Pearls! Pearls!! Pearls!!! Blog Hop II

And now for the reason I have had pearls on my brain.  It's almost like one of those advertising jingles that just keeping whirling around in the brain.  Perhaps this hop will cure this whirl but I doubt it as I do love me some pearls.

Now I do love the old fashioned opera length pearl necklaces,  (I need to sit down and make myself one) but I wanted to do something a bit different.  And I think that different sums up this necklace.  The focal was one I won in a contest hosted by Silver Parrot.  I really liked the look but to be honest, I am not one to work with angel wings.  Still it was cool looking so I kept it in my shelf where I could see it.  And it has a great saying on the back "You were born with wings".  And it was perfect for this necklace!

No one said I had to use all pearls and since I was looking for something out of the norm,  I ended up knotting peach freshwater pearls, bone beads and copper together on waxed linen with a copper clasp from Znet Shows.  I do have to say that my flex shaft justified its purchase when I had to drill out all the holes on the pearls.  So what do you think?  Did I succeed in different?

This next necklace is slightly more traditional.  Note I said slightly.  With this one,  I used a focal from HumbleBeads.  The beautiful greens in the focal just drew me in and was my starting point.

I then found some deep green freshwater pearls which was knotted up with some pewter spacers and beads. I just love how this necklace turned out.  I think that it would be perfect with a tank top and jeans.  Or maybe a maxi dress.

Both necklaces are for sale.  Just drop me a line if interested.

Now it is blog hop so be sure to click here to see what everyone else has made.  I know that I am looking forward to wandering through blogs filled with pearl loveliness. 

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Friday Ramblings

• Woke up Tuesday not really feeling ready for prime time.  One of those days that you just get through.  That was until I started cleaning up my email during slow times at work.  I found out that I won  from Love My Art Jewelry blog.  I mean just look at them.  They are the perfect antidote for a blah day.

• I was able to spend some time in the studio this last weekend and came up with a few necklaces necklaces for both the pearl hop this weekend and an upcoming blog hop using Sue Beads Chicklets.  I just adore one of the necklaces and have claimed it for my own.   

• I found a necklace that I had made up a while ago and stashed away to take a picture of.  I hope that I am not the only person that does that. This necklace was hand-knotted and contains both freshwater pearls and amethysts.  The focal is from JKD Studio,  It is one that I have up for sale for only $54.99 so if interested, be sure to drop me a line or leave a comment letting me know.
• Oh no.  I found out that my ex-roommate had to let her cat go.  Creature was an older cat who was a real sweetheart to certain people and apparently had a large tumor in her stomach.  I was one of the people that Creature loved and I will be missing her.
• How can a toilet plunger just up and disappear?  I don't have kids so it's not like one of them took off with it.  And how come I am not a person that remembers it is missing until it is needed?
• Here's some great tips to help maintain your pearl jewelry.  Just click here.  Well I told you that I have pearls on the brain. 
• I have become addicted to Darkness Radio.  I ran across the host one night while listening to Coast to Coast and feel in love with his style.  I am still at work while the radio show is on so I listen to it in podcast every night Monday through Friday.  Great show that deals with a lot of paranormal themes.  I was rather impressed when last week I wrote with a complaint because it was uploaded one evening.  I heard back within two hours from the host explaining what happened and apologizing.
• I just found out that my Mom and Stepdad will be coming up from Arizona for my birthday.  I haven't seen them for a few years so I am rather excited! 

• This is the week for surprises.  I also recieved a beautiful necklace from Maria Rosa Sharrow of Willow Street Shops.  Isn't it gorgeous!

What a difference

A day can make.  The picture above was taken on Friday.  Needless to say, I was slightly worried because we were planning on holding a potluck out at Gig Harbor Overlook on Saturday.  There were hints of possible blue skies however so I had my fingers crossed and my thoughts on beautiful blue.

And the Goddess came through.  We had a beautiful sunny day.  I was actually surprised that there weren't sailboats on the water considering that there was a light breeze on the land.

Point Defiance park was as beautiful as ever.  This is definitely the year of the raccoon.  I will usually see one or two when we are there but this time I saw six.  And they all looked wonderfully healthy.  I know that a lot of people consider raccoons to be pest but I have always found them fascinating.  When we used to have rites at the park, we would always have some visiting.

Though we had a lot of visitors then.  You could tell that it was a sacred location because we even had deer attend one of the rituals.  She even posed for some pics that I am pretty sure I posted before.  The other pics are ones that I took when me and BeiJing took a little walk.  She sure makes it hard to get good pics.. sigh. 

Friday Ramblings

•  I think that Fridays is going to be a mish mash of random thoughts that events.  I am still keeping with the year of jewelry for the most part but I wasn't able to show it off because of design team issues or that it was made for a hop.  So instead, I will try to show off a piece of jewelry that isn't committed elsewhere and do a little snapshot of my life in the past week or so.
• I haven't had a lot of time to escape to my studio in the past week.  Last weekend was taken up by finishing putting up sheet rock in the basement.  I was rather surprised that I actually enjoyed working on the house. Sign of things to come perhaps.
• My vacation is coming up the first week in July.  We normally try to do a few day trips during the time however since we really don't have the money, I am planning on painting the bedroom instead.  I want it a mossy, earthy green.  Now just to find the right paint color.  I wonder if I could just bring in a jasper in the color I want.
• Yesterday is my day off that I usually can get down to my studio but it was pretty much spent on medical issues.  I had my massage which was a great way to start off the day but the rest of the day was spent with doctors, mind and Sajes.  
• I had a shock yesterday with my blood pressure.   I have always been one with such low blood pressure that if I turned too quickly, I could get dizzy.  Now all of a sudden it was up at 140.  Not sure why though it might be stress.  Doctor put me on some anti-stress meds to see if that works,.  Personally I think it's because I haven't been able to create since the weekend before last.  

• Speaking of creations, I made this bracelet the last time I was able to play.  It's knotted with waxed linen using turquoise magnesite and coral.   A casual bracelet perfect for jeans.  I am selling it for $34.99.
• Speaking of designs, I have visions of pearls running around my mind.  Now just to figure out what is possible and what I have time for.

 

• I have the prettiest faceted pearls that I am trying to figure out what to do with.  They are on small side so if I knot them up, it will pretty much have to be on silk.  Not a bad thing but I am trying to get away from the norm with pearls.   Any suggestions?
• After dealing with weather that was better suited to October,the sun have finally come back to join us.  Thank the Goddess as we are planning our potluck at the park where we put on rituals for years. 
• A good friend of mine has hooked me on a new game. Words of Wonder on Facebook is pretty addicting.   Damn you Laura.  Anyone else play this game?
• I have to work in the office today.  I admit that I am spoiled because I am usually able to work from home but I do like to touch bases with everyone every couple weeks.  I just wish that I didn't have to stay the whole day because it is so loud and bright.  I almost always end up coming home with a migraine.

Pearls, Pearls and even More Pearls

Pearls have to be one of my favorite stones to work with.  I have a bad habit though of buying them and then hoarding them all away like a dragon with his treasure.  My pretties!

Thank goodness for Shel of Mishel Designs.  She is hosting a blog hop focused on Pearls and I am joining in.  I don't know what I will be making up yet but it is sure to focus on pearls.  Be sure to pop back by on June 29th to see that I came up with along with all the other designers. 

Hope to see you then!

Related articles

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• Good Girls Wear Pearls!
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Age of the Dragonfly

One of my totems that always seems to indicate good luck and change has been the dragonfly.  So of course, I couldn't resist when Bead Soup Cafe put up a challenge to design a piece of jewelry how could I resist joining in. 

Well like I said, a dragonfly means that a change is about to happen and that even occurred during the making of this necklace.  I had this gorgeous dragonfly that I had planned on using patina on and turning into the focal of my necklace.  Well the patina went well and I loved the colors I was able to get.  Then disaster struck as I was apply wax to protect the patina.  One of the little wings snapped off.  I think that I invented some new words when that happened.

Once I had calmed down, it was off to step two which thankfully worked out well.  This time around, I used a dragonfly that had already had the patina applied by the Patina Queen.  Not quite the same color so I ended up pulling out some new beads to go with it.

I took a couple strands of Irish Waxed Linen and hand knotted up this necklace using Russian Amazonite, and brass beads with a brass clasp.  It's different from my original vision but I think that it ended up even better.  Change can be good and fun if you ride along with it. 

If interested in this necklace, please drop me a line.  I have it for sale for only $59.99.

Ocean Blog Hop

One of my favorite places in the world is the beach (as if you weren't able to tell by the pictures I have been sharing lately) so when Lisa Lodge of Pine Ridge Treasures announced an Ocean Blog Hop I was all for it. 

I felt really spoiled when I saw all the goodies that Lisa sent my way.  I mean look at those!  Wouldn't you feel the same.  So many luscious blues and greens to remind one of a tropical sea.  I couldn't resist diving into my treasures.   Well enough talk, let me show you my creations.

First up is a pair of earrings.  Now on the earrings, I will be giving away a pair of them and the rest will be going to Ears To You.  I am not sure what type of stone either of the stones are in this pair but it was part of my treasure.

This is another pair using that wonderful aqua stone and fresh water pearls.

This pair has to be my favorite with the fun little metal components that I picked up in a destash.  I only grabbed a couple of them which I am regretting.

Now this is the design that demanded that I get to work right then.  And let me tell that Oscar the Octopus was rather loud in his demands.  Now isn't he a handsome fellow?  I strung him up on aqua jewelry string to match the aqua stones and also used the different glass stone that came with the kit.

I am going to try to get a better picture that shows more of the necklace but we have been hit by thunder storms.  I am crossing my fingers hoping that we get some sun at least long enough to grab a couple pics.

Now as to how you would win a pair of these earrings, it's simple.  Just leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite beach is. And be sure to look at all the other wonderful designs!  Just click here to get the list of the other designers and their blogs.

June Art Bead Scene Challenge

Trees Laden with Parasites and Epiphytes in a Brazilian Garden, 1873

by Marianne North

Oil on Paper

If I am being honest, I have to admit that this month's challenge was hard.  It all has to with the name of this piece of art and the fact that I have issues with parasites.  I have had too many dogs and cats over the years to picture anything good with parasites.

So I decided to try to ignore that part of the title and concentrated on all the different beautiful greens that this picture has.  I love foliage and have quite a few house plants growing in my house.  And since I have been stuck on bracelets lately, it would have to be a bracelet.

In digging through my stash of art beads, I came across a beautiful set by Heather of Humblebeads in a gorgeous sage green.  I had a lentil along with some spacers so my design was born.  It didn't hurt that the focal also included the blues from the painting along with white of the leaves and butterfly.

I also gathered up a bunch of green seed and Czech glass beads, and knotted it all up on olive green waxed linen.  Yeah the style is similar to what I did up last month but with the change in colors and type of focal beads, it has such a different feeling to it.  I do want to thank Lorelie Eurto for putting out the tutorial that this bracelet sprang from. 

This bracelet with all of its varied greens has a soothing yet happy feel to it and is perfect for the spring and summer month.  It is for sale for $64.99 and if interested, just drop me a line or a comment here.

For further info on Art Bead Scene or their monthly challenges, please click here.  I do have to say that even though some of the pictures really push me to find inspiration, I look forward to this challenge every month.  This challenge has definitely pushed me to use my art beads rather then hoarding them like a dragon watching over his gold.

Book Review: Crystal Fire

Because of what you are, the Believers will hunt you down.

A storm is brewing on the streets of LA, one that has intensified since a tragic and deadly confrontation claimed an innocent life.

While Gabriel Stewart trains his army of teen psychics to stop Alexander Reese--the obsessed leader of the Believers--the fanatical church becomes more bent on the annihilation of all Indigo and Crystal children. They're silencing the voices of the telepathic hive, one soul at a time, with frightening experiments cruelly executed on vulnerable minds.

When the Believers torture a mysterious homeless boy, Oliver Blue, they brainwash him into betraying his own. The boy becomes a deadly pawn to take Gabriel down. As the fires of chaos burn around him, Gabe is running out of time. He'll need to confront his past--and the man who made him--before the hope of peace for the future is silenced forever.

* * * * *

Sorry that it has taken so long since I posted my last review.  I actually read a couple books just for enjoyment and don't plan on writing up any review on them other then my quick notes on GoodReads.  I know so wrong but there are times when I just want to totally lose myself in a book.  

Anyways to get back to this book..  CRYSTAL FIRE is the second book in The Hunted series and is a longer book which I find to be rather satisfying as I am able to become closer to the characters.  I didn't read the first book so there were a few cases where I felt kind of lost but Ms. Dane did a great job of filling in the back story without overloading me with information.  

I liked the character of Gabriel but Oliver is the one that had me coming back for more.  Such a tortured soul who would have been an loyal friend if he hadn't been captured and experimented on.  I found the other characters to be well written and the pacing fast enough to be enjoyable.

As much as I enjoyed Oliver and the other kids however this book was lacking that spark that sets it apart from other books in this genre.  I will recommend it to readers of  the young adult genre that are looking for a book involving danger, religion gone haywire and kids that might very well be the next step in evolution.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions expressed within are my own.

It's a coming!

What you may ask?  And is it really worth celebrating?  I think so.  It's the warm summer days and the sunshine!  We have actually had some awesome weather here the last couple days and I am looking forward to many more.

Now I am going to enjoy my summer here in Washington and I am hoping to indulge in at least a couple day trips.  Still haven't figured out what we are going to do on my vacation over the Fourth of July week but I know if I had unlimited funds (and a great petsitter) I would head to the beach.  Since that isn't going to be in the cards this year,  I can dream. 

Wouldn't it be so awesome to play in the sand, perhaps some volleyball, and then cool off in that beautiful water.  I think that most of the reason I would watch Lost was for the scenery.  Hmmm.  I still haven't finished that show.  Perhaps it's time for another dose.  So now that I have shared one of my dream vacations, if money and petsitters were no object, where would you like to go this summer?

Since going to a warm beach and spreading my toes in the sand just isn't in the cards, I decided to make some happy jewelry.  I mean just look at that focal from Jennifer Jangles Shop.  How can it not put a smile on your face?

This necklace was hand knotted using a cheery yellow waxed linen, turquoise howlite and onyx saucers.  It's that perfect touch of casual to wear on the beach or perhaps at your local farmer's market.  Heck, it would even be great to wear during the winter to bring the sun and cheer back into your day.   This necklace is one that I have up for sale for $64.99.  If interested, be sure to drop me a line.

Graphics are from Graphic Stock and don't forget that they are offered seven days free to check out their services!

Lawns and a contest winner

Does anyone remember when there were kids that would knock on your door asking if you needed your lawn mowed?  Does anyone remember doing that when they were younger?  Heck I had friends that had quite the business mowing yards.  My thing was more babysitting.  Now mind you, that was back in the days when you could only get fifty cents an hour or a dollar for multiple kids but I still had some spending money especially as I didn't have any bills.

Sigh.  Okay done tripping down memory lane.  We are in the process of buying the house we have lived in for a few years.  It has a yard and there aren't any kids knocking on my door.  I think that the best investment I have made in the past year was a lawn mower light enough that I can handle.  Or at least I can handle it long enough to get half the yard done.  And yes, I feel that I have accomplished quite a bit when I get that half done.  (I have learned to celebrate the small things especially since I am feeling it today)

Picked up some containers to do some more organizing in my studio though I haven't convinced the DH to help me move the furniture. ( I had him convinced but then I hurt my shoulder. )  Lately I have been on a bracelet kick and purchasing beads and finding to that end.  But I was putting them away in the correct places and never finding them again.  So now I am going to put all the bracelet goodies in one bin.  Of course soon that will have some many goodies in it that I wont' be able to find a thing.

What I would like to get is a couple of those RASKOG kitchen carts.  Wouldn't those be so perfect for the studio.  And the color.  Yeah just the color alone is almost enough to sell but I am thinking that top bin would be perfect for bead soup.  I am trying to make a concentrated effort to pull beads out of my bead soup to use.  I guess that I should define bead soup for those of you that aren't bead junkies.  When I finish a design if I just have a few of certain bead left, I toss it into a brandy snifter to use another time.  I have quite the collection going and it would be so wonderful to just be able to pull that mix over.

**Okay shameless plug time** Actually I have a lot of things that I would love to get for my studio but at least, the cart is affordable or might be in a couple months.  I do have a board up on Pinterest if folks are interested in other ideas for studio.  I also have a lot of tutorials pinned along with hoards of other things.  

Now the moment that you have all been reading along for.  I pulled my winner for the Bead Soup Blog Party a couple days late and I do apologize for that.  So without further ado my winner is Audrey Bélanger!  Because she is in Canada, I will have to wait until payday to send out her copy of Bead Chic by Margo Potter.

Related articles

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Ramblings

• It was a strange weekend. My body decided that sleeping was really overrated so I spent some time wandering about in a fog.  

• On one hand, being sleep deprived did set my mind free to create.  I had a cool piece of yard laying on my desk and it became a pair of earrings along with copper chain and lampwork headpins from EarthShine Beads.  I haven't decided whether I am going to put this pair up for sale or whether they are going to be donated to Ears Two You.
• I actually found some sun to take pics.  A lot were for blog hops so I can't show them yet but I will be sprinkling in some pics that I took.
• I took the time to relax and watch some of The Voice.  Yeah, I started watching it once it was finished and I am carefully avoiding learning who the actual winner is.
• I spent some time playing with my Good Earth Kit that I could from Andrew Thorton.  Came up with a couple designs but I can't show them off yet.  I will say that the color he choose are a dream to work with.
• Went and picked up what we need to patch the ceiling.  That's going to be fun especially since Kharma caused me to tear something in my shoulder.  I need to make a doctor's appointment to find out what since it doesn't appear to be healing.
• I also watched the first episode of 'America's Got Talent'.  I can't figure out why people who obviously don't have talent would go on there to embarrass themselves.