These are so under lock and key now!!!!!

So I have nothing new to show for BTW but I thought I would give my fellow Bead Ninja's a bit of eye candy to satisfy them (before viewing please have chocolate ready as to stem off the monster)

This is a picture of my seed bead stash on the start of this year....

Yes it is organized but hey it wasn't that hard as you can see!  Well I did win (yes I know your jealous but I really don't have any idea why I have been so lucky) this from Juli @ Julsbeads remember? (OH AND she is having a giveaway now too!)

And....I got this gorgeous set from Lori @ Out of the Flames

So first I want to send the biggest hugest hugs to both of these gals for being the friends that they are ( you have both helped me more that I could possibly express...OK maybe I could but it would be too mushy and you would all be on sugar overload by the time I finished sooo) Here is what my stash of seedy goodness looks like today.....

These are now under lock, key and armed guard (oh she may be limping now but she is 17lbs of furry fury for sure)  As I am well aware that there are 2 very special women who are contemplating hopping in the car and stalking me (coffee is waiting).

Oh and I need to tell you all I am getting used to the meds and you have all been so great.  Also because my sweet hubby has put new software on my computer I am unable to send emails until he fixes it.  I can receive them but not reply and that is also causing an issue with those blogs that require e-mail address in comment section.  So Jeannie I love the branches and Emma I loved your bead tray today.  (if you read either of their blogs please let them know)

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Wikileaks was after me but......

I didn't spill!  The heard me doing the very sad version of the "Rocky" victory dance and the worst sounding "Oh Yeah Baby they are all Mine" song but I didn't spill.  Whew I did only have to wait a couple of hours so I am gonna show what I won!

You all have to know this it so awesome for me!  This actually increases my seed bead stash by 3 times.  I shouldn't have told my sweet hubby though cuz you all know what he said... "guess you won't need beads for a while huh?"  well we'll see about that baby.  You all know this came from my sweet girlie friend Juls @ Julsbeads and I will tell you I was feeling a little guilty for entering the giveaway because she is such a good friend to me I never want to take advantage of that.   I am so excited though I nearly fell down the stairs while I was rushing to get the house clean in anticipation of these beauties coming.

I also got a fabulous pattern by Sabine Lippert @ Try to Bead and let me tell you this is not only a gorgeous bracelet designed by a very sweet woman the instructions are flawless!  I read through it the first time and understood every step and the step by step pictures are amazing!  I unfortunately ran out of the beads I was using for my first version but with the help of an awesome connection made on FB I found Amy of Beads and Glass .  She had exactly what I needed.  Her shop is not online but you can contact them and they are so awesome to talk to!  This is the pattern I got...

Again I need to tell you that this pattern is well worth the money and Sabine will answer questions for you if you need help.  Patterns with support are awesome although I have not had to use it as I said it is so easy to follow! (for those of you who are wondering though it is not recommended to be tipsy while working on this one!)

I had a few more things I wanted to tell you but they have escaped me. Oh yeah I did want you all to right now go over to visit Erin @ Treasures Found and check out this pendant she created using Earthenwood Studio treasures.  Not only did Melanie create gorgeous components she has asked some of her friends to design pieces using them.  I am so totally in awe of this creation of Erin's it is now my computer background.  If I can not own it I will at least get the chance to look at it every day!

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Happy New Year!

Not real talky talky today but I wanted to make sure to wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope it is filled with happiness, fun and the ability to take on any challenges the new year throws at us (that's what I am doing) Don't forget to vote over at LaBella Joya for the Margie and Me Throwdown!

Here are pictures of my newest beady goodies

Both of these pictures are a surprise package I received from Amy @ Spyder Jewels.  She made the most beautiful beaded ornaments this year and hosted a giveaway but I wasn't able to blog about it and she still sent me all of these goodies!  I am so blown away!  You need to check out her blog!

Look at these Artbeads goodies.  This is what Derek got me for Christmas!

I won these earrings from Heather over at My Muse.  Let me tell you I got alot of compliments on them!  I am so glad she sent them to me!

These are the beads I picked out with my Artbeads gift card that Jeannie sent me when they sponsored a Gift Card Giveaway.  Thank you so much for that and I hope my beady friends were also lucky to get one too!

This is the gorgeous and I mean GORGEOUS necklace I won in the re-drawing Lori @ Pretty Things did during the bead soup redo she hosted.  Still sending hugs to you Lori!

These are the cabs and manatee bead that Shelby made me for Christmas. I love these so much I already have an idea for a bracelet with the cabs!

Happy New Year my sweet friends!

Hugs and Blessings

KK

A Pairing!

I know it has been a while since I showed one of these but I had been getting so many goodies that my inspiration is on overdrive.  I came across this pattern when I was looking for inspiration for the "Challenge of Color" blog hop and I had to try it and let me tell you it is awesome.  The patter is called "Layered Loops" by Connie Blachut and I found it in the Bead and Button shop.  So here is my version called "Evergreen Garland"  

I really loved this pattern.  It was so easy to read and came with great instructions.  And doesn't it look awesome with this sweater?  I wore it to Derek's Christmas concert on Wednesday night and I also love the way it feels on my wrist. 

I have to make this a quick post because I just got back from caroling with Derek's class and I have to pick him up in a few more minutes. But...........

I have to tell you something but I am very hesitent as I have been so lucky lately I am worried that you will feel that I am bragging or that I have been rigging the giveaways.  Really I love to share them with you all and if I had the ability I would give each of you something too.  If you don't want to read any further I totally understand.  If you are still here look at what I got this time......

Lori Anderson @ Pretty Things had a drawing for this and the person who won never contacted her so she held another drawing and I am getting this gorgeous necklace!  First I want you to go right over to her sight and send her a big Cyber Hug because she is having a hard time and needs all the support we can offer her.  This necklace comes from a collaboration born out of bead soup and I tried to find the info quickly but I am not that quick and it is time to pick up my sweet boy.  You know I will show you pics when I get this.

I am still waiting for Beth to get her package and let me tell you my nerves about this are shot.  Maybe you all have felt this before when you sent something you made out to someone else for the first time.

Hugs and Blessings

KK

You new it was going to happen

Well it has happened again.  I got nothin'!  Well not nothin' I have a couple somethins so I guess that's somthin'.  First you are not going to believe this but I am going to be the recipient of another sweet little giveaway!  I know I have no idea where this luck is coming from but as you know I like to share so I am going to share my sweet little gift with Shelby AND I am only giving you an idea of what we chose so here it is....

I am gettin Shelby's pick of any one of these cutie earrings.  Actually there are three different sets so what I want you to do is go and visit Heather @ MyMuse and check out the other two pictures as well as the gorgeous gingerbread pics she posted.  I just recently found her blog and she also has a really cute shop with a variety of stuff to buy like the cute polymer clay I have my eye on!  You know I love meeting new people.

Next once again as President, CEO, Queen and Empress of Julsbeads I need to inform you that she is having the most awesomest of stupendiliocous (yeah I made the word up but we are talking about Juls ya know!) SALE EVA!!!  You need to hop over there and snap up anything you see because what I wanted is already gone and I do not want that to happen to you!  Go there now darn it! Oh come back when you are done so you can see my next somethin.

Oh cool your back OK.  You should all know that Marcie at La Bella Joya has been hosting the "Margie and Me" color challenges and they are fun to participate in IF you can get it done in time,  Well she has gone and put out the ultimate challenge.  

"The Margie and Me Throwdown 2010"

If it worked right just click on the picture and you can read the "Official Rules"  So the reason I am telling you this is not only to make sure you visit her blog to see all the awesome creations she makes and see how she inspires all of us but I have chosen my pallet and started my piece so I am super excited!  Here is what I chose

I know it's not a huge stretch for me color wise but.....what I have come up with is a challenge for me!  I hope you tune in after Christmas to see what I have made.

Well I guess that was a little more somethin then I planned on but thanks for reading to the end!  LOL  I shipped my creations to Beth today so fingers crossed she will "Squeal" when she gets it!

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Tis The Season...OH MY

The tree is up!

Erin do you see the toy soldier?

The cards are in production!

Only time of year I get my stamps out

Made some ornaments!

Amy, Juls, and Erin do you know where I got this idea?

Derek's early present!

Ain't he just the cutest?? Looks just like Daddy on his!

Got my prize! I know you all love when I do this!  I told you on Monday that I won this at Jeannie's Blog but I never expected it so soon.

Look at this gorgeous box!

Gasp! Oh the colors!

I have to tell you all that I wore this all day Monday (still not sure how it got here so fast)  The pictures DO NOT do this justice at all!  I can't wait to work with those beads either! Go over to her blog if you are looking for great Christmas ideas and extremely well made jewelry and gifts!  Thanks again Jeannie I so love this necklace!

Knocked out by FABULISHOUS!  Can you guess who?

Gasp, Gasp, Gasp!!!!!

You are so right if you guessed my sweet Juli over at Julsbeads!  As President, CEO, Queen and Empress of her fan club (yeah it's self proclaimed!)  I am still blown completely away when I am touching these unbelievable beads.  I have had my eye on this set for so long and to hold it is like a gift from the fairies themselves (I still think she may have fairy blood in her!)  If you are looking for fabulishous glass you NEED to visit right now...I mean it go there right now!  I once again may be sleeping with these under my pillow for a while (Dawn you know you do it too!)  Thank you so much Juls for yet another fabulishousbeyondwordsgaspingdelishousness!  I so love you Darlin!

OH OH OH did you all see my new button?  That's right I have been accepted in the Artbeads Design Partner Program!  I have been so blessed by this little blog with winnings, a feature, Artbeads, but most of all I am blessed to have made some of the best friends to share this all with!  Thank you all so much for your inspiration, support, and friendship it means more to me than words can express (and you know I am wordy)

Hugs, Blessings and Happy Holidays to all of you

KK

Everyday Celebrations and Surprises

Oh My I have soooo much to tell you about today I don't where to begin!  

Everyday Celebrations

My idea for this post was to tell you about my daily routine and how lucky I am to have it.  I wake up every morning feeling like I didn't get enough sleep to see my sweet Shelby off to school (ok sometimes if Derek has been up in the night I don't get this opportunity) sometimes she is in a great mood and it is a smooth start to the morning but sometimes......well she is 17!  I realize that I don't have a lot of morning with her left and know that this part of our relationship will no longer exist and I am happy and saddened by this.  I look forward to seeing her find her place in this world but I will so miss where we are now.  She even has her own blog and I so wish all of you to check it out!  Little Bizarre Things is hers and she is so trying to find her place in the blog world too!

The next part of my morning is hearing Derek wake up with the sweetest "Good Morning Mommy" voice and a hug.  After Shelby is off to school there is a brief cuddle time and then breakfast.  We see Daddy off to work and the rest of the morning routine begins...making beds, picking up all the stuff left behind the night before, shower, watching a "show" with what ever toys he gets out for it, lunch, off to school, finish housework, pick him and sometimes Shelby up from school, hear about their days, prepare dinner, Hubby home, etc.....  As we know this is the same for all of us in some manner but really how lucky are we!  We are warm, safe and loved.

Surprises

Then there are the surprises that come during those days.  You know the unexpected things that happen.  On Friday I participated in Erin's "Challenge of Color" Blog Hop and the response that I got was overwhelming!  I not only had a great time with my part I was also able to see so many other wonderful creations and meet some great artists in fact I even won a giveaway!  You should really check out Jeannie's Blog!  Here is the necklace and beads she made for the challenge that I will be getting (how cool is that?) 

And she has some great ornament ideas as well as more giveaways for the holiday season!  Thanks Jeannie I can't wait to get my gifts!

Speaking of gifts LOOK LOOK LOOK what came in the mail on Saturday!

Barbara Bechtel at Second Surf you all know her beautiful creations sent me these.  She calls the black one an "ugly owl" but I think he is the cutest owl and I am so looking forward to giving him and his "perfect" friend a home!  Thanks so much Barbara I love them!

OK I know this is a long post already but I have to share one more of the most unexpected surprises that literally made gasp and almost forget to start breathing again!  I WAS FEATURED!  I know isn't that amazing?  Mortira at Inspirational Beading featured MY little blog!  I have been following her and I will have to tell you that she offers great inspirations and tutorials for anyone looking to start beading.  She even just finished a challenge to make 30 necklaces in 30 days and to be honest I have no idea how she was able to do it!  If you click the link you can see what she said!  I am still blown away!  Thank you so much for this gift, Mortira I will cherish this memory!

More to come later this week!

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Goodies, Thanks, and HELP

I was so blindsided yesterday afternoon with a killer migraine that I wasn't able to post my goodies from Lori and Out of the Flames who by the way is holding yet another comment contest this month and she is giving away some gorgeous glass cabs AND if you can believe it a stellar polymer cab that you have to see to believe!  Anyway first I would like to ask anyone who gets migraines why do we insist on trying to make it go away when we all know they have to run their course?  I still can't understand that!  

OK so on to the goodies!  I told everyone that I won the giveaway for Lori's comment contest and that I was giving it to my sweet Shelby because she so needed a boost.  She picked the colors and Lori custom made this for her!  How awesome is that!  I was going to so as I have in the past a full on "open the prize" with you all BUT....I had to take it with me to pick Shelby up from school so she could be the one to open it.  DARN  I know how you all like the suspense.  LOL  She opened it but I was the one with the first "Hand to the face GASP" when the box was opened and this is why....

There in the box were three stunning glass cabs (MY First by the Way  YIPPEE) and the coolest little faux Dichroic polymer clay cabs.  AND little seed beads to match!!!!!  If I could hug her from here I so would!  But now I really need to learn embroidery soon because I already have a picture in my head of that gorgeous pink and gold one.  I was going to take a picture of Shelby;s bracelet but you know what....She won't take it off!  Lori's stitching is perfection and the colors look so nice on her that she is wearing it with everything.  Except her work clothes you know food service. LOL  Lori had already sent me a picture so I am using hers instead........

3

Isn't it beautiful?  I may have to steal borrow it from her at some point!  Thank you again Lori for making both of our day!

Speaking of thank yous as we all know this is Thanksgiving.  And although plans for the holiday may change due to a number of things for any one of us it is a day for giving Thanks.  I am one of those people who probably says Thank You way too much for others but I believe that it is one of the most important gestures next to Love.  This season I am once again grateful that we have been blessed with another year together as a family.  I am also lucky enough to be truly thankful for the many friends that I have made through this little blog.  I never knew it was possible to make friendships that I hope will last for years to come through my keyboard and monitor.  I am thankful for all of you this holiday season!

OK now I need my beady friends opinion!  Really I need you HELP!!!!  I know I told you about the "Challenge of Color" blog hop at Erin's Treasures Found blog.  I have been working on it but this is all I have come up with so far.  

I do love these but I am wondering where to go from here if I should!  Any Comments will help!

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Centering and Balance

I was actually thinking of other titles for this post but this is the one that fits the best!

This is how my Monday morning has been;

I am over my cold but.......

PMS has set in!

I sold 1 of the 2 bracelets at the auction but.....

The one that sold was for 1/2 it's value due to an error!  Juli helped me out with this one as I was feeling quite down about my work but a quick reminder that she thinks I am awesome sauce did the trick!

I am supposed to be hosting Thanksgiving this year but.......

The whole other side of the family my have strep!

I went to take a shower but.......

The pressure was so low this morning it shut off during mid soaping!

ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!

That's it!  I finished my shower, turned on my curling iron (I know tempting fate but) put on my favorite shirt, ripped jeans and my newest finished bracelet (which is totally copied from Dawn's post and I so hope she doesn't mind and I truly have to thank her for this inspiration!)

 And decided to change my day.  I finished my hair without burning it or me.  I made Derek lunch then took him to school (all went well).  Came home and ate my favorite comfort food (tuna casserole because no one else in this household likes tuna)  Then lit 2 candles and began to find my center and reconnect with my spirit!  Now we are all spiritual but come about it in all different paths but when you reconnect even if it is just for a few moments it can change your whole outlook.  And now I am so much better!

I got to see the gorgeous pendent Beth and Evie have made for our swap

Isn't it the sweetest!  I can't wait for this but....I know there I go again I was starting to doubt myself and sweet Beth caught on and straightened me right out.  Here's a pic of part of what I will be sending her!

Once again there is no sunshine here so it is a little dull and I still need to get into a better editing habit but they are beautiful winter blues and crystals (do you think she will like them)  I do have a surprise or three for her but you will all have to wait for them.

Oh OH OH I won the most beautiful giveaway at Lori's blog Out of the Flames and it came in the mail but I can't open it until Shelby gets home!!! (OH I SOOOOO WANT TO though)  Lori was giving away a flat spiral bracelet in YOUR choice of color.  Oh yeah customs are the bomb!  Shelby had been feeling quite down lately so I wanted her to have it (she is also a huge fan of Lori's) sooooo we will have to wait and post that tomorrow if we can get some good pictures!   THANK YOU Lori!

So as for a day that began to challenge me HA!  I found a way around it!

Hugs and Blessings

KK

"So why is the Rum Gone?" A prize and a thought (maybe not a good one)

I just love Jack Sparrow don't you!  He is someone we can all relate too and frankly I know there is some part of him in all of us! Don't you all want to ask that question sometime?

I would like to thank all the best blog friends in the world for your support in my confusion from the last post and I firmly decree that even if I love you I will no longer read any posts that pertain to copying! No more hooey!!!Ok so that topic is done and gone and that is why "The Rum is Gone"

Soooooo the mail lady has been bringing me many gifts in the mail recently ( I so love when packages come in the mail even if a bill is attached) Some of which I can show you others I will keep to myself (no not special toys geez get your freaky little minds out of the gutter, oh wait you haven't read this yet so it's just my freaky little mind.....nevermind)  Anyhoo Cindy at Artful Living on the Bluff must have paid a few postmen off to get this delightful piece of candy out to me in such a hurry but I am grateful!  As I like to do I will show my opening of this sweet prize starting with the box

Such a pretty and sweet box I hated to cut the string but I couldn't slide it off and I have no patience!

and she wrote the sweetest little note on top so I have to say "Right back at you Cindy!!!!"

Now I will tell you that I gasped when I opened it because they are such pretty mocha colors and I immediately put it on!  I even considered changing my outfit today just to wear it but alas I have housework and the shirt it will be paired with is not for that!  Did you hear that Cindy this beauty will be a pairing!!!! So then I had to put it back in the box for you to see what I saw......

Isn't it the sweetest put in the candy cup!  Thank you so much for picking my name Cindy! I love this and your beading around it is so perfect!  This is my first vintage treasure and I will treasure it!

Now on to my thought!

Well you all saw my goodies from Julsbeads so you know I couldn't just let them sit I needed to make something (ok they were under my pillow for a couple of days, Thanks for busting me Dawn!)  And I should thank Dawn again because she helped me with a stitch that just kept eluding me.  (Kisses) So here is my thought but I am confused on how to put it all together any ideas?

Hugs and Blessings

KK

I GOT FABULISHOUSNESS!!!!!!

I have been waiting such a long time to get my hands on goodies from Juls you have no idea. I am no longer jealous beyond belief of all my blog friends that have had and flaunted(now it's my turn ;P)  But I thought it would be nice if she could see my happieness when I got these babies (thanks so much my sweet hubby). So I tried to do a video of me opening it so I could e-mail it to her but alas I am so technically challenged that I can't e-mail it becausee the file is to large!! ARRGGHH!. Anyway that probaly would have been a little embarassing for all of you to see me in all my dorkie glory (any yes i just about cried pathetic right) Oh and Juls my sweet Derek stole the sweettarts and Shelby is still trying to steal the beads!  So you will all have to settle for these pictures of MY goodies (and please feel free to drool all you need to cuz I have been drooling over all of yours for months now!)

OK I know you can all see these beauties but do you also remember my favorite color?  Can you guess?  I need to tell you all that these are beads of the highest quality and craftsmanship and that if you are looking for a special focal or beads to enhance your projects you can not go wrong with these!  I am not only blessed to be a very loyal customer I also have made a friend in her that I will forever treasure! (Shelby with tell you I am a sap!!!)  Thank you Juls for creating these with your amazing hands and torch! Now what to make to showcase these babies! To Be Continued......

I thought since I had a few extra minutes I would also show you what I have been working on.  Let me know what you think of this collection of beads!  They are such a blast to make and I am addicted to them!

Hey Guess What?  I also won this beauty from Cindy Caraway at Artful Living on the Bluff.  She has a comment contest every month and her blog is filled with cool quotes and vintage stuff.  Visit her if you get the chance!

This is really cool it is a vintage piece that she beads into a pendent (and my favorite colors too)

Well I hope everyone has a great weekend.  At least the sun is finally shining here!  Both inside and out!

Hugs and Blessings

Kristen