Sunday, August 26, 2012

More Fire Hydrants


I thought I would share more pictures of the fire hydrants from Ann Arbor, MI.  I really love these pictures and plus they were so much fun to photograph.  You can see more pictures on Studio Waterstone's blog of I Heart Macro Sunday.

Here ya go:





This morning mom and I are heading to get breakfast while the kiln is firing up.  I also need to break down and buy gas for the car or I will be walking - why in the world did it jump back up to $3.85?????? 

I have about five or six pendants I need to enamel and I think mom will be working on sawing out some bowls and plates.  Hopefully I will have more pictures later on today of what we did.  Have a wonderful Sunday!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

We Were Busy Bees Today


Today was an assembly day in the garage.  I think mom and I are sort of panicking because our first show is fast approaching.  I was thinking our first show was the first weekend in September but actually it is the 16th of September.  So, we still have time to work pieces up.


Mom worked on assembling all the Viking Knit pieces and I did all the other easy pieces :)  We ended up making five necklaces and eleven bracelets.  I am pretty proud of us for creating that many pieces today.

So, here is what we got accomplished:

"Hearts on Fire" - lava stones, hematite,
and our lampwork glass beads

Love how the beads turned out


Pendant from Singing Cat Studio, Viking Knit
made by us with turquoise 26 gauge Parawire,
and sterling silver clasp and not sure about the end caps

26 gauge orange Parawire Viking knit necklace, sterling silver
heart clasp and not sure about the end caps

26 gauge pink Parawire Viking Knit necklace, sterling silver clasp and not sure
about the end caps

26 gauge puple Parawire Viking Knit necklace, sterling silver
clasp and not sure about the end caps

Bracelets:

Agate stone, gunmetal spacers (not sure about the white beads), purple Viking
knit, gunmetal clasp and end caps.


The other side of the bracelet

Polymer Clay "Pillows" made by Tropical Blonde, lampwork glass beads by
us, tiger eye and Czech accent beads, sterling silver clasp

Lampwork glass beads by us, 26 gague pink Parawire Viking knit bracelet,
sterling silver clasp and I think the end caps are brass

I think the stone is Agate (need to ask mom - one of the stones we bought at that bead
show in Indy), purple Viking Knit, gunmetal clasp and end caps

Pink/black feathered beads bought at the bead show in Indy, gunmetal spacers,
pink Viking knit, gunmetal clasp and end caps

The other side of the bracelet

Pink/white feathered beads by us, sterling silver spacers, clasp, maybe end caps
and pink Viking Knit

Pink Polymer Clay "Pillows" by Tropical Blonde, lampwork glass beads by us,
Czech accent beads and sterling silver clasp

26 gague pink Viking Knit with Sterling Silver clasp

26 gauge purple viking knit with sterling silver clasp

Tile from More Skye Jewels, beads from Julsbeads, tiger eye and
Czech bead accents, seed beads and a button

Image from the other side

Lampwork beads by us and accent beads with a sterling silver clasp

So, that was today.  Tomorrow I have to enamel some pendants and I think while I am doing that mom maybe sawing out bowls and plates.  Though it depends on how she feels because right now she is crashed on the couch watching the second season of Castle.  I am heading home to feed the cats, site on the comfy couch and work on some Viking Knit and watch a DVD (not sure what yet).

Have a great night everyone!!!

3rd and Final Bead Soup Reveal

Today is the 3rd and Final Bead Soup Reveal.

Mom and I participated in the second Bead Soup and you can see it here.

Mom and I are working in the garage to finish up final pieces for shows in September.  I also having lunch with my bestie at noon.  So, I will be hopping between all that. 

Go and check out all the wonderful participants.  Also, a big huge round of applause for Lori for all the hard work she puts into these parties!!!  THANK YOU LORI!!!

 
Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
Agi Kiss, Moonsafari Beads
Alice Peterson, Alice Dreaming
Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones
Amanda Dittloff, Passion Smashin'
Andra Marasteanu, Bijoux de Monanage
Angie Szlovak, SweetBeads
Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog
Arlene Dean, A Glass Bash
Audrey Belanger, Dreams of an Absolution
Barb Solem, Vivi Magoo Presents
Barbara Blaszczyk, laboratorim Flory
Bianca Odenthal, Zydies Glasperlen
Birgit Klughardt, GitesBeads
Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
Bonnie Coursolle, Jasper Gems
Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
Charlene Jacka, Clay Space
Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
Cheryl Foiles, Get Your Bead On
Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

Christina Miles, Wings n Scales
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
CJ Bauschka, 4 His Glory Creations
Claire Smith, Embergrass Jewelry
Cynthia Riggs, Cynth's Blog
Dana Fowler, Trunk Full of Treasure
Dawn Pierro, Turtle Moon Designs
Dee Elgie, Cherry Obsidia
Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eileen Snyder, Dorset Hill Beads
Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
Eva Kovacs, Ewa gyongyos vilaga!
Evelyn Duberry, Sheba Makeda
Fay Wolfenden, Torch Fairy
Fen Li, Bead Flora Jewels
Gail Zwang, Angel Moose Enterprises
Geneva Collins, Torque Story
Grace Dorsey, Fan of the Flame
Gretchen Nation, Art Food Lodging
Hannah Annear, Squintessential

Hajer Waheed, My Beaded World
Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
Heather Otto, The Craft Hopper
Heidi Kingman, My Bead Therapy
Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
Isolina Perez, Isolina Perez
Jacqueline Keller, CreARTelier
Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
Janeen Sorensen, Wild Vanilla Designs
Jean Peter, Jean P. Designs
Jennifer Judd, Jen Judd Rocks
Jennifer L Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filcu
Joanne Brown, Jo's Jewels
oanne Lockwood, Jo Bunkum
Joyce Becker, Joyce's Joyful Gems
Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
Karen Williams, Baublicious
Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen
Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
Kashmira Patel, Sadafule .. always in bloom!
Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home
Katrin Lembke, AllesPerle
Kathy Combs, Torched in Texas
Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
Kelley Fogle, My Life, One Bead at at Time
Kelly Hosford Patterson, Traveling Side Show
Klaudette Koon, Only Road
Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads by Lara
Laura Guenther, Blue Antiquities
Laurie Lalonde, Simply Mod Jewelry
Lilik Kristiani, Soul of My Embodiment
Linda Younkman, Lindy's Designs
Lisa Chapman, Beach Cat Beads
Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures
Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta
Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
Lynn Davis, LLYYNN
Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
Mandi Effron, Craft-o-licious
Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops
Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
Marjolein Trewavas, Room for Change
Marelene Cupo, Amazing Designs
Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio
Marta Kaczerowska, uhuhu
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry Blog
Michelle Burnett, Reverie and Revival
Michelle Escano-Caballero, The Cabby Crafter
Miko Wiropati, Uniquely Yunikua
Milla Hope, LB Creative Arts and Crafts
Mimi Gardner, Other Curiosities
Miranda Ackerley, MirandackArts
Natalie McKenna, grubbi
Noemi Baena, fuego, metal, y color
Pam Ferrari, Ferrari Originals
Pam Sears, Crazy Creative Corner
Penny Neville, Copper Penny
Rachel Baron, R. Baron Designs
Rachel Myers, Rockabead Jewelry
Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson
Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry
Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog

Rossana De Gaspari, Rdegas Blog
Sandi James, Do Be Do Bead Do
Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
Sandra Wollberg, City of Brass Stories
Sarah Goode, Pookledo
Sarah Small, blog by salla
Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Shawn Mills, Shawn Marie Designs with Bent Wire
Sheila Davis, Stone Designs by Sheila
Sheryl Stephens, Babble Bead
Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs
Solange Collin, Ahowin Handcrafted Jewelry
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads
Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick

Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
Susan Sheehan, Strands of Thought
Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
Sweet Freedom, Sweet Freedom Designs
Tabatha Dinger, Modernly Created
Tania Hagen, Pelima Jewellery Design
Tanya Boden, Fusion Muse
Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
Tracy Stillman, Tracy Stillman Designs

Sunday, August 19, 2012

I Heart Macro - Brief Recap of Week and Weekend



It is another Sunday of I Heart Macro - YAY!!!  If you would like to participate or see what everyone is taking pictures of head on over to Studio Waterstone and check it all out.

I thought I would share two of the pictures from last weekends shooting at the hort park located near where I work.  It was a little overcast last week so it gave the pics an awesome look.  The only thing I did to the pictures were re-size them.


My favorite image - it is now my Facebook cover photo. 


I love Strawflowers and how they look.  I love that touch of pink on the petals and how the petals are opening up - awesome!!!!

This week we were asked for a custom order necklace - Viking Knit with the birth month flower September enameled copper pendant.  I started working on the necklace Tuesday or Wednesday - can't remember now.



Mom starts the Viking Knit for me and I go to town on the rest of the necklace.  I have also been playing with my new phone camera and using Instagram more.  So, these pics are out in my Instagram plus some pics of the fur babies :)


I have about 14 1/2 inches done so far.  I want to complete another 5-8 inches before I take it off the dowel rod and mom pulls it through the draw plate.  You like what I watch as I work on the Viking Knit - love the DVDs The Universe.  You can also sort of see Mishka's tail sticking up at the end of my couch - sort of hard to see but it is there.

Farmer's Market
Yesterday mom and I went downtown to the Farmer's Market.  It isn't very big, maybe half a block long.  But I couldn't get over the color of the fruits and veggies.  I also couldn't get over how good they looked because we have had no rain in so long and it has been so blasted hot.

Here are some pics:







Who knew about purple bell peppers???

Or about white bell peppers???
I just can't get over the vibrancy of the colors of the veggies and fruits - amazing!!!


When we got home I started working on the torch.  I wanted to make up more of the beads mom and I just fell in love with  - now calling them "Butterfly Kisses" and a set I had an idea for a design.


Add caption

The "Butterfly Kisses" are to the right - one of the beads became wonky as I was turning the bead in the flame and couldn't save it so I would just smush it with my leaf mashers - we will see what it looks like after I clean up the beads.

The beads to the left are the two focals I wanted to try a design I have been thinking about.  The bead in the middle I used transparent blue with frit on top and I feathered it, I add black and then I added a dot of SIS for the moon.  I wanted to try a very simple water scene with the moon.   The second focal I did the same but I added silver foil to the bead, mashed it and add the SIS dot for the moon.  I really like that bead better than the first design.  I also made spacer beads from the same transparent blue, frit and feathered it.  I want to use these beads to make a bracelet.  Once I complete the bracelet I will share pics.


After I ran out of room in the kiln I started playing with torch fired enameled beads.  Last week I ordered a whole bunch of beads from Barbara Lewis, Painting with Fire.  The arrived on Friday so I thought I would play yesterday until my oxygen ran out.


This is what I got done - there are four beads where the holes filled up when I took them off the mandrel.  I need to get better at doing that - any recommendations would be appreciated!!!!  I did re-read the tutorial from Barbara I purchased and there is a little video out on the NING website that is awesome, but I just don't have the trick yet.  More practice - once I get more oxygen.


These are pieces I need to work on today.  The necklace to the far right I just need to assemble it and the necklace is done - it has our lampwork glass beads, hematite spacers and lava rocks.  The next tray is beads I need to make into bracelets.  The next tray has our "fire" triangles and some stones we bought at the bead show in Indy last month.  I think mom decided to wire wrap them together.  The final necklace is copper leaves we liver of sulfered and then some of or lampwork beads - these will be all wire wrapped together.

Currently mom is outside sawing and I am heading out to help with that.  There are some some plates she is working on that I really want to complete before our shows in September - I think there is a show every weekend.  I am excited!!!  Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!!!!

Friday, August 10, 2012

6th Bead Soup Blog Party - 2nd Reveal

It is the time for the big reveal of our Bead Soup goodies.  First off, mom and I want to thank Lori for putting on this wonderful party.  Both of us know there is a lot that goes into this, and we so appreciate all the hard work Lori and her husband do for our party - THANK YOU LORI!!!  Now eat pie woman!

This is our fourth Bead Soup party and this time we were matched up with Karin of BackStory Beads.

12mm red rounds, focal and accent beads, turquoise and howlite and
a bronze clasp
I thought I would share the goodies that Karin sent us.  Karin sent us a wonderful note explaining each ingredient.  Karin said that she fell in love with the rounds but never thought of a way to work them into her designs so she sent them for us to design something with (which we did).  She went to her favorite bead store for the focal and accent beads because she loved the materials and the textures.  Karin then went back to her stash to send us the turquoise chips and howlite.  Karin sent us the bronze clasp for an extra challenge - which is good because we don't work with brass or gold color.


Here is a collage of what we ended up creating with all those goodies.  I seriously didn't think we would end up creating five different pieces; I thought the max would be two, but I sort of got on a roll yesterday.  Last minute inspiration hit like a bolt of lightening, and I ran with it because I usually don't get inspirations like that often.

The first piece we started on:

Rockin' Moroccan - Focal and Accent Beads
This is the first piece we started on - back at the beginning of July.  Mom and I both knew we wanted to use seed beads in this piece as an homage to Karin and her wonderful seed bead creations.  Let me tell you both mom and I hate to string seed beads and there was much swearing involved.  I did start the piece but I only lasted for about two strands and seeded only about 5 inches up the strands before I gave up to do something else.  So, this whole necklace was strung by mom - so big shout out to mom!


These are the focal beads about halfway up the necklace.


The seed beads with accent of brass spacers, which we bought at the Indianapolis Bead show a few weeks ago.  Like I said mom and I usually don't work in the color gold (because I don't like gold) or with brass so this was a nice change for us.  Oh, there are a total of six strands of seed beads with the brass spacers.


Mom and I wanted to use the brass clasp for this piece but when I went to finish it off the hole on the bar was too small to get all six strands through, so we improvised.  We had two of our oval enameled pieces left over from another necklace and mom said connect the six strands to one side of the oval and the brass clasp to the other - mom is a genius - a genius I say!


This is the whole necklace, Rockin' Moroccan.  Both mom and I love it, except for the stringing part :)

The second piece:

Howlin' Pop Rocks

Before we started assembling the necklace I knew I wanted to use the red rounds, turquoise and howlite together in one necklace.  Mom said she wanted her favorite beads in the necklace and I knew I wanted to have one of our pendants in this necklace too.


For the pendant I knew I wanted a lotus.  So, I begged mom to saw out the pendant before she had surgery since I really don't like sawing.  Mom sawed out the pendant the night before her surgery - she is such an awesome mom!  The colors of the pendant I wanted to be red and turquoise like the turquoise chips and howlite.  The colors aren't really in the color pallet we work with but I think it still turned out fantastic.


Here you can see the red rounds, turquoise chips, howlite and our lampwork beads.


Here is a close up of the beads I made.  Mom loves these beads but I couldn't remember what red glass I used so there was some experimenting before I got the glass I liked.  I think this is the third set of beads I made that I finally liked and wanted to use in the necklace.


I think Howlin' Pop Rocks is a great collaboration of components between what Karin sent us and components we made.

Next are the last three pieces I started making yesterday and mom helped me finish today:

We had some of the red rounds and howlite left over so I thought I would make two bracelets.  Usually mom and I don't make bracelets because we think they are hard to make (you would think necklaces were hard to create, but no, it is bracelets for us).


I actually did the wire loops on the bracelet!  I have refused to make loops for years now, but I made mom show me how a few weeks ago.  While I was waiting for pendants to cool, I started working on this piece.  I used the left over lampwork beads, howlite and red rounds.  I wanted to use chain in the piece so there are two gunmetal lengths and patina chain from MissFickleMedia.  Mom finished by adding the chain and clasp for me - I haven't figured out how to make the loops with the components attached to the loops yet.  Just not coordinated enough :)


A closeup of the beads.


The second bracelet I created with 18gauge wire and the components on the wire.  I used the focal bead I made, the brass spacers, our turquoise flamework beads and the red rounds.  I made the loop on one side, but mom finished off the bracelet with the clasp for me.


Here is a full view of the piece.


Here is a picture of mom wearing the bracelets.  I did have more pictures of mom wearing the bracelets but she asked me not to use them.  She didn't like how her hands or skin looked - her comment was "Old people skin.  Please don't use those pictures".  Though I did ask her to use this one because I thought it didn't look too bad plus it showed everyone what the bracelets looked like on someone.

Now, finally the last piece.  You guys have been very, very patient waiting for the end.


These were made this morning after mom's doctor visit - she is now allowed to go back to work.  These were the last two flamework beads I made in that torching third session.  I wanted to add the brass spacers and seed beads to the earrings.  Mom and I sort of winged putting the earrings together.


After mom put the ear wires on we both weren't happy with the way the crimps ended up looking.  So, I put it aside because mom was going to lay down and I was going to go home and power wash the siding.  On the way home I had an idea on how to fix the earrings.  After I got back to mom's house she was in the garage because she had an idea too.  She thought to use thin wire and string the seed beads on the wire and wrap the wire and beads over the crimps to hide them.  I thought that was a better idea than mine and I love how the earrings turned out.  We do make an awesome team!!!

After making five pieces, we still have two howlite beads left, some of the turquoise chips and about 14 of the red rounds left.  So, lots of fun we had with the soup ingredients that Karin sent.



Here's what we sent to Karin, and you can click here to see what SHE made!

To go onto more hopping here is the list of participants:

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs
Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs
Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux
Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade
Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs
Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure
Amy Severino, Amy Beads
Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations
Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios
Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate
Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads
B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios
Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners
Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi
Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box
Carmen Lau, Little Maketto
 
Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine
Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio
Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads
Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul
Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life
Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing
Dhea Powers, Java Bead
Diana Welte, Lilyweeds
Dita Basu, alankarshilpa
Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas
Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie
Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs
Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works (YOU ARE HERE)
Francy Inman, Francy's Studio
Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...
Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland
Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine
Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier
JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery
Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs
Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio
Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads
Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk
Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations
Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast
JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery
Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element
Kim Dworak, CianciBlue
Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae
Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs
Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
Lennis Carrier, Windbent
Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More
Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead
Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders
Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays
Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?
Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead
Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog
Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental
Lori Finney, Using My Beads
Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja
Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads
Marian Hertzog, M's Place
Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.
Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings
MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8
Martha Aleo, Ornamento
Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder
Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor
Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.
Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads
Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
Pam Farren, re-maker
Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs
Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams
Patty Miller, CabariBeads
Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres
Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates
Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
 
Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel
Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos
Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul
Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!
Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl
Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins
Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss
Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads
Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium
Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures
Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!
Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends
Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess
Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs
Valerie Norton, Hot Art

Thanks for stopping by and checking us out.  Have fun hopping!
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