This Girl Beads

Taking an indefinite break.

2011-09-18T08:35:00.000-05:00

A pin.

2011-08-31T04:22:00.000-05:00

N has already let me know I am not allowed to put his photo in this pin.

Smoky quartz earrings.

2011-08-24T04:19:00.000-05:00

Red flower mosaic.

2011-08-17T04:07:00.001-05:00

I had a plate with a large red flower in the center. I knew what I wanted to do with it, but I was very nervous about breaking the plate. It sat in my garage for a year while I worked up the nerve to use it.

Finally, I decided to give it a try and the plate cut like a dream. I was able to cut out the entire flower in one piece! But, when I laid it out, I didn't like the look of the flower intact, so I broke it!

It's the largest one I've made so far ...

and is also my favorite.

Forest.

2011-08-10T04:03:00.002-05:00

I just came across this photo I took on a trail near the Indiana Dunes last summer.

The forest was very quiet and slightly eerie.

A find.

2011-08-05T16:02:00.002-05:00

A recent find.

2011-07-29T08:34:00.000-05:00

Found this painting in Woodstock, IL. So far, I'm planning to leave it unframed. It's propped in my bookshelf.

Book Review: Hot Connections Jewelry.

2011-07-26T04:35:00.001-05:00

In my hot little hands I have an advance copy of Hot Connections Jewelry: The Complete Sourcebook of Soldering Techniques by Jennifer Chin. (published by Crown Publishing/Potter Craft). I love the photos on the front of this book, especially the necklace.

I'm impressed by the level of detail in the book, from the explanation of metals and tools to choosing the right torch and flame to setting up your workspace. There are many projects in the book with detailed instructions.

I tried soldering last summer with mixed results. After reading the section on torches, I think the flame on my torch was too small for the thickness of the metal. I would like to give soldering another try one of these days, especially after looking through this book.

Mixed metals.

2011-07-21T04:53:00.003-05:00

Lately I have been drawn to gold and silver together, which is unusual for me! I decided I wanted a pair of silver and gold earrings with a delicate feel and a flower. I looked through my stash and came up with these.

They go very will with my new necklace from Siren Jewels.

Now all I need is a bracelet!

Jewelry tree.

2011-07-18T05:23:00.002-05:00

Saw this jewelry tree at Anthropologie and had to have it.

I like to display my jewelry rather than keep it all tucked away in a drawer.

Beaded flowers.

2011-07-14T05:44:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I feel the need to simplify. I consolidated a lot of the beaded flowers I've made along with vintages ones I've collected into a pretty silver pitcher.

It's very cheery on my kitchen counter and it was nice to pack some vases away for another day.

Corinne's mosaic.

2011-07-11T04:49:00.001-05:00

Another mosaic picture. This one was given to my aunt. I love the bowl in this one.

Tin flower earrings.

2011-07-08T16:32:00.000-05:00

It seems like ages ago that I shared the tin flowers I cut out of a tin canister.

I finally made the smaller flowers into earrings.

I played around with adding beads to them, but in the end, I liked them better as simple flowers on an earwire.

Mom's mosaic.

2011-07-05T04:35:00.002-05:00

For Christmas last year, I made mosaic pictures for several of my friends and family. This is the one I made for my mom. It was one of my favorites ... although, it was hard to part with all of them.

I wish I had remembered to take photos of them all before I gave them away!

What a difference a photo editor makes.

2011-07-01T04:39:00.000-05:00

A while ago I was playing around with a photo of a bead tapestry I made years ago. It is one of my all-time favorite pieces of beadwork that I now have framed in my house. I only have one old photo of it without glass over it. The photo was dark and did not do the piece justice. My cousin is a photographer and earlier this year on her blog she recommended using Photoscape for editing photos. I've been using it and have been really happy with it, especially since it's free. I decided to try it out on the old photo of one of my favorite pieces of beadwork and I think it turned out great!

Here's the old photo for comparison.

This piece is done in peyote stitch and is made up of 3,021 delica beads. The pattern is from Sigrid Wynne-Evans Masterpieces for Beadwork.

This particular piece is an adaptation of John William Waterhouse's My Sweet Rose.

Bead & Button Show: vintage buttons

2011-06-22T05:29:00.001-05:00

I'm sorry that I cannot tell you who I purchased these steel cut buttons from at the show. I didn't have a card or a receipt with them.

I snatched them up right away when I saw them. I think I will make earrings with them. They should be easy to translate into earrings since they have openings all around the flowers.

This concludes my Bead and Button Show posts for the moment. I'm so glad I went and soaked up the inspiration and happy atmosphere of the show. It's been a few years since I've taken a class at the show ... maybe next year will be the year.

Bead & Button Show: Cynthia Rutledge.

2011-06-17T05:17:00.002-05:00

Before the show, I had promised myself not to buy any bead kits, as I have a number of them just waiting to be worked up. Still, I needed to stop and admire Cynthia's beadwork. I was good and did not buy any kits from Cynthia, but I did purchase a Greg Hanson glass button for one of her projects that was published in Beadwork. That doesn't count!

Being surrounded by so much talent and inspiration left me feeling more refreshed and ready to work on a new project.

I'm not very far on it at the moment, but the fact that I have the seed beads back out and ready to go makes me happy.

Bead & Button Show: A Vintaj pendant.

2011-06-15T05:44:00.002-05:00

Usually my mom and I do not stop for vendor demonstrations at the show. This year, we had a more relaxed, meandering pace and ended up stopping for several. When we passed the Vintaj booth and my mom could see they were doing something with a Big Shot (which she has for cardmaking), we had to stop and find out what was going on!

They were putting copper blanks between metal plates, then rolling the plates through the Big Shot to stamp the image into the copper blank. When I tried it, I was prepared to really have to crank the handle, but it was surprisingly quick and easy. Afterwards, we polished them and riveted on a flower. I love riveting things.

That was a really fun demonstration. My mom and I already have plans to put her Big Shot to use in making some more pendants.

Bead & Button Show: Green Girl Studios.

2011-06-13T04:58:00.001-05:00

This year, because I was in such a creative funk, I had decided not to go to Bead and Button. What was I thinking?! I'm glad that I changed my mind and went along with my mom. We were even able to connect with my cousin for lunch before the show, which was a nice treat. Our first stop at the show is always Green Girl Studios.

Since we were there a little later in the day than usual we happened to be at the booth during a small lull. That meant we had time to chat with Andrew, which is always a treat! The show was off to a great start.

I was in need of clasps and GG always has something a little different.

Not sure what I'll do with this bird bead, but I needed it.

Thanks, Andrew, for the motivational chat! :)

I'll share more about Bead and Button in the next few posts.

Barometer.

2011-06-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

Sometimes my bead table is a good indicator of my emotional state. When I'm feeling stressed and out of sorts, it often looks like this. Items continue to be piled on top of one another, projects are started and left hanging and nothing is put away!

The school year ended for N last week and I couldn't be happier. I think I needed a break from math homework more than he did! He was struggling for a while, so we put a lot of effort into math each night and he ended the school year with a better understanding and a higher grade. Between work and N needing extra help this year, I haven't had much time for beading or blogging.

Early this morning N and I had tea with cheese and crackers while sitting outside. The sun was bright, the conversation relaxed, and dew sparkled all around us.

Now it's time to take a breath, reconnect with friends and work on some creative projects.

Lesson learned.

2011-05-04T17:55:00.000-05:00

This is what happens when you think you do not need to read the instructions.

And this is what happens when you smarten up and read them.

Etsy Favorite: mb art studios.

2011-04-29T05:05:00.001-05:00

I recently purchased these poppy earrings from mb art studios. Her jewelry is simple and pretty. Mary also makes ceramic plaques with thoughtful quotes.

Love these.

2011-04-27T05:20:00.001-05:00

I think I need a pair of fun pink embroidery scissors!

Found at Sublime Stitching.

Eggshell brooch.

2011-04-24T08:36:00.000-05:00

Last year I published a series of posts about the eggshell brooches my mom made in the 1970s. They were made by blowing out the egg, using a Dremel tool to cut the cabachon shape, and decoupaging a picture onto the eggshell before placing it in the bezel. I found a similar brooch on Etsy.

I suspect the flowers are decoupaged rather than handpainted on this piece, but it is a lovely brooch all the same.

Wildflower earrings.

2011-04-19T05:08:00.000-05:00

The pattern for these earrings (designed by Melanie Potter ) was published in the April/May 2010 edition of Beadwork magazine. She was selling supply kits at Bead & Button last year and I snatched one up!

The instructions in the magazine were easy to follow, as long as you have beadweaving experience. Kits are also available on the School of Beadwork website.

These earrings are lightweight and fun. Now I'm ready for spring!

Monday, Monday.

2011-04-18T07:42:00.000-05:00

Sporting a fun new messenger bag makes going to work on snowy Monday morning a little easier.

I think I could use this bag for traveling to bead classes, too.

Bridesmaid earrings.

2011-04-15T06:11:00.002-05:00

My cousin is getting married today in a beach wedding. She is very talented and crafty and made many items for the wedding, including her own bouquet as well as the bridesmaids' bouquets. As time ran short before the wedding, I offered to make the bridesmaids' earrings.

I received a bag of supplies and the freedom to design whatever I wanted.

The bride's earrings were very simple, so I wanted the bridesmaids' earrings to be fairly simple as well. I was very pleased with how they turned out.

Congratulations, Cuz. May your life together be filled with happiness.

Whatever you are ~ be a good one.

2011-04-11T05:20:00.000-05:00

This bracelet was made for my cousin to give to her future mother-in-law. The quote is by Abraham Lincoln and the inside of the bracelet is stamped with his name.

Beaducation is a great source of information and supplies if you are interested in stamping silver or other metals.

Etsy Favorite: Shixie

2011-04-07T05:42:00.001-05:00

After trying my hand at cutting tin, I looked around on Etsy to see what other artists are doing with it. I ran across Shixie and loved the tin dresses! I also really liked the idea of making things with old tin globes--so cute! I wish the shop had one with the midwest.

Lots of inspiration. Makes me want to go to the flea market and search for more tins!

Book review and tin flowers.

2011-04-04T05:46:00.013-05:00

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of Jewlry Upcycled! by Sherri Haab and Michelle Haab (published by Crown Publishing/Potter Craft). I've been a fan of Sherri Haab's books for a long time and was excited to check out this latest edition, which focuses on making jewelry from commonly found objects. Some techniques used include cold joining, soldering, crocheting and felting.

The books offers projects using china, plastic bottles, bubble wrap, glass, plastic bags, textiles and more. There's even a bracelet and earring project made from sewing snaps!

The project that inspired me right off was making jewelry from old tins. I've been wanting to try it for some time. I went to Home Depot to buy tin snips and ended up talking with one of men who worked in that section of the store about what I wanted to do. He suggested Klein Tools shears and they worked liked a dream.

I cut apart my tin, cut out some flowers for earrings and maybe a matching pendant. I filed them. (Here's a tip for filing--after using your metal files, use a buffing block for a really smooth edge. Start with number 1 and work your way around the entire block.)

I think the flower shapes turned out great. Now I just need to make them into jewelry. Jewelry Upcycled! will be available on April 12.

Cranes.

2011-04-01T10:42:00.000-06:00

These two Sandhill Cranes have been hanging around the wetlands across our street. One day they swooped very low over me and scared me half to death! Their muted coloring with a bright spot of red could be a design inspiration one day.

This is the life.

2011-03-29T06:37:00.001-06:00

Heart charm.

2011-03-25T05:32:00.001-06:00

I found this silver heart on Etsy. I've seen other hearts like this on eBay and Etsy approximating them to be from the 1930s, but I am not sure if that is true or not.

Now I just have to decide what to make with it.

Earrings.

2011-03-21T06:29:00.000-06:00

Here is another pair of earrings that my friend Lisa made for me (for my birthday last October).

The flower beads have marcasite in them, so they sparkle nicely. The other materials are sterling silver.

Gifts.

2011-03-17T06:18:00.000-06:00

My friend Lisa and exchange Christmas gifts, but it always seems to happen in March instead of December. This year she made me some beautiful earrings ...

and a gorgeous bracelet.

She's very talented.

Find.

2011-03-14T06:23:00.000-06:00

I found these earrings at a local antique market for only $5.

I thought it was interesting that someone had woven pearls and beads onto the mother of pearl filigree pieces.

They are unusual and a good inspiration for future projects.

Kumihimo Wire Jewelry.

2011-03-13T15:00:00.004-06:00

I recently received an advance copy of Kumihimo Wire Jewelry: Essential Technique + 20 Jewelry Projects for the Japanese Art of Braiding by Giovanna Imperia (published by Crown Publishing/Potter Craft).

The term kumihimo means intersected threads. It refers to any type of braid executed using the loop-manipulation method (which does not require equipment) or any number of strands.

Any number of materials may be used, including wire and fiber.The book covers all of the basics, including how to braid with round and squre disks as well as various techniques for finishing projects. It offers some historical information as well.

The photos are detailed and many projects are showcased using colored wire. The instructions are clear, concise, and very detailed. Read Alyn Evan's experience trying out the Kumihimo techniques in the book on the Crafter News blog.

Kimihimo Wire Jewelry will be available on March 15.

None of the Above.

2011-03-11T15:58:00.002-06:00

My custom order from None of the Above arrived earlier this week. I am amazed by what artists can make with polymer clay.

Plus, it has a great sparkle factor. I love it.

Etsy Favorite: Petit Plat.

2011-03-07T05:17:00.000-06:00

I'm not usually one for food jewelry, but the work of Stéphanie Kilgast of Petit Plat is pretty amazing.

Fruit Tart Pendant
Waffle and Fruit Earrings
Candy Earrings
Sushi Pendant

What to make, what to make...

2011-03-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

Spectacles case.

2011-02-28T05:52:00.000-06:00

I love this.

From Blue Grotto

Paper houses.

2011-02-25T12:31:00.005-06:00

N has been making a lot of paper houses. He makes single homes that can be put on a shelf for display...

He makes larger groups of homes that are portable, but too large for a shelf...

He makes model homes and subdivisions that remain under construction...

He makes homes of all shapes and sizes...

He makes entire neighborhoods...

I love this bright green house with pink shutters and orange sidewalk in the middle of lighter-colored houses.

Nearly everywhere you step in our basement you are in danger of crushing a house. It's amazing.

Burnished Blossoms.

2011-02-23T17:27:00.000-06:00

Here's a class by Diane Hyde that I wish I was taking at Bead & Button.

Scattered Light.

2011-02-20T07:13:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite vendors at Bead & Button was Scattered Light Jewelry. I loved their booth and bought something from them every year until they stopped showing there. One year I bought a silver flower, not sure what I would do with it. The next year I bought another one, thinking I'd make earrings.

All these years later I've finally made them.

Another mosaic picture.

2011-02-13T11:02:00.001-06:00

This is the other mosaic picture I kept for myself.

Mosaic.

2011-02-06T11:50:00.005-06:00

Over the summer I tried my hand at mosaics.

I made a lot of mosaic flower pictures and gave some to family members and friends for Christmas. My hand was sore for weeks from cutting all the flowers from the plates. It was fun to do something different and I have other mosaic ideas floating around in my mind--some that are jewelry related.

This is one I kept for myself. I have one more that I'll share next time.

Joy.

2011-02-03T07:13:00.000-06:00

Slow progress.

2011-01-14T06:52:00.000-06:00

Gingerbread lady.

2011-01-05T06:54:00.000-06:00

N and I made gingerbread cookies over the holidays. He decorated this "Gingerbread Mama" for me.

She's too sweet to eat!

New year, new project.

2011-01-01T11:58:00.003-06:00

Time to dust off the neglected bead tray and start a new project.

Spaghetti sauce is bubbling on the stove, N and I are about to sit down and watch a movie... 2011 is off to a great start.

More Santa ornaments.

2010-12-23T16:38:00.000-06:00

My intentions to make beaded ornaments did not become a reality, so instead I am admiring a few on Etsy.

Christmas Creation

Santa Shop

I will, however, be fulfilling a little boy's wish to make gingerbread cookies for Santa!

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas.

Ornaments.

2010-12-18T07:39:00.005-06:00

My mom made a lot of crafts with us. I always enjoyed working with anything with sparkle, like sequins and beads. Maybe that's why I find these Santa ornaments to be so charming.

From My Favorite Finds

Gingerbread House.

2010-12-06T06:29:00.001-06:00

N was very busy yesterday.

The snow we received here over the weekend has put us in a holiday spirit!

Etsy Favorite.

2010-12-05T08:17:00.000-06:00

Midnight Bouquet Frame Necklace
Kira Ferrer

Book Review: Chain and Bead Jewelry: Geometric Connections

2010-12-04T14:31:00.003-06:00

Chain and Bead Jewelry: Geometric Connections by Scott David Plumlee has made me want to try some new techniques. Usually I focus bead stitching and wirework, but the chaine maille configurations in his book have me intrigued. The book is laid out well and the instructions cover each project thoroughly. I like that there a lot of photos, which will be helpful when I decide which project to make.

Here's more info from the back cover:

By adapting and building on the traditional Byzantine chain configuration, Scott creates unique collections of earrings, bracelets and necklaces, from three-sided Tripoli to the four-sided Quatrefoil to the five-sided Pentagon, plus innovative Organic designs, including fish, five- and six- pointed snowflakes, and a butterfly.

The beginning of the book contains a strong focus on technique and basic skills. It also covers how to make your own jump rings!

Since it's snowing here today, I'm leaning toward the six-pointed snowflake earrings.

Button jewelry.

2010-11-04T18:11:00.004-06:00

I bought myself a lovely gift from Quench Metalworks. The way Jen combines vintage buttons with silver is beautiful.

I slowed down on blog posts because I recently started a new job. The commute is longer, but I really like the job. We're all still adjusting to the changes in the evening and weekend routines.

I'll probably need more button jewelry to wear to work.

Micro mosaics.

2010-09-21T11:40:00.001-05:00

Today has brought a fondness for vintage micro mosaics.

I feel a new collection coming on.

Buttons.

2010-09-13T16:37:00.004-05:00

I found some buttons at a local flea market this past weekend. I'm thinking about some ways to use them in jewelry, or maybe a stitching.

Would you agree that people who like beads are often fond of buttons as well?

Jewelry display.

2010-09-03T06:24:00.003-05:00

Long ago I had an idea for a way to display some my jewelry with a printer's drawer because my jewelry armoire was close to overflowing. Then I got lazy and did nothing about it. Sometimes I would look at the drawers in antique shops, but I didn't want to spend $25 or more.

When I went to the Elkhorn Flea last month, I found this drawer and made an offer of $5. Sold!

I bought $8 worth of eye hooks at the hardware store. I had a hard time putting the eye hooks in, so I asked Mark for ideas on how make my dream a reality more easily. The next thing I knew he was working on my project for me. He's pretty fantastic.

This entire project cost $13. Because almost all of the jewelry in it is vintage or handmade, it looks like a piece of art.

Cameo ring.

2010-09-01T15:53:00.004-05:00

A recent acquisition from 6 Shadows Jewelry.

I love cameos. Sigh.

Indiana Dunes.

2010-08-31T14:52:00.015-05:00

Mark and I had been to the Indiana Dunes years ago and thought it would be fun to bring N. When we first arrived, we decided to walk on a forest trail, saving the dunes for the next day.

This is Chellberg Farm, originally owned by Swedish immigrants. It's now part of the forest preserve we were exploring.

I would like to go back when the farm is open.

Further along the trail is the Bailly Cemetery. It was beautiful and peaceful.

Afterwards, we drove around Chesterton, Indiana and stumbled upon this cute restaurant. The food was great and it was a nice evening to sit outside and relax. I wish the antique store next door had been open.

The next day we got up early to go to the dunes.

It's amazing to see how many plants can flourish there.

N really enjoyed exploring and climbing up the dunes.

We went swimming in Lake Michigan after this walk. By the time we hiked the dunes again it was really, really, really hot. I could feel the sand burning my feet. It was about 1 p.m. when we left the dunes and beach. N and I were tired, hungry, and ready to head home.

Remember when I said there is no rest for the weary when you vacation with Mark? On the way home he wanted to make a stop for a "short hike" on another trail. N and I were less than enthusiastic, but we pressed on. The trails here were more grassy, with many areas having tall grass. We were trudging along when suddenly N started screaming. He'd been stung by something. Poor kid. We left there immediately to go get some long overdue lunch.

After lunch we drove back to our neck of the woods.

Next time I would want to focus on the beach at the dunes. The sand was very fine, making it feel soft on our feet. We had a lot of fun swimming and building sandcastles.

Starved Rock.

2010-08-26T18:12:00.013-05:00

Last week we went to Starved Rock State Park. We'd heard about it for years and decided to hike the trails, spend the night in the lodge, hike a little more, and then head home. The trails are a bit more rugged than those by us, but the views were beautiful.

I thought the twisted roots of these trees were interesting.

The canyons are made of sandstone that crumbles easily. It was sad to see that people had carved their initials and other things into the sides of the canyons.

This photo was taken at the bottom of a canyon near a waterfall. You can see how the area is sandy, almost like a beach. Big chunks of sandstone were lying everywhere, presumably having fallen from the side of the canyon.

Mark and N enjoyed climbing around. N was really hoping to find a cave to explore.

This waterfall is on the trail to the St. Louise Canyon. If you visit the park website, you will see better photos of the waterfall.

The next morning we were on the trails again at 6:30. There is no rest for the weary when you vacation with Mark!

We saw several of these bright orange mushrooms.

N spotted this patch of tiny orange mushrooms.

A view of the Illinois River.

Someone was tired of having his photo taken!

Before going there, I had no idea why the park was called Starved Rock.

Starved Rock State Park derives its name from a Native American legend of injustice and retribution. In the 1760s, Pontiac, chief of the Ottawa tribe upriver from here, was slain by an Illiniwek while attending a tribal council in southern Illinois. According to the legend, during one of the battles that subsequently occurred to avenge his killing, a band of Illiniwek, under attack by a band of Potawatomi (allies of the Ottawa), sought refuge atop a 125-foot sandstone butte. The Ottawa and Potawatomi surrounded the bluff and held their ground until the hapless Illiniwek died of starvation- giving rise to the name "Starved Rock."

Here is a view from the top of the actual Starved Rock.

After we returned home, we decided to go to the Indiana Dunes. I'll show you photos from that trip next time.

Scrimshaw.

2010-08-12T13:48:00.005-05:00

Here's my latest favorite necklace, a vintage signed scrimshaw piece.

It can be hung on a chain or worn as a choker.

I love the delicacy of the carving and the leaves surrounding her. She looks slightly sad and I wonder what she's thinking.

Beaded flowers.

2010-08-03T16:29:00.007-05:00

I love these beaded flowers on Etsy.

I hope you are having a lovely day.

Vintage finds in Woodstock, Illinois.

2010-08-02T11:08:00.009-05:00

My mom and I went to Woodstock to look in an antique mall and shops in the square. I was happy to find a large white beaded flower to add to my vase.

This painting goes well in my powder room. It is roughly 19x15 inches was only $8!

This mushroom needlepoint goes well with my Fern painting.

I collect tiles here and there and was drawn to this one. The owner of the shop said she found it in a Belgian flea market.

My mom also found some beaded flowers, which I will have to share soon.

Book Review: The Earring Style Book by Stephanie Wells

2010-07-30T06:49:00.000-05:00

I've been in the mood to make earrings and made these after reading my advance copy of The Earring Style Book by Stephanie Wells (published by Crown Publishing/Potter Craft).

This is the best earring book I've seen in a while. What I love about it is that it gives you all the tools you need to be inspired and make your own earrings. The styles range from chic to bohemian to rock-and-roll. My earrings are my own design, but the techniques I used to make them are in the book. There is even a section in the book entitled, "Designing Earrings on Your Own."

But, that's not to say I don't want to make earrings that are in the book! I especially love the earrings on the cover and have them on my to-make list.

The book covers basic techniques with clear instructions and then builds on those techniques. The projects range from simple drop earrings to chandelier earrings with wire wrapping. There are a few basic frames that can be used in a wide range of earring styles--or to create your own design as I did.

The book publishes on August 17, but is available for pre-order now.

Pink topaz earrings.

2010-07-28T12:29:00.002-05:00

Made with pink topaz, pyrite, sterling silver, and Swarovski crystal.

Projects and paintings.

2010-07-26T20:27:00.000-05:00

My living room was pretty monochromatic. The walls and furniture are taupe and on the wall behind the couch I had a mirror with black and white family photos. I'd like to buy new furniture, but challenged myself to make some more budget friendly changes instead. I decided to incorporate shades of red.

I found this watercolor at a local antique mall. The dealer said it had been painted in the 1800s, but I don't see a date on it anywhere.

When I stopped in at the mall another day I spied this as soon as I entered.

I painted the bookshelf Divine Wine by Behr, but something still wasn't right.

Ah, yes. Here's what was bothering me - the table.

It needed some dark red paint and new hardware. Now the lamp that belonged to Mark's grandma really stands out.

I added more pillows that I had stored away in the basement along with some seahorse pillows I found at Pottery Barn. I went back and forth over the seahorse pillows because the room isn't a beachy sort of room, but I like them. They add some brightness and whimsy.

At some point, I will change the rose pillows, but since I already had them, I thought I should use them for now. I am happy to have a little more color in this room. I don't have any plans to paint the chest, but am now considering it after looking at this photo. Hmm...

Leather bracelet.

2010-07-23T07:53:00.002-05:00

My mother-in-law gave me this bracelet that was made by one of her colleagues.

The Czech firepolish beads are very sparkly. I've seen these bracelets before, but haven't attempted to make one.

Have a nice weekend.

Painted frame and table.

2010-07-21T09:25:00.005-05:00

I've moved on from painting rooms to painting projects. I recently purchased this vintage botanical oil painting on Etsy.

The frame color did not go well with the dark pink of the studio, so I decided to paint it white.

I also decided I needed a small table to put my pliers, etc. on while I'm working at the large table. My mom had been storing this oak table in our basement for a few years, so I asked her if I could have it. I'm not crazy about the hearts cut out on the sides, but I cannot complain about the price! I painted it the same white as the frame.

I'm trying to decide if the frame is too white...should I distress it?...paint it a different shade of white?...leave it as is?

Minnesota.

2010-07-19T19:40:00.008-05:00

Last week N and I drove to Minnesota to visit my friend Andrea and her family in Minnesota. We had a great time. In fact, we were so busy having fun that I forgot to take photos most of the time. I did, however, take some of the Minnesota Zoo.

Our first stop was the aquarium, where I saw my favorites: sea dragons and seahorses.

N was very excited to see a lion fish in person after having written a report on it during the school year.

We saw a grizzly bear up close.

And N was very happy to have a chance to play with his friend C in the dirt, digging up dinosaur bones.

N and I decided our favorite exhibit was the prairie dogs.

We stood and watched them for a good 20 minutes.

They were so entertaining that we wanted to take two or three of them home with us.

We also went to the pool, did some shopping, and ate a lot of great food. The best part was being able to stay for Andrea's daughter C's birthday party. N and C got along great. He really took her under his wing, playing with her at the park and reading to her in the afternoon. N is missing his pal today. And I'm missing mine.

More painting.

2010-07-11T07:45:00.007-05:00

I have been knocking out projects left and right over here. This week, I painted the master bedroom (with help from my father-in-law), master bath (with help from my mom), and the studio (also with help from my mom). I was lucky to have them help me!

This paint color is called Quiet Waterfall. It was from an old Glidden paint chip that I had color matched. Let me tell you, crawling around on that plant shelf to paint it was not easy--especially since I do not like heights! But, the result was worth it. I love the color and the room looks great.

The taupe color in the master bath is called Castle Path by Behr. It goes well with the color in the bedroom.

I went a little wild in the studio with Beet from Martha Stewart!

I love the color. It took two coats to cover, but was well worth the effort. Now I want to find some vintage amateur paintings to hang in this room.

Bookends.

2010-07-05T12:13:00.001-05:00

I've been doing a lot of projects around here lately. I needed some bookends and found these fun brass unicorns on Etsy.

I spray painted them white and put them to work.

It's amazing to see what a coat of paint can do.

Poppy jasper.

2010-07-02T08:21:00.000-05:00

I found this great piece of poppy jasper on Etsy.

I bezel set it, but am not thrilled with how it turned out. I need to either set it again or figure out something else to do with it. Until then, I can admire it.

Wish list.

2010-07-01T06:58:00.001-05:00

Pink Peonies

Charmed by Heidi

The end result was worth the struggle.

2010-06-30T16:36:00.004-05:00

I painted N's bathroom this week. In our marriage, there is a silent agreement that Mark paints rooms and I paint objects. Sometimes I will half-heartedly help him for a little while until he shoos me away. Then I'm in charge of lunch and snacks. This has worked well for us.

Painting N's bath has been on Mark's list for a few years, so I decided to surprise him by taking care of it myself. N chose Martha Stewart's paint in Sunken Pool. It's a lovely color.

There isn't a lot of room to maneuver around in the room with the bathtub. I had to stand on the tub or on the toilet and stretch to reach the top of the wall. At one point, as I was holding the paint roller pan and painting, I felt something cold and wet all down the front of me. Good thing Mark wasn't home to see that. Trying to change shirts without getting paint in my hair was quite a feat. Mark never seems to have issues like that when he paints.

There are paint chips hanging all over my studio, but so far no paint has been purchased.

A bracelet.

2010-06-26T09:30:00.003-05:00

I had to rethink the spacer beads in the first design because they were scratching me. This bracelet was designed around the Green Girl Studios clasp and is made with pink topaz, honey topaz, pyrite, clear quartz, and sterling silver.

I'm very happy with it and have been wearing it constantly.

Pin cushion.

2010-06-18T12:05:00.004-05:00

Every once in a while, I like to look at vintage crewel pieces on Etsy. Today I found this sweet pin cushion.

Happiest of weekends to you!

Bead & Button Show finds.

2010-06-14T07:26:00.000-05:00

There's no saving the best for last in this post! I'm going to start right out with my favorite find of the day, made by Cynthia Thornton of Green Girl Studios. I love it! If you have her book, you'll recognize the hollow glass bead used in one of the book projects. She drew a rose on a piece of parchment...

... and filled it with all sorts of lovely treasures. Look at that tiny red-topped mushroom! So cute. It also has various beads and crystals, metallic thread, shells, and glitter inside. I put the pendant on at lunch and for the rest of the day ladies stopped me in the aisles to ask about it.

I never leave a show without some Green Girl charms and pendants. This is the Shibuichi Rumi Bird Pendant.

"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." - Rumi

Two more charms. Their booth is situated in the first aisle I walk through. I usually spend the bulk of my budget in that aisle! One of these charms was free because I was wearing a Green Girl piece at the show.

A tiny, tiny poppy jasper stone from Gary Wilson.

The pattern for this pair of earrings is in Beadwork. I'd been planning to buy the supplies, so it was great to run across a kit in colors I liked. The photo on the kit is a little brighter than the actual piece will be.

And finally, a lesson learned: examine bulk chain before handing over cash. Wish I'd noticed this at the show.

My mom bought some wonderful things as well. I will try to share her purchases soon. She bought several gorgeous antique buttons. Now we want to go to a button show!

It was a fun day. I am already looking forward to next year's event.

Excitement.

2010-06-11T08:39:00.000-05:00

I'm off to Bead & Button!

Green Girl Studios clasp.

2010-06-10T09:44:00.003-05:00

I'm toying with ideas for using this Green Girls Studio clasp in a bracelet. I bought the clasp last year at Bead & Button.

I started a kit.

2010-06-09T07:49:00.000-05:00

This is Antonia's Adornment by Cynthia Rutledge. I made this colorway for my mom a long time ago. I still liked it, so I put the kit on my Christmas wish list.

It's a fun pattern with great instructions. It also works up rather quickly, which is a nice change of pace for me.

A find.

2010-06-07T07:02:00.003-05:00

I recently fell in love with this vintage cabinet. I thought it would be a nice place to put some beaded treasures. I'd been looking for something like this for a very long time.

It has some nice details.

But, I feel like the scale of this arrangement is off. I like the cabinet on the dresser, but the pictures need to be rearranged, larger ones need to be added, or... something. The cabinet is just a little too tall.

I'm going to leave it for now while I mull it over. Suggestions welcome.

A work in progress.

2010-06-04T09:58:00.005-05:00

I came across an unfinished project that I would like to finish. This dragonfly is from a Nancy Cain class I attended about five years ago.

This is the underside view.

The body is hollow. The dragonfly is made from mostly size 15 beads.

This wing has some sort of mistake in it that made it unusable. I can't remember what the error was, but I remember being annoyed enough with whatever I did that I set the project aside.

I can't decide if I want to finish the body or work on the wings.

Wish list.

2010-06-02T08:10:00.002-05:00

Midnight Flower Necklace
Kira Ferrer

Wildlife.

2010-05-31T10:51:00.011-05:00

It's been fun to watch how much the robins have grown and changed in a week. Every day I've been climbing into N's play set to get an overhead view of the nest. All four eggs hatched and so far all have survived.

Day 3

Day 5

Day 7

Day 8

Two nights ago Mark found some 13-Lined Ground Squirrel babies in various places in the yard. Two had not survived. Then, he found two more that were at the entrance of a newly dug den. Our neighbors had just had landscapers come out and even things out and put mulch down, which must have looked great to the momma.

It was twilight, so these photos aren't the greatest.

By the following morning, she'd made a deeper den and moved the babies.

When we went for a bike ride on the trail last week, we saw a large snapping turtle laying eggs. I wish I'd had my camera with me then. We also keep finding painted turtles on the streets of the subdivision. So far we've helped three return to the wetlands.

It's been great fun for N to observe and learn about all of these animals.

The robin's eggs are hatching!

2010-05-23T15:02:00.001-05:00

Wish list.

2010-05-19T05:26:00.004-05:00

Love Locked Necklace

whitemetal

A surprise.

2010-05-15T08:58:00.001-05:00

We checked in on the robin's nest and found two more eggs!

Wish list.

2010-05-12T06:58:00.000-05:00

Fairy Swallow Antique Victorian Pendant

The Nightjar

A beautiful shade of blue.

2010-05-10T06:45:00.000-05:00

Look at what N and I discovered on his play set.

A small change.

2010-05-07T06:22:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I buy a piece that I admire knowing I can change a small element here or there to suit me a little bit better.

Below is the original piece from honeybee. I loved the pottery shard and how it was wrapped. It's very pretty and delicate. Amy changed the ribbon to a chain for me. I wore it a few times with the very light pink pearl because I really liked it with the pearl, but I needed a darker color with my skin tone.

So, I swapped out the pink pearl for a faceted smokey topaz. I tried some darker pinks with it, but that was too matchy-matchy for me. I think the brown brings out some of the crazing in the pottery, which I like. I usually wear it on one of my favorite faceted ball chains. They have a little bit of sparkle.

By changing one small element, the pendant suits me better and I will wear it more often.

Wish list.

2010-05-05T06:15:00.000-05:00

Copper Fox Necklace

Shere Design

The Cubbies.

2010-05-03T19:34:00.007-05:00

On Sunday we woke up, wondered what to do with ourselves all day, and decided to go to a Cubs game.

Deciding on a whim to take a trip into Chicago is great fun. It was a beautiful day.

N wanted to take a photo. It just happened to be when the cotton candy seller was in the area.

Pure coincidence, I'm sure.

How cute are they in their backpacks?

Too darn cute for words.

Complete.

2010-04-30T06:59:00.001-05:00

This flower is made with size 15 beads and 30 gauge wire.

The pattern called for 30 gauge wire, but even with size 15 beads, the flower is a bit floppy. If I make another, I'll try 28 gauge. Hopefully, the two passes of wire will still fit through the size 15s.

Beaded flowers are a good way to use up extra beads from previous projects. I used the pattern in a past issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, but it's also available in her Encyclopedia of Crafts and on her website. I would only use the website version if you are familiar with making French beaded flowers, as it does not offer as many photos of the steps.

Wish list.

2010-04-29T06:50:00.000-05:00

Diamond Blooms Necklace

Sundance Catalog

Progress.

2010-04-26T06:57:00.000-05:00

Cedarburg finds.

2010-04-23T06:52:00.000-05:00

I spied this little salt cellar in a Cedarburg antique shop. I like the organic quality it has. It reminds me of flower pods.

It was accompanied by the prettiest little silver salt spoon.

In another antique store I found some beaded flowers.

Vintage beaded flowers are getting harder and harder to find, especially for an affordable price.

I like how the person who made them used such large beads for the stems and smaller beads for the flowers and leaves.

A day in Cedarburg, continued.

2010-04-21T06:26:00.001-05:00

Here are a few more photos of my recent day in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

Next time I'll share what I found while I was there. Beads are involved!

A day in Cedarburg.

2010-04-19T18:12:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, I met my friend Rachel in the historic town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. I thought I'd share some photos of this quaint little town.

To be continued...