Kelly Angeley Beadologie

It's Been a Long Time

2012-02-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

I know that it's been forever and a day since I last posted but I've been really busy. Beyond busy- taking inventory, packaging new beads, writing my book, doing taxes (ugh). I'm trying to get all of my ducks in a row before the Bead Fest in Santa Fe which is rapidly approaching. The kits area all ready to go but I don't know if I am. I'm still unpacking from Tucson! Though, I am looking forward to returning to the southwest. I feel right at home in there, especially in Santa Fe. I love the cuisine, the artwork, the weather, the people. The city inspires me so much.

Ristras, or chili peppers hanging in the courtyard of the Santa Fe Museum

Above is a shot I took a few years back while visiting the Santa Fe Museum. I highly recommend taking the time see some of the museums and galleries while you are in town, if you are planning on going for Bead Fest.

If you are going... why not take a class with me! I still have spots left in my Tempting Tassel, Happy-Go-Lucky Cuff and Bubble Ring classes. For details please visit: my class page on the Bead Fest Website.

You will need to scroll down past the text to view my classes.

Tempting Tassel

Doesn't it temp you to take a class?

In the meantime, I dream of having some free time to dedicate to my poor, lonely and often neglected guitar. I miss her so.

Photos As Promised

2011-12-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-12T12:44:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-10-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

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!!

2011-09-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

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

Like a Hurricane

2011-08-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-08-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

Just a girl...

and her guitar.

Bead & Button Bound

2011-06-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-05-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-05-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-05-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

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.

thirty something

2011-05-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

The cherry blossom tree is in finally in full bloom. This usually happens by mid-April but with the lack of spring weather, she's a bit late this year. I look forward to this every spring.

I like to think the tree waited to bloom for my birthday. Yes, yesterday I turned 39 and while there really isn't anything monumental about that number, for some reason I'm having a difficult time with it. I think it's the realization that soon I will no longer be in my thirties. I don't know why this is scary for me but it is. I feel like I should have accomplished something really big before I turn forty. I guess I've got a year left to get it done. Whatever it is.

Vintage Jewelry Design

2011-05-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to tell you about a great new book that I recently won on Lorelei Eurto's blog. The book is a Lark Books publication by Caroline Cox and is titled "Vintage Jewelry Design". My head is reeling with ideas after poring over the pages of this book. Caroline does a thorough job covering vintage jewelry from the late 1800's through the 1990's. Thank you to Lorelei for the inspiration!

Return from Portlandia Part I

2011-05-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

I had a really nice weekend in Portland and while sales were not through the roof, I met many wonderful people and got a chance to visit with some friends. The amount of talent packed into this one show was overwhelming and I left feeling particularly inspired.

I got a chance to check out the most recent work of my good friends Marcie and Greg of Hanson-Stone. Marcie does incredible beadwork and Greg is an amazing glass artist. I'm always blown away by his glass work and this time was no exception.
I had to make a daily pilgrimage to visit the mindblowingly fantastic work of Teresa Sullivan. The craftsmanship of her work is over the top but what I like most about her work is that it makes you think. If you ever get a chance to view her work in person, you really should. Plus, she's super cool! And she plays the bass. How much cooler could she be?

I swiped this photo from Teresa's site. This is one of the pieces I drooled on at her booth this weekend.

I picked up a few goodies from Lani and James at Bullfrog and I-Ching Beads. Lani is a sweetheart and it was nice to get a chance to visit with her. Her and her husband make awesome glass beads. I got into trouble at their booth and if I hadn't maintained some amount of restraint, I could have gotten into a world of more trouble.
The forecast called for sunshine today but alas, it is gloomy once again. I'm so tired of this weather. I long for sunshine and find myself excruciatingly homesick for southern CA. I don't care about the traffic. I don't care about the smog. Just give me sunshine...

Art & Elegance Show This Weekend in Portland

2011-04-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

Remember to put the Art & Elegance show on your calenders for this weekend. It's a gathering of the guilds at the Portland Convention Center and is a top notch show not to be missed. Here is link to a segment that aired on KATU this morning: KATU . I will be showing my finished work at this show with many other talented artists in the Portland Bead Society. But it's not just beads, people! Since it is a gathering of the guilds, there will be glass, ceramics, fibers, wood, metal... This show is just gets better each year.

Click postcard to enlarge.
Or visit the Portland Bead Society website for more info.

Busy

2011-04-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'm busy getting ready for the Art and Elegance Show this weekend with the Portland Bead Society. I'm looking forward to seeing some friends and checking out what they've been up to. It's always an inspiring show. Plus it's a gathering of the guilds so, Creative Metal Arts, the Handweavers Guild, the Woodworker's Guild and the Glass Guild will be there. Click the postcard below to enlarge for more info.

I just thought I should let you know that my friend Nicole Campanella is having a birthday sale on her Etsy site. Click here to read more about it. She's got cool African trade beads that she's selling from her personal collection. Also, this sale includes her Beadbacking which I highly recommend. Check it out!

Rejection

2011-04-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

Someday I shall publish a book with all of my Bead & Button Bead Dreams Show rejection letters. I got in the show once back in 2007 and I haven't figured out how to get back in. Alright- enough with my pity party. I've seen pictures of many of the other rejects on facebook so, at least I know I'm in good company.
Here's the piece that didn't make it in:

Metamorphosis is a sculptural wall hanging that I started last year in Laura McCabe's master class at B&B. The head is a antique porcelain doll piece cut by Gary Wilson. The segmented body is comprised of two pieces of fossil deer antler I picked up in Tucson a few years back.

Other materials include, seed beads, vintage and contemporary glass stones and cabochons, nailheads, crystals, freshwater pearls, wire, beadbacking and Ultrasuede.

You can come and visit her in Portland this weekend at the PBS show at the convention center. Click on the image below to enlarge for details or visit the Portland Bead Society website for more info.

reptilian

2011-04-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

In honor of my recent trip to the desert, as well as my lizard "trip", I've decided my next project is going to be sculptural beaded lizards. Wait until you see them. If they turn out half as cool as I have imagined them in little brain, I will be happy.
And just because I'm in the mood, I'll leave you with this little gem from Monsters of Folk. Don't forget to watch it in full screen mode.

Feelin Groovy

2011-04-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

I am feeling so much better today! I slept the whole night through and didn't wake up once to cough. This is going to be a good day. I feel it. I went into the kitchen to make coffee this morning and a hummingbird came to the window to peek in.

And you know what hummingbirds remind me of, right? You guessed it another Wilco song, Hummingbird.

Sorry. I just couldn't help myself. I'll stop with the Wilco for a while. I promise. At least, I'll try.

Among the Living

2011-04-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

The heavy-duty antibiotics are kicking in and I'm finally beginning to feel like I'm among one of the living again.

This is not the way I planned on spending my vacation. Now, my Mom feels like she's getting sick. I'm very generous that way. I like to share. My poor Mom. I hope she doesn't get as sick as I was. I swear I've never felt that horrible ever in my life. And I'm not one of those babies to complain and cry when I get sick but this time was different. My fever was so high I was hallucinating lizards and my breathing was so short and labored I honestly thought I was going to have to be hooked up to some kind of breathing machine to survive. Seriously! OK. Enough of my feeling sorry for myself. I feel better today and that's a good thing.
There's much beading to be done! I brought a whole suitcase full of beads (that I haven't even touched) with me because I really need to be getting ready for a show that's coming up real SOON. I'm doing to Portland Bead Society Art and Elegance show at the end of the month. Click here for more details.

just because...

2011-04-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

I'm on a Wilco bender:
Wilco's One Wing
Make sure you click full screen mode to enhance your viewing pleasure.

giant flying bathtub at the Children's Museum in Phoenix

Yesterday I spent the afternoon at a walk-in clinic where I waited to be diagnosed with bronchitis and given a script for heavy duty antibiotics and an inhaler. While I was waiting in the lobby for my chest x-ray, I met the loveliest older woman. I must admit that in my grumpy, sickly stupor, when she first opened her mouth to talk, I thought to myself, "Oh please, lady, not now. Can't you see we're all sick here?" But as she went on I quickly changed my mind. Her opening remark was something about her late husband always checking "yes" on intake form where the question asked about his sex. She chuckled as she filled out the paperwork and begin talking about what a wonderful man her husband was and how lucky she was to share 35 years with him.

It turns out she was not always happy. Apparently she was married once before to a man who tried to change her and force her to become someone she was not. But she said she was thankful because if she had never moved away with this man, she would never have met her second husband, who encouraged her to be who she was and taught her what love was all about. Together, he helped her fight breast cancer and a double mastectomy. She advised me to live every day like it's my last.

I never caught this beautiful woman's name but I'm thankful she took the time to talk to me because what she shared really touched me. So the next time you feel yourself become annoyed with a stranger who wants to talk to you, check yourself because they just might have something to say.

this is a fact that you need to know

2011-04-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wilco will love you, baby.

Put on your headphones before you explode.
Wilco

Sick of Being Sick

2011-04-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

I think this is growing inside my upper respitory system. I feel like crap. Mucinex is going to film their next commercial inside my head. Don't I paint a purdy picture?

Oh well, at least the sun is shining.

Best in Show

2011-04-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Elemental detail.
I can hardly believe that my piece "Elemental" placed Best in Show for the Beadwork Beaded Earth Challenge! Someone pinch me please. I will get to visit it at Bead Fest Philly when I teach there for the first time this summer. How exciting!

Elemental.
I'm also happy to know that my friend Charmaine placed second for beaded sculpture. Together we will dance the happy dance. I will post pictures of her piece soon. She also lives here in Florence, OR. Our little town has quite a number of talented beaders.I think it's the all of the rain that grows beaders.

detail of signed back of Elemental.

Roadtrips

2011-04-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

are all about making new friends.

Viva Wickenburg, AZ!

Down for the Count

2011-03-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'm completely sick of this being sick business. I've been down for the count since the middle of last week and I'm done with it. On a positive note, I've been poring through bead books while I've been in bed for the past few days and I'm feeling really inspired. I can't wait to get back to beading.
I've even been dreaming about beading while I've been napping (surprising, I know). This morning I dreamt of a life-size beaded alligator. I think this is because I've been working on a sculptural piece for the Bead Dreams Competition (see sneak peek photo above), which prompted me to revisit the work of Betsy Youngquist. I'm completely and totally obsessed with her at the moment. If you don't know who she is, take a minute to click on her name and visit her website. Check out the slide show and be amazed!

Finally a Finalist

2011-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

I was completely convinced that since I hadn't heard back from Beadwork about the Beaded Earth Contest, that I had been rejected. But today I received an email congratulating me! I was so excited that I nearly fell off my chair!
But wait it gets even better... my friend Charmaine Pesnell, who also believed she was rejected was also accepted. We were both commiserating about our rejection over lunch the other day so, when I called her this morning to tell her to check her email, we were both felt silly about our wallowing in self pity.

I even signed the back:

Dubb

2011-03-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well, folks, the show was amazing. I haven't seen Doug play in about 6 years and it was a real treat. I certainly was spoiled living down in Southern CA. It felt like going home.

I purchased Doug's instructional video which I hope to watch sometime today. But first... there is much beading to be done.

Did you happen to notice the boots? Are they cool or what?

T Minus 8 Hours & 2 Minutes Until Doug MacLeod!

2011-03-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patty's day! I will be dancing a jig tonight at Cosmic Pizza while I watch Mr. Doug MacLeod perform. Whoo-hoo!

Doug MacLeod

2011-03-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

When I lived down in southern CA I was lucky enough to be able to go and see a local guitar player almost weekly. This man is the reason I bought my first guitar. This man is Doug MacLeod. Not only is he a phenomenal guitar player but the man is full of great stories. I got bit hard by the blues bug listening to his stories not only while watching him play but also listening to him on the radio. He was the host of Nothin' But Blues on the long beach radio station KLON. I used to volunteer during the fund drives in hopes that I might get to work during his shift. I never did get to, it was always just before or just after his slot.

I haven't seen him play in several years and I'm just beside myself with excitement that he is playing in Eugene tomorrow, March 17th- St. Patty's day. For all of my local friends: you should really go and check him out! He'll be at Cosmic Pizza at 7pm. Also, he'll be on the radio 88.1 KLCC at 2pm so, give him a listen.

Here's a video from you tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJVg1HzAD60

James Hunter

2011-03-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Last week my guitar teacher, Byron gave me a cd by James Hunter. I had never heard of him before but I'm always excited to check out new music. I put his cd in my car for the long drive home from Eugene to Florence. What I heard knocked my socks off! This guy's like a smooth Sam Cooke with a bit of Ray Charles sprinkled on top. I totally dig him. So much so that I listened to the cd almost three times before I made it home. Check him out. Here's his website:
James Hunter's website
and here's a cool video for you to watch:
James Hunter
Let me know what you think!

Heavy Heart

2011-03-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

I slept for 10 hours last night. I guess I really needed it after being up for so long the night before. Our friend called us just after 4:00 am to tell us about the tsunami warning. We live just outside of Florence and can't hear the sirens. I can't explain how surreal the whole thing was. I called and woke my mom and then, my dad, who live in Huntington Beach, CA.
Luckily, we live high up enough that we felt we would be safe. But most of our friends live in the inundation zone and had to evacuate to the Events Center. We sat by the radio and TV to keep in tune to what was happening. Thank goodness we got lucky.
My heart is heavy as I read and watch all of the destruction and loss in Japan. I can't even imagine what they are going through. I've checked on a few of my facebook friends who live in Japan and they are safe which is relief. I just can't even find the right words to describe how sad I feel for what has happened. And how grateful I am for our coastline.

Winning

2011-03-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

I have one gear: Go!
Winning!
If I could only get my hands on some tiger blood, perhaps I could bead more and play my guitar better.

Yep, I'm still alive

2011-03-06T10:58:00.000-08:00

Tucson Flashbacks: Frozen fountain here in my backyard in Florence, OR a week ago. It was COLD.

I've been a lazy little blogger lately. Sorry. I've just been busy. I've been working on contest pieces, magazine submissions, etsy orders and lastly, maintaining my little bead store inside the antique mall, Brown Dog Antiques. There are many changes going on in the store and as a result, my section was moved. In the moving process, the shelves broke and hundreds of tubes of seed beads went rolling all over the city of Florence. It took me one full day just to reorganize the tubes. But my section is looking good and soon Denise Saunders of Dema Designs will have her beautiful lampwork glass, beads and photography in our shared section. I will be sure and post photos as soon as this happens.

In addition to the bead frenzy, I've been diligent about keeping up with playing my guitar. I practice A LOT. I just resumed my lessons with Byron Case over in Eugene. After our lessons, I go over to the blues jam at Quackers and get to watch the best of the best local talent do there thing. In this photo is Rick Markstrom on drums. a really cool guy whose name escapes me at the moment, on bass, Byron Case on guitar and Skip Jones on the Hammond b-3, who totally knocks both my shoes and socks off every time.
Still Alive & Well~ Carolyn Wonderland

Fringification

2011-02-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

Finito!

My friend Lloyd calls this my cod piece.

Work in Progress

2011-02-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

I've been working on this collar for several months now. I'm happy to report that I added the clasp last night and I should be finished with the fringe by tonight. No, I WILL be done with the fringe tonight, if I have to stay up all night. I thought I'd post the work in progress.

These wonderful stones were cut by rock god Gary Wilson. They include copper fire brick and Moroccan mud crack. That's right mud crack. No, not butt crack. Also, among the mix are keishi and freshwater pearls,Swarovski crystal, 24k gold charlottes and bronze charlottes. I used to use Lacy's as a bead foundation, however, since I discovered Nicole's Beadbacking, that's all I use. It comes in many nice colors and is less than half the cost. Amen.

Sorry for the blurrrr...

Almost done...
Stay tuned for the finished product, which includes a fine, handmade brass clasp, brass chain, and super fringy fringe.

True Love

2011-02-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

My two loves.

Keep on Rockin in the Free World

2011-02-12T14:26:00.000-08:00

This is what bliss looks like.
I hadn't played my guitar in about two weeks, since before I left for Tucson. Sometimes when I don't play for a while and I pick it up again, it's like I'm all thumbs. Other times it's like magic. Like reuniting with a long, lost friend that you've missed terribly. Yesterday when I picked Neil up, it was bliss.

Who's that at the door?!

2011-02-11T10:03:00.001-08:00

While dining in the lounge at the Harris Ranch Inn, we were seated beneath a photo of Secretariat.

It made me want to do The Dance. But I refrained.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE3vyYhwCMo&NR=1

JOGS Beadwork Show

2011-02-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

While I was in Tucson, my good friend Marcie Stone told me about the International Beadwork show going on at the JOGS show. I went to check it out and take some photos for her. While I was really impressed with the quality of beadwork in the show, I must admit I was disappointed in the presentation. Necklaces appeared to be thrown haphazardly on stands, some beadwork didn't even have identification tags and to sum it up, there was just no "flow" to the presentation.
I kick myself in the ass for not asking to have Marcie's gorgeous button necklace straightened.

Look at the way the pieces above hers hang over the edge of the glass and look as if they were just piled in the case sideways. I'm sorry, I don't remember whose pieces they were or if they even had tags.
Here's a picture of all three of Marcie's pieces:

Like I said, the beadwork was impressive but had a little more thought and time been put into the presentation, it could have really been nice.

It's Nice to be Home

2011-02-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

We made it home safely from Tucson after two long, full days of driving. Sadie was so excited to get home that she tripped on the stairs to the house and ran into the door.

We ended our trip to Tucson by attending the fabulous Atomic Ranch party at Kate McKinnon's house. I took several photos and just realized when I went to import the photos that I never put the card back in my camera. Doh! And damn it all to hell, I had taken a fantastic photo of Andrew Thornton in his best sexy pose.

Now I have to get back to work and there is much to be done. I need to finish The Collar that I've been obsessing over. It needs fringe and a clasp. But I was able to stitch the last seed bead along the edging up as we were pulling into the Windmill Inn parking lot in Tuscon. That was my goal: to be able to wear it to the Interweave party and I managed to pull it off. Luckily, though, I found some great matte teal peacock daggers at Raven's Journey that I think will be perfect with the piece.
I really want to unpack all of my treasures and roll around in them but unfortunately, I need to tend to the tedious tasks first, like laundry and unpacking the car. Fun.

Crazy Busy Days

2011-02-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy every day since I've been here in Tucson that every night I sit down with the intention of blogging, I'm so damn tired that I can't seem to put the words down. So, I thought I'd try and recap the last few days here.
Tues. night was the Interweave Party which is always a treat. This is a night were everyone puts on their best jewelry creations and it is perfectly acceptable to stare at the chests of strangers. I ran into lots of old friends and made some new friends. Here is Cathy Collison of Glass Garden Beads and my new friend Jess.

I like how I captured the "women" sign without even noticing it.

And here's a random shot of the crowd:

It's funny that I talked to a number of people the following day who attended the party but I never even saw them there.
So far I've attended Gem Mall, the Best Bead Show, To Bead to Blue and Jogs. The Best Bead is always my favorite not only because so many of my friends are exhibiting there but because of the incredibly talented number of glass artisans there. I always get into way to much trouble there. I will show some photos of my purchases later.
Do you know what day it is? I loose track here in Tucson. Which is why it's such a fortunate thing that the lovely, talented Kate McKinnon gifted me one of her super cool ring calenders. She totally made my day. Kate is awesome. I think everyone needs one of these babies. groovy ring calender Trust me, you need one.
Check out her blog. It is one of my absolute favorites:http://katemckinnon.wordpress.com/

Baby, it's Cold Outside

2011-02-03T22:08:00.000-08:00

I was certainly not prepared for the fifteen degree weather here in Tucson. Last night Barry and I had to go buy some thermal underwear, gloves and a warm jacket. I think I jinxed us by packing my sandals. This is the fountain in the courtyard here at the Windmill.

Ahh... but the cold hasn't dampened the bead shopping.

Volcano Climbing

2011-02-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Last night we had dinner at El Charro Cafe in Tucson. We have made a tradition out of eating at this historic spot at least once when we are in town. I had the topoco (?) salad. I think that's what it was called. It was a beautiful, huge heaping mound of veggies surrounded by an array of fruits along the rim of the plate. It was such a work of art that I had to take a picture. The margarita wasn't bad either.

Steve Martin Stood Me Up

2011-01-31T13:51:00.000-08:00

Last night I dreamt I had a date with Steve Martin. But he stood me up. Well, not exactly. He did call to tell me he had fallen asleep and was simply too tired to make it. He wanted a rain check but in my dream I knew it was a dream and that he had missed his chance. This was after I had prepared a phenomenal dinner for him and gotten all dressed up in a smoking hot new dress. As I went to look at myself in the mirror and said to myself, "Self, this is just a dream so, you might was well look super skinny and hot." And when I looked in the mirror that is precisely how I looked. Too bad he didn't show up. I was hoping he could give me a banjo lesson.

Meanwhile...Back at the Ranch...

2011-01-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

We made it safely to Harris Ranch last night after spending the whole day driving. Harris Ranch which is located in Coalinga, CA, has become a stopping point for us whenever we travel south. While, this destination designed to please the pallet of the carnivorous steak-lover doesn't exactly appeal to this vegetable-arian, the hotel certainly has its perks. One being, the fact that it is pet-friendly. Sadie Mae appreciates being able to travel with her two-legged family. Although she does find it rather exhausting.

We had dinner in the lounge last night and while I was completely zombied out from driving, my ears perked when I heard a the beautiful sound of an acoustic guitar and a heavenly voice singing in the far corner of the room. His rendition of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen nearly moved me to tears and as I looked around the large room, I was appalled to notice that only one other couple seemed to even notice he was playing. Everyone was talking loudly over the music or watching golf (??). When he finished I had to go tell him how impressed I was. Also, I had to slip him a twenty in his empty tip jar. People! Wake up! This guy is amazing! Hello.
Check out his website and be sure to listen to watch some of his videos:
http://www.bryanvickersband.com/

Bead & Button Show

2011-01-21T12:35:00.000-08:00

I just made my hotel arrangements for this year's Bead & Button Show. I'm really looking forward to it and I must admit I get really excited about it every year. It kind of makes me feel like I'm ten again and I'm getting ready for a trip to Disneyland. Yes, folks it really is that cool. Will you be there this year? I'm looking through the catalog of classes right now trying to decide which class I will take. I always enjoy the balance of taking a class, along with teaching classes.
Check out the class I'm teaching on Sunday. We are going to have some serious fun playing with bottle caps.
http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b11271.html

Nice Write Up on the NY Show

2010-11-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning and checked my email, only to find a sweet google alert notifying me of this artitlce:
http://pressrepublican.com/0500_what_to_do/x1136432454/The-bead-goes-on
Check it out! It made my day.

New York

2010-11-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

I just sent some of my work off to New York yesterday and I wish I could have packed myself into the box so that I could go, too. If you are in the New York area, you may want to check out the Contemporary Bead Art Show at the NCCCA Arts Center in Plattburgh. Here is a link to their website and the show: http://www.plattsburgharts.org/Current.html
I'm honored to be inluded among talented artists such as Marcia Decoster, Carol Cypher, Diane Fitzgerald and Liz Smith, to name a few. The show runs from Nov. 6-29th.
Opening reception night is on Sat. Nov. 6 from 5-7 p.m.

Please Vote!

2010-10-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Soft Flex is having a Steam Punk Contest and it's time to vote! Please visit: https://www.softflexcompany.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=BeadingContestVotes.html to check out my entry and cast your vote for three of your favorite designs.

One More Photo

2010-10-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here is one more photo from the Sage Gallery on Sunday. This photo is courtesy of Ron from South Coast Trawler Blog: http://demosthenesclub.blogspot.com/

Pictured left to right: My good friends Nicole Campanella of Beadwright: http://www.nicolecampanella.com/, Denise Saunders of Dema Designs: http://www.demadesigns.blogspot.com/ and moi.

More Good News

2010-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

10-10-10 turned out to be a great day! I attended the reception for the Art of Adornment Exhibit at the Sage Gallery http://www.sagegallerybandon.com/ in Bandon yesterday. When I walked over to the case where my collars were displayed I was shocked to see that I had been awarded second place in the show! I was so excited!
I got to spend the afternoon with my talented bead making friends Denise and Maurice Saunders, who also had several pieces in the show. Plus, many of my friends showed up which meant so much to me, especially since it's an hour and a half drive from Florence.
I even got to meet one of my Facebook friends that I have been friends with for two years now! It was a pleasure to spend some time hanging out with the beautiful and talented Kerin Gale of http://www.remnantsofolde.com/ Kerin's got a book coming out in December so keep your eyes peeled for it.
I forgot to bring my camera to the event but luckily Kerin managed to take a few shots of me receiving my award. Thanks Kerin!

To the left of the photo is Anne, Sage gallery owner. Talent jewelery designer and judge Veneta handing me my award.

I did manage to take a few shots with my camera phone which I will post later. Stay tuned...

Good News

2010-09-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

I have a bit of good news to share... A few weeks ago my good friend Denise Saunders of Dema Designs http://demadesigns.blogspot.com/ told me about a call for entries celebrating the art of adornment. We both found out about it at the last minute and decided to go for it. We were both choosen as two of the twelve artists to be featured for the month of October at the Sage Gallery. http://sagegallerybandon.com/default.aspx
Here are pictures of my three pieces that were accepted:

Fall Stringing Blog Carnival

2010-08-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited to be a part of the first ever Stringing Blog Carnival! Today many of the contributors to the fall issue of Stringing Magazine are blogging about their creations. This idea came from the talented Michelle Mach of Interweave Press. Here's a link to her blog :http://www.michellemach.com/blog/

I'm fortunate enough to have several pieces in this fall issue. I have two necklace projects and two pairs of earrings. The first project is called Memories of Tucson. This necklace features a wonderful borosilicate lampwork glass bead made by my friend and neighbor, Denise Saunders of Dema Designs http://demadesigns.blogspot.com/. The rich, earthy colors in the bead reminded me so much of being in the desert. I choose to highlight the bead with turquoise, carnelian and fire agate, as well as some wonderful glass beads. I mixed silk ribbon and copper chain with the strung materials and this is what I came up with:

My second necklace project, which to me just feels like fall, Wisdom, features a design using a reversible pendant! On the one side, there is an enamel pendant by C-Koop http://www.ckoopbeads.com/ and on the flip side is a fabulous owl pendant by Green Girl Studios http://www.greengirlstudios.com/. The piece also contains another bead by GGS, which is a great shibuichi owl bead. Also, featured is a shibuichi beetle bead by Bob Burkett http://www.etsy.com/shop/BobBurkettStudios. And while we are discussing shibuichi... the toggle is also shibuichi and is by Saki Silver. I blended the above mentioned metals with seed pods, wood beads which are hand carved and from the Steens Mountains here in Oregon, a Kazuri bead for good measure, vintage glass beads, and some wonderful little magatama drops which I sell in my Etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadologistkelly?section_id=6491312

Here's a photo:

I must apologize for the quality of my photos but I just got a new camera and apparently, I haven't quite figured it out yet! But for high-quality photos, as well as photos of my earrings, pick up your copy of Stringing magazine which hits the newsstands today!
Please leave comments, as Stringing Magazine is generously donating prizes for this Blog Carnival!
Here is a list of the other talented designers participating in this carnival so, visit their blogs and see what they are up to:
Kristy Abner http://www.michellemach.com/blog/index.php?/archives/138-Kristy-Abners-Fleur-de-Lise.html

Kelly Angeley (you are here!)

Marianne Baxter http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com/

Ruby Bayan http://www.rubybayan.com/rubybeads/

Carrie Beckwith http://www.michellemach.com/blog/index.php?/archives/136-Carrie-Beckwiths-Sunburst-Necklace.html

Melanie Brooks http://www.earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/

Gaea Cannaday http://gaeabeads.blogspot.com/

Lorelei Eurto http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com/

Amy Haftkowycz http://www.artfulbeadstudio.blogspot.com/

Beth Hemmila http://hintjewelry.blogspot.com/

http://pearlandpebble.blogspot.com/
Tari Kahrs

Stephanie LaRosa http://www.michellemach.com/blog/index.php?/archives/140-Stephanie-LaRosas-Cornucopia-and-Afternoon-Social-Necklaces.html

Michelle Mach http://www.michellemach.com/blog/index.php?/archives/133-The-Story-Behind-Autumn-After-Dark-Necklace.html

Denise Yezbak Moore http://deniseyezbakmoore.blogspot.com/

Kelly Morgan http://www.silverparrotdesigns.blogspot.com/

Sharon Palac http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com/

Anne Perry http://www.michellemach.com/blog/index.php?/archives/139-Anne-Perrys-Woodsy-Owl-and-California-Bungalow.html

Lisa Petrillo http://lucidmoonstudio.blogspot.com/

Erin Prais-Hintz http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/

Molly Schaller http://www.michellemach.com/blog/index.php?/archives/141-Molly-Schallers-The-Bamboo-Cutters-Wife-Dandelion-Harvest.html

Erin Strother http://www.michellemach.com/blog/index.php?/archives/137-Erin-Strothers-Smoke-Cognac-and-Mixed-Metaphor-Necklaces.html

Heather Trudeau http://peacockfairy.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Judd Velasquez http://jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Zeiger http://www.zbeadz.com/

New Kits!

2010-07-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

I've finally settled in from my trip teaching up in Tacoma and had a wonderful time at the Puget Sound Bead Festival. I made a lot of new friends, got to see many old friends and had a blast spending time with my students.
Yesterday I spent the day organizing my kits and attempting to find my table under the mountians of papers and beads that seem to multiply over night like rabbits. I'm happy to report I can see bits of wood now showing through the piles of my organized chaos.
Today I managed to list the kits from my classes I just taught up in Tacoma. For those of you who are interested, please check out my Etsy site. http://www.beadologistkelly.etsy.com/
Today I've been living on blues power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XUAg1_A7IE And bow wow to you, too.

Puget Sound Bead Festival is Almost Here!

2010-07-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe that the Puget Sound Bead Festival http://www.pugetsoundbeadfestival.com/ is already next weekend. Time seems to be traveling at the speed of light these days and I feel like I'm not getting anything accomplished. It doesn't help that summer has finally arrived here on the Oregon Coast and the sunshine is proving to be a much needed distraction. I would much rather be out enjoying the weather than sitting inside printing directions and tending to kits like I really need to. But I'd be a fool to complain. Life is good and I'm doing what I love to do.
I received a package in the mail the other day from Tierra Cast http://www.tierracast.com/ who has generously donated samples to put into my kits for my students at next weekend's Puget Sound Bead Festival. It was like Christmas to open up the package! I'm so happy to be able to share these goodies with my students. I'm not going to tell you what they are because I want the students to be surprised but I can guarantee that they will be pleased!

Pacific Northwest Garden Bracelet

Rings~n~Things

2010-06-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Last night I had this brilliant, or so I thought, idea for a bracelet. While at the Bead & Button show I found some fabulous light sapphire ab dentelles along with some beautiful pink rose montees. It's difficult to describe what I had in mind but I thought I was going to bezel the dentelles and connect them to these super cool lampwork borosilicate glass rings made by Greg Hanson. http://www.hanson-stone.com/ . Welllll.... it didn't not quite work out. It turned into bead disaster and I ended up taking it all apart.

I have an abundance of Greg's rings, which will be traveling with me to the Puget Sound Bead Festival with me in two weeks. But if you really can't wait and you need some now visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/hansonstonehandmade .

I've used some of these rings in my Bamboo Garden necklace which I will also be teaching at the Puget Sound Bead Festival. For details click here: http://www.pugetsoundbeadfestival.com/store/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=39

Getting Ready for the Puget Sound Bead Festival

2010-06-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

I'm busily finishing up my directions and kits for my Raven Moon Lariat which I will be teaching in just a matter of a couple of weeks and the Puget Sound Bead Festival. http://www.pugetsoundbeadfestival.com/ . Both the kits and the directions are just about done.
I have a copious amount of lovely borosilicate lampwork beads made by the equally as lovely, Allison Byrd of Vortex Glassworks http://www.vortexglassworks.com/ which are just wating to be dropped into the kits and then, they'll be finished. I must admit I've been procrastinating in putting them in the kits, not only because I am the queen of procrastination but because I like to look at them all! Each one is so unique and beautious I'm quite temped to roll around in them. Don't worry. I will refrain.
If you'd like to see a list of all of the classes I will be teaching at the festival please click here:
http://www.pugetsoundbeadfestival.com/store/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=39 . I absolutely love teaching at this show. The host hotel, which is the Hotel Murano http://www.hotelmuranotacoma.com/ is a work of art in and of itself. What a treat it is to stay there. The loby is full of paintings and sculptures and makes you feel like you are in a gallery rather than a hotel lobby. Tacoma is fantastic city with wonderful galleries and is a mecca for glass art. How could anyone not love glass art? Within walking distance from the Hotel Murano is the Chihuly Glass Museum http://www.museumofglass.org/. If you haven't been, you really should visit it.
Have I concinced you yet??!!

What rock have I been hiding under?

2010-06-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

While I was at the Bead & Button show I discovered that I must have been living under a rock for quite some time, as I was unaware of the fabulous German beading magazine Perlen Poesie. http://www.perlen-poesie.de/ Where the heck have I been??!!
The super talented and extrmemely kind (anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting her in person knows her smile simply lights up a room!) Laura Andrews http://www.lauraandrews.com/ introduced me to Andrea and Freddie Ott of Perlen Poesie fame. Lucky for me, since I don't know any German, they spoke perfect English and I was able to have a nice converstation with them. It turns out they had been to my neck of the woods, Florence , OR. What a small world. Most people in the states have never even heard of Florence, Oregon! Andrea gifted me with a copy of their beautiful magazine and I was really impressed. I'm going to subscribe, I was so impressed. The photographs are wonderful and although I can't read German, the diagrams are so well done that I don't think it even matters!
Please visit their website to check out photos of this year's Toho party in Milwaukee. There's even one of Andrea and I that Freddie took! Check it out: http://perlen-poesie.de/neuigkeiten/details/toho-empfang

Adios Milwaukee

2010-06-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Bead & Button show is officially over which is always kind of sad but I'm really looking forward to getting home to my dog, who I have missed like crazy. Plus, I'm anxious to get back to beading as this show is always an inpiration for new ideas. AND... I really miss Nadine- my guitar.

We spent our last night in Milwaukee at a fantastic restaurant that my former big boss man Shaun Haley of Out on a Whim Beads fame, (mug shot pictured above) recommended. It was called Molly Cool's and it was some of the best sea food I've ever eaten. Now, I live on the Oregon coast so, you know that's really saying something. I had to take a picture of my dinner because it was so lovely. Here we have Dover Sole stuffed with crab, cream cheese and peppers served over garlic mashed potatoes, topped with a dill sauce. Yum. Painted on the wall of the restaurant was this: "Molly Cool's is shucking amazing." I couldn't agree more. They even had this cool placemats with intructions on how to clean fish.
Stay tuned for more Bead & Button photos including highlights from the Bead Dreams cases.

Bead & Button Update...

2010-06-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

I'm still having a blast here at the Bead & Button show. Last night I taught my second session of my bezeled bottle cap earring class and it went very well. I was amazed at how quickly the students in my classes who had never done peyote stitch before caught on. I was impressed.
After class was over, I rushed to get over to the Toho party, which as always, was very nicely done. The Toho family really treats us well. My favorite part about going to the party was getting to visit the gallery and view the inspiring beadwork. Not only that but practically everyone at the party was a walking work of art wearing their best beady creations. I saw some of the most jaw dropping wearable art last night. One of the highlights of the evening was getting to meet the lovely Barb Switzer in person! http://www.beadswitzer.com/ She's been a facebook friend for a while and it was cool to see that she's actually a real live talking person! Plus she's super nice.
I've been really bad about taking photos. S orry! I'll try to get on the ball and take more. Stay tuned for more B&B updates...

Bead & Button Adventures

2010-06-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'm thoroughly enjoying the Bead & Button show. Last night I taught my first session of my Bezeled Bottlecap Earrings class and I had a blast. It was so much fun to see what my students came up with. One of my students bezeled a pair of champaigne bottle caps with a woman's face on them. They came out so beautifully and resembled cameos. Darn me- why didn't I take photos?
It was quite an experience to participate in the Meet the Teachers Reception. Usually I'm a shopper, not an exhibitor so it was quite an honor to be included among such an amazing and talented group of instructors. Above middle is a photo of me at my table just before the doors opened and the crazyness began. It was great to meet so many of my facebook friends and admire everyone's beady creations.
I thought I'd post a few photos of the show and some works in progress that I started in Laura McCabe's Master Class. The class focused on incorporating unconventional materials into beadwork designs. The top photo is of my sculptural piece where I used an old porcelian doll head and two pieces of fossil deer antler. Her body is acutally segmented and articulated. The bottom photo features a bezeled walnut sheel and a fossil deer jaw bone cut by rock god Gary Wilson. Laura was such an inspiration. She even gifted us with a fabulous book she wrote just for her master class students and her dvd on tips and tricks. Too cool.

Bead & Button is Almost Here

2010-06-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

I have been severely remiss in tending to my blog lately. I've just been so busy getting ready for Bead & Button and the Puget Sound Bead Festival that I've barely had time to do much of anything. I know, I know excuses, excuses...I'm finally almost all caught up and ready for B&B and I feel like I can breathe again.
And then there's my guitar, Nadine. She is a big, however, much needed and appreciated distraction. I love my guitar as much as I love my beads. Now that's a lot of love, people.
Dare I tell you that I'm working on an outline for a book proposal? Yes, it's true. That's all I'm going to say for now. I don't want to jinx it so, I shall keep it on the down low for the time being. Wish me luck...

Bubble Up

2010-04-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

I've started writing up my directions and illustrations for my Bubble Ring. This ring was inspired by a borosilicate lampwork glass ring I picked up in Tucson a few years ago. I decided I could replicate it using magatama drops and seed beads. This ring is so much fun to make, I'd like to make one for each of my ten digits. If only there were more hours in the day...
I'm working on another sample in a red and gold colorway that I will be making into a kit that will be available in addition to the Green, Aqua and Butterscotch one pictured below. I'm really excited to be teaching this class at one of the best bead shows in the country, the Puget Sound Bead Festival this year. Check it out: http://www.pugetsoundbeadfestival.com/store/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=39

(Neko) Case of Beer (Bottle Caps)

2010-04-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

The Bead & Button Show is rapidly approaching and I'm getting really excited about both teaching and taking a class. I signed up to take Laura McCabe's master class on encorporating unconventional materials into beadwork and was lucky enough to win the lottery. Apparently it was in high demand. I've really been trying to think outside the box and collect unusual items to bring to class with me.
http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com/bnbshow/Default.aspx?c=a&id=128
Fortunately there is still room left in my Bottlecap Earrings class and time left to register. We are going to have so much fun in this class! I've collected several enormous jars full of a large assortment of bottlecaps to bring to class. It pays to have bartenders as friends, as well as friends who really like to drink beer! I've discovered quite a few cool bottle caps from some unuasual microbrews.
Here's a link to my classes at Bead & Button (please scroll down and click on the class of your choice for details): http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com/bnbshow/default.aspx?c=classsearch&mode=results&ins=T635

By the way, as we speak, I'm listening to the new Jakob Dylan album- "Women & Country" and it is really good. It features Neko Case singing backup on a majority of the songs and as many of you know, I'm a huge Neko Case fan. The album was produced by T Bone Burnett so, you know it can't be bad.

Check it out: http://www.jakobdylan.com/

Local Talent

2010-04-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

As many of you are aware, the Pacific Northwest is a hotspot for glass artists. I'm fortunate enough to live in the beautiful coastal town of Florence, OR where I am even more fortunate to call several talented glass bead artists friends. One, of which lives just down the street from me- Denise Saunders of Dema Designs. Stay tuned for more on Denise, including picutures of the new little beauties I just aquired from her.

Another incredibly talented friend of mine is Allison Byrd of Vortex Glassworks. http://www.vortexglassworks.com/
In the four years that I have known Allison, I've watched her work progress and her style develop. Her work amazes me and I'm proud to say I have quite a collection of her beads, including a number of her earliest pieces. Here is a shot of some of her more recent work:

I believe this set has sold but don't worry, Allison also has pieces available on Etsy and Ebay. Check out the above link to her website for details.

I recently made a lariat with one of Allison's gorgeous beads from her Moon Series. The piece is entitiled "Raven Moon" as it also has a lovely pewter Raven bead from Green Girl Studios on it. http://www.greengirlstudios.com/

I will be teaching this lariat at this year's Puget Sound Bead Festival in July. http://www.pugetsoundbeadfestival.com/ At the moment, I'm working on putting together kits that will be for sale on my Etsy site in the upcoming months. Allison is busy at work creating more lovely moon beads that will be included in the kit.

Here is a shot of the lariat:

Inspiration

2010-03-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

As an artist myself, I'm curious about what it is that inpires fellow artists. What is it that inpires you? Music is a BIG inspiration for me. I had my first guitar lesson today from a man who is a huge inspiration to me. Okay, well to be honest I've actually had three previous lessons from three different people during the course of the past 10 years. So, technically it wasn't my first lesson. However, I learned so much today that it might as well have been my very first lesson.
Part of the problem may have been that I wasn't in the right head space to learn. In one instance it was definatinatly poor instruction and a bad circumstance. But in order to protect the names of the innocent or in one case, not-so innocent, they shall remain nameless and I shall leave the circumstances to your vivid imaginations. I will only add the minor detail that the instuctor quickly drew the blinds and curtains around the house as soon as I entered and made a comment about wanting to teach me of things non-guitar related. I couldn't get out of the place fast enough, let me tell you. The second lesson involved San Fransisco rush hour traffic and an auto accident on the way home. A series of unfortunate events...
Today the guitar gods were with me. I had a lesson from guitar guru Byron Case, who recently inspired me to pick up my guitar again. I've been practicing every single day since I saw him play just over two weeks ago. Not only is the man a phenomenal guitar player but he has he patience of a glacier, a saint- truly. I put his patience to the test today so I know this for a fact. I learned that everything I thought I knew, I didn't really know. I've been playing along with my cd's, strumming chords I've taught myself, thinking I was really making progresss- cool as a cucumber, when really I don't know my elbow from my g-string. Suffice it to say, I learned I have a lot to learn.
But... an important connection was made. I found someone I think I can really learn from. Someone, who has some of the same heros I do, and is familiar with what I want to learn. Not only familiar with, but proficient in. A big thank you goes out to the guitar gods. I think this is just what the doctor ordered.
Here's a picture of my guitar. Nadine is her name.
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/ES/Epiphone/Dot.aspx

Sneak Peek

2010-03-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

These days it seems I'm adding items to my "to-do list" faster than I can check them off. I did manage to cross off one important item this afternoon. I got my Bead Dreams Competetion submission completed and it feels good to have that done.
To the left is a sneak peek photo of my bead embroidered collar entitled "Dance of Time." The cabochon in the bottom center is a fossilized mudcrack from Morocco, which was cut by rock star Gary Wilson. The top center cab is a Ganesha image which is the Hindu elephant god one is supposed to call on to help remove obsticles. I think we could all use a little Ganesha power in our lives at times. The piece also contains a lampwork glass bead by Rashan Omari Jones, fossil ammonites, freshwater pearls, vintage jet and marcasite nailheads, pressed-glass beads, brass, precious metal seed beads, charlottes, three-cuts, vintage glass cabs and Ultrasuede. This little collar took just over a year to complete and I'm quite smitten by it, if I do says so myself! This will be a 'keeper'.

Kit-y Corner

2010-03-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Time is flying by these days and I feel like I can't keep up. I have so many kits to make that I'm up to my knees is seed beads. I think I'm finally finished making extra kits for my "Happy Go Lucky" embroidered cuff featured in the April/May issue of Beadwork Magazine. Kits are listed in my Etsy shop and are selling quick! Here's a link:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42954065

Here's a photo of the piece courtesy of Interweave Press.

Now, I really must get to work and make some other kits. I'm leaving for Bead and Button at the end of May and the show will be here before I know it. I'm also teaching five classes at the Puget Sound Bead Festival this year, which means, you guessed it, more kits to make!

I Got Blisters On My Fingers!

2010-03-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

This time change has got me all screwed up. I'm staying up even later than I usually do at night and sleeping later in the morning. As a result, I seem to be getting less accomplished and my to-do list is growing exponentially.
I have, however, been making an effort to make time to do things that are good for me, which I have been neglecting for far too long. I've been going for long walks every day. Even when it's cold, windy or gloomy- I force myself and I always feel so much better afterward. An added bonus is that I lost 6lbs over the past two weeks. Yay me.
One more thing that I have done to promote My self-wellbeing is pick up my guitar again. I practiced for two hours today and I'm proud to report... I got blisters on my fingers! Geez, if I'd only keep up with my practice, I wouldn't have to keep going through the whole blister/callus/blister/callus process over and over again. Doh!
It's time to get back to the ever-growing list of things to do. I have five million and one kits to make and for some reasons the kit making faeries haven't shown up yet.

Bringing It All Back Home

2010-03-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

I had all good intentions to work on making kits for my classes last night and maybe even getting a bit of beadwork in until the wee hours of the morning. But... after soaking in the hot tub for a long spell, I felt like molten jello and got nothing accomplished. It's so nice to be outside and enjoy the night at this time of year. I turned the lights and the jets off so that I could do some star gazing and listen to the silence. Unfortunately, the clouds are rolling in and there wasn't a star to be seen but the sounds of "silence" made up for it. Just down the hill from my house is Siltcoos Lake, where the cacophony of frogs was especially loud this evening. From the deck I can also hear the creek that runs alongside the bottom of the hill, just at the end of the driveway. Behind the house, about a mile away is the ocean. I'm lucky enough to be able to hear that, too.
The hot tub is my "think tank." Last night I was thinking about all of the things in life that we take for granted. For example, the frogs. Listening to the frogs is one of my favorite things about living here and yet, I don't always make the time to pay attention to them.

When I lived in Long Beach, CA I took the music scene for granted. I could pick any night of the week to go out and see quality live music and it was all only a short drive away (ok well, maybe a little longer than short with traffic but still...). I used to spend a lot of time just down the street from my apartment, at the Blue Cafe. I would go there and listen to fine musicians such as Doug MacLeod www.doug-macleod.com/ (pictured above) every Thurs. night at happy hour. Doug is an incredible blues musician and was one of the reasons I ever picked up a guitar in the first place. He's played with some of the finest blues musicians in the world and even played with one of my other favorite guitar players, the late great Pee Wee Crayton. Yes, indeed folks, I was SPOILED.
Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCEfaeH0Iik

Ever since I moved here to Florence, OR I have been missing that music scene. Luckily, every Sunday night there is phenomenal group of musicians that gets together at the Traveler's Cove. The line-up includes regulars such as my friend Peter Giri (pictured left) on guitar and bass, Paul Biondi on sax, Suzanne Sheretta on sax, Nate Kaplan on drums and Mike Anderson on guitar and bass. These folks sure can play and once again I'm feeling a bit spoiled.

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This past Saturday night, I was especially spoiled, as we had a bonus night of music down at the Cove. Not only were we blessed with Peter Giri and Nate Kaplan but they brought along uber-talented harpsmen Lloyd Tolbert and guitar guru Byron Case (pictued left). Man, oh man, that Byron can play. We were treated to a long and fabulous first set of blues. Blues the way blues was meant to be played. It was exactly what I've been missing. It felt like going home. Three days later I'm still feeling good from that quality dose of music. It doesn't get much better than that!

Beads, Bees, Blossoms & Bass Guitars

2010-03-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... the buzz of spring is in the air. I can feel it! I just went for an invigorating walk in my beautiful, woodsy neighborhood. The sweet smell of jasmine, honeysuckle and blooms a'bloomin was most intoxicatingly heavenly. I saw numerous bumble bees and along the way I came across two different families of deer. I'm happy to report that the deer are looking rather healthy this year. It must be all of the tulips they've been munching on in my neighbor's garden.
While walking, listening to Willie Dixon on my ipod (which by the way, is fantastic walking music that makes you want to strut your stuff), I stumbled upon some skeletal remains along the side of the road. I'm not sure if it was a nutria or an oppossum because the skull was missing. I've decided I'm going to go back tomorrow and collect some of the vertebrae to use in a beading project. I'm taking Laura McCabe's (http://justletmebead.com) Master Class at Bead & Button this year and the focus is on using unusual materials in your beadwork. So, my eyes are especially open to seeking out unconventional objects.
Is it the arrival of spring that has me feeling so good today? It could be. Was it the acupuncture treatment I had today for my allergies? That definitely helped. Was it the impromptu bass guitar lesson I had with my friend Peter Giri http://petekowalke.com/ yesterday? That was certainly a ton of fun. Could it have been a great weekend with two nights in a row of live music with incredible musicians? That must be it. Whatever it is, I ain't complainin'!

Tucson Treasures

2010-02-23T12:44:00.001-08:00

I've spent the past week filing paperwork for the upcoming meeting with our accountant. Urgh... I hate tax time. I have finally finished and now have some time to put my Tuscon goodies away.
Before we left for Tucson, we were down in Orange County for the CHA show. While at the show I stopped by the Soft Flex booth to say "hi" to Sara Hardin and Jamie Hogsett. While I was talking with Sara, I spied a fantastic lampwork glass bead on one of the samples. I completely fell in love with this enormous, bumpy boro bead. Sara wasn't sure who made it because it wasn't one of her samples. I just couldn't shake the memory of this bead.
Fast forward to the Best Bead Show in Tucson, which by the way, is appropriately named... Lo and behold, right there in the lobby was the maker of my coveted bead! It was Martha Proctor of Liquid Sand Studio. www.liquidsandstutio.com Below is a photo of the gorgeous "honker" of a bead with yummy bumps in tourmaline colors. I can't wait to make something with this treasure!

Memories of Tucson...

2010-02-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful trip to Tucson this year. Not only was it bead heaven, but I also got see old friends and make some new friends. Among the many wonderfully talented friends I ran into at the Interweave party this year was Andrew Thornton. He is a fabulously talented designer and artist who most of you know through his working with his family at Green Girl Studios. While at the party Andrew gifted me with this sweet artist trading card.

The following night I had the good fortune of sampling some of Andrew's cooking. He and Greg Ogden (also of GGS) treated us to some fine culinary magic. They even converted me into liking brussel sprouts! This fine dinner took place at the beautiful home of another talented artist, Kate McKinnon. Her home is a perfect combo of contemporary coziness & retro cool stuff. It made me want to move right in!I managed to snap of few pictures before my camera battery died. Doh!
Pictured below is Marcia DeCoster alongside the gracious hostess Kate McKinnon.
Bottom left are three beautiful women: Jean Campbell, Jamie Hogsett & Sara Hardin.

Deadlines

2010-02-16T12:49:00.000-08:00

After having been gone for three weeks, there's a lot of catching up to do around here. One of my priorities is getting my Stringing submissions done and written up for the Fall issue since the deadline is rapidly approaching. Here are a few sneak peeks of the beads I used. The first is a snapshot of a gorgeous lampwork glass flower made by the equally lovely & talented Lisa Kahn. Lisa amazes me. She does it all: beadwork, lampwork... and everything she does is fantastic.

Second, is a lovely little borosilicate honeycomb bead that my awesomely talented friend Rashan Omari Jones made. I actually dropped this bead on concrete last fall and he had to put it back in the kiln to fix it. I owe him big time for this! Now I need to get busy and type up the directions...

Valentine's Day Bead

2010-02-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

When I returned from Tucson last week I pulled out all of my treasures to drool on them while Barry and I were watching TV. I decided to "work" while I was drooling so, I got out my lil' Ziploc baggies and a sharpie so, I could mark and label all of my new goodies. As I was going through my receipts, I came across my Gary Wilson receipt. The last item read "special secret item". I asked Barry if he knew what the heck that was to which he smiled and replied, "yes".
Alas, the mystery was revealed on Valentine's Day when I received this super cool heart shaped pendant that Gary Wilson cut from a billiard ball!

Home Sweet Home

2010-02-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

Ahhh... I'm finally home from my three week trip to southern CA and Tucson. I was so busy the whole time I was gone that I slacked in the blogging department. At least now I have lots to talk about.
I had a wonderful time in CA even though everyone blamed me for bringing the rain with me. My Mom took a week off from work and I got to spend some time with her, which is always much needed. I also got to spend some time with my Dad, two brothers and Grandfather.
While in Huntington Beach I taught two classes at my friend Erin's store Beadology. Check it out: www.beadology.net. The first class was my right angle weave class "Better With Crystals". Much to my surprise, all 7 students finished their bracelets. They did a fantastic job and it was such an inspiration to see their color selections.
The other class I taught was my "Bottlecap Earrings". Erin made a lovely pendant out of hers with a super cute owl bottlecap from a Japanese brew.
There is still room in the Bead & Button show sessions of my bottlecap earrings. For details visit: http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com/bnbshow/default.aspx
Hey! My class is the pick of the day here! Or go to: http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com/bnbshow/default.aspx?c=classsearch&mode=results&ins=T635

writing directions

2010-01-12T16:53:00.000-08:00

I've been consumed with writing up directions for my "Better with Crystals Bracelet". I must admit I am a procrastinator to the fullest extent but since I'm teaching the class in a few weeks, I can't put it off any longer! I never really have trouble writing directions or sketching the figures out. HOWEVER... I'm learning to "draw" the figures out using Microsoft Word and it has proved to be quite a learning curve. I guess I'm just 'old school' but I much prefer sketching my illustrations with pencils and markers. I feel the need to be high tech and keep up with the times but I would truly rather be beading.

Homegrown Music

2010-01-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

Below: Jimmy Reed, Pee Wee Crayton & Muddy Waters.

Left: Lloyd Tolbert playing a mean harp with Peter Giri on guitar.
I feel so lucky to have had three (tonight will be the fourth) amazing nights of live music. Eugene is home to some of the most talented musicians I've ever come across and Florence is lucky enough to have them come to us. This first weekend of the year has found many of us locals at Traveler's Cove enjoying the music of my good friend Peter Giri and his friends. Peter, who is one of my most favorite gee-tar players EVER has dubbed this weekend "Quatro Noches de Pedro". Si.
Every night has been a different combo of musicians playing with Peter. Last night was my favorite because the boys played a lot of blues- my favorite. Byron Case played guitar the first set and he seems to channel all of my guitar heroes when he plays. He's like a combo of Muddy Waters, Pee Wee Crayton and Jimmy Reed rolled into one. It doesn't get much better than that, folks.
Hmmm... I think I just may hear my guitar calling me...