New Year, New Ideas

This year is shaping up to be a busy one. I was just elected President of the Central California Bead Society and I'm very honored. I hope to carry on the traditions set before me. CCBS is a very active club and we have some great plans in the works for this year. I'll keep you posted.

As I mentioned in my last post, I have become addicted to working with chain, thanks to a class I took from Beki Haley last November at BABE. I always knew Beki was mesmerizing, but wow! I think she created a monster here. LOL I can't seem to stop and the ideas just keep coming. I will be teaching a class on working with chain and beads this next weekend at Beads, Etc. in Clovis,CA. That is my LBS and my home away from home. I usually spend three days a week at the shop. Sometimes I just bead, but I help stock the shop and run the register as well. One of my best friends (like a sister) owns the shop and her youngest daughter, Beth, manages it for her. Since I was blessed with Grandsons, I have adopted Beth as a Granddaughter. I couldn't have a better one if she was related by blood. She has spent many hours working on revamping the shop and it shows. It is open, light and bright, and displays many types of beads. We have regularly scheduled classes on Saturdays and some evenings during the week. We also have several of our teachers available for individual classes and spontaneous demonstrations all week long.

Pictured here is a bracelet made with the new Tila Beads. It's easy enough for beginners, but not boring for more experienced beaders. This particular bracelet is my design. I have seen it done in many color combinations now and love it more each time.

Sadly, with all my new responsibilities this year, I have had to forgo doing the Bead Journal Project for the 4th year. I just wouldn't have time to do it justice. This is not to say I have stopped doing bead embroidery. Don't think that will happen until I just cannot hold a needle anymore. God willing, that will be many years down the road.

I just received my pieces back from the publisher who is releasing Jamie Cloud Eakins' new book this Fall. I have the honor of having my work included in the Gallery of her book. Can't wait to see it. It should be released in October. Jamie has some wonderful information in it, and the eye candy from her projects is stunning.

Until next time........Be safe, be happy, and keep beading.