Victorian Elegance

I finally quit procrastinating and took the pictures for my BFAC (Beading For a Cure) project. Just have to package it up and get it in the mail on Friday. I loved the kit this year. I knew the second I got it just what I was going to do with it. I have seen pictures of some beautiful projects with this kit. Beki Haley from Out on a Whim did a great job picking the colors this year.

Beading for a Cure was started some years ago after a fellow beader, Layne Shilling died of colorectal cancer. It's a tribute to her and a joy to see how it has grown over the years. There were 75 kits sold this year. In March and April, all the projects made with this kit will be auctioned off on eBay with the funds earned going to Colorectal Cancer Research. I'm proud to be a part of this group.

In other news, I am happy to announce that some of my bead embroidery work is going to be included in Jamie Cloud Eakin's new book which is due out in October 2011. Jamie is a prolific beader and wonderful teacher. She is one of those people who shares her knowledge of bead embroidery freely and you can tell it brings her much joy.

What I have been doing

Well, as usual, I have been staying busy beading. The top picture is my Red Cuff. I'm trying to make each cuff as different as possible even though I'm using the same techniques. Sometimes it's a bit of a challenge. Working with all red is definitely not my favorite color palette.
I used shell ovals as my centers in this cuff. I call it Beach. It was originally supposed to be straight on the sides, but it called for me to accent the oval shapes so the scissors came out. Working on cuffs is a great way to try new color combinations to see how they work together.

I have to give the cuffs a rest for a bit and catch up on my other beading obligations. Never fear, there will be more of them. LOL.







My friend, Sandy, and I went to an Indian Pow Wow this morning. This picture was taken there shortly before the battery in my camera died. The regalia was out of this world. The beading was exquisite. It was a treat to see whole families participating in the parade, chants, and dancing. It was pretty warm so we only stayed a couple of hours, but managed to at least get a wonderful Indian Taco for lunch. I want to go again so I can get pictures of the beautiful beadwork. It was astounding.

Latest Cuffs

These are the latest cuffs I've finished. The top one is called Southwestern Nights. I am continuing to try new patterns of beading. I want to learn to use each bead in as many ways as possible. I particularly like the beading around the cabochon. It's just one of many ways to capture a cabochon. I hope to get to all of them eventually.


Purple Shimmer was just fun to make. I needed something to wear with all the purple I own. It was also a great way to use these gorgeous 3-cuts.

Mother's Day was a bit sad for me this year. Staying busy with my beads helps a lot. I call it my therapy. Much cheaper than seeing a doctor. And at least I have something to show for it afterwards.

Taught a fun class in beading around a cabochon today. We had lots of giggles and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Copper Lace

Well, here it is. Copper Lace in its entirety. I had sooo much fun working on this cuff. I don't usually work in monochromatic color schemes, but it was fun and I will do it again. With just the one cab, it fits like a dream.



These are the seedbeads I rescued from Out on a Whim. Can you believe they had them just sitting out there for anyone to see them? I knew they were mine immediately. Beki and Shawn, along with Shawna, Nikki, Tracy and the rest of their crew were not fast enough to stop me. It was wonderful to see everyone there and have the chance to visit with them. It is always like old home week when we get together.
This picture shows the strands of small gemstones, etc. that I love to use in my bead embroidery. I just can't seem to get enough of them. I also picked up some earring findings and a few cabs to play with.















This last picture makes me drool. They are all either charlottes or 3cuts. Makes the work and the world sparkle.

All in all, the train trip to NorCal was a blast. Eight of us went on the train and we met a couple more CCBS members who had driven up. They were on their way to Camp Paradise for a retreat. Hope they have fun. There were lots of good vendors, but the crowds weren't as dense as usual. Those who were there seemed to be buying though. I was able to talk to Janet Farris for a bit. She's so busy these days, I only get to see her at shows. Had a nice visit with Lisa Kan at her booth. Her work is incredible. It was a good kind of tired I was feeling by the time we got home last night.

Sneek Peek at new cuff

Here is a peek at my newest cuff. Those who know me, know I am not a monochromatic girl. Usually I go for brights and lots of contrasts. When I started pulling beads for this cuff, I kept putting back all the sharply contrasting beads. They didn't satisfy me somehow. I also tend to work in color blocks, but I am working out some new (for me) patterns with this cuff. What do you think?

As in my last couple of cuffs, I am using no peyote, or other conventional stitches. I'm also only using one stone. Very different for me. I am going to explore using different techniques for a while and see where it takes me.

I'm looking forward to taking the train with friends up to Oakland for the NorCal Bead Bazaar this Saturday. It's sure to be a wonderful show. I know Out on a Whim will have all kinds of new goodies to buy and I'll be looking for some different kinds of focal pieces for my bead embroidery. I'll be sure to take pictures of my stash when I get back so I can share them.

Just Cuff Me

I have been on a bead embroidery binge lately. Does that surprise anyone? I didn't think so. These are two cuffs I recently finished. I am working on a pendant to go with the top one. I have recently learned some new techniques which are improving my work. The top cuff is called Ocean Deep and the bottom one is called Forest Pools. Have you ever noticed that it is sometimes harder to name a piece than it is to make it?

I just got back from a week at the coast. It was heaven! I went with a friend and we had such a good time. Rested a lot...read a lot..... shopped a lot.... and of course, beaded a lot. Was able to have dinner with my oldest grandson and his girlfriend. That is always a treat. They are working and going to college in San Luis Obispo. I'm very proud of them.

Went right back to work at Beads, Etc in Clovis when I got back to town. My middle grandson and his other grandmother came in to see me. He's 16. The youngest grandson is almost 11 now and very busy into sports. I love them all dearly.

Well, back to work now. I have to do some writing for the Central California Bead Society newsletter. It's a very active group and I enjoy it immensely.

And there is a winner!

I am officially a lucky, lucky person. I have managed to win both of these wonderful examples of exquisite beadwork from the Beading for a Cure Auctions so far this year. Not sure I've stopped bidding yet. LOL. The top picture is a mermaid by Dale Subitch and the Dragonfly is by Ellen Chasse. The auctions are still going on so take a look and make a bid or two. You might be as lucky too. Go to www.beadingforacure.org and click on the Auction button. That will take you to the eBay site. Good luck!

Just finished

I just finished this necklace about an hour ago. It's called Bohemian Lace and is one of the classes I took a couple of weeks ago from Melanie Doerman. If you ever get a chance to take a class from her, jump on it. She's terrific! This is way outside my normal box. As most of you know, I'm very in to bead embroidery. It was so much fun making all the components for this necklace. Now I need to make a bracelet to match.

In other news, I am working hard to finish my BFAC pieces for next year's auction. I made a hard cuff (see last blog entry) and am currently making a necklace to match it.

Don't forget this year's auctions are still going on. See www.beadingforacure.org . I won a gorgeous 22" mermaid doll a couple of weeks ago. Haven't taken a picture yet, as it's currently at our LBS, Beads, Etc. in Clovis being admired by everyone. Must take my camera in tomorrow. The doll maker is Dale Subitch. She did a beautiful piece of art there. I love bidding on the auction items. The money goes to Colorectal Cancer research. You can pick up some stunning artwork for not too much money.

I was privileged to take another class recently. The teacher was Jamie Cloud Eakin. She is writing an new book and tried out her new technique on a small group of beaders. It was such fun and soooo inspirational. I have so many ideas buzzing around in my head right now. Too little time to do all of them, even if I beaded all day, every day.

BFAC Preview

I just couldn't stand not to share this with someone. This cuff is from the current BFAC kit. I fell in love with the colors immediately and knew right away what I wanted to do with it. These pictures are not the ones which will accompany my entry this year, but just some I took at home today.
This is the first time I have made a cuff on a metal blank. I did it specifically so it would fit more wrists. I prefer to make what I call soft cuffs that wrap easily around the wrist, but they must be made to fit a specific size wrist. The blank makes it more versatile. I am also going to make a matching pendant necklace to wear with it. It may be that it will be auctioned off separately. I'm not sure yet. In any case, it was a pure pleasure to work with these colors. While I immediately thought of black, this kit lends itself to many different color combinations. I can't wait to see what everyone else does with it.

The bottom picture is a close up of the sides toward the back of the cuff.


Be sure to check out our current auctions on Beading for a Cure. You can reach them by going to www.beadingforacure.org and clicking on the auction button. You can also see the Galleries for years past. Check it out. I know you will enjoy the variety of beaded objects done by some wonderful bead artists.

Suddenly It's Spring

We are having a warm spell here . No rain for a change and in the mid 70's. I could live with this year around.

This top picture is of one of the headlands in Cambria. It's right across the street from where I stayed last week. It was a little bit of heaven. I was able to spend a good bit of time with my oldest grandson, David, and his girlfriend, Brittany. They are the greatest kids.


The last two pictures I took at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. Brittany and I had lunch there. Good food and beautiful surroundings. Aren't those tulips gorgeous?

I actually took the train and bus over there which was quite comfortable and inexpensive. Now that I know that, you can bet I will be going more often. It had been way too long since I had seen and heard the ocean.

I've been working on my BFAC kit project. It's coming along nicely. Hope to have a picture to show you soon.

Speaking of BFAC, the auctions are going on now in ebay. Go to our website at: www.beadingforacure.org and click on Auctions. There are some wonderful works of art being auctioned each week. Check it out.

Have you ever made one?

Have you ever made a Bottle of Hope? Do you know what that is? I first became aware of BOH when I started doing polymer clay many years ago. I can remember several of us sitting around a big table with swirling mixes of PC in front of us. We decided to do BOH as a project. We covered small medication bottles with clay and decorated them to our hearts content. Some time later one of our teachers (Rhonda) taught us how to bead around them. The variations are infinite, depending on the beads you use. You can do peyote, netting, etc. or even, as in the above case, in bead embroidery. These bottles are then given to cancer patients as a symbol of hope for their recovery. It is a very worthwhile project. It is understood that these bottles are never to be sold, but are to be given as gifts. I have seldom found a more satisfying way to provide encouragement to those suffering from this dreaded disease. Try making one. Give it away. You will see what I mean.

Quick Peek at May

Just a quick peek at my May page. Can you guess what it is? Most of it is done in 15/0's with a few 11/0's thrown in. This one is very labor intensive, but I think it will be worth it. I found out it's hard to photograph all those off white beads. I'm off to teach a Freeform Peyote bracelet at Beads, Etc. today. Should be fun.

BFAC Time

Well, I just sent off my payment for my BFAC (Beading for a Cure) kit for this year. I can't wait to get it and see what colors we'll be working with. I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing this year. Have to wait until I get the kit. I know it will be gorgeous as Beki Haley is making up the kits this year. Do you think it might have a rivoli in it? LOL.

The proceeds from the auction, which starts in March , will go to Colorectal Cancer research. Watch my blog for further info about the auctions. This is done in memory of a friend of our group named Layne. She succumbed to this kind of cancer several years ago.

In other news, I am about a third of the way finished with my May page. Once again, it will be different from the others. I am trying for a more dimensional look on this page. It will include some beautiful little star flowers I learned from Beki Haley while at the Tahoe Retreat this past October.

More later.......

Tropic Carnival

Finished this a few minutes ago. Is it bright enough for you? I started out with the large square bead with the stripes. Does anyone know what it is? It's known as Fordite. In truth, it is made up of many colors of automotive paint. I pulled all my colors from this bead. As I worked, I realized it made me think of all the Carnival celebrations in Rio and the Caribbean islands. The ruffles made me think of the beautiful costumes. If you look closely, you will see some of the irridescent sequins that you might find on those costumes.

This page is for April and is called Tropic Carnival. I don't usually work with such a variety of hot colors, but it just seemed to call for it. It was a fun page to work on. Guess I'll have to start thinking about the next one. LOL.

April Sneek Peek

Here is a sneek peek at my April page for BJP. No, I am not a beading maniac (well, maybe I am). I have a perfectly good reason for beading ahead. I'm hoping to get a kit for this year's BFAC (Beading for a Cure). I figure if I can get the kit, finish it and send it off right away, then I can't lose it like I did last year. Duh! Wouldn't you think I would quit putting things in a "safe" place?

This page is totally unusual for me. I hadn't a clue what I was going to do when I started it. If you look back at most of my beading, I don't use a great number of colors in one piece. This one has everything but the kitchen sink thrown in. Think tropical; think fiesta; think Jamaica, etc. HOT colors!!! I'm having great fun with it. More when it is finished.

I spent the weekend being pea green with envy as one of my best friends was at the coast with her husband. I am craving to get to the ocean. I feel like a lemming! Don't get me wrong. I don't begrudge them their anniversary trip, but they wouldn't take me. Can you believe that????? I promised I would leave them alone. All kidding aside, I hope to get to the ocean soon. It seems to renew my soul. Does that make sense to anyone?

Starry, Starry Night- March

This is my March page for the Bead Journal Project. I know, I know. I've been a little obsessive since I started the first of the month. I freely admit it. I figure I might as well bead while I can. Who knows what will happen later. I might lose my muse again. I sure hope not. That is not fun!

I bought the gemstone bead while I was in Tahoe last October. Beki had way too good a selection so I indulged myself. This stone reminded me of the night sky. As I was working on it, I kept thinking of Van Gogh"s painting "Starry, Starry Night". I realized I was beading in circles just like the painting. I remember now why I don't usually bead in all dark beads. Even with good light, it can be difficult. I'm not sure if I will continue to encrust my pages for the whole year, but it has been intensely satisfying to work on these first three pages.

California has been inundated with rain and snow this past week. I don't want to complain as we need it so desperately. We've had some real gully washers, tornado warnings, hail, landslides, etc for a week now. Yesterday was bright and sunny and today started out that way too. However, we are supposed to get more rain tonite and several days this week. I just hope it can soak in so it doesn't cause more damage. Of course the ski parks are loving it. One of them got 9 feet of snow this week. Brrr!

Pathway To My Heart

I seem to be on a roll. This is my February BJP page. I call it "Pathway to My Heart." The heart in the center is a button. I fell in love with it and just had to use it for this page. These are some of my favorite colors to work with. They just seem to speak to me. I have selected my colors for the March page already. Won't tell what they are yet. A girl has to have some secrets. LOL.

Took a class yesterday from Leslie Frazier. It was great fun. The necklace has a focal of three oak leaves with acorns on a herringbone spiral cord. Very yummy! I feel so fortunate to be able to bead with such a great group of friends. We know each other very well and have lots of fun together.

Winter Storm

Well, I finished it. These are not my favorite colors to work with, but our recent weather seemed to call for it. Makes me cold just looking at it. Brrrr! I promise the rest of my pages will be more cheerful. I already have ideas for next month, but I have a few special projects to do before I can start it.

We are doing inventory at our LBS where I volunteer. Not sure I would do it if it weren't beads. LOL. I remember when we moved the shop to its present location, about five years ago. Trust me, you don't ever want to do that. We only moved diagonally across an intersection. My fellow teachers threatened to put me in a shopping cart with my arms out to hold bead strands. The mental picture is hilarious! I told them they would have to get the fire department to use the jaws of life to get me out. Needless to say, we found another way.

Just a Tease

Thought I would blog just a teaser of my January BJP page. I really like the 3x5 size I chose for this year. It's easier to hold in my hand to work on, and still gives me room to play with different ideas. My focus this year is on color. I want to climb out of my box a bit and try some new color combinations. In deference to the cold, windy weather much of the country is experiencing right now, I chose to start the year with white and silver. Hopefully, I will become a little more imaginative as the months go by. I am so pleased that two of my best friends from here are joining me in the adventure this year. I know it will make it even more fun.

Goodbye 2009

Can you believe this year is over as of today? In many ways it has been a good year: Sharing with friends and family, going to Retreats and bead shows, and beading.
Unfortunately, it has also been a sad year. Losing family members and friends is always sad. This post is dedicated to those who no longer walk beside us. This piece of bead embroidery has been done since Christmas. I've spent so much time thinking of my friend, Lora, and her fight to overcome Inflammatory Breast Cancer that I decided to call this piece "Lora's Song". She was a friend to many and always positive and upbeat. She will be missed.

I have a good feeling about 2010. I think it will be a creative, productive year for all of us. Tomorrow we start our third year of the Bead Journal Project. What a blessing that has turned out to be for many of us. Robin Atkins has touched so many people with this project and continues to do so.

May all of you have a wonderful New Year, and may you love, laugh and be happy for all your days. Be safe this holiday and be creative, no matter what your chosen medium.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!