Artbeads Design team challenge this round (I have to thank Mikki for giving me a heads up when she posted hers) was "Whats old is New Again" I was a little worried. I haven't been beading long enough to have old jewelry lying around and I really wanted something unique. I asked my hubby what he had in his workshop that I could use to make this work and at first all I got was "HUH?" then I told him what Mikki had done and he said he still had some coins from when his father used to travel for work. Okay but I didn't want to mimic what had been done so what now? He got all his coins out and there they were. Two very unique coins that were used in Brazil for telephones. Well I doubt anyone would have those so cool we have a start on the challenge. I waited for Duchess to send me my notice all the while leaving them on my tray to see what inspiration would come. I looked through patterns and there it was a beautiful bracelet from the February issue of Bead and Button. Nebula by Grace Nehls. I love to take elements from patterns and use them and this was perfect for me. The pattern is very well written for what is able to be published in magazines and the diagrams were very helpful and (as I like) there are ways to modify her design to make it work for what I needed to do. Now what about colors...humm well in comes my sweet hubby again and says "why don't you use the colors that copper turns when you heat it?" He is so smart! Off to Artbeads to shop (I love that part!) I chose the most beautiful blue steel delicas and some gorgeous round Toho seeds to match and then totally out of my box I choose antique copper links and chain and I have to tell you that when I received them I was so excited they are gorgeous! Oh I didn't tell you that on the coin is an etching of an old rotary telephone how cool is that? So here is my piece I have decided to call "Dialed Up"

I will tell you that this is the first time I have bezeled with delicas and I love it. Oh an I also rubbed out and polished the coin to preserve it. I have to say that I did go out on a limb for me but I really like everything about the necklace and it wears so well. ( I am wearing it today) I am also working on a bracelet to match. Although I am not so sure on how I am actually going to put it all together yet. Any Ideas?

Once again I have to thank Duchess and the Artbeads team for including me in their Design Team. It is a blast and is also helping me "Grow" (my word for the year) as an artist. (still not sure if I am there yet) I am also still a bit nervous about posting this because you should see these other STUNNING creations.

These ladies are so amazing artists and I do hope to grow up to be them someday...(LOL I don't intend to ever grow up!)

Disclaimer

I am a reviewer of products for Artbeads.com. I received the beads above free of charge. I have used and reviewed this product and my statements are an honest description. I receive no compensation from Artbeads.com for my endorsement as it pertains to the product above.

So do I call it a Pattern or Blog Review? Okay Both! The Bead Mavens

2011-04-28T10:48:00.000-04:00

Let me set the scene for you. You all know that I am not good with deadlines but I have had one looming for a while that I just couldn't find the inspiration for. Shelby is going to the prom again and she loved her dress from last year so much she has decided to wear it again. (He father was thrilled as if anyone has bought prom dresses you know how expensive they can be. LOL) Here is what my girl looked like last year...

Isn't she just stunning? You do not have to answer because she is. Anyway I have cranberry beads to match it but the pattern or inspiration just didn't appear. Until last Friday. Bam it smacked me right in the head. Checking blogs last Friday I see the Bead Mavens have posted. Now if you are not familiar with them you need to check them out AFTER you finish reading this post. Let me tell you about them though. This blog is made up of a group of seed bead artists that are so supportive and kind. They say they are on hiatus right now but they have been posting beginner tutorials on stitches each week and on Friday they post a complete tutorial for you to test out the stitches. If that is hiatus I can't wait to see what's in store for us when they come back! I came across them when they first posted back in October and I was hooked. In the beginning I was a bit overwhelmed by their talent and works but they seemed to break down alot of information that just wasn't out there for a self-taught newbie like me. I have also been lucky enough to connect with them in FB. What a great group of artists (although I haven't had the pleasure to meet Peter yet) and you what to know something? They love to encourage newbies. They offer support advice and friendship! How awesome is that?

So back to the pattern part of this post. Well Mikki posted Tubular Herringbone with Bugles on Friday as I said and OMG! What a pattern. I have the pleasure of owning one of her patterns that I will review when I finish it (I made a mistake so I had to frog it...yuck) but this one is perfect for Shelby. It is very elegant and sparkly. Now you know I have limited stash so I had to change some of the beads but the basic pattern still works and again is outstanding. I have found with Mikki's patterns she lays everything out and I mean everything. She will tell you if it twists, how and when to knot, where and when to add beads for sizing. Everything! I see from the way she writes and creates she not only wants you to purchase a pattern because you like it but that she wants you to succeed at making it. How totally cool is that? I am adding a couple of questions to my reviews that I think we all ask ourselves to help you decide if they are right for you.......

1. Can a beginner try this one? Oh yeah Baby!

2. Do you have to have all the exact same bead sizes? Not a little change here and there works just fine!

3. Is it worth the money? If this one was for sale Yes Yes Yes!

If there are any other questions you think I should be attaching to these reviews of mine please let me know.

Oh so I bet you want to see what all the rave is about huh? Well here is what I made for Shelby and let me tell you if I had enough beads and time I think I would have also incorporated it into a necklace. I also think I will be making a set in green and gold sometime soon.

Well thanks so much for reading this one and I should also tell you that the reviews I have done up to this point have been totally unsolicited and all my opinion, but hey this is my blog and that's that! LOL

Hugs and Blessings

Artbeads, Martinis, and a year? (good thing I actually wrote this yesterday)

2011-04-26T11:04:00.000-04:00

ARTBEADS FUN!

Artbeads has once again set a challenge for me and I am stoked to say the least. I am trying my hand with my new love of delicas and my continuing love of czech glass to bezel some unique coins that my father in law brought back from Brazil in the 70's. The challenge this time is to "Make something old new" I have a few ideas and love the colors and beads I was able to pick out. Thanks again Artbeads!

They are also having a cool sale so check it out!

Not Wine-ing, Now I'm on to the hard stuff!

Shannon Inspired Me! I am pretty sure you all know how I feel about this necklace but if you are not sure go here to re read my feelings! I love this so much that I spent that weekend making a bracelet to match. The funny thing about this bracelet is I let the beads lead me with no real pattern in mind and since I kept asking my sweet hubby which one he liked best he said "just make them all different it will be pretty" (ain't he awesome!) so this is what I made! I love it and I have to say that I am very fond of the feel of it too! Introducing Dirty Martini! (Thanks Dawn ya know for someone who doesn't drink very often I seem to be obsessed with it...Hmph)

BTW and 1 Hour 42 minutes of YAY!

2011-04-20T15:27:00.001-04:00

This has to be a super quick post as first the kids are home this week and I have a lot going on. Although you wouldn't know it as I was on the phone with a super gorgeous friend for 1 hour and 42 minutes! Yes I can talk for that long and thank Heaven she can too! If only we lived closer ('course we may not get anything done if we were....thank you inventor of cordless phones!) The housework got done but as for the bead tray not so much. I have a try full of inspiration and it is awesome if what is happening in my head really comes out in the pieces. I will also be reviewing 2 patterns soon so stay tuned. For now here is my BTW submission....

Yes I am a tease when I can be! LOL

By the way do you all remember me? The one who would be able to comment on every post when it posted? The one who love to e-mail to keep the conversation going? I am still here but way far behind on your post but I am getting caught up in what ever little time my sweet Derek isn't causing trouble. I have also been doing some fundraising so that is also cut my computer time very short. I just wanted to remind you all that I will get to you and if I miss a post it's because I either didn't get a chance to leave a comment when I was there or my eyes are playing tricks on me. LOL

Hugs and Blessings

7000 Bracelets of Hope

2011-04-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

I know this is two posts in two days for me and that rarely happens but this is for a great cause!

Like I said when I first posted about this I do understand some of what this is like for parents. To see your child suffer in any way is excruciating. There is no better word for it. The feeling that you can't fix what is wrong is so profound it can send you down a very dark path. But as parents we set that aside and work our buts off to find a solution and give our babes as much hope as we can. So when Lori Anderson @ Pretty Things told all of us about this I had no choice in my heart not to do my part.

I will tell you have this bracelet had been sitting in the "Froggy Bin" because I had noticed a few missed beads and now since I have become a little better at stitching I wanted to fix it. Well you know how it is they just sit there because we move on to other newer projects and frankly froggy stitching is not as much fun as creating. So basically it had been forgotten. Bam! I am reading Lori's post and I immediately thought of this one. I am a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl and so you know this one is perfect for me AND I know I have all the beads! Yippee I had a good reason for froggy stitching and a better reason for remaking it with love and hope!

I still kept the memory wire part of it because I know how often you may need to wash your hands or remove jewelry when caring for someone so I wanted it to be easy to wear and take off. I really do hope that this gives a smile to whomever receives it and that it reminds them that there are people out here that really do care.

I hope everyone has a good time hopping and I may or may not be able to hop much but I can't wait to see what you have all created with such a good cause as your inspiration. Since I am technically challenged to say the very least I am just directing you back to Lori Anderson @ Pretty Things to get you back to hopping.

Hugs and Blessings

Treasures beyond Measure

2011-04-15T11:20:00.000-04:00

I have started this post 3 times and I am still not sure how to proceed. I love love love surprises even when I know something is coming there always seems to be a bonus included that takes me totally off guard and I have been known to crumble into happy tears. In this day and economic age I have found it somewhat difficult to acquire the beady goodness that is out there. I mean Shelby really does need to go to college. As you have seen before I have been lucky enough to enjoy a swap with a great friend. (Really check out the link because they are on my tray waiting for the perfect inspiration to smack me in the head and they are so pretty they are well worth a second look!) Well as you saw Beth surprised me with the most gorgeous of her bowls (which I might add is on my end table so I am able to look at it every day!)as a belated birthday present and like I said as I opened the package I was reduced to happy tears at the generosity and sweetness of her gift and friendship.

Well it has happened again. Actually before Beth and I decided to swap I had been also ~~drooling over~~ admiring the gorgeous work of Shannon @ Missficklemedia and through some fun e-mails (and let me tell you she is so incredibly sweet and supportive) and discovery that she loves beaded beads but doesn't want to make them herself (lucky me!) we decided a swap was in order. Now those of you who follow Shannon know that she and her family have been through some really rough and scary times in this last year and of course the swap was put aside as her focus needed to be on her family. No problem for me I had no problem holding on and sending her all the good thoughts I could. I had a blast making beads for her and the have been waiting for just the right time. Okay you also know that her family is taking a new step and moving to Florida but she contacted me and said she was sending out a package on the last shipping day before her big move. Really she was thinking about me with all this going on? I told you she was sweet! The part of the e-mail that made me laugh was that she asked if she could still have what I made for her and that it was up to me. Well DUH! They are hers! But as I thought about it further it hit me that she somehow thought because it had been so long and wasn't entirely sure I would like what she was sending that I should have the opportunity to bow out. Well Horton says this best for me "I said what I meant and I meant what I said" I am loyal 100%!

Well my package came and as I opened it I was filled with the feeling of being loved by another friend. The pictures I know share with you are treasure beyond measure. I have really come to believe that in this beady blogging world we are so blessed that so many create with passion and love that each package from a bead/jewelry designer is treasure beyond measure for each one is unique and possesses a bit of them and that connection is priceless.

Oh I think she takes the cake!

Can you tell I went directly to stash. That is saffron chain and clasp she made to match those flower beads I had told her about. And as for those links! Oh you should all be sooo jealous! They are stunning! Now I am so in with fans of her work!

Reduced to happy tears when I opened this! I was so excited because not only is it gorgeous and all mine I have been wanting to make a bracelet in this color combo! Way to go girl (I did almost wear it to bed BTW)

I am waiting to send her package as she is right now traveling to her new home and I think she is getting a surprise too. I should tell you that I even changed my clothes so that I was able to wear it yesterday to Derek's Easter Party at school. I had one woman even stop me and tell me how gorgeous this was, so of course she got the shorter version of where it came from. LOL! I should tell you too that I think she was cleaning out her stock of beady goodies before the move and sent me gorgeous seed beads too!

This is yet another gift of love and friendship that I will cherish forever, yeah I know I am such a sap!

Hugs and Love

Pattern Review - Kathie Rutledge

2011-04-11T09:33:00.001-04:00

It is a balmy 72 degrees in my little corner of the world and a little overcast but I am thrilled that spring has finally made itself known. The last time it was anywhere near this temp was back in October. I have now put all my winter clothes in storage so that is that!

I have decided to give myself my own little feature. Pattern Reviews. I do love to work with patterns that spark my interest and funky side and I thought maybe someone out there would be interested in how I felt about them. Here is the first pattern I have decided to review as I have been wanting to make it for a very long time and now I finally have the courage to step up and make whatever sparks me.

Calypso Fans was published in the April/May issue of Beadwork. I did try it when I first received the magazine back then but as you all know I need to work with what I have and then I only had 14mm beads and they were just too big. I do like the boldness of this bracelet and my first color thought was to use purple. Well as the stash did not have what I needed this pattern just sat for a bit. About 2 weeks ago I needed to get some magnetic clasps at Michael's and there they were the most beautiful soft purple faceted beads. Oh were they big enough? Oh they are 10mm. Well the pattern calls for 12mm but these are so perfect and I know I have the colors that will just accent them perfectly. Oh Oh OH that gorgeous necklace from Lori Anderson that I won....Happy Dancing I have the color scheme and a necklace to match. (Oh Shelby was now at the other side of the store as I think she was a bit embarrassed by my Happy Dance) So I bring these babies home and gather the rest of the supplies needed, pull out the pattern and Yeah!

Let me tell you that Kathie's pattern is so well written and the diagrams (I so need diagrams) made it so easy to alter the numbers of beads in the fans to make the 10mm's work that by the time I finished my second one I didn't need to read it any more. I was not confused one bit by any of the instructions (you all know what I mean....you read it and go "What" and then have to re read it to make sure you understand) and the flow of how she constructed it is so fun and relaxing. I have seen a couple more of her projects and I will not hesitate to try them again. Without further ado I present my Calypso Fans....

Let me also tell you that this is a bold bracelet but even my hubby told me it is pretty and cool. Way to go Kathie thanks for helping me "Play My Funky Music" I know we will be creating again.

So what do you all think? Should I do this again?

Hugs and Blessings

My Bead Journey

Beading Babes Reveal - And Echo Creative Club part 1

Challenge of Music

Echo Creative Challenge - February

You all know how I feel bout orange right?

When ADD and OCD meet.

Oh I am so in for this one...Are you?

Official Review - Manek-Manek Beads...Again? Oh Yeah!

Echo Creative Challenge - January

Book Review - Artistic Seed Bead Jewelry by Maggie Roschyk

Official Review - NEDbeads

I really did *Grow* in 2011.

Yes I am still a blogger if you all still want me!

Beading Babes Reveal

Challenge of Color Blog Hop!

Official Review - Manek-Manek Beads

Love My Art Jewelry giveaway x 2 and a glimse of my sweet friends awesomeness!

Failure is not an option it is inevitable!

Wishlist Tuesday!

I am totally nuts!

Ella, Juls, Rebecca, Rhiannon, Heather, Dawn and me.

Beading Babes with Carole Ohl and links

Official Review - Jayceepatterns

My Hero

Pattern Review - NEDbeads

Belinda is truly Amazing!

Releases by Rufydoof: Encouraging others to learn

Vanishing Pearl: Fan Page Giveaway!

Designs by Dawn Marie: Freebie Friday - Fantastic Giveaway That will Have your Ears Ringing... Or Blinging

Official Review - Good Quill Hunting

Three in one!

Tounge Tied Tuesday

Giveaway Alert!

Giveaway alert! And a sale for Christian.

Mamma's gotta brag!!!

Change is Good....Really?

Official Review - Dream Weavers Studio

Hue Me?

Giveaway beyond sanity!

Humblebeads Blog: Big Huge Giveaway - that's the BHG!

He really blew me away!

This is the post where I tell you why no beading was completed and I am totally skeezed out!!!!

My beady brain went on overdrive

Where inspirations come from

What happens at the Woodcliff stays at the Woodcliff!

Official Pattern Review - Sages Cupboard

Quick post containing Giveaway info and a thought, I know I said it was quick!

Bittersweet Beginnings

This is me!

More Great Giveaways!

UPDATED!!!!Just came across this fantastic Blog! AND Bead Ninja's unite!

Arianne's Creamsicle - Pattern Review - Mikki Ferrugiaro

You Have to check these giveaways out

I want I want I want!!! *stamping feet hissy fit*

My Silly Life! - BTW umm I mean Thursday!

Our Friend Sally.

The Elusive Dragon - Pattern Review-Nancy Jones

Silence is not always golden!

Official Pattern Review - NLP Bead Design

Giveaways and New Friends

Self-taught? Nope

Artbeads and me

So do I call it a Pattern or Blog Review? Okay Both! The Bead Mavens

Artbeads, Martinis, and a year? (good thing I actually wrote this yesterday)

BTW and 1 Hour 42 minutes of YAY!

7000 Bracelets of Hope

Treasures beyond Measure

Pattern Review - Kathie Rutledge

I really did Grow in 2011.

I want I want I want!!! stamping feet hissy fit