Self-taught? Nope

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

KK

How do you define Bravery?

I have always felt that I live life like walking on train tracks.  You know willing to take some chances to see what beauty lies around each bend.  You know I have been derailed more than once and actually be hit by a train a time or two.  Well the new year started on a shaky note for me like the train was hunting me down.  I will sum this up really quickly like a speedy Amtrak.  A lump was found, and a few days later a mammogram, ultrasound and needle biopsy and it seems that I have squeaked by with just a little boo boo.  This is where the title comes in.  After the doctor finished she held my hand and said "You were very brave".  OK but how was I brave?  I did what any wife and mother would do to insure that I will be here to love them for a long time.  I did what any woman should do if a lump was found.  What is brave about that?  It was funny as I thought about it.  I think I am braver for putting my creations out there for all to see and take the chance that someone won't like it.  I think I am braver for reminding myself that Shelby needs to spread her wings and find her own paths without my directions and just my support.  Sometimes I even think I am braver for taking on the traffic in a local suburb when Shelby needs shopping time with me.  And hey this post is pretty brave to put my feelings out like this isn't it?

Anyway I have some thanks to say too.  Of course my precious family is always the core of my support but I had a lot of support from you my bloggy friends (whether you know it or not).  I do have a couple of specifics to mention because they just did what I needed them to do. 

First to my soul sister Nicole.  She talked me through the last few days and gathered support and healing to insure that this turned out OK.  Nicole you and I have grown so close and having you in my corner is awesome.  We laughed and you reminded me to stay calm.  Huge Hugs as always Sis!!!!

Dawn this post had me laughing so hard I almost fell off the chair.  I finally figured something out that will work for both of us.  An extra large pillow with a pocketed pillowcase.  Do you think that will work?

Beth this post was such a boost for me.  Can you all believe what she did with my beads?  Check this pic out as well as the gorgeous beauties she created for the ABS Challenge.

I still can't believe those are what I sent her!

And to all my other blog friends just being able to read your postings to keep me from dwelling was a gift I am grateful for!

Well that is it for now......Oh wait I will tell you (lets end this on a funny note shall we)  I did some beading while enjoying the Rose Parade(and gulping sipping mimosa's) on New Years day and finished a bracelet.  I will post my tipsy beading on a later day but I have to say it turned out quite well even though I will have to apologize to the designer of the pattern for what I said about her twisted beady fingers (it was the mimosa's talking really)

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Margie and Me the Finals

First I would like to thank you all for commenting on my cheezy poem and knowing that it came from my heart especially to each of you!  I so look forward to the coming year with all of you!


Please go to LaBella Joya and check out all the gorgeous creations for this "Throwdown"  you will not believe what you see!  Don't forget to vote for your favorite.  This was my pallet choice and my creation.

I want to tell you that I love the focal part for 2 very specific reasons!  The owl is one that Shelby made for me on my birthday and the other is a Julsbead that happened to be a perfect match.  It is a simple necklace but I love the colors and the beads are so special to me.
Thank you so much Marcie for putting this all together and inspiring us to take our beading to the next level!  You are one awesome Chicka!

Hugs and Blessings
KK

Coming Soon.....I am drowning but......

What A Week!

If you have read my last two posts you know that I have been having an unbelievable week!  An Friday was no exception.  Now I need to tell you all that when I first started this blog adventure I was so overwhelmed by the artists that I was discovering and dreamed of someday being able to get my hot little hands on their creations.  You all have been there and know exactly what I mean but.....Then I was meeting the artist behind the work and was even more overwhelmed at how wonderful they are and how much of themselves ACTUALLY goes into their treasures.  I have been lucky enough to be welcomed with open arms, inspiration and friendship....That is the best part.  I didn't even think that was possible.....Boy was I sooo wrong (hey it happens sometimes)  The other problem as we all are experiencing this past year is how to creatively budget for our dream shopping not only to have the gorgeousness that is out there but to also support all of you.  Well I haven't been able to fit too much into that part so........Swapping!   Well Beth @ EB Bead and Metalworks took me up on my offer and at first I was so excited but......you know me I get nervous.  All I do is seed bead stuff and she has all that gorgeous metal and enameled goodness  but she wanted some of my beaded beads so OK!  

LOOK LOOK LOOK what she sent me!!!!

I had to steal her pic as my camera is not being nice to me right now!  She called this pic "Goodies for Kristen"  ain' she the BOMB!

Now I know normally I post the whole process of opening for you but OH NO not this time!  I was so excited to get this I HAD HAD HAD to forgo the suspense (for me of course).  Now Beth asked me which pendent I would like and the first one of course was this amazing Bluebird.  First because I love them and second you all see the detail and love that has to have been put into this.  Well I tell you right now that as I was opening this box a total surprise came out as well as tears as I unpacked this amazing bowl!  I have been drooling ooggling admiring these ever since I first saw them.  They are magic!  Really they are!  You stare into this for a bit and you can't help but feel sunshine thoughts!  And we so need some sunshine soon!  And those beads  OH OH OH!  Well with a package like this there was only one thing to do....I immediately sent her an e-mail that she must call me ASAP!!!!!!

I could tell by her voice that she was a little worried but calmed right down as soon as I started spouting the mushy gushy Thank Yous at her.  Yes I am mushy gushy you all should know that by now!  What a wonderful friend I have made and it was even better to be able to show her voice to voice how I really felt!  Oh Yes my friend it won't be the last time we talk unless you have one of those "What was I thinking" moments when you get my package.  LOL  I could so go on and on and on but what I want all of you to do is visit EB Bead and Metalworks right now (seriously right now you do not need to read any further!)  they have not only great one of a kind creations but a really awesome blog (OH and when Beth posts her flower pictures you could almost smell them...don't try it though I got a few bumps from it)  Oh and I suppose I should also tell you that she has a BLOGOVERSARY (YIPPIE) coming up and she will be having a giveaway too.  I so want more so if you don't want to enter it is perfectly fine with me!  LOL

BETH MY FRIEND YOU ARE THE BOMB!  AND MOM TOO!

Hugs and Blessing

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

I have 52 followers! Really Wow

It is a very busy weekend here but I thought I would take a few moments to post.  (OK probably more than a few I have a lot to say and show if you dare to continue!)

First WOW I have 52 followers that is so incredible that you all think I am cool enough to follow.  I thank you so much.  I would so like to have a giveaway but.....I got nothing I can part with at the moment that would totally blow you all away and make you jump through hoops to get.  Humm that would be interesting to see though so maybe I will save that for 100 followers (if I ever get that many....better make it 75!)  Anyway all I can give at this point is my unending gratitude and heartfelt "Thank You's" to you all who visit and those who are able to take the time to comment your support means so much to me there are no words to cover it!

Hey guess what I finished two bracelets for the auction so with out further ado I introduce you to.......

Winter Sparkle  

(sorry about the blueness of the picture I am still trying to master this picture taking thing)

 Here is what the components looked like up close

This is adapted from the pattern "Compass Rose" in the Oct/Nov issue of Beadwork.  I say adapted because I did not have the correct size of Czech rounds so I needed to do a little add lib of my own.  I really liked the way Laina Goodman laid this pattern out and it created the most beautiful wintry snowflakes. I think I would like to try this one in other color combos too. Shelby is very upset that I am sending this to auction but we are required to raise a certain amount of money so it's going (Shhhh don't tell her I have enough beads to make another one)

And Here's Wreaths and Berries

I love this one so much it is made using another adaptation of a pattern in the Apr/May issue called Floral Wreaths by Amy Haftkowycz.  When I first saw this pattern it was instant love!  I searched and searched for the perfect beads to make a match but the ones I found were either too expensive or not quite the combo I was going for.  In steps these gorgeous Ruby AB rounds and olive seeds oh and lets not forget the berry beads that I had when I first started collecting beads.  In fact I am so in love with this bracelet (and I do not have any more of these limited edition rounds) I am so keeping it!!!!!!!

Amy's directions were so clear and although I did not embellish to the fullest I really don't think it took anything away from the yumminess of it!

So in steps Raspberry Twist to take its place at the auction!

While I also love this bracelet I made it a little too snug for my not so small wrist so I feel it should go to someone who can enjoy it and make a little money for the school to boot!  

Some of you know that yesterday was my birthday so I have to show off these gorgeous yummies that Shelby made for me.

There is a little story behind this so let me enlighten you.  I love Barbara Bechtel's shop Floridity and tried to win what she called ugly owls but I didn't.  Shelby was going to get me a set but saving for college is first priority so she got creative.  My sweet daughter has been working with polymer clay and decided to take a chance and make some for me.  This apparently was not easy but with Barbara's inspiration she came out with these!  Aren't I the luckiest Mom in the world!  Derek got me more fireline and my sweet hubby gave me one of the books I wanted.  I am so spoiled!

OK so I have run out of time but I want to tell you that I have signed up for Erin's Color Challenge and I will post my color palette next time.

Hugs and Blessings

KK

Happy Veterans Day! For Beth, Lori and Elisabeth!

UPDATE BELOW
To my sweet blog Veteran's and all those men and women who have offered their lives to protect our country I offered my deepest heartfelt gratitude and thanks! You are the ones I admire the most for your love of this country and desire to protect us all.  I am the granddaughter of a WWII veteran and lucky enough to have had the opportunity to know him and love him for many years.  My sweet Gramps passed away earlier this year and I was unable to attend his funeral but over the years on Veteran's Day and Memorial Days I called him to thank him and let him know how much I love him.  Now that he is no longer here I am passing that love and respect to you my sweet blogger friends.  I know of three of you that have served our country and that I have had the pleasure to connect with you so I ask that any of you who read this today please go and wish these wonderful ladies a glorious day and thank them for their service!

Beth @ EB Bead and Metalworks

Lori @ Pretty Things

Elisabeth @ Beads for Busy Gals

Thank you again ladies for your service and giving me the opportunity to get to know you!

Hugs and Blessings

KK 

UPDATE: Here are others who have let me know that they have also served our country proudly and if I have the pleasure of finding more I will link them!

Sharon@CraftRoomTransformation

Kallen@The Secret Life of the American Working Witch 

Wanted....Pattern Reviewer Position

Yes it is now Thursday and all is well here at Windy Rock!  The house didn't fully rebel and after a quick fix to the potty and a septic pump (we have had way too much rain this year) we are finally done with home improvements and fixes!  (Keeping my fingers crossed)  I want to thank all of you for your support of my rant and 'been there done that' comments they really helped me!  Tuesday went very well and I have been on a beading binge since!  Well as much as I can with regular housework, taking Derek back a forth to pre-school, registering Shelby for college and her new job!  Yes she not only started her Senior Year she also got a Job!  Where in the world does the time go?  Oh I am just not going there again!  So without further ado I bring you beady goodness!

Here are the beads I received from Nicole over at Beadwright.  What a challenge she has given me!  First I have to keep Shelby away from them then I have to come up with something cool to incorporate them.  I so 'heart' her!  Thanks so much Nicole and I hope your foot is getting better! (But I am loving your beady creations while you have been laid up)

Here is the newest obsession for me.  I was gifted a tutorial, 14mm beaded beads by Liz Reed of Crimson Moon.  My friend loves seed beads but does not beadweave so she graciously sent this to me so that I can make them for her and she will send me some of her awesomeness in return! (I may be getting the better end of the deal but she doesn't seem to think so.   we'll see) I think we are both equally excited about this which makes it oodles and oodles of fun! I will tell you I so love this pattern and these beads are sooo addicting!  Liz's instructions were very straight forward and easy to understand. She included pictures of her steps that I really love because no matter what the diagram looks like the seeds can always look different.  The pictures let you see exactly what you should have.  Love that! She included hints and tips that were spot on!  You all know that I love patterns.  I am blessed with being able to follow most of them but when someone writes one this good I have to give a huge SHOUT OUT....WAY TO GO  LIZ!

 You will also see these really cool beaded spacers that I made using Melinda Barta's 'Spiny herringbone spacers' pattern in the August/September 2009 Beadwork Magazine.  I did shorten them a bit but other than that this was also a very easy pattern to follow.  I can see many variations and fun in the future for these.  I will have to say that I love the 'Custom Cool' and 'Stitch Pro' sections of Beadwork Magazine.  Melinda and Jean show you how to do the stitch then show you a what if.  That is perfect for beginners or someone who wants to venture into a new stitch.

Look at what else I learned. I know the pic is a little blurry but we all know I have not yet perfected the use of my camera and that little finger that keeps appearing is moving the tray!

The leaf is from the February/March  2010 issue of Beadwork in Jean Campbell's "Stitch Pro" section and those oh sooooo cooool discs are from the October/November 2010 issue in Melinda's "Custom Cool" section.  I am so addicted to making all these components and some of them are headed to a great new home very soon.  Yes I am making these for a special friend who has helped me discover this new path!

I also think I would make a great pattern reviewer don't you!  There are so many great tutorials out there and if you are like me sometimes it can be hard to decide whether it is good for you or not.  I think if there were more reviews out there it would be so much easier to decide on which one is right for you.  Just putting that out there for anyone who may think the same.

Oh Oh Oh I have the best news!!!!! I submitted a picture of a design to Beadwork Magazine myself and GUESS WHAT?  They want me to send the bracelet in for further review!!!  OMG I made it to a second step!  I can't believe it.  I am however very nervous about sending it in and writing a tutorial myself but with the help of a few friends and how I look at patterns it might work out just fine (that is if they want it)

Hugs

Kristen

Nicole, Shannon, Juli and Belinda!!!

I have been unbelievably blessed by these three fabulous women(in no particular order)!  Each one has helped me find paths that have been waiting for me before I even realized it!  Each one has sparked something inside me that has been waiting for me to see.  Each one has brought me to tears with their generosity of time and support.  Each one is an artist of the highest caliber (making art from their hearts). Each one is a gift to treasure for a lifetime!  Isn't it funny in this day of technology that true and treasured friends can be found with a click and cyber hug.  Friends like these women are hard to come by and if I could have one wish it would be to have them all here to sit around and have coffee (or tea) and chat.  It would be a great time!  I know that most of you know them and probably feel a connection to them in your own way, but if you haven't please visit them and enjoy their blogs and art it is so well worth the visit!

Beadwright

MissFickleMedia

Julsbeads

Belinda Saville

Hugs

Kristen

PS  I did get the beads I won from Nicole's site and I love them (no pic yet cuz camera needs batteries) I will have a hard time keeping Shelby away from them!  She thinks they should be hers!  Oh and speaking of Shelby she has made some pretty cool clay beads that I have to get a picture of soon!

 

Bead Therapy and a Guest Blogger

Thanks so much my sweet blogger friends for listening to my last "pity me" post!  I had one of those days and needed to get it out and you were so there for me!  Thank you can't even cover it!

OK on to better things now that I have realized that I am who I am and my cat likes me that way!  (Oh and so do you!)  I went to our local festival "Corn Fest" (betcha can't guess what it celebrates)  and saw this awesome jewelry artist with a sweet personality to boot so I told her I would give her site a shout out!  JCPDesigns!   There is so much she offers and she even forges her own metals!  If you get the opportunity please check her out!  Thanks Jamie I really needed our talk!  I was going to get pictures but I the stupid cell was low and that didn't happen!

On Sunday my sweet hubby dropped Shelby and I off to the "Innovative Bead Expo" (which is so awesome because he had told me I was banned from buying beads for 2 months!)  So with a little money in my pocket and a fun girl to shop with we basked in beady goodness.  The cell phone was charged and I took some pictures but they didn't show up very well so I will link you to my two fav's.  My first favorite was Kabela Designs!  With my love of mixing seeds and metals I was truly in heaven!  Here is what I got!

I so love these and can't wait for my next inspiration to strike!  (they stay on the bead tray until I put them in a design....I just love looking at them)  The quality of all the pieces was outstanding and the ideas from the Rep were amazing!  I am so terribly sorry for misplacing her card and forgetting her name (old age ya know)  I am so a new fan!  Check them out!

Next I went to a trusted booth Talisman Associates Inc.!  Not only do they have vintage beads and semi precious stones they have lampwork and funky stuff (which our guest blogger will tell you about later) They have the sweetest owner! Look at what I found!

I needed the vintage seeds and you know I have a love of lentils!  These are so sunshine yellow but not too bright I can't wait to see what I do with these!  Do visit there shop if you have time!

And last for me are these gorgeous fire polished rounds (which I have already used half of any you should be seeing in a few days if the inspiration works out) I was unable to get the name of this booth as there was no sign or card for me to grab (sorry anonymous booth)

OK that's it for me right now and if you don't mind Shelby would like to talk about her beady goodness so I thought it would be ok if you got to know her a little!

Introducing my Guest Blogger ........ Shelby

Helluuuuuuu All! I guess it is pretty obvious who I am (my mother likes to talk about  me a lot I guess) so I am going to skip the introduction. xD So this is my collection of beads, stones, spoons, and whatnot that I have gathered up for my various projects. The spoons that I found at the local flea market are going to be bent and tortured (muahahaha) into rings when I can get access to my teacher's studio without him looking over my shoulders and critiquing (grrrrrrr.) That little oval looking thing is actually the innards of a pocket watch, which I am going to someday find a use for eventually. The greenish and gray ball thingy is a bead made by me from polymer clay (and it glows in the dark!) and are modeled after a Japanese food called Dango (rice dumplings served on a skewer during festivals.) At the Bead Expo, I bought the brightly colored and I think adorable skull beads and flower beads, which I intend to use for some chainmail (like the actual medieval armor only in preeetttyyyyyy jewelry form incaseyoudidn'tknow) bracelets. The other stuff is mostly random and cheep purchases at many other local areas. Though, I may not actually get to any of the crafts for a while because a Fan Fiction idea has been haunting me for a a couple days AND IT WON'T LET GO!! (not that I mind...hehe)

Oh and to Juls, not only are you a great friend to my mother but you are an AMAZING ARTIST ZOMG! I love your work and your blog! Oh and you would totally give everyone at the bead expo a run for their money and then some! <3 <3 <3

Thanks mom for letting me invade your blog! I will getoffit now. <3 <3 <3

Well what do you think is she like me or what?

Hugs!

Kristen

She loves me! She really Loves Me!

Ok so here's what happened......

While checking out my blogger friends current posts I saw that Juls had posted so I immediately checked to see what gawjus things she was up to today and then I saw that she was given an award from another awesome blogger.  I love when people get awards because you always get to learn something new about them (and in Juls case you know it's gonna be good) So here I am readin and thoroughly enjoying it and all of the sudden it happened.........

She has passed it on to me!!  At that point I got so excited I did a little jump in my chair and proceeded to hit my knee on the desk and then when I went to hold it (as all of us do when we bump something) I hit my head on the top of the desk.  I have now recovered (obviously since I am actually forming words on this post and not random gobblyguck) and have happily accepted this honor (although I am not sure how versatile I am) and thank her soooooo much for bestowing it on me! (and still feel the need to say "She loves me!" ) I also know that I probably should wait until she actually tells me!

So here are the rules:

Thank the person who sent it to you~ Well Juls of the most fabulishous Julsbeads I can hug you now that I no longer have the need to hold the icepack to my head while rubbing my knee so here is your SUPER SQUNCH !

Share 7 things about yourself ~  well since the last award I have learned ...

1. Keep it short

2. Not to deep (don't want to scare anyone away!)

3. Have fun with it!

7 Things.....

I love the term silly feet (see tags to learn more)

Speaking of silly feet I give myself pedicures 2 times a week to insure happy silly feet!

I cried hard when we went to see Toy Story 3.  I am such a sap!

I am a closet hip hop dancer (believe me its better it stays that way too!)

I can't text talk but I am a sucker for Julspeak!

As you read earlier I am a klutzy

I make the best shrimp scampi ever!!!!

Oh I have one more...I love spell check because in my advancing years I seem to have forgotten how to spell even the simplest words!

Ok now I pass the award on to 7 other (meaning Juls not me, what did you think I was that conceited?) fantastical bloggers

Silver Parrot (I love hermie updates and resin beauties!)

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles (Melanie makes the most interesting components I just love them!)

Belinda Saville ( her inspiration to me is precious and her beadwork is amazing!)

Artfully Yours, Olga ( she makes such pretty jewelry and is a jewel herself )

Treasures Found: Inspiration is Everywhere ( she is an amazing artist and a gifted inpirationist)(ok so that might not be a word but it doesn't make it any less true!)

Erin Siegel Jewelry ( I love her creations and blog!)

La Bella Joya (Marcie is gifted with mixing metals and seed beads I love it)

A Beaders Blog ( always a great read and inspiration)
Pretty Things (another great read and artist!)

Now a while ago Olga left me an award that I didn't quite know what to do with so I am also passing it along to all of you and Juls with a heartfelt thank you for all your encouragement on my journey and inspirations that you offer!

PS Juls I want the chocolate martini sometime soon!

Hugs

Kristen

IT'S HERE!!!!!!!! IT'S HERE!!!!!!! IT'S HERE!!!!

OK so it took all of my adult patience to not rip into this box without taking pictures first ( as the inner child would most definitely do!)but I wanted to savor this prize as much as possible to preserve the memory of receiving a true work of art that I CAN WEAR! (Thanks Erin for reminding me to take my time and savor the moments)

This package just so pretty. That's what made me stop and make sure I take this step by step! It is such a beautiful color and the ribbon is such a cool compliment! (I'll probably keep this box in the keepsakes because I am just that mushy)

So I opened it and still it was like another gift. So well protected in the bag!  I was so shaking with excitement I had to take a minute (OK not a whole minute)

LOOK LOOK LOOK

It is so much prettier in person! ( If you can believe that! ) The purples are exquisite and the dangle is the perfect compliment! Not only is the focal stunning (Thanks Jennifer by the way I thought I followed you but I didn't and now I can't find you...HELP) the work Lori put into is of such high quality I am in awe! (Don't ever doubt whether or not you are a true artist!) As I have said before the is a treasure to me and words can not express it enough!

I told you I couldn't wait to get it in my 'Hot little hand'

Now here is the next step do I just put it on a simple elegant silver chain or do I attempt to bead a chain?  (I am leaning towards the chain because I don't want to cheese this up) And what do I pair it with?     Hummm.................Honey!!!!!

Thank You Lori I absolutely love this!!!!!!!

Always Believe

Kristen

My New Pairing (I 'm still not sure about it though)

OK so here's the story. You know I took the lentil herringbone class (that is if you have been reading of course) So when I was at the shop I was planning to purchase lentils that looked very patriotic to me but....they were out! So I tried drops instead. Well....I of course didn't buy enough because I missed counted (stupid math) so I started the bracelet anyway and restarted the bracelet anyway. I was trotting along in the evenings(I obviously like this pattern) and this time paying close attention to the measurements (I still haven't ripped up the strawberry kiwi one because if I haven't mentioned before EVERY ROW IS REINFORCED!) I was half way through the second embellishment row when I realized I was using the wrong inner beads (ARGH!) Shelby said to leave it because it would look "COOL" that way and practically dared me to finish it. (Have I mentioned the OCD thing?) So I did and here it is! Please Please be brutally honest on this one as I am still considering restarting it!

PS I now have 15 followers and I am so surprised and grateful to all of you for visiting "I so Lucky!"

Always Believe
Kristen

Thank you to my 2 new followers

First I would like to thank Nicole at Beadwright. She is going through such a hard time with her brother being ill but she took a moment to follow me before she left to go to him. Please send her cyber hugs when you get a chance!

I would also like to thank Annaat A Beaders Blog she has given me great comments on my pairings and camping as well as makes some beautiful bracelets (which she doesn't charge enough for and I still can't buy them :( ) but some day maybe she will write a turorial so I can attempt to make one too!

All of my followers are so sweet to have signed up! Your the best! If you are new to my blog please visit them as well they are all an inspiration to me!

Well time to take a shower and get to finishing my planting! Hopefully I will have pics of the garden for you all on Monday!

Thank you Cindy Caraway and Belinda Saville

This is a pic of my newest pairing and I have Cindy to thank for it. I do need to give a little background (ok I don't need to but I will anyway) When I first started beading jewelry I bought both Beadwork and Bead and Button magazines. I loved what the artists were making but I didn't have the knowledge to actually make them so I would tear out the patterns I loved to put into a binder to oogle over later until I had the skills I needed to do them (of course I recycled the rest because I do try to live green) Well then I started to find resources on the computer and check out these artist blogs. I fell in love with Cindy's Blog Artful Living on the Bluff and began to read it on a regular basis. I also found Belinda's blog and she told me that I should start a blog (so I did and they both follow it isn't that awesome!)so I could show my work and journey to better my skills (or so you my see what not to do who knows) and honor the artist who inspire me (hopefully) Anyway I think it was my second posting that I posted a shirt and beads that needed to be paired but wasn't sure what would look good so to my binder I went and there staring me in the face was "Waves of Symmetry" from the Oct 2009 issue of Bead and Button and the designer was (drumroll please...) Cindy Caraway! How cool is that for me! So I have a favorite shirt (that I really love instead) and the same beads (ok not all of them but who cares) and here it is! I hope she is pleased with my interpretation of her pattern and speaking of the pattern it was so well written I don't think I could have messed it up ( well maybe I could have but I didn't) If you do read Cindy's blog you will know that she has been in a creative slump (at least she thinks so, I don't) so I do hope this gives her a boost (hopefully it doesn't have the opposite effect) and lets her know she is an inspiration to me!

Always Believe,
Kristen

PS My new motto is "If you trip in life make it part of your dance" I love this saying!

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mom's day to all of my 4 followers (and anyone else who joins) Thats right I said 4 followers I can't believe it!
First I would like to thank Aryd'ell (what an awesome name and person) at Gypsy Ramblings for following and for all the comments (lol) she offered great inspiration to me! Second I would like to thank Morwin at Another Country Beadworks for joining in she has great eye candy on her site too!

Ok so wait for it.....

This is my Shelby at Prom. I have no words.

And.....

I may have learned to take a better picture of my pairings! Let me know if you like it. This is a pattern I downloaded from www.beadinfinitum.com and I really do like this bangle. Now I going to Dick's Sporting Goods to buy fireline because 2 more bracelets broke this weekend.

Oh, Oh, Oh I forgot the best gifts I got this year. First Shelby is making me a copper wire bracelet in Art and Derek planted flowers in an old shoe in pre-school, then they all (my sweet hubby included) gave me a certificate for a bead class and kit! My first offical lesson!

Always Believe
Kristen

OMG! How lucky am I?
Karyn White from Releases by Rufydoof, one of the winners in the Use the Muse contest (check out her necklace I just love seahorses!) is a follower of my blog! That makes 2 amazing artists so far! Any one who reads this should check out both their blogs and the muse the art work is amazing!
I actually did attempt to enter but there was a shipping problem so I bailed. I am sort of glad I did because as you can see from my pics I am not yet up to that challange!

Family Notes
Prom is tommorrow and a friend of mine is going to do Shelby's hair. I am going to press the dress today. I can't believe my baby girl is going to the prom! Wish me luck to hold back the tears until she leaves.

Thank You Cindy Caraway @ Artful living on the Bluff for being my very first follower!
Every one should check out her blog! She is an amazing artist! I really cant believe she will follow me but I am very honored!
Here is a pic of my 2nd favorite pairing so far. It is a very simple design but I love the colors! I guess you cant really tell by the pictures ( I am still learning how to get good shots of my pairings) the shirt is a cream color and the colors of the bracelet remind me of a good strong cup of mocha latte. (I do love my coffee! ) I wear them with a pair of brown capris and eventually I would like to make a necklace to match but I haven't yet branched out that far. I hope you enjoy!

Family Notes
My mother in law finished the alterations on my daughters prom dress. She looks amazing in it! I will definitely post pics when I get them and you can see what I mean!

Always believe!
Kristen