Photos As Promised

Here are some photos of my new seed bead set-up at Waterlily Studios in Florence, OR.

And...

Kelly's Korner

Plus...

More beady goodness

Kits & Specialty Beads

But wait! That's not all you get...

Heather~ Hard at Work Pricing New Beads

Beautiful Space

Lovely Baskets & Knitted Goodies

Security Team

Setting Up Shop

It's been way to long since I last posted. Forgive me. Sometimes life just gets in the way! 
I have been busy moving my seed bead shop out of the antique mall and into a beautiful bead store, Waterlily Studios & Beads. What a beautiful, inspiring space it is. It's a perfect fit for my seed beads. 
I had to buy new racks for my set-up and I think they worked out well. The most time-consuming part of the endeavor has been the inventory process. I've been counting tubes of beads for many days now and I'm still not done. I have even been dreaming about counting them in my sleep. 
I promise to post a picture ASAP! I brought my camera with me the day I finished my set up and the battery was dead. Doh!
For any of my local friends or people traveling along the Oregon Coast, here is the address and phone number of the store:


Waterlily Studios & Beads
1901 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439-8712
(541) 997-7339

Trunk Shows & Classes in Sunny SoCal

I'm getting ready to head down south for Thanksgiving. I'm really looking forward to spending time with family and taking in some sunshine.
I will be teaching at Beadology in Huntington Beach, CA. On Fri. Nov. 25th I will be teaching my Bubble Ring where students will learn to combine Right Angle Weave with Peyote stitch to create a groovy, bubblicious ring for their beady little fingers. Previous experience with RAW is recommended and highly encouraged.

On Sat. Nov. 26th I will be teaching my freeform embroidered cuff. Students will learn embroidery techniques including peyote bezeling and finishing off with ultrasuede.

Both days I will be having a trunk show featuring my kits. Yep, you too, could spend Black Friday at a Beadology with Beadologie!

For more details or to pre-register:
www.beadology.net
714-841-8242
16085 Goldenwest St.
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Portland Bead Society Bead Bazaar

It's that time of year again, folks. Time for the annual Portland Bead Society Bead Bazaar, which really is a fantastic show. The show is held inside an old Montgomery Wards building at Montgomery Village, right near the Silver Cloud Inn, which is where I stay. It's conveniently located within walking distance of many cool shops and great restaurants. I look forward to it every year. Plus, with the season changing, there are always lots of leaves to crunch through along the walk!

I will be selling seed beads, kits and supplies. I've got a nice supply of new colors and specialty seed beads so, be sure and check 'em out!

The hours are Sat. 10-6 and Sun. 10-4.

Montgomery Park
2701 NW Vaughn St.
Portland, Oregon

P.S. Click photos to bigify.

Do You Want the Good News First or the Bad News First?

Let's get the bad news out of the way first: Due to low enrollment, my classes have been cancelled this weekend.   But now for the good news: Instead, I will be a doing a trunk show!
The trunk show will be held at the same venue-Dancing Beads in Medford, Oregon. For details on how to get there please click on the link above or call 541.690.1376.

The show will run from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Come check out my kits and samples!

Dancing Beads
1100 East Main Street, Medford, Oregon.

Classes This Weekend!

What are you doing this weekend? Will you be in the Medford, OR area? I will! And I will be teaching classes at Dancing Beads. For details please visit: Dancing Beads
One Sat. Oct. 15th, I will be teaching my Better With Crystals Bracelet:

Then, on Sun. Oct. 16th I will be teaching my Bubble Ring:

Exciting News!!

Yes, it does require two exclamation points!! Guess who officially had her book proposal approved... give up?
Me! It's officially official.
Join me in a happy dance?

Handbag For Janice

An embroidered bag I did several years ago. I'm posting it now because it depicts the Hand of Fatima which represents good fortune and right now I'm feeling pretty darn fortunate.

Dancing Beads

I think I've finally recovered from my trip back east and the darn cold I picked up along the way. I began a new project yesterday and I'm really excited about it. I will show you pictures as I progress.

In the meantime, I'm pleased to announce that I will be teaching a few classes at Dancing Beads in Medford, OR! Click on the link and be sure to watch the cool video that takes you on a tour of the store! I can't wait to meet Carol in person and see her beautiful space.

On Sat. Oct. 15th I will be teaching my Better With Crystals Bracelet:

Then, on Sun. Oct. 16th I will be teaching my Bubble Ring:

Both projects focus embellishing upon a base of Right Angle Weave. For more details on the classes please visit: http://www.dancingbeads.com/classes.html

Home

After a series of cancelled flights, delayed flights, missed connections, annoying air travel and even more annoying fellow travelers, I am finally home. This is a good thing.

goodnight irene

We survived Irene and are just fine. Thank you for all of your concerns!

Like a Hurricane

I'm sitting on a front porch in Onset, MA waiting for Hurricane Irene to hit. Our flight has been cancelled out of Boston. So... we sit and wait. We are in a flood zone so, my fingers and toes are crossed. I've never witnessed a hurricane before and I'm a little nervous. There's a band playing in the park across the bay and I can hear them butchering covers of Dylan and Pearl Jam. Appropriate soundtrack for the ominous clouds rolling in at the moment. Wish me luck.

Pre-Philly, Post-Calexico

I'm getting all packed and ready for Bead Fest Philadelphia. Will you be there? I still have a few spaces left in my classes. Care to join me?!
Last night I had an amazing time at the Cuthbert Amphitheater in Eugene, OR. We saw Calexico and Amos Lee. I just love Calexico! Here are a few pics:

Barry doing a bit of pre-concert preperation.

Calexico~ Oh Yeah! Si!

Amos Lee & the band.

Allegory Gallery Fundraiser

Many of my beady friends are familiar with talented artist and super cool all around human, Andrew Thornton and his family at Green Girl Studios. He is opening a new bead store/gallery which should be an amazing space. He needs a little help getting started so that he can open this fabulous art space. Click here to read about it: Allegory Gallery Fundraiser.

Does My Tassel Temp You?

As promised, here is a picture of one of my newest creations. I call it "Tempting Tassel." This was a fun one to create. I've enjoyed playing with the new peanut shaped beads.
I just returned from California on Saturday night but I'm not quite settled in yet. I have so much to do before I have to leave for Bead Fest Philadelphia, which I'm really looking forward to.
I'm off to go do something productive... like maybe clean the house. Wish me luck!

Oh Em Geeee

Artwork by Darrin Brenner

Last night was amazing! I went to see Cubensis play at the Golden Sails in Long Beach and properly had my mind blown. Cubensis is a Grateful Dead tribute band that I've been seeing play since I was a young lass back in the early 1990's. I was fortunate enough to be able to see these guys play every week, sometimes more, for several years. I got to witness the transitions and evolutions of the band and various band members as they came and went. While, they have always been fantastic, I have to say that they have certainly reached new heights.

Now that I live in Oregon, I only get to see the band a few times a year. I realize how much I took the whole experience for granted and how lucky I am when I get to see show now and again. With the long periods of time in between shows, the incredible growth of the band is apparent every time I do get a chance to see them. As a budding guitar player, I'm always blown away by Craig Marshal's other-worldly solos. Last night he did not disappoint. And then there's Nate LaPointe. Sometimes I think he does Bobby better than Bobby does Bobby. Nate's a guitar player's guitar player. He's conservative with his notes but the ones he chooses to play really mean something. Know what I mean? And he plays a purdy gee-tar. What kind of guitar is that anyways? I tried to figure it out but couldn't quite see...

For those of you in the OC area, Cubensis plays the Orange County Fair on Thurs. night along with Delta Nove and Moon Alice. I plan on being there. Will you?

On a bead-related note, I got my Bead & Button 2012 class proposals all completed today and I feel like I can breathe a sigh of relief! I even got them packed and ready to ship for Monday. Would you like to see a wee bit of a sneak peek?

Los Ojos Del Sol

That's your sneak peek for the day. More to come... Stay tuned.

The Continuing Tales of a Slacker

Yes, I am still around! And I am still a blog slacker. I'm in Southern California enjoying the weather and getting lots of beading done. I'm currently working on submissions for next year's Bead & Button Show and I've been beading so much that my wrist is killing me!
I'm spending time visiting with family and friends which is making me a really happy camper! I really don't want to go home. But, alas, I must get ready for teaching at Bead Fest Philldelphia. Will you be there? Here's the link.
Stop by Meet the Teachers and say "hi" or come by Gary Wilson's booth where I will be helping out. See you in Philly!

Puget Sound Bead Festival

It's that time of year again, folks and I'm looking forward to it. I will be at the Puget Sound Bead Festival in Tacoma this coming weekend. Unfortunately, there will not be any classes this year so I won't be teaching. I will, however, have a booth where I will be selling my kits, samples and some specialty beads. Please stop by and say hello if you're at the show. It runs Fri. July 9th -Sun. the 11th.

My table at Meet the Teachers Bead & Button. Ignore the suitcase.

Tales of a Slacker

I've been a bit of a slacker blogger since I returned from Bead & Button. I apologize. Forgive me. Please.
I've been busy and I've been having some fun, too! Fun that involved music, lots of music.

The good Dr.'s head & some unknown person's head

     I saw Dr. John. I couldn't believe that practically everyone in room sat on their asses while Dr. John performed. This was Dr. John, for Pete's sake! I sat for about half the show and when I just couldn't take it anymore, I slipped out of the pew (the Shed is an old church), made a beeline for the front of the room just off stage left, and found a small group of peeps to dance with. It was the best view in the house. I had ample opportunity to take some fantastic photos but this is the only one I got. I was just too busy dancing. 

     Next, I saw Steve Earle. Barry managed to purchase front row tickets! There's something so very cool about a performer looking you in directly in the eye as they are performing their hearts out. There's nothing like it. 

Steve in Action

     My good friend Peter Giri and his lovely girlfriend Rosemary stayed over Fri. and Sat night. It was wonderful to spend a little bit of time visiting with them on Sat. afternoon. We are always so busy that we rarely get to visit but we did manage to take some time to drink coffee, listen to music and enjoy some sunshine out on my front porch. Peter's full of great stories. I listened to tales of him sitting in a living room in Macon, Georgia, hanging with Duane Allman as he strummed his guitar. Duane wanted to jam with him but Peter was too shy to play. Peter's band Cowboy, used to tour with the Allman Brothers Band.
     I got to see Peter, Petee as I call him, perform Sat. night and danced my heart out at Traveler's Cove here in Florence. A great time was had by all. 

     Needless to say, after being around all of this music, I was feeling inspired to play my guitar. I really haven't played since I returned from Bead & Button so, I decided on Sat. afternoon that it was time to bust out Neil (my guitar). I was so pumped and ready rock! I tuned my tellie, hooked up the wah-wah pedal to the amp, turned the amp on, played for about 20 seconds and then.... static followed by a loud POP! The power light on my amp went out and then the smell of burning. Burning fuse I imagine. Doh! I wasn't even playing loud. My amp was not turned to 11, let's put it that way. What the...? Luckily my amp's still under warranty so, I'll have to figure out where to take it. Man, that's frustrating. 

     

Home from B&B

Shopping at Gary Wilson's Booth. Photo by Rashan Jones. 

I've returned from Bead & Button and I'm totally wiped out. I thought I was experiencing a nasty bout of allergies while I was at the show but after reading facebook, I've come to realize that many people picked up a bug with the same symptoms I've been experiencing. It feels good to relax.

Although, not for long. Tomorrow I'm doing a show with my finished work at the Mindpower Gallery in Reedsport. The show is from noon until 8 p.m. and will feature many talented local artists including some of my beady friends such as Nicole Campanella and Charmaine Pesnell. The address is:  417 Fir Avenue, Reedsport, OR, 97467 and the phone number is: 1-541-271-2485. Stop by if you are in the neighborhood. There will be wine, appetizers and of course, some fabulous art.

Stay tuned for more tales of my adventures at the Bead & Button Show. Plus, photos of my new stash...

A Girl & Her Geetar

Just a girl...

and her guitar.

Bead & Button Bound

I think I'm just about ready to leave for Milwaukee. I've got a few things to do and then I'm off! I'm looking forward to it. If you're at the show, stop by Meet the Teachers on Wed. and say "hi". Or... come visit me at Gary Wilson's booth (#'s 543,644,646) which is where I'll be working Thurs. and Fri. I will be working for stones!
P.S. There's still some spots left in my Bottle Cap Pendant Class on Sunday. Care to join us?

Look What Arrived in the Mail

I ordered this beautious Saguaro Cactus Flower ring from Kate McKinnon and it came in the mail on Tues. I'm in love! Here's a photo that I swiped from her blog.

This baby was made at the Seed Bead Summit gathering at her house a short while back. The ring will be featured in a book by Kate and Dustin Wedekind. Follow their adventures on their Beadmobile Blog. And... you can even pre-order your copy of the book here.

Uno Mas

One more special edition kit for the 2011 Bead & Button Show: Better with Crystals~ Crystal Verde colorway.
Kits are done, directions published... that's a good feeling.

Oh Suzanna

Here's a brand new colorway for my "Oh Suzanna Bracelet." This is a special edition for the upcoming Bead & Button show.

Directions are printing right now as we speak. Or type. Or, um, read.

No Comment

For several days now I have not been able to comment on my own blog. I try to respond to the comments left by others but get nowhere. Has anyone else experienced this? Although I suppose it's silly for me to expect you to be able to comment on this if I can't even leave a comment. Can you leave a comment? Testing... 1, 2, 3...

Donde Esta El Sol?

Dear Sunshine: Where have you gone?

Living in the Pacific Northwest certainly has it's pros and cons. It truly is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. So lush, so green. What keeps it this way is the rain. Rain. I'm so damn sick of rain.

It's amazing how much the weather affects me. We had a few days of sun and I felt so good and was incredibly productive. I had tons of ideas for new projects and felt so inspired. The rain came back yesterday and it was like my productivity was chopped completely in half. I didn't feel like doing anything. I had to force myself to bead. What's up with that? I fear today will be more of the same.

I have some of the sun lamps that are supposed to help with seasonal affective disorder but it really is not the same as sunshine. And just what is so seasonal about the disorder when it rains all year round?
I just need a good dose of some desert sun. Or southern CA sun. I need to feel the rays on my super white vampira skin. Amen.

Tropicana

I finished the garden bracelet that I started yesterday and made all of the kits. It feels good to get items crossed off my list. I believe I will call this one "Tropicana". What do you think?
Today I plan on putting the printer to good use.
And design a cuff.
And...

Bead & Button Prep

I've been busy getting loose ends all tied up for Bead & Button. I've made a few more kits for my Bezeled Bottle Cap Pendant Class. Here's one more sample I whipped up:

Plus... I cleaned and separated a boat load of bottle caps for my students to pick through.

AND... I whipped up a couple of special limited edition colorway kits especially for Bead & Button.
First, I created two colorways of my "Better With Crystals Kit". Here's a sneak peak of one:

Currently I'm working on a new garden bracelet colorway, which I must admit, I'm falling in love with:

Next on my list: print directions, print more business cards, put kits in packaging, and if time permits, create one special limed edition embroidered cuff kit.
As I'm creating kits and samples, I find I have five million ideas floating in my head for new creations. I want to stop what I'm doing and bead my ideas before I lose them and while the inspiration is flowing. But, alas, I'm being a responsible human and doing what needs to be done. I'm grateful for the inspiration, though. There's nothing worse the beader's block.

They'll stone you when you're trying to be so good

This morning has been full of synchronicity, which I just love. It makes me feel like the universe is in check for a moment or two. Or at least mine is, anyways. Like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing or I'm where I'm supposed to be.
Last night I reworked the clasp on a necklace that I had made for my father some time ago. I didn't quite make the extension on bar end of the toggle clasp long enough and it was a bit of a struggle to open and close. So, after months of having the necklace to repair (sorry, Dad) I finally fixed it last night. The pendant is a piece of fordite cut by Gary Wilson. It is reversible as you can see in the photo below.

I was just about to blog about this and the fact that I'll be helping Gary out at his booth at the Bead & Button show this year, when I noticed Marcia DeCoster's blog post about her pilgrimage to Gary's place with the Seed Bead Summit Gang.
Last night while I was working on the necklace, I noticed the movie Frida was on, which is one of my all-time favorites so, I watched it while I worked and made dinner (yes, I can multi-task). The music of Lila Downs, who I really dig,  is featured in this film. This morning my friend Edgar sent me link to a more recent you tube video of Lila doing a collaboration with one of his favorites Enrique Bunbury. Enrique reminds me of a Spanish Dylanish Jim Morrisonish kinda guy. I dig him, too. 
Here's the link for the video.

Holy cow!

Only 20 more days until Bead and Button Show starts! How can that possibly be??? Am I ready? Uh... no. There are still so many bottle cap pendant samples I want to make before I get there. You should see the mondo collection of super cool bottle caps I have been collecting for class. It pays to have friends who are bartenders, I tell you.

If you are signed up for my class, don't fear, I'll have lots of cool caps to choose from but if you have been collecting some of your own, please bring them. It's always great to see what treasures my students find. I've taken to buying beer based solely on whether or not the cap is bezel-worthy. Seriously.

cool giveaway allert!

Anne Gardanne of Gardane Glass Lampwork Beads is having a giveaway on her blog. The above beads are the giveaway prizes. Pretty cool, eh?! I'm particularly enamored by the two items I believe to be cabochons- the top left reddish raspberry piece and the center olive greenish piece.

I really need to get some work done today. I'm still fighting this stupid virus(?) thing from hell and honestly, it's left me lacking in energy and motivation. I've been sick for two months now and I tell you I'm over it. Done. Finished. I've had a sore throat for a month straight and I just can't shake it. My doctor suspects it's allergies, however, I am not entirely convinced. I've had allergies before and I've never felt like this. Enough with the feeling sorry for myself already.

The kids.

I finally picked up my guitar again this past week. Barry bought me a new acoustic guitar for my birthday last weekend. It's a Composite carbon fiber beauty. I shall post a picture soon. I promise. PLUS... he got me a wah wah pedal which is really too much fun.

More Kids.

Each one has a name. Off to the left is a painting I did way back when I was in college and I thought I was an abstract expressionist. Ahh... the good old days.