Le Beadoir & L'Atelier JLB

Periphery

2009-12-23T11:34:00.007-04:00

So, yeah, seems I'm *still* not totally back in beading mode, but in my defense, so much has been happening around us lately. Not complaining, just coming to that realization now. Mimi was sick for a whole week, so she stayed home. Hubby's been extremely busy at work, so I've been in single parent mode for a bit too. Though now he's home [well, technically, he's currently at the river's edge, hopefully snagging the ever elusive 'big one'...] for a few weeks for the holidays. I'm hoping we can all catch up on family time, and that Mom might, just might get a chance to be by herself for a few of those days so she can catch up on her Self? ... Would be nice...

I think I should start with one of my favorite things: Family breakfast. I've been wanting to share this with my readers, just a wee bit of insight to me, and my family life. I do this every Sunday, and it's just for Us. It gives us a chance to sit back, relax, enjoy each others' company, and catch up on our week. Here's a sample of one of my best spreads: two eggs, over easy, sprinkled with pepper, sea salt, and thyme. French toast, made with a cranberry focaccia, oven roasted herbed potato patties, and bacon. GOTTA have the bacon. And no, the turkey one won't cut it, though I have tried sneaking it in every so often, you know, for 'health' reasons. ;) Of course, we only eat this way once a week, 'cause if I ate like this every day, then it would become easier to jump over me than to walk around me... I likes me food!

Do you have a designated 'Family Day'?

Last week, I was the very surprised recipient of this wonderful gift, sent to me by Nancy, who though we've met through here, on Blogger, became closer through facebook. And though things were sorta coasting along for me here, I think Nancy sensed that I wasn't completely %100 myself. I still am not, but I'm working on it. I was totally floored by the selection of shiny things she sent me, and couldn't believe that someone whom I'd only known for a short while would take the time to do something so thoughtful and kind for me. To put together a lovely care package, just to put a smile on my face. Oh I smiled. And I cried. But just a little bit. Here's what I received:

Pretty pink crystals, fantastic pearls (you know me and my pearls!), gorgeous looooong purple briolette crystals [which are destined to become copper-wrapped earrings], and this super funky stone donut that I'm just dying to make something with.
She threw in this card of neat fibers that I'm still fondling, and thought I've had quite a few ideas for their use, I'm still waiting for that "A-ha!" idea to hit me.

Oh, I've also been bit with the 'renovation' bug. Or perhaps I should call it the recycling bug. I spied with my little eye this beautiful old sideboard at Goodwill about 6 weeks ago. I had an idea to put it in our entryway, which I thought would help with all the front door clutter. I waited and waited for the price to go down, but it just wouldn't. Until one day, I went up to the manager and asked if she'd make me a better price. As you can see, it's found a new home. At %50 the original asking price. The piece was in excellent condition, save for a few scratches and marks on the surface veneer. However, I was planning on refinishing it to a beautiful flat black, to match all of the other items that had recently received the same treatment. Here's a before.

I worked on that baby for a week straight!
Lots of work, but oh so worth it! I sanded and buffed the finish away (dirty work that is!), removed the doors, drawers and hardware, then got to work with the paint.
Lucky for me I have a drive-through garage, so I was able to leave both ends open while I worked. Must be wary of those fumes...

And here is the end result:

I have to be honest. I'm giving myself quite the pat on the back for this project. The mirror was actually salvaged from a dumpster at our old appartment. The frame was white, and it's a super thick beveled mirror (they cost a FORTUNE these days!). It had been sitting in a closet for about two years, with the specific intent to refinish it, I simply didn't know what color I would go with. I had a pile of frames kicking around as well, all white. They got the black treatment too, and now frame our family ancestry. It's very heartwarming to my D.H. and myself to see our grandparents and parents hanging out on our wall.
[That yellow/tan chair was also a roadside rescue. Someone was throwing it out. I visualize it recovered in a gorgeous black on white damask toile fabric, but that's another project, for another time... LOL!]

From a different angle.
Though I did keep the original hardware on the sideboard, I have been eyeballing some new ones from Lee Valley - one of my favorite, favorite stores to shop at for original eccentricities.
GREAT place to find storage solutions as someone who needs to house lots of tiny little bits too!

Bringing the 'new' sideboard in meant that I needed to reorganize a few other pieces of furniture. Little Highness, lucky little girl that she is, has her very own craft cabinet, and though I'd love to keep it in her room, she simply lacks the space. Armed with my trusty measuring tape and a copious amount of "hmmmmmmmm, I wonder...", I found out that it fit near perfectly in the tiny nook at the end of our front 'hallway', with exactly one inch to spare on each side! Right, here's where I'll get all 'New Agey' on you, and start talking Feng Shui. ;) I figured this was the perfect spot for it, since that corner wasn't getting any use, aside from whenever we hit the loo - 2nd door on the right... - This new location now forces us to keep the bathroom door closed in order to see the lovely Balinese cabinet, AND now the Chi is functional, as opposed to being stagnant. Bonus, when L.H. grows out of it, I can reclaim it as our linen cabinet. Maybe...

Now, as for the rest of what's been goin' on. Well, we've discovered one of the joys of home ownership involved getting used to having new little room mates... Freeloading ones. A few months ago, we all started hearing little scurrying sounds in our ceiling area. Of course, we all gave the cat a side-eye glance, wondering since he constantly chases them outdoors (and subsequently tries to sneak them back in...), can't he simply catch the indoor ones? Well, indoor mice are crafty. CRAFTY I tell you!!! And I suspect have the stomach capacity of a cow! Look at this 10 lbs bag of basmati rice, which had JUST been purchased. So here's Jewels, preparing dinner for her family, when she decides "hmmmmm, basmati rice sure would be nice with these steamed veggies and the pan fried chicken breast..." Jewels reaches for the rice, and though she expects to feel the heft of 10 lbs of rice, lifts the pouch without any resistance whatsoever... "hmmmmm, didn't I just buy this bag of rice?" Walk with me, while you hear the sound of uncooked grains of rice bouncing off the floor... "What the!? Oh! There's a hole in the bottom corner of the bag!"

OMG! THIS IS ALL THAT WAS LEFT!!!!
LMBO!

Yes, well, the remainder of the rice went to the garbage bin, and out came the vacuum so I could clean up the ricey mess... But not without some serious grumbling, and a few choice French words thrown in for good measure... ;) If the little freeloading buggers thought I was going to take this laying down, they've got another thing coming. I hear they don't like the smell of fabric softener sheets. I'll have to photographically document myself slipping those above the ceiling tiles... That's if Milo doesn't get off his duff and get them...

Speaking of Milo, he's been a very good boy otherwise. The whole week that Mimi was home sick, this is how I found them:

Look at my big boy, belly up in the air. You'd almost think they get along from this photo, but in reality, they're actually closer to acting like true brother and sister. Constantly chasing each other, and lots of "Mooooooom! Milo's chasing me!" And I swear, every time that cat lies down to sleep, L.H. just HAS to pick him up and disturb his slumber...

Oh, and here are the two lovely flowers I sent to my last contest winner. I like to host the occasional contest on my facebook pages when I introduce a new product in either of my shops. This one was for my new organza blooms, and though the winner wanted them for his new baby girl, the bloom in question would've pretty much dwarfed her already tiny head. So I decided to make a small version of the original one, for a Mother Daughter set.

Cute, non?

Well, I'm afraid that's it for today. I do have TONS more stuff I need to catch up on, and tons more to share, but I'll leave it at this for this morning, and hope to have a chance to update this blog a bit more in the next coming weeks, since it is supposed to be a holiday for all.

Supposed too...

Pearls ARE a Girl's Best Friend

2009-11-24T11:28:00.004-04:00

Never mind diamonds. No, don't get me wrong, I like my diamonds, but pearls, Oh, pearls! They just have this certain "Je ne sais quoi" that makes my heart just pitter patter like a centipede's tap-dancing feet!
Two years ago, for our 10th anniversary, my darling husband asked me "What would you like for a gift honey?" I said "PEARLS!" Not entirely understanding my request, D.H. went out and looked for a jewelry item made of pearls for me. But after a whole week of searching, he finally admitted he just couldn't find anything that jumped out at him. Anything that he thought would 'suit' me. This is when I set him straight: "No honey, I don't want you to go out and purchase a pearl item for me, what I want are pearls, of my very own, to make my own jewelry with..." THIS D.H. could agree on. And so I searched high and low for the best pearl suppliers I could find, and afford, and I did find one with which I could agree on the pricing and quality of their items. Frankly, I fell in love with this site that sold nothing but Tahitian pearls, but, well, I just couldn't see D.H. buying me a boat load of black Tahitian pearls at $200 a piece... ;) So, I went with the Freshwater variety.
And I was NOT disappointed! Shall I tell you just how many pearls I did get from that single order? Well, it was 11 kilos!

Here I am, fondling some of my newly arrived pearl stash!
Gosh, I have that glazed over look, don't I ;)

And the ones I really found to be a personal splurge were these:

Natural 9mm round purple freshwater pearls.

And here's what I made with them:

A three-strand hand-knotted necklace with a silver box clasp.
I think I'll call them my "Desperate Housewife" strands... LOL!!!

But I did get quite a variety of other pearls, these natural pearls made my heart dance too. Having always had that "I wonder what this would look like" syndrome, I just HAD to try making a lariat with them. Of course, the unfinished rope sat there for a while, since I had NO clue what I could use to finish it. (Lariat ends are the BANE of this beader's existence... I always start with the rope, and always struggle with the ends. Well, unless I've purchased embellishments as an end in mind... ) 14 hand-strung 16" strands and two large Swarovski rondelles later, and this is what I came up with:

The rope is 45.5 " long (I thought it was longer, but then again, I have been measuring a whole lot of my ropes lately for listing in my shop... Oh well...)
I'm so used to making my 60" long ropes... ;)
The seed beads rope take longer to work up, but these pearl ones take longer to string.
Given the miliform nature of freshwater pearls, the holes all sit at different angles, so you can't really load them up in a spinner and string'em up... They literally had to be strung individually...
And yes, I HAVE been called crazy before, so you won't offend me if you call me out... ;)

I also like it worn tied at the wrist like an opulent handcuff...

Well, I've been debating with myself for a while now, wondering whether or not Etsy would be the right venue to list these in. I also have pearl rope done up with khaki freshwater pearls and smoky topaz Swarovski's on the ends. They'd be in the higher end price mark at $650 a piece... I'm tempted... Do you think they would sell? One thing's for sure, they'd certainly garner many "hearts".

I've been a bad, bad girl...

2009-10-28T15:22:00.003-04:00

I've been careless with a delicate man... Oh, wait, that's a Fiona Apple song! What I mean was, I've been careless with this blog! Well, not careless, really, just so darn busy with all the other avenues in my life that I simply haven't had time to write here, let alone read anyone else's blogs!

Well, with the cold months here already, I've been quite pleased to simply sit back, relax with a hot cup of tea (or coffee...) and a hook, and have been playing with my yarn stash. Oh, and what fun I've had! In the last three weeks, I've busily made at least a dozen cowls, (two of which have matching cuffs, see below...), half a dozen 'cup coats', and have even put some time aside to teach myself how to make organza flowers!

All this of course, was done in the midst of the little one getting dental surgery, then suffering through (and passing on...) two consecutive cold/flu viruses, keeping house, AND looking after a sick hubby who's business is soboominghecan'ttakeanytimeoff...

Anyway... At least I've had the time to photograph some of these creations, and this post is all about that: PHOTOS!

Deep Purple neckwarmer with matching cuffs.
The buttons were all salvaged from a second-hand store purchase.

Organza flowers with antique glass button centers.
These are SO much fun to make, and easy too! But still, a little time consuming, if you don't have a 'system' in place...

The cream one is one of my favorites. I also quite like the buttons I used, very understated, they almost look like carved crystal balls.

I went for a little jaunt downtown yesterday, and since we have a lovely little caffé there, called Balzac's, I thought I'd take along a few of my new cup cozies, and go ahead with a mini photo shoot while I had myself a little treat of medium roast and carrot cake. It was sooo worth it, even if I did start feeling very, very under the weather about 1 hour into my little excursion.

Another cup cozy, this one matches the neck warmer two photos down. I'm from a long line of crafty "Waste not, want not" Women, and if I like one thing in one color combination, I'll usually try to work with that same combination 'til there's no more yarn to play with.

Fiery Fall neckwarmer

Poetess neck warmer

Green Goodness neck warmer.
Might I add that I'm absolutely digging the versatility of these pieces? I love how you can wear the neck warmers in different fashions, as well as over the ears, as shown.

Well, I think that's about it for today. Hopefully I can get back to doing this blogging thing more regularly, but, I won't keep my hopes up about that, since I'm trying to line myself up with a few shows and sales. Oooh, and I did find a lady downtown yesterday who was VERY interested in carrying my beaded amulets in her New Age shop, and I'm quite excited about that prospect, and think my little amulets would do really well there as 'Medicine' bags.

"Magenta", the last bag I listed on Etsy, and which promptly sold!
Perhaps I should make more? ;)

Treasury: Beads are a Girl's Best Friend!

2009-10-15T14:18:00.002-04:00

Another treasury I've created today. Click on the photo to check out the gorgeous pieces on display. Just a small selection of the many talented bead artists on Etsy.

Treasury!

2009-10-06T11:26:00.003-04:00

I finally snagged myself a Treasury, and I thought I'd share it with you all!

I called it "Shades Of Fire" and it showcases a few of my favorite items at the moment.
I'm particularly partial to those large flower hair adornments; not sure if I could pull it off, personally, but I certainly wouldn't be averse to trying them! :)

*Which is probably why I've been playing with copious amounts of organza and tulle these last few days... Stay tuned!*

Thermos Cozy!

2009-10-05T11:40:00.003-04:00

My Darling Hubby is an avid outdoorsman, and likes to be prepared every time he goes out. After breaking his old thermos, he broke down and bought himself a new one. This time, when he came home, he asked his clever wifey if she could create some type of 'cozy' for it, so that it wouldn't get damaged on one of his excursions.

Well, not one to back down from such a challenge, his clever wifey sought out the perfect yarn for the task, and got to work! Armed with my trusty 5mm bamboo hook, and a copious amount of excitement (I kid you not!), I patiently worked on this project all of Saturday morning. Not having a pattern for such a cozy, I had to do, and re-do, quite a few times, just to get it right. Me and the 'Frog Stitch'? Yeah, we're tight!
So, here it is! The Thermos Cozy! :) I made two little 'ear-flaps' on the cap, that act as button holes. I sewed some nice, rustic looking wooden buttons to the body of the cozy, which allows for "easy-on, easy-off" of said cap.

So? Whaddya think?

I am happy to report that D.H. loved it so much (verbatim: "This is freaking AWESOME!"), that I now have every weekend spoken for, until I have made cozies for his fishing reels as well... (He's got 5 big "spinning reels" that need protecting...) In coordinating colors, no less... ;)

Spiced Chai

2009-09-24T16:56:00.001-04:00

Spiced Chai, originally uploaded by JewelsLB.

Just finished crocheting this cute bag, after completing its prototype yesterday (It's my own pattern dont'cha know, and I'm SO proud of that! LOL!). Of course, my little highness gets to keep most of my protos, except if they're not age appropriate ;)

My Darling Hubby got me this wool as a Yule present last year, and I hadn't even taken it out of the bag until yesterday. I'm really liking the look of the large coconut shell button, and chose a deep wine red thread to complement the red lacquer of the flowers. It's a fantastic little bag to hold my keys, my iphone, and a few cards. I like it so much, I've decided NOT to put it in the sell pile! ;)

Etsy Treasury: When Yellow Leaves

2009-09-23T17:31:00.003-04:00

A lovely lady by the name of Jane, of Glorious Hats, has added my "Stone" bangles to her beautiful treasury. Take a peek:

You can also see it by clicking here. Thank you Jane! :)

Mimi's New Shoulder Bag

2009-09-23T13:35:00.002-04:00

Mimi's new shoulder bag, originally uploaded by JewelsLB.

I'm still playing with my beads, but when the cooler weather comes in, I always pull out my yarn to play with. Of course, the beads get a tad jealous, especially if buttons are involved, but they understand... I think. I know the Swarovski's gave me the cold shoulder this morning, it only lasted a short while. The pearls? Well, they're like a happy oblivious puppy: They just ran up to me and licked my face 'til I gave them a stern "enough!" ;)

Here's a little shoulder bag I started working on Monday night. This bag is completely freeform, no pattern was followed. The body and strap are all extended single crochet, and the drop is just a series of stitches in varied lengths, which I customized to fit the large button Mimi picked. Lucky Little Highness that she is: she gets all my prototypes! ;)

Definitely going to be making more of these, but now I'm thinking I'd like to add some of my nice art buttons for the closure. I'm thinking Raku, metal and wood (oh my!) ;)

Jewels

Almost Fall!

2009-09-17T12:34:00.003-04:00

Four more days and it's Fall! Already? Time is just flying by right now. I honestly thought I'd have more me time once school started, turns out I was slightly off on those calculations. We've had a few organized school excursions already, which required some parental assistance for the teacher, and I've been running back and forth from Niagara Falls to St. Catharines and back again, for doctor's and dentist's appointments for our Little Highness. Nothing TOO serious, she just needs some dental work done, but she's a nervous patient, and still young, so her dentist has chosen to perform her procedures under full anesthesia in the hospital. That last part doesn't sit well with me, and that probably has to do with the fact that I sincerely don't trust hospitals. I know it's not a 'bad' place, but I can honestly say that I don't have many positive experiences when hospitals are concerned. At any rate, what I thought would be Me time, turned into "Running all over town, catching up with myself and everybody else" time. ;)

I have been keeping busy during 'off' hours though. Wait, do I even HAVE off hours??? No, guess I don't... LOL!

I recently organized a necklace swap on my facebook "Canadian Beadworkers" group (which is turning into more of an international group, LOL!), and I thought I'd share the piece I made for my partner with you. I chose to make a lariat for Nancy, and though she did mention liking darker colors, I did use artistic license and mixed some lights in there too. I created a bead soup with 6's in silver lined purples in light, medium and dark tones, and another mixture of iridescent 'ambers' in the same tones. I liked the outcome enough that I believe I might make another lariat with the same soup. I will make sure that the ends differ from these ones however, since I don't really like to duplicate my pieces too much. Well, unless they're part of a collection/series, of course...

For the ends, I used two large glass crystals, in a smoky topaz color, and extended the fringes about two inches down, embellishing them with an array of glass beads, keeping in the same colors and tones that were in the rope. The only thing I played with were different finishes. The rope itself was shiny enough, so I went with plain transparent beads, and frosted finish beads that I hoped would stand out.
I'm quite pleased with the result, and I'm happy to report that Nancy LOVED it! :)

I was also commissioned by a friend to make a very special piece for her sister, who also happens to be a close friend of mine. Of course, it was my absolute pleasure to be given complete carte blanche to create this particular piece, having intimate knowledge of my friend's likes. This is a new design for me. Not too overly complicated to make, even though I did have some minor difficulties with the clasp attachment. Very fiddly! LOL!

Four beautiful strands of netted beads in metallic iridescent green, and silver-lined beads of the deepest most delicious 'fir' green I've ever seen!
I used a sterling silver four-prong slide clasp, which I thought really lent itself well to the design of the strands. It kept them nicely spaced, and gave the piece a well 'organized' look. (Cause, you know, I'm all about organization... ) ;)

I thought it fell quite nicely on the bodice, and was weighty enough to feel, but not so light that it felt too delicate to wear.

Well, now that I've caught myself up with the last few details of back to school, work, housework, moving (Items that were lovingly packed by my Mom, and promptly lovingly moved 7 hours South to me, by my Dad), renovating (my Studio! Yes! It's finally getting the well-deserved attention it's been vying for!), and, what? Oh, yeah, more housework... ;) I'm hoping that the next few weeks will see me doing a lot more in the beady creation department, and less in the laundry department. Oh who am I kidding? I've got an avid fisherman and an 8 year old Princess in the house... Laundry services is sure to be added to my resume, should I ever need to look for a job! :P

Hope all is well with you, my dear readers!

Blessed Be!

Interview With An Etsyan: BizzieLizzie

2009-09-08T09:06:00.016-04:00

Back in July (has it been that long already????), I had the pleasure of participating in an online "Blog Giveaway" contest at BizzieLizzie's blog, and 'Lo and behold: I won! Not only did I win a fabulous "refillable" handmade lavender sachet, I also decided to participate in Charlotte's Pay It Forward, and was so pleased when I received my parcel, as right along with my precious lavender sachet, was this super cute little coin purse! My sachet now resides under my pillow, as there's nothing I like better than falling asleep with the smell of lavender in my nose. So calming. The coin purse is, well, in my purse! My Little Highness was right by me when I opened my parcel, and her exact words were : "OH! Is THAT one for ME?" I told her I'd be very happy to share it with her, but that I would like the opportunity to 'play' with it a little bit first. Truth be told, it's absolutely perfect to hold my Iphone!

My new sleeping aid, filled with lavender!

My new change/iphone purse! Perfect for small lose items you don't want to lose in your purse!

I was so impressed with Charlotte's workmanship, her attention to detail is impeccable, right down to her personalized label. Since I'd been to her Etsy shop before, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you, drool with me will you?

This gorgeous "Ebony & Ivory Slouch Hobo" damask bag is just DYING to come live with me. Hubby doesn't understand my constant fascination with handbags, but then again, I don't get HIS fascination with fishing rods either, so... I'd say we're even, wouldn't you? A perfect day bag, I can tell it would hold all of my essentials for a full day *dare I go there* SHOPPING excursion!?

The next bag I chose to show you is her "Rays & Dots" market tote. I fell in love with the colors in the fabric, and can so totally see myself doodling around town on my vintage Shwinn bike with this bag, ever so casually slung across my shoulder, sitting on my hip. (I'll HAVE to sling it on, since my basket will be full of fresh market goodies!)

Another bag that caught my eye was the 'Minimalist Branches with Leaves" hobo bag. NO markets for this one, though now that I think about it... ;) No, this one I'd take on one of my many reading excursions. It looks like it would be the perfect size to hold a good book, some sundry snacks, and a bottle of water. With my blanket in my basket, I'll bike to the nearest park, and rest for a few hours, as I read, and watch the clouds lazily float by. I suppose this sounds like a rather Summery activity, but this I like to do once school has started, and I find myself having a few hours of Me time. (A rare, and very precious commodity, it seems...)

Oh, but I'm not completely selfish! I did spy a few goodies I thought my Little Highness might like for herself! She's just MAD for elephants, and frankly, anything *cute*, and this little "Elephant Love" zippered bag would be perfect to hold the precious tiny treasures she likes to lug around whenever we go out. (can't leave the house without that Littlest Pet Shop now can we?)

I was so pleased with my new Bizzie Lizzie creations, I just had to try my hand at an Etsy interview, and so this is it! Charlotte was kind enough to answer a few questions for me, and though they might not be the 'run of the mill' type of questions, these are the ones I'm curious about whenever other 'creators' are involved.

Charlotte had been busy after coming back from a trip, and I believe she was still wiping her brow from a hard day's work when her reply came back to me. ;), and though I was going to go to the trouble of editing everything, I rethought that, and chose to give you the unabridged version, these are Charlotte's personal words, and give you a peek into her process. Hope you like it!

"Hey Jewels!

Phew! Laundry is DONE! What a chore! I'm getting slowly back in the routine! LOL

Okay - here are some answers for you:
1. What inspires your work?

I am so inspired by colors. Fabrics speak to me! Nature for sure! I love our colorful world!

2. With a busy family life (I don't know if you do, but also if you have a job outside of the home...), how do you budget your time in order to keep productivity up?

It was tough. I worked part time - 9-2 up until last December. THEN, I took the plunge and quit the day job! Working for myself is the hardest and most fulfilling job I've had. I work long hours to make it work. Many more hours than any career I've ever been a part of! It's hard for me to "turn" it off! When I'm really busy - it's nothing for me to get up at 3:30 in the morning and work through the entire day without stopping! Well, I do stop to eat and drink! =0) AND, I have a 10 year old - so I have to stop for her as well.

3. What made you decide to develop your hobby as a business?

I've always sewn stuff. It wasn't until I became a mother that I wanted to stay home with her, so at that point - I started sewing for others and it wasn't free anymore! =0) Lizzie just turned 10 in April. My sewing has been a supplement and source of income off and on for about that long!

4. Do you listen to music/watch T.V. while working, or do you need complete quietude and solitude?

No TV watching. There's no TV in my sewing room, but I do like to listen to the old movies in the background while I am sewing. Definitely music most days. There are some days though- solitude is the only way I get it all done! On those days - even the phone calls can wait!

5. What tips can you share with Etsy newcomers that could help them get noticed?

My first push is to LOVE and I mean REALLY LOVE what you do! It's got to drive you to make it work. You've got to promote yourself and get noticed. Take the best pictures and then when you think they're the best - take them over again. I am always changing up my pictures. That is my weakness - I HATE the picture taking part and feel like there is always room for improvement in that arena! Again - LOVE what you are doing. Do not be discouraged by others. Find out what works - just for you!

6. Do you require any special steps to get the creative muse going? Or is she just a 'spur of the moment' kinda gal?

I am the "spur of the moment" kinda gal. I am that way with my creating and my personal life. I LOVE what a new day brings and uncharted territory! Drives my husband NUTS! BUT, we discover lots of new things my way! My desire to create - comes from within! If I have to force myself to do it - I step away from it for a bit. It never turns out right - when I try and force it!"

I recognized a lot of myself in Charlotte's answers. Mainly LOVING what you do. If you love what you do, with a boundless passion, then it will never feel like work!

And this, my dear readers, was my first foray in "Interview With And Etsyan". I hope I did well, and that this was just the first of many, many more to come. I welcome anyone who would love an article of their own to contact me. I'll try and keep this as a regular feature of this blog.

Keeping Busy

2009-08-24T16:24:00.011-04:00

Lavender from my garden.

Take a deep breath, it smells Heavenly!

Well, it's been a really busy summer here. Not getting to do much outdoorsy stuff, what with all the rain we've been getting, but I've been keeping myself busy. With my renewed fervor to get my business running successfully, I've been engrossed with nothing but learning how to achieve this goal. Reading any and all Storque articles, reaching out to experienced sellers, and letting others mentor me in areas that need improving. Let's face it, there's always room for improvement, right? I even splurged and got myself a few good books. One called "Make a Profit with your Passion", and "The Craft of Planning Your Art Business", both are accessible through here, which is the Artist How to site. (some really good stuff there for people interested in taking their hobbies to the next level. Re, the money making level. :)

Anyway, last week was pretty busy. I decided, in my infinite wisdom, to host two Posh Parties in my home. I always get requests for invitations to these parties, but always get the inevitable "Oh dear, I can't make it that night". So I thought I'd cut to the chase, and host a party on two different nights, in the hopes that I'd be able to please a few more people that way, but it wound up biting me in the butt: Only one buyer showed up on the second one. Ah well, live, learn, and pass it on, I always way. I at least got to spend some time in the good company of friends, and family. :)

Wall earring display

A few pieces displayed on the dining room table.

Some of the rings I taught myself how to do.
It was tricky to learn a new tension technique, but after a few dozen, I think I've got it down pat. I didn't have a tutorial for them, just photographs to study.

Here are a few closups:

Here my Mimi and Selena playing with a Nintendo DS. Don't ask me what they're doing, I don't play those games, and I just thought they looked SO funny waving around in front of that game, LOL!

A shot of a custom ordered pendant and earring set requested by my friend Lise. I am happy to report that she liked it very, very much! :D

I even set up a display for my Dad's wood turned pieces. He's coming down this weekend, and will be bringing me even more of his pieces. These two will be really REALLY difficult to part with:
*I love how some of his new pieces are accented with bark. These two vessels were made from the same piece of Manitoba Maple*

Oh, and since we've had a few cold evenings, I started playing with yarn again, and tried my hand at cup cozies. Again, no pattern, just playing around. The buttons are just for show, but I thought they were a cute touch! I like these a heck of a lot better than the throwaway cardboard ones you get at the coffee shop. AND, my friend had a great idea: To make a slew of them in a multitude of colors, so that when you have a party, your guests will know which cup is theirs! :)

P.S.: Don't forget to read my PIF post, and play the Pay It Forward game. Honestly, I'm surprised that more people aren't willing to play. It's such a wonderful thing to do, and I would like nothing more than to make something just for YOU! :)

Pay It Forward

2009-08-02T13:28:00.003-04:00

Names and links have been changed in the interest of sending you forth to the right place, but for the most part, this post is pretty much Verbatim from Charlotte's post. :)

I found this Pay It Forward Game on a fellow Etsian's blog. BizzieLizzie She is also on Twitter and had it not been for that venue - I don't know that our paths would have crossed.

Okay - Here's how it works:

I am entering into the following contract with the first 5 people who comment on this post and then commit to do the same on their blog. I'm the world's worst when it comes to commitments via the BLOG - but this one really appeals to me!

Just read below and if you feel up to the task copy the following into your blog and leave me a comment.

I am willing to send a surprise worldwide (I live in the Canada, BUT before any goodies are sent out - I must see a post on your blog - send me a link - that'd be perfect).

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It’ll be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber.
5. I reserve the right to do something strange or weird (though I don't really make strange or weird myself - but left the text in - just in case someone else may think so).
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.
7. Send your mailing address – after I contact you.

Welcome to everyone. I will however, make an effort to do something that you like based on what I see on your blog, BUT there are no guarantees.

Hoping I won't have to beg :)

Playing with the camera. Again.

2009-07-27T10:26:00.004-04:00

Well, I'm nothing if not willing to learn and improve. :)

While doing a little cleaning last week, I had an epiphany of sorts. I found this lovely little chachka at Winners a little while back, and thought it would be a great way to display keep my jewelry off the counter in the bathroom. While dusting it, I thought how lovely it would look as a display unit. As luck would have it, I'd just come back from the dollar store with a few bags of river rocks that were slotted for flower arrangements.
I set everything up on the living room floor, and decided I liked it quite a bit. However, it needed more rocks! So, a second trip to the dollar store was planned, and 9 bags later, voilà:

I just love how the stones make the beads pop out.

So I played around some more with some of my old pieces that were kicking around. I like how the photos turned out, and have a few more ideas I'd like to try out. Like misting the rocks before laying the pieces down. That might look pretty nice too.

Come to think of it, I'm thinking I should put a few of these collars up on my Etsy site, seeing as collars are 'in' right now.

While on Vacation

2009-07-21T09:03:00.008-04:00

It dawned on me that I have yet to share some photos of my sojourn at Dad's place during the first week of July. It was an interesting, and very wet week. ;) We didn't get to spend a whole lot of time outside, as it was unseasonably cold, and, well... WET! However, the time we DID get to spend outside was spent wisely: I beaded! :D

But first, I wanted to share with you my daily morning view. This is what my Dad gets to see every single morning. The Gatineau River softly flowing by, and the lovely blue mountains as a backdrop. Pretty impressive, non?

Well, as I said, I did manage to get a bit of work done. Quite a few finished crocheted pieces, and even a few pairs of earrings. I even managed to finish a prototype for a new bead embroidered pendant, but it wasn't quite up to my standards, so it's still 'in the works', ;)

Here's a little production line for some earrings I've been working on. This is how I like to set myself up when I know I'll have a large number of pieces to make in the same design. It makes it easier for me to keep track of what's finished, what's yet to be finished, and, well, it just appeals to my OCD self... ;)My Papa, my occasional companion during my mini beading marathons. He makes a mean cup of coffee!

Another occasional companion. This little guy must have been have thought the bowl was the Indy 500, cause I swear, he went around it at LEAST 500 times. Round, and round, and round, really entertaining actually...

My other companion, Cracker, whom we renamed Rosie, since Mimi didn't think Cracker was a suitable name for a lovely feline lady. Rosie is a feral cat who recently adopted my dad. A lovely lady, she's really good at keeping the rodent population down. She was quite gentle too, and took a liking to me after I decided to help her with her grooming. Poor girl was shedding enough for three cats, so, armed with a fine-tooth comb, and copious amounts of patience (on both our parts), and about 90 minutes, I believe we did manage to make a whole other cat from all the hairballs I pulled off of her. Rosie and I became inseparable after that. ;)
(No, really, Dad said he'd never seen her quite so smitten, as she followed me everywhere)

When I needed a break from the beads, I just looked down the hill, and enjoyed the view of the river. Sometimes a boat goes by, filled with a few lazy fishermen, other times, it'll be loons, or herons, or gulls. Never a dull moment.

One of Rosie's favorite perches. She just weaves her way up the posts, and lays in wait, until something else catches her attention.

Ah yes, everything is bigger in Quebec, even the flies!
No, at the risk of raising panic, this was just a cicada. See that little tongue thingie sticking in my finger? Yeah, those things sting. Real bad... And yeah, I sent it flying when I felt that... LOL!

Well, that's it for tonight folks. I did manage to take hundreds (I kid you not) of photos during my trip, but I think I'll save some for later.

A few snapshots...

2009-07-19T10:13:00.010-04:00

I was at a networking meeting recently, and while everyone oohed and aahed at my photographs displayed on my portable digital frame, my closest seated networking mate (we'll name her 'B') looked at the photos in question and started with:

B: "What kind of lighting do you use for your photographs?"
Me: "I actually invested in a lightbox and a few lamps, so that I could photograph my pieces at their best. Why do you ask?"
B: "Well, I'm noticing here that the photographs are quite dark, and you've got quite a lot of unsightly sharp shadows" (points to this photo)

Now, granted, I am NOT a professional photographer, but after being told by a lot people that my photos were indeed good and 'professional looking', I immediately felt self-conscious and thought to myself "well, she's been in X business for X amount of years, perhaps she knows what she's talking about..."

So, the conversation ensues:
B: "You should really consider getting a really good photographer to do your photos. Someone who has the proper tools to really show your pieces at their best value. These sort of just look like snapshots."
Me: (as I run through my head all the time and effort I actually put in photographing my pieces) "Well, it's known that beads are one of the toughest subjects to photograph. Can you recommend anyone in the Niagara region?"
B: "Oh no, you'd have to go see a good photographer in Toronto."
Me: "I see."

I didn't know what else to say, so I just sat there quietly, until I could find another conversation around the table to jump into. I wasn't trying to be rude, I just honestly didn't know how to reply to her. Meanwhile, my brain is jumping all over the place... "Are my photos that bad?", "Do my photos make me look unprofessional?", "And aren't there any *good* photographers in Niagara?"... And then my ears perked up, as I heard the person who currently had my frame in hand say "oh, this is absolutely gorgeous. Jewels! How much is THIS piece?"

Me: "It's $200"
Her: "Ooh, I can afford that! I'm going to get it for myself!"
Me: "Awesome! I'll make sure to set it aside for you!" *beaming smile*

So, there I was, sitting on the fence. On the one hand, thinking that, ok, maybe my photography needs improving. On the other, thinking that, clearly, it couldn't be that bad if someone was ready to purchase a $200 piece just from seeing it on a 3.5" portable digital screen. Right?

*** Side note: I LOVE my little digital screen. Especially as a jewelery designer. I've always encountered people asking if they could see a sample of my work. Now I can just whip out my little frame and show them a few pieces at the touch of a finger. The frame itself will hold 48 photos in its internal memory, but countless photos if you put them on a memory card.***

Therefore, the goal of this post is to garner your opinions, dear readers. I can be quite thin skinned and sensitive when it comes to my creativity and creations. Photography included. I do put a lot of effort into photographing my jewelry, coming up with the right setting and composition; sometimes taking over 12 shots of one item in order to get just the right one. I then spend hours in Photoshop editing, cropping, brightening, sharpening, resizing and so on. Yes, there's a LOT involved in creating the right shot.

Berry Pearl Cubes, dangle earrings

This was indeed a 'snapshot'. A self-portrait of sorts, just aim and shoot.

An effort to try and show how the earrings look worn.

Embelished Peacock pearl blossom

Quadra Bead pendant.
(this one seems a bit dark, but I'm not certain it isn't just because of the beads' colors or my computer screen. I am certainly pleased at the detailing...)

Red Dagger Totem earrings.

Latest Hoop-Là bangle and earring sets.

I recognize that not all computer screens are not created equal. I myself am currently making due with an old 'tube' screen, as our beautiful LCD flat screen has gone and died on us. I usually try to look at my photos from multiple screens to see if I've done a good job at relaying the true colors of the pieces (usually turns out good). So, what I'd like to ask you now is to give me an honest and true critique. Anything and everything you think I need to do to improve, whether displaying, cropping, staging, I want it it all! It will be greatly appreciated, and hopefully, this exercise will help me grow in the right direction.

Now go on and give it to me. I just finished zipping my thick skin suit on. I'm ready!

Thanks!

Jewels

The Great Journal Exchange

2009-07-16T09:58:00.006-04:00

Think of it as one of those "Pay It Forward" kind of deals. While I was busily Tweeting this morning, I discovered that one of my followers has the same affliction I do: Chronic Journal Collecting.
This led me to believe that there might be many more journal collectors out there. I can't even tell you how many untouched journals I've got sitting in my bookshelf. And, of course, I've EVERY intention of writing in every single one of them. But let's be honest here, I'd have to live a few lifetimes in order to fill them all. (I'm not kidding, I've got quite the collection of untouched journals...)

So, here's my plan. I'd like to see if I can get a few folks in on this, and have a great journal exchange. Everyone and anyone who has way too many journals is invited to join. And trust me, I know exactly how difficult this will be for some of you, but think of it this way, you'll be getting a brand new journal in return! Won't that put a smile on your face? :) See? I've already got one!

The rules are:
1. Every person entered must send a journal.
2. The journal should be of a size one can write in (none of those tiny mini ones!)
2-B. Only unused journals, trust, I don't want anyone to know what goes on in my head when I write in my journals... LOL!
3. Names will be drawn randomly out of a hat. #1 will send to #2, #2 to #3, and so on...
4. You have until August 1st, 2009 to enter.
5. Leave your name and email in the comments section so that I can contact you with any and all information. (please, do NOT leave your mailing address in the comments!)

Now. Let's see how many folks come out and play!

Home Sweet Home

2009-07-13T08:12:00.004-04:00

Well, I'm back. It's taken me a few days of R&R to recuperate from my 'vacation', but I think I'm back on track with the 'home life'. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting my parents, but I gotta say, it's been nice spending the weekend getting back into the swing of things at home. Hubby was a DOLL, and decided to stay home and spend these last two days with us, as we puttered, de-cluttered, and cleaned around the house. With a bit of gardening and weeding thrown in for good measure of course. ;)

And while hubby was busy oohing and aahing over the brand new fishing toys I got him at the Float Paddle & Fly, I was uploading what seemed like 8000 photographs onto my hard drive. Of course, Blogger being Blogger (a totally temperamental shite... 'scuse my, wait, that's not French...), I couldn't even share them with you here until today.

Being at Dad's was so quiet, being in the middle of nowhere, with practically absolutely nothing to do, that I did manage to get quite a bit of beadwork done. Mom's is different, seeing as she's in the city, and we have so many things to do and see. I did get some work done though, and in the interim, also got to finish this necklace I'd brough - with the express intent of FINISHING it - which I'd started, oh, what, 6 months ago? Turns out I HAD to finish it, since Mom fell irrevocably in love with it, and just HAD to have it! My only chagrin? The ensuing argument over payement. I didn't want to take Mom's money, I don't like to sell my pieces to Mom, seeing as she gave birth to me and all... But she circumnavigated that argument by going to her hubby, and asking HIM to buy it for her. And then they wouldn't even accept my offer of the "Friends & Family" discount. Honestly, I don't understand why my Friends and Family don't WANT the discount. A dear friend actually told me that my discount (%50 off) was too high, that it should be closer to, like, %10. What? What kind of discount it THAT???

Anyway, I digress... I thought I'd show Mom off wearing her brand new pearl necklace that she absolutely LURVES! I even threw in a pair of matching earrings, so that she'd have a lovely ensemble.

My pretty Mama with her new jewels!
I was afraid the piece might be too large for her, but it turns out that the scale was perfect for her petite 4'10" frame.

Peyote bail and tube on a Mabé pearl pendant, with Nepal stitch embellishements twining up like vines on one side of the pearl rope.

The other side was left plain (hah! like pearls are plain!), but was embellished with a fall of branched fringe at the back to enhance the silver clasp, and act as a slight counter weight to the pendant.

And here is Maman at Moca Loca, where we all enjoyed a little sweet treat and some absolutely sinfully sweet mochachinos. Topped with Whipped Cream, natch. ;)

We all enjoyed our visit at the caffé. I especially liked the décor, and was quite impressed with the floor. Or rather, how they'd installed their hardwood flooring. I'm thinking this will look good in my bead store, when I finally open one. ;) All around there were tiny little wares displayed for purchase. My favorites were the small stained glass pieces that hung in ever window. I was tempted to get one for myself, but was afraid it wouldn't travel well all the way back to Niagara. Here are a few of my favorites:

Flowers, flowers, flowers.
I so loved the vibrant colors in this piece.

And this one was just neat. I'm not particularly into abstract, but this one spoke to me. I liked the colors, and for some reason, could see many things in there. Which wa probably the artist's intent, non? ;)

Well, I know it was a long time coming, but this is it for today. I've got a meeting with one of my sellers today, and I've got some personal grooming to catch up on. ( I am SO not meeting up with a gorgeous spa owner in my chipped, left-over-from-my-vacation-toe-nail polish!)

I hope you all have a wonderful relaxing day. Think of me, while I'm busy trying to conduct business as I simultaneously try to keep my Little Highness entertained.

Love & Light

Jewels

What IS that thing?

2009-06-14T15:03:00.002-04:00

Consider this your personnal invitation to my New CONTEST on my facebook Le Beadoir page. Click on the photo to link to the contest. Tell your friends! :)

Me!

The New Quadra Beads

2009-06-03T10:06:00.005-04:00

Well, technically, not so new, since I started making them about 6 years ago... But I hadn't really made that many in the last little while, until people started asking for them that is. I'm thinking the fact that this one is on my business card is why people are really starting to show more interest in them:
I used to believe that the fun part in making them, was that it was a great way to go through odds and ends beads, left over from other projects. But now, I'm getting custom requests for them, which is sending me all over town in the search for particular stones or colors... More often than not now, it's "Do you think you could make one with these colors?", or "I really like this, but can you make it smaller?"

Ah, the joys of offering custom work. I'm on the fence with custom actually. I mean, I don't mind doing it at all, but whenever I get requests for custom work in front of an impossibly colorful array of my already existing work, it just drives the "You can't please ALL people ALL the time" point home, you know? From my very first craft show, when this lady had about 8 different sets of a particular design to choose from, she STILL asked if I could make one in a different color! Gives you that "Can't win" feeling, non? ;)

Anyway, here are the newest ones I've just completed:

Turquoise, wood, silver, and glass beads.

Ceramic, lace stone, wood, copper, and glass beads.
This one has a different shape. It's the same pattern, but the different sized beads gave it more of a 'flying saucer' shape, as my DH likes to say.

Coral, wood, silver, and glass beads.

Jasper, lace stone, wood, copper, and glass beads.

Same beads as the one above, but changing the sizes of the end beads brought it back to the original design's shape.

This is cute: Large round frosted glass, with wood, silver, and glass beads.

I just got an order for a few more, custom of course. And wouldn't you know it? I've been asked to 'tweak' the design just a touch. This person LOVES my Quadra beads, but she likes to be able to see them from the top, as opposed to sideways, which is how I wear them, just strung on a silver snake chain. No biggie, it's manageable, but still, it still drives that point home. LOL!

Now, if you'll excuse me, the timer just went off, and I've got to remove these eye patches I've been sporting for the last 30 minutes. (I absolutely LOVE these BTW! They totally take the puffy sleepy eye look away! I keep mine in the fridge. Double whammy of depuffing power!) Hey! Nothing like multi-tasking in the morning, am I right? ;)

Back to basics

2009-05-07T12:30:00.008-04:00

I've really thrown myself into my Etsy store. Doing a total online reno. My awesome step-dad was so impressed with the Etsy interface, that he very generously offered to help me find a way to save money, simply by switching online hosts. I've still got quite a bit of work to do, what with transfering all of my items from my original site to my Etsy store, but I think it'll deffinitely be worth it in the end. Oh, and guess what? Guess what?

Yes! Barely two weeks in, and I've already made my FIRST Etsy sale! I was so darned excited, I thought I was going to cry. First of many, right? I'm officially and "Etsyan" ;)

My Garden Party Purse is currently on its way to her new home, in Carnation, WA.
I'm sure she'll be VERY happy there!

So, I haden't been doing much beading in the last week, what with all the computer/online work I was busy with, but the few weeks before that, I had busied myself with a few new projects. I wanted to have a nice Mother's Day promotion, and thought a Mother/Daughter cuff combo would be a nice touch. The idea came to me after I had made one for myself, and my daughter loved it so much, that I made one for her as well. She was so pleased to "look just like Mommy", that I just knew someone else out there had another Little Highness that would like it just the same.

Here's Jewels, busilly working on her cuffs on a beautiful warm, sunshiny day.

Not a day goes by that I don't count my lucky stars for where we now find ourselves. I can't tell you how blessed I feel that we finally have our own home. No more appartments for us!
And just sitting there, on my back porch, enjoying all the little birds serenading me with their songs. Nothing beats that.

Hm! Blogger turned this photo on its side. Don't know why... But it still looks kinda neat.

I really like using my Dad's bowls for this kind of work. They're perfect to hold/store my WIP project.

Here are a few shots of the finished product. My Little Highness was kind enough to help model them with me. This one has had quite a few hits on Etsy, I think it's the vibrant colors, they're very eye-catching.

The chosen shot for the site.

This is the shot I really had in mind for them, but we just couldn't get the right lighting, and goodness, my wrist looked way too 'veiny' in this one. Ick! :[

True Blue set

Amber colored set. (This is the one I was working on in the top pic)

I had planned to go for a very special photoshoot today, to redo some of my photographs in a more 'fashionable' setting, but my poor photographer fell ill. So, we're postponing it 'til she's back on her feet. Sure hope she didn't get anything too serious. What with all the health scares going around right now. (It's all about the H1N1 in this house lately... "WASH YOUR HANDS!!!" :/ )

I do know I won't be able to do much beadwork for a few days (maybe weeks...), as I re-injured my wrist while gardening on Tuesday. I may have overdone it a little with all the shoveling and digging I did (spent nearly one whole hour digging up a bamboo patch, and moving heavy garden stones), but what did me in was a rotten rosebush root bulb... Darn thing snapped in half while I was tugging on it with all my might (which is considerably strong...), and sent me flying. Bad news is, I heard it crack... And yes, I did shed a tear... or two... Now I just have to find the time to go get some Xrays. In the meantime, I've been wearing my trusty brace (from when I initially injured myself), and have been vigilant with a regimen of ibuprofen and ice. But it definitely needs to get looked at by a professional (other than my hubby, who hasn't been blessed with Xray eyes...)

Well, that's it for today my friends. I hope you're all doing fantastically well, and are keeping yourselves healthy.

MH TurnStyles on Etsy

2009-04-30T10:13:00.005-04:00

Well, I did it. I opened an Etsy store for my Dad. Now I have to find a way for him to see it. He's so far removed from civilization where he lives (I'm not kidding! He just GOT a phone line in about 5 years ago now, and to be honest, even though he's expressed an interest in getting himself a computer, and hooking up to the net, he'd get nothing but sloth-speed dialup, and I could totally see him turning the actual computer into kindling if something didn't work right...), but they do have a small library in the village about 6 miles from his place. Maybe they could show him how to surf the net...

Anyway, I've got the original banner up there for now, but I think I'll be working on a new one. The type seems a bit lost against the bangles. It needs to stand out a touch more. I've been working on this one too:

Me likey!

I also re-did some of the shots, trying with a different colored shirt, and lighting. I found the bright noon sun washed out the colors a bit, so I went for bright, but slightly overcast. I think the colors came out more vibrant. IMO.

Another Black Walnut and Maple bangle, this one's a bit narrower, I think it might be a bit more mainstream. I like it too, even though my fancy is mostly tickled by the super wide ones. Chatted dad up about a few more ideas yesterday, I believe that got his creative juices flowing. What he likes is that the ideas I'm coming up with are things he would never have thought of himself. And they all include using materials he's already got at hand. Frankly, I think he's stoked! LOL!

I so can't wait to see what he comes up with next. It's weird, this passing on of ideas over the phone, no visual aid, trying to convey my visions. It's interesting to see how he's usually pretty close to what I was thinking, but with a bit of his own twist on it. He's very stuck on symetry right now, and I'm going through an asymetrical phase of sorts, so if I ask him for something off center, it's sort of a head-scratcher for him... Well, so far, I haven't had to resort to sending him my sketches, but, I don't think that that's very far down the line. ;)

MH TurnStyles: newest bangle collection

2009-04-27T17:06:00.006-04:00

For those of you who've been visiting me for a while, you'll remember that my Dad took up wood turning a few years back. During my last visit there, which coincided with my birthday, he asked me what I would like him to make me as a gift. Being a 'Man's Man', he, of course, offered to make me a "bowl or something?". He actually never expected my reply of "A bangle! Ooh, Dad, would you make me a bangle? Do you think you can?"
His reply: "What's a 'bangle'?"

LOL!

So, I explained to my backwoods Daddy what they were, and what I had in mind. He proceeded to make me a very simple maple one (which you watch in action here). This bangle, of course led to many more ideas, which challenged my Dad. And, well, you know men and challenges... ;)

Anyway, I've been waiting for these for MONTHS - only because Dad's lathe was out of commission for that length of time, resulting in a minor case of cabin fever for the old guy, but he's over it now - and I finally got them this morning. Nearly darn well tripped over the parcel actually, the delivery guy had literally left it ON my doorstep. Ass over teakettle, that would've been cute, eh? Oy!

Here are the ones I photographed today. But no photograph or computer screen could do these justice. None of these have been died in any fashion, the only thing added was tung oil, to add luster and bring out the natural grain of the wood.
These have been made as per my specifications: I wanted them wide, multi-colored, embellished, and since they are to be this wide, I also asked him to make them 'tapered' (one end opening a bit wider than the other), so the wearer can slide it up her arm and still feel comfortable with it on. I think these are still in prototype mode, as I'd like to see if we can't design one with a more aggressive taper. Also, Dad doesn't seem to think that these are quite up to snuff. He thought he could make better ones... I say they're pretty darn outstanding!

Mahogany/Maple combo

Black Walnut/Maple with a little central 'bead' detail

In action

Padauk/Maple

Maple/Black Walnut with shell inlay detail
(dad collects the shells by the river banks by his place)

I've got a few surprises up my sleeve with these babies. Dad and I have been discussing some design ideas, and so far, I'm pretty impressed with what he's sent me. I'm seriously considering opening his own Etsy account. I've even got the banner done (at top), what do you think?

I did it!

2009-04-14T16:12:00.006-04:00

Yes I did.
I finally bit the bullet, and opened an Etsy account. Not only did I open an account, I'm going to run an Etsy 'store front'. Yup. I'm on Etsy. I'm still going to keep my website mind you, but I'm thinking of trying something different. A little experiment, if you will. Some of you might be familiar with the fashion terms "Prêt à Porter", and "Couture". Well, that's what I'll be experimenting with. For the last few months now, I've had this idea that I'd like to try setting up two shopping bases for Le Beadoir. One for my "Prêt à Porter", generally produced in high volume, more affordable lines, the Etsy store; and one for my OOAK, higher end "Couture" pieces, Le Beadoir. They'll both be under Le Beadoir umbrella, and I'll probably be tweaking my main site to give it a bit of a more 'growed up' look ;)

I've done quite a bit of research through Etsy, as well as studied those whom I believe were more successful on the site, and tried to decipher what I should and should NOT do. Honestly, the fact that I've been working at this for a few years has helped as far as photos and descriptions go. And I did get quite a bit of insight on the successes one can achieve by reading their weekly Storque Spotlight articles, especially the "Quit Your Day Job" ones. But to be realistic, I DO understand that I will 'reap what I sow'. You only get back what you put in, you can't just sit back and rake in the dough à la "if you build it, they will come"...

Since today was the first day in a very, very long while that I'd had some any real 'Me' time, I decided to start working on my store. I spent the better part of this morning (4 hours!) on creating a new banner for the store, resizing some photos for my avatar, and re-writing my bio/policies/profile pages.

The first banner I created wasn't bad, but it didn't quite have the look I was, well, looking for:

Then I started really playing around with some ideas, and I came up with this one, which I found to be the best. Well, the best to MY liking. Clicking on this one will link you to my Etsy store.

Now, I've yet to start uploading any of my items, but I've gone ahead and started shopping. Oh. My. Goddess.! I've found such beautiful works of art on that site, and everything from beading, to sewing, to crocheting/knitting, and even photography. I've already bought a gorgeous silk-screened slouchy tote bag for my Little Highness, for when she has sleepovers. It's actually quite big, and, well, she may have to fight me for it on occasion...I also got myself a fantastic 25-yard circle skirt, for Belly Dancing, natch! ;) Except I had mine died a deep emerald green at the base border. I. So. Can't. Wait. To. Try. It. On.! SoCan'tWait!

Now, if only I could find the perfect pair of harem pants, I'd be all set. ;)

Getting the Groove back

2009-03-24T15:41:00.004-04:00

Phew!
Where have I BEEN?!?

Well, for one, hubby and I are in the midst of a grand opening (His very own clinic, wow!), which has been a long time coming.

Now, with all the 'work' work that's been going on in the last few months, my poor beadwork has taken a back seat to the new hectic schedule. However, I am feeling my Muse coming back - I believe she did enjoy the short hiatus... But, she's ready to get back in gear.

Perhaps it was due to all the 'work' work that I felt I had lost my groove, so to speak, but now that I feel it coming back, it's not without some trepidation. You see, I've misplaced my inspiration too... Blah! Not that I hadn't done any beading at all, I have. It's just that most of the work I've created lately was more or less 'production' work. Custom orders for clients of some of my more popular (read: run of the mill) pieces. Nothing that really required my undivided attention and absolute creativity.

Well, this too was temporary. During 'reading' week I did some, well, reading. I'm sure most of you out there have heard of the hype over the Twilight series (books AND a movie!), I caved and started reading the books. Not little books either people. We're talking over 500-page bricks here. The books were quite good, hard to put down, and I was weary of seeing the movie, as I'm usually very disappointed in movies after reading the books they're based on. Well, I did see the movie, and was duly disappointed by the lack of emoting from the actors, and the fact that the Edward in MY imagination looked NOTHING like the Edward on the screen... However, I found myself truly inspired by the movie's backdrop. The Washington Rain Forest scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and instantly made me want to make something that looked like the lush, green, overgrown forests that were being showcased. This particular forest is called "Hall Of Mosses", in Olympic National Park.

Breathtaking and Awe inspiring.

I want to sit under this tree's roots, meditate and love the Great Mother.
I want to smell the forest floor, let the birds sing me a lullaby while the wind brushes my hair.

I imagine a necklace, big and bold, with tons and tons of fringes dripping from it.
Absolute lusciousness.

A freeform Peyote cuff is what I see here, with some errant tiny fringing here and there.
Mother Nature always knows the exact color balance needed for her creations, non?