Sep 30, 2011
Beautiful Things
Sorry that this post is a late tonight. Next week is apt to be the same as I am working in the office the next couple weeks and well there isn't a plug for the laptop. And of course, my battery really sux. But there were definitely things that caused me to smile. Though rewriting this is not one of them. I actually wrote this up and emailed it to myself. Well the mail demon must have been hungry.
1. I upgraded my tea-maker and got a Breville. That doesn't mean much to coffee drinker but it is the best tea-maker out there. And the tea it makes is out of this world.
2. The joy that I am greeted with by my animals always brings a smile to my face. It is almost worth working into the office this week.
3. I found out today that I won a $100 gift card today from work. I don't know where it is too yet. It could be to Amazon, Target, Cheesecake Factory and several other businesses. It really doesn't matter where it is too, I know that it will be used with a smile.
Labels:
Beautiful Things
Book Review: The Sleepwalkers
Privileged and popular Caleb Mason is celebrating his high school graduation when he receives a mysterious, disturbing letter from his long-lost childhood playmate, Christine. Caleb and his jokester friend Bean decide to travel to his tiny hometown of Hudsonville, Florida, to find her. Upon arrival, they discover the town has taken a horrifying turn for the worse. Caleb’s childhood home is abandoned and his father has disappeared. Children are going missing. The old insane asylum has reopened, and Christine is locked inside. Her mother, a witch, is consumed with madness, and Christine’s long-dead twin sister whispers clues to Caleb through the static of an A.M. radio.
Some books really are hit or miss with me. THE SLEEPWALKERS is very well written especially when you consider that it is J. Gabriel Gates' first novel. And the subject matter is interesting and unique. But it was a miss.
I have actually spent a couple days thinking about this book and just why it didn't work for me and I couldn't pinpoint just one thing. I did find the main character to be slightly superficial but that very well could have been due Caleb's age. I did really enjoy Caleb's best friend Bean though. He was good for a few chuckles.
Perhaps it is the fact that this book should be tense, riding the line of horror, and I didn't find it so. Rather then quickly turning pages to find out what happens next, I spent most of the book confused and wondering where the story is taking me.
I am rating this book a 3 because it is well written and I could see if becoming a hit for someone else. It is in the young adult genre but I wouldn't let let kids too young read it as there are scenes of graphic violence.
Labels:
Book Review,
Horror,
Suspense,
Young Adult
Sep 22, 2011
Very Vintage Blog Hop
I have discovered that I really enjoy the challenges that come with doing a blog hop so I signed up for the Very Vintage Blog Hop. In this challenge, we all start with the same beads with a few variations and we design to our heart's content. And then on October 4th we will be doing our big reveal so keep an eye out for that.
Oh that reminds me. I need to get to work on the pearl necklace that I will be giving away in October also.
Sep 21, 2011
Fall Days
Fall is definitely on it's way. That might be a good thing though considering that my camera really seems to prefer cloudy days. I am definitely going to have to set up a light box as cloudy days are one things but I really don't want to get drenched trying to get a good pic. This is a necklace that I came up with Sunday night.
Oh and if you are looking for my Bead Soup Blog Party post, then click here.
Labels:
Jewelry
Sep 20, 2011
Thank you!
I want to thank everyone for your kind comments. I just love the different perspectives on my jewelry. It has really caused me to look at the pieces in a different ways. This blog hop has been an absolute blast and part of what has caused it to be so was the way I have had to break out of my shell.
And I want to really thank my swap partner Skye for that. Her challenges and encouragement has really helped in this process. And the best part, she has become a friend.
And I want to really thank my swap partner Skye for that. Her challenges and encouragement has really helped in this process. And the best part, she has become a friend.
Sep 16, 2011
Bead Soup Blog Party (Long Post)
Welcome to the Bead Soup Blog Party! This delightful party is the brain child of Lori Anderson who carefully matches designers from all of the world into partners. Once you find out who your partner is you then contact them and send them a mix including a focal, some coordinating spacers or beads and a special clasp. I will admit that everyone usually sends more simply because it is so much fun. The purpose of the blog party is to push us outside our comfort zone and to make new friends.
My partner is Skye, the mistress of Creative Chaos. Lori really had a moment of inspiration when she put the two of us together. Not only has Skye really challenged me but I really feel that I am found a new friend in her. Now as far as goodies. Here are the one that Skye sent to me. As you can see, she sent me much more then just the minimum.
One of Skye's challenges to me was to use more white in my creations. She's really right, I do tend to stick to darker, earthier compositions. I also decided to take her challenge one step further and string the necklace. I can't remember the last time I made a necklace in this fashion. If I am not using chain then I am usually knotting. This design is also not one that I am totally happy with yet. I am using a temporary focal as I plan on replacing it with a Swarovski star.
Next up are dragonflies. I had remarked here how much I loved dragonflies yet Skye didn't see any in anyt of the necklaces that I have pictured here. So she sent me some delightful dragonflies along with some gorgeous pillow beads and crystals. Here is what was born from that combo.
Next up is one that is more my style then any of the others. And it was the one that I couldn't really get any decent pics of. This one is really a longer necklace at 30" and I really wasn't sure how to get it all in the picture. In this necklace, I used the focal, the clasp and some of the crystals that Skye sent me.
Speaking of pics, with the exception of this batch here, these have to be the best jewelry pics that I have taken. I discovered that my camera really likes overcast days which works considering how many of those we have in this area. Skye also sent me some great tips that really helped.
And last but not least is the necklace that I am the most pleased with. This necklace was totally inspired by the blue/black beads that have such fire. I fell totally in love with them when I first saw them and knew that I wanted them knotted with pearls. In this case Swarovoski pearls. It did take me a couple tries to get some pearls of the size and color that I wanted so now I have some left to play with. This is actually the first time that I have used Swarovoski pearls but now that I have I must pick up some more. This necklace is also a longer one at 28" and one that I am totally keeping for myself to remind me of this very enjoyable party.
Now that you have taken a look at my humble offerings, be sure to check out what everyone else has done. There are a lot of us but it is so worth the time just to see the gorgeous works of art. Also some of the participants also host giveaways to go along with this event. I myself with be giving away my floral necklace, necklace #3 to some random commenter. For an extra entry, follow my blog and let me know in a comment. Since there are so many of us and I want to give everyone a chance to enter, I will be drawing a name on October 1st.
My partner is Skye, the mistress of Creative Chaos. Lori really had a moment of inspiration when she put the two of us together. Not only has Skye really challenged me but I really feel that I am found a new friend in her. Now as far as goodies. Here are the one that Skye sent to me. As you can see, she sent me much more then just the minimum.
One of Skye's challenges to me was to use more white in my creations. She's really right, I do tend to stick to darker, earthier compositions. I also decided to take her challenge one step further and string the necklace. I can't remember the last time I made a necklace in this fashion. If I am not using chain then I am usually knotting. This design is also not one that I am totally happy with yet. I am using a temporary focal as I plan on replacing it with a Swarovski star.
Next up are dragonflies. I had remarked here how much I loved dragonflies yet Skye didn't see any in anyt of the necklaces that I have pictured here. So she sent me some delightful dragonflies along with some gorgeous pillow beads and crystals. Here is what was born from that combo.
Next up is one that is more my style then any of the others. And it was the one that I couldn't really get any decent pics of. This one is really a longer necklace at 30" and I really wasn't sure how to get it all in the picture. In this necklace, I used the focal, the clasp and some of the crystals that Skye sent me.
Speaking of pics, with the exception of this batch here, these have to be the best jewelry pics that I have taken. I discovered that my camera really likes overcast days which works considering how many of those we have in this area. Skye also sent me some great tips that really helped.
And last but not least is the necklace that I am the most pleased with. This necklace was totally inspired by the blue/black beads that have such fire. I fell totally in love with them when I first saw them and knew that I wanted them knotted with pearls. In this case Swarovoski pearls. It did take me a couple tries to get some pearls of the size and color that I wanted so now I have some left to play with. This is actually the first time that I have used Swarovoski pearls but now that I have I must pick up some more. This necklace is also a longer one at 28" and one that I am totally keeping for myself to remind me of this very enjoyable party.
Now that you have taken a look at my humble offerings, be sure to check out what everyone else has done. There are a lot of us but it is so worth the time just to see the gorgeous works of art. Also some of the participants also host giveaways to go along with this event. I myself with be giving away my floral necklace, necklace #3 to some random commenter. For an extra entry, follow my blog and let me know in a comment. Since there are so many of us and I want to give everyone a chance to enter, I will be drawing a name on October 1st.
The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke
1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare
11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps
13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel
19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel
20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou
21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz
30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle
31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier
35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi
41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk
56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick
61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz
71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson
81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski
91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck
101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson
111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher
115. Lesley Weirand Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson
121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks
124. Lupe Meter and Mags Saari
125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson
131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven
141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
144. Missy Rappaport and Norma Agron
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers
151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haight and Mary McGraw
155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya
161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Sheryl Stephen
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley
171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad
Labels:
Bead Soup,
Blog Party,
Contests,
Jewelry
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