Grape Day

As many of you may know, the San Joaquin Valley in California is known for it's wonderful table grapes, as well as wine grapes and those dried for raisins. This is my September doll for the Beaded Art Dolls Calendar Challenge. She was fun to do and went together really fast. I made her this afternoon. I put a pin/pendant clasp on her so I can wear her either way. Only eleven more to go this year. LOL

I am slowly catching up with all my WIP's. I hate it when I get in a slump. All I wanted to do was read or play on the computer. At least I'm getting back in gear now. Won't let myself pick up a book until after 4 pm. I am determined to catch up and stay that way.

Lots going on this next week or two. Going to see Gretchen Wilson Friday at our County Fair. Saturday and Sunday are two classes with Liz Smith with our Bead Society. Should be great fun. Then next Friday (10th) I'm going to see Randy Travis (also at the Fair).

BABE is getting closer all the time. I love going to Oakland for BABE. I get to see friends that I don't see but a couple of times a year, and if I'm lucky, I get to meet other online friends for the first time. I enjoy visiting with vendors who come every year and of course, checking out all the goodies. I might just buy a few too. LOL

Went on a Binge!

I was a bad girl last week. Not really.

Last Thursday my friend, Lynn, and I went to the coast to relax and take a class. On Friday, we picked up my oldest GS, David, and went to Grover Beach and Pismo for the day. We shopped for beads (of course) and books and then went to dinner. Yum! On Saturday, we took a class from Teri Dannenburg at Naturally Jennifer's bead store in San Luis Obispo. We learned how to make a bracelet called Acropora (a type of coral). It's very organic looking. Did more bead shopping! We had to leave for home right after the class so we would be ready for the CCBS Annual Bead Show on Sunday. Did I buy more beads? You betcha! The top picture is my stash for the three days shopping. The bottom picture is just the seed beads I bought. Did I need more beads? Nope! Did I want more beads? Well, of course! Our show is not too large; about 30 vendors this year. However, we always have fun.

I also splurged on a new 19" monitor for my computer and if that wasn't enough, I bought a small laptop that only weighs 3.2 lbs. Can you tell I finally received my retroactive retirement check from the County? After buying clothes and paying bills, I even have a bunch of money left. It's going to stay in the bank, too. I've had my spending spree and I am a happy girl.

I'm finally getting back into the swing of beading. I was in a funk for a couple of weeks, but I'm gathering up steam to meet all the obligations I've signed up to do. It feels good to know I can do all these things without having to worry about finances anymore.

9/11

Where were you?
There are two times in my life that I will always remember; when JFK was shot and 9/11. I know there have been many tragic events in my lifetime, but those two struck a chord within me.
How sad it is for our whole nation and for the world, that there are people still in the world who have so little respect for life. There is no political regime or religion that can justify slaughter of this scope. There was no war; though war does not excuse the killing of innocents.
My heart hurts for those who lost loved ones in 9/11. It hurts for the rest of us who thought it could never happen here. It can, and it did.
I will never forget.

Splurge

I just was walking to the bank this morning. That's all. All of a sudden, I found myself in a nearby shop buying clothes. How did that happen? I haven't bought clothes in forever. I basically live in jeans and teeshirts. What a treat it was to just go in and pick out some new things. I still want to get some sweaters for this winter, but I'm pretty well set for tees now and I bought a couple of pair of jeans too.

If this sounds pretty mundane, consider I have been living on a very limited income for the past six months (Soc. Sec.). My county retirement just kicked in with a very nice retroactive check. Makes me feel rich. Not really, but it's nice to be off such a tight budget again.

I have signed up for BJP 2008 and am looking forward to a productive year. I am also in two other year long challenges, as well as a couple of swaps. Have I lost my mind? Probably, but I don't care; I'm having fun.

Time to Contribute

As of August 1st, 2008, donations are being accepted for a drawing to take place on October 15, 2008. This drawing is for the Pink Artist Doll "Love Squared" which is featured in Art Doll Quarterly Magazine currently on the stands. This beautiful creation was organized and made by Monica Magness,a renowned multi media artist. "Love Squared" is approximately 30 " tall. Her gown is made up of 182 2" squares contributed by artists all over the world to help combat Breast Cancer. Monies will go to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Research Foundation.

In addition to having two chances/$10.00 donation to win "Love Squared", contributors also have a chance to win several prizes donated by various artists. For more information please go to : http://girl-gone-thread-wild.blogspot.com/

Please contribute what you can. The cause is a worthy one. Few families are not touched in some fashion by breast cancer. Research is essential to erradicate this terrible disease. Give to save lives. It may save someone you love.

Published Online

Okay. I'm jazzed! Received a phone call from a Tierracast Rep to get my okay to give me credit for another bracelet that is on their online catalog. Like I'm going to say no. Sure! I made this bracelet a few years ago using their product in return for a stash of their goodies. It can be found on the bracelet page of their Design Ideas. If you scan through the catalog you will also see the freeform peyote bracelet I made. It has been in the catalog for a couple of years now. I'm not sure exactly when my name will go on the Garden bracelet, but I was told it would be soon.

Latest Work

Finally finished my BFAC doll, "Fire Dancer" She goes off in the mail tomorrow. I'm rather sad to see her go even though I know she is going to the best of causes. Layne's Legacy or Beading for a Cure is a yearly auction that raises money for ColoRectal Cancer Research. I'm very proud to have been a part of it this year. Hopefully, she will raise a good amount of money for our cause.
This is the second soft cuff bracelet I've made. This one is for me. I love working in these colors as they have a rich, sumptuous look to them. I'm much happier with this one. I have several others planned already.

New Project

I am in total shock! I was contacted this morning by the company that sells this bag and others. They asked me to do a bead embroidery piece to be inserted into the clear pocket of the bag. They are sending me a bag just like this one. When I get the piece done, I'm to send it to them for photography and then they send it back for me to keep. It will be published on their website, put in news releases and perhaps even be offered to a magazine. I will get full credit for my design and be linked on their website as well. After several emails today, the bag is on its way to me.
This came right out of the blue. I have no idea where they even saw my work. I must have angels sending the word out for me. Amazing!

Latest Class Samples

This first picture is a a soft cuff I just finished as a class sample. Pastels are not really my thing, but the LBS owner wanted a summe bracelet, so this is what she got. It's done on EZFelt and backed with the same. There is no metal insert so it fits snug around the wrist. It's very comfortable and lightweight to wear.
I saw a picture in a book and modified it somewhat. I will be teaching this next month at our LBS. It's called Topaz Treasure.

I've been having fun coming up with new class ideas in between finishing my BFAC doll and several other projects.

Window to the Past

This is a window into our past. This picture was taken in a gold mining ghost town in the Eastern Sierras. It's name is Bodie. At one point in time, Bodie had a population of 10,000 people. Now it is run by the State of California as a park. It is kept in a state of "arrested decay". There are still many buildings standing, but you are able to enter very few of them. This is the General Store. The picture was taken through a dirty window.
There is a museum there with a myriad of items the miners used in their daily life. There was a bank, but all that is left of it is a wall and the old safe. There is a firehouse, a gas station, a mortuary, a schoolhouse and a church. Up on the hill above the town is the remnants of the old gold mine. They say there is still gold there, but it is too expensive to mine it.
At the edge of town is the cemetery. It has many fancy marble and granite head stones. Most of the inhabitants died very young. Outside the fence of the cemetery is a tall (5 ft?) obelisk with just the inscription " Rosa" on it. Rosa was a prostitute who helped nurse many of the miners when an epidemic hit. She is said to have saved many lives. However, due to her profession, she was not allowed to be buried in consecrated ground. I have been to Bodie many times and there are always flowers on her grave.
This is just a glimpse into the past of California. It is well worth visiting during the summer months. From mid-September to June the high mountain passes are usually snowed in. However, it can be reached easily from the Nevada side.

Tagged for a Meme

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

I was working nightshift as an RN at our County Jail. Worked with a great bunch of Officers! I still consider them some of my favorite people. I was into rubber stamping and just starting to take some bead classes. One of my favorite things to do was to take off by myself and drive up into the Eastern Sierras to do scenic photography. Another was watching my grandsons grow.

2. What are 5 things on my to do list for today (need not be in order)?

Take a picture of my BFAC doll and post it.
Finish a bead embroidered soft cuff bracelet and write instructions for the class I will teach in two weeks.
Start my Sample doll for BAD.
Start cleaning the apartment (hate housework!!!).
Start bead embroidery on silk cord bracelet.

3. Snacks that I enjoy.

Unsalted nuts of any kind.
Chocolate (in limited quantities these days)
Sugar Snap Peas (Love these)

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire.

Set up trusts so my grandsons' college education was guaranteed.
Buy into our local bead shop so we could double the size and staff.
Spend money lobbying to improve mental health care.
Need I say it? BUY BEADS!!!!
Make sure all family members have what they need.

5. Places I have lived.

Born in Avenal, CA. Lived there until age 20.
San Luis Obispo, CA for 2 1/2 years. Worked as a Lab Tech.
Lawton, Oklahoma for 3 years. Married to an Army Officer.
Omaha, Nebraska for 9 months-Hubby taught at Creighton University.
Hawaii for 4 years. Stationed at Schofield Barracks.
Fort Ord, CA for 3 years.
Fort Knox, Kentucky for 3 years
Fort Leonardwood, Missouri for 1 1/2 years. Divorced.
Sanger, CA. Worked in a hospital.
Clovis, CA. Worked at Co. Jail for 16 years, then 6 years in Adult Day Health Care. Now retired.

6. Peeps I want to know more about.

Grace of GraceBeading
Bobbi of Beading at the Beach
Sandy of Focus on Fiber
Ellen of Dollie Beads
Jackie of Beading Gram

I will notify the above of their tags. Hopefully they will want to play too.

Thanks for the opportunity, Robin.

Bountiful Harvest

Well, today is the end of one of the most challenging years I have ever had. I finished my September page a couple of days ago. It was the last of twelve pages that I have worried about, prayed about, and worked my fingers (old though they may be) to the bone for. Actually, that is at least a partial untruth. This year has been heart wrenching at times, but I wouldn't have traded it for any amount of money. I feel like I have learned so much about beading, and more importantly, about myself. It has been a voyage of discovery indeed. The joy I have received from sharing such an experience with my fellow beaders and artists is unmeasureable. To thank Robin for starting this project somehow does not seem enough. If you multiply all my questions to her by 200+, it's a wonder she even had time to bead or write her book. The friendships formed during this year, I hope, will continue for a long time. I know I have become hopelessly addicted to reading blogs and will continue to do so. Thank all of your for sharing your knowledge with me.

UFO's Being Finished

I finally feel like I'm accomplishing something. I just finished my last BJP page and will post pics shortly. I also finished my BFAC doll yesterday. I just have to take pictures and send her off in the mail. I have a feeling that is going to be a little difficult for me. It's like letting your child go off to school for the first time.

I had no idea when I started the Bead Journal Project a year ago, what an impact it would have on my life. In many ways it changed how I think about my art. I love bead embroidery and I am constantly trying to think of new ways to use it. I also hope to incorporate more things into my BJP pages in the next year. I want to explore using different fabrics, papers, etc in my work. I also want to add some polymer clay and found objects.

All in all, I'm a very happy camper these days.

Big Sur Coastline in California

This is a picture I took some years ago along the Big Sur coastline of Central California. The rugged cliffs and multicolored blues of the water greatly appealed to me. It was a cool, very windy day and the fog was slowly coming in. If you have never driven Highway 1 along the California coast, you have missed a rare treat. The road is narrow (just two lanes) and very winding, but well worth the trip. The scenery is outstanding and you may catch a glimpse of whales, sea otters, or elephant seals if you're lucky.

April and May BJP Pages

Almost done! The butterfly represents my turning 65 in April. It's called "Free to be Me". Working on this project this year has shown me more of who I really am. I think this is a good thing. LOL.

The May page is just called "May Flowers". I have to finish my September page and I will be done for this year. I am already looking forward to BJP 2008. Many ideas buzzing around in my head already. Too many projects to finish between now and then though. It seems like I can't stop signing up for each new thing that comes along. Oh well. That's me all over. At least I now have the time to work on them as much as I want to.

It's a Puzzlement is done

This doll has been such fun to do. I hadn't done a flat doll before. Of course, the required purple beads were no problem for me. I love purple. She is a challenge doll in the Beaded Art Dolls forum on Yahoo. It is a lively group who freely share their expertise with newer beaders. I'm very glad I joined the group. Soon I will be starting a new doll from a swap with others from around the world. Can't wait
to see what kind of kit I get. It should be fun. I still must put the backing on this doll with a picot edging. I'm getting to be quite expert at that with all the pins, pendants, and BJP pages I am doing.

More BE

Here is another pendant I made. I've discovered these things are very addictive. I no sooner get one finished, than I want to start another. Soon Mother's Day will be behind us and I must make myself settle and finish my BJP Pages. sometimes it's very hard to work on the big things when the little projects are calling.
This is a pin I made for my DIL's mother. She and her husband are ardent Raider's fans. I don't understand the attraction myself, but each to his or her own I guess.

Gift for a Friend

This is a pin I made for my friend Lynn's birthday. She has a beautiful blue blazer that this will compliment. She has been a good friend to me for some years now. We have enjoyed traveling together, going to bead shows and taking classes at the coast. Right now I'm very envious of her. She leaves soon to visit her family in Minnesota and then on to the Bead & Button show. I know she will have a great time taking classes and shopping.

New Pieces

I recently finished these pieces. The first will be a secondary raffle prize when the Pink Artist doll "Love Squared" is raffled off this coming fall. The pendant is approximately 2 1/2 inches across and has fresh water pearls and gemstones embedded in bead embroidery. The necklace is Russian Spiral.

The two pins below are the beginning of a line I hope to market eventually. It will consist of pins, pendants and possibly earrings and barrettes. It is such fun doing these small items and so rewarding to see them take shape. They will all be one of a kind. I never did like having to make the same thing repeatedly. They will have gemstones, crystals, and perhaps some unknown items included in the bead embroidery.

Latest Pieces

A friend of mine recently asked me for something to cover a hole in her favorite jacket, so I beaded a patch. Then I decided the jacket would look funny with one small patch, so I beaded three more. Someone asked me how she would be able to wash her denim jacket with all that beading attached. Hmmmm... Then I remembered a glue I had used for sequined patches several years ago at Christmas time. It's Allene's Tack It Over and Over. I'm going to put it on the patches tonight so it will have time to cure. Then we'll try it tomorrow. I'll let you all know how it works. The patch to your left is a pin that I made this morning. I have several patterns (shapes) I'm going to make into pins and pendants. What do you think? This is a new idea for me. A year ago I wouldn't have attempted it. Doing the BJP this year has given me the confidence to not only try new things, but to put them out there for the world to see.

Arline