80s-Tastic Cuff

I have a brand spanking new cuff!!! I call it the 80's-tastic cuff. I'm in love with it. It's bright and colorful and reminds me of the track suits and ski jackets of the 1980s.

Teal and purple triangles, classic 80s.

This cuff is so fun to wear. I thought about keeping it for myself, but I wanted to share it with everyone, so I listed it on etsy. And I really should stop keeping things for myself, LOL!

This is the first time that I used Toho seed beads. They were on sale and I was curious about them, so I bought just these three colors. The teal is a silver lined bead, the purple is a metallic bead, and the black is an opaque hex bead.

This cuff is just over 1 1/2 inches (actual width 1 5/8 in) and about 7 inches long.

You can check it out HERE.

My new Free Form

So I'm almost done with my newest free form cuff. It's for the Etsy Beadweaver's Monthly Challenge. This month's challenge was Humor.

My cuff is humorous because it's me attempting free form and because it reminds me of a clown or jester.

I'll post the full back story as soon as I get it done. I'm hoping to finish up tonight (but who knows I have a new order of glass that arrived today, so I might be too busy playing with that).

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Tomorrow is my last day in the Pathology lab, then I start my new position in the Pediatrics lab. I'm going to miss all my friends here. It's such a fun group to work with. I'll miss them so much :(

Cute Necklace Made With One of My Beads!

So I got an email the other day that just made my day.

A week or so ago (I guess it was a few weeks ago), I sold three different lampwrok beads. I am always excited when I sell lampwork beads. It means someone other then me actually likes them.

Well I got a message the other day telling my that they arrived and that she really liked them. So I was just blushing like crazy. Then she went on to let me know that she made a necklace with the red (Bloody Mary) and ivory bead, and it sold almost immediately. That's so awesome.

Here's a picture of the necklace she made with my bead. It's so cute and I'm so happy that she sent me a picture of what she made using it. This is the first time I've had someone show me what they made with a lampwork bead I made. I'm so happy and proud. Isn't it a cute necklace?

Here's her Etsy Store. Check out more of her adorable work! Whimsies, it's such a cute name.

First Art Show of the Season!

I just got home from my first art show of the season. I was in lovely downtown Burlington, Wisconsin, during Chocolate Fest, Yum!

It was a pretty good turnout and I have to say this was the best I've ever done at a show. Now I didn't do quit my job good, but I didn't do that bad at all. I sold enough items to pay for my booth, the gas to get down there, my last bead order, my last glass order, and a little left over for myself. So I would say that was a good day.

The day started out a little rocky. I got up a little late and we were almost an hour behind schedule (because it was pouring rain). Then I missed the exit, took the next one, ended up in the middle of construction, and we were an hour late. So we had to scramble to set up. And then I realised in our rush to get ready that I forgot a number of things (table risers, sign, beaded rings, etc.) That was a little disheartening, but we prevailed.

The sky cleared up and for most of the day it was beautiful. The sun was shinning, there were a lot of people, and I was making sale after sale. I sold a lot of smaller items, but hey, that small stuff adds up. And I made a lot more sales then expected considering the economy.

My beaded hoops were a complete success. I sold a bunch of those. I sold a whole bunch of lampwork beads, and a bunch of my new beaded necklaces. Plus I got a custom order. So like I said, great day.

Then the clouds rolled in. J and I were sitting there discussing if we should put the third wall up when all of a sudden it started down pouring. The wind picked up and we almost lost the canopy. But we quickly put the third wall up and luckily had some nice people who moved our cash register and cell phones. I even made a sale while I was soaking wet and trying to get the weights on the canopy so it wouldn't blow away. We were very fortunate, the booths around us didn't have as much luck with the weather, I felt so bad for them. J went and helped the guy next to us b/c he was there all by himself.

And as quickly as the storm started, it was gone! So we dusted ourselves off, dried up everything and persevered for the last two hours of the show, I even made a few more sales. So it was worth staying. And most people were very understanding that my booth was now a tad bit wet and everything was just one the tables (we took all the displays down just in case the wind picked back up again).

So it was a very nice start (minus the rain) to the show season. I won't be doing that many shows this summer, but I plan on doing a lot more next year, and we're already designing new displays to catch people's attention.

And my crazy wire display tree was a success. So many people loved it, and it didn't even budge when the rain and wind started. So yay wire tree!!!

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Oh yeah, I had a mashed potato pizza today, it was so delicious. I recommend if you're ever in Burlington, WI you should get one!

Art Show This Saturday

Nothing like waiting for the last minute to get the word out. I've been so busy the last couple weeks getting situated with the new research position I have been neglecting so many things.

**As of today I have officially resigned from the department of pathology and on June 1, 2009 will be doing research for the department of pediatrics. WooHoo!**

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But any who, back to the important things. I have a show this weekend. Yay! It's my first show of the show season and it's my first juried show. Yippee!

So if you are in the Milwaukee area and you are not busy Saturday afternoon, take a little drive to the Chocolate Fest in Burlington, WI. Enjoy a day of fun, music, arts, and of course - CHOCOLATE!!!!

I will be at booth number 4. The art fair is downtown and there is a shuttle between the fair grounds and downtown, so if you would like to enjoy more then the art fair, you can shuttle out there for a chocolaty good time.

Come stop by and check out my handmade beaded items as well as my lampwork beads. The art show is May 23 from 10:00 till 6:00. It should be an awesomely good time.

You can click either one of the maps for a more detailed view. And if you are in the area and would like driving directions, just let me know!

And click HERE to check out the Art du Chocolate website!

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Another Birthday Weekend!

It was another birthday weekend at our house. This would be the third one in a row. It's always a party in the spring at our house.

J turned, well I don't think he wants me to reveal his age (he's having an early midlife crisis, why, I don't know. And I know we both look like we're 15, we're not!).

We had a really fun weekend. It was a beautiful weekend, no rain, but a little windy, but over all pretty nice.

We enjoyed most of Saturday in Madison. We don't go to Madison that often anymore, so it was nice just to spend the day there. We went to a few of his favorite stores (all music stores) and then had a fantastic sushi dinner (it was so delicious). Then later we hit up the late showing of Star Trek (which was awesome)!!!!!!!!!!!!

But the weekend wasn't all fantastic, there's always something that goes wrong!! There's the boy up in the left corner, he's wearing his big sun glasses and looks a little annoyed. What a cute birthday boy! There's me over on the right side. I'm waiting for the boy to finish up in the store.

And this is the reason I'm waiting. While we were enjoying our day, part of the exhaust fell off the boys car. It was awesome. Unfortunately the part had a wire running through it, so we couldn't just yank it off. J had to crawl under the car and carefully take it off. And he had to do all of this in a parking lot. Then we had to cut our day short to get the car home, so he could do more work on the car. Good thing he's an engineer and works on cars in his free time!



But we didn't let this ruin our weekend. We had a really great time.

Well I'm off to work on displays for the show this weekend.

Congrats to the Winner of the EBW Challenge!

Congrats to the winner of this month's EBW challenge. The theme this month was Hollywood Red Carpet.
This stunning necklace belongs to CieloDesign. What a beautiful entry. This necklace, called Suprastellar Red Carpet necklace , is absolutely a stunner. Congrats on the win.

And congrats to the runners up

Gladiator - jmackgems

Bollywood Glamour - SmadarsTreasure

Night of Stars - jodihorgan

Vera Similitude Walks the Red Carpet - HauteIceBeadwork

Queen Of Sheba Necklace - HannahRachel

To Liz.. - beadsbyvezsuzsi

Angelina Jolie Bracelet - triz

Josephine Baker Burlesque Wrist Cuff - gypsyeyesjewelry

The Red Carpet Bracelet for a Mom - alatvian


All the entries were so stunning it was hard to vote for just one. Great job everyone that entered. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for the next challenge.

I'm Finished - WooHoo

I have finally finished my free form cuff. I'm so happy with how it turned out. It's very fun and colorful.

It reminds me of a gypsy. Fun, colorful, and a little wild.

I'm very glad I tried to do something like this. I'm usually attracted to things that have a set pattern, but this was well worth the try. It was so freeing.

I've already started on my second one. Completely different from this one, which is one of the main reasons I think I'm starting to love this stitch. You can sit down with the same beads, but come up with so many different possibilities. It's so fun.

I'm so happy with this cuff. It wears really nice too.

I wore it all day yesterday, while I did house work. and it never bothered me. I really didn't even notice it. Well I noticed it, when I would look down and see a supper fun cuff and it would make me smile. But it never interfered with me doing laundry or cleaning. So it super awesome.

I'll get some pictures of the one I'm currently working on. It's just as colorful and fun as this one. Then hopefully I'll be able to get one or two done and up on etsy. FUN! (but it will have to wait till after this weekend, it's J's birthday!)

Have a fantastic Friday and wonderful weekend.

My Progress - Day One

Here is a sneak peak at my progress with free form stitch. I'm really enjoying the freedom that this gives you (ha, duh that's right in the name). I just randomly add beads and somehow it seems to work.

Now remember that this is just a practice run. I'm using a bunch of my practice beads, so there really isn't a color scheme right now. But I still think it's pretty and I'm going to wear it with pride.

I have about 4-5 inches done so far, so just an inch or more before it's perfect for me to wear.

I've already been thinking about ideas for my next one, which will be a little bit more planned.

But I am pleased. I never, ever thought I could work free form. I like the feel of it, and I'm ready to finish this one up and start the next.

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And well it just wouldn't be a normal day in my house without Toonces doing something or hiding somewhere.

This is where she has decided to live now.

J fixes (and will soon begin building his own) guitar amps. And this is one that is in progress. All the innards are taken out and being worked on, so the box is completely empty. Perfect for Toonces to hide from Nacho.

Silly Cat.

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Well I'm off to clean our flooded basement. Don't worry it isn't a lot of water, but enough to soak the carpets and a few boxes.

I'm a Little Scared

So I've decided to try my hand at free form beadwork. I know what am I thinking. I've never ever done anything like this before. I have a hard time making anything that is not a multiple of 2 or 5 (thank you OCD). But I'm confident I'll be able to figure this thing out.

I've gathered a bunch of different beads. I'm going to let the beads speak to me. Hopefully they will speak a wonderful beautiful beaded bracelet (I'm gonna start with a bracelet and maybe work my way up to bigger items).

I haven't fully decided which beads I'm going to use, I'm just going to start and see where it takes me. I really hope this works out for me.

I'll keep everyone posted on my progress (it should be amusing).

Until next time

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I know I promised instructions for my new displays, but I had a killer migraine last night, so I didn't make any progress on them. I promise to post a how to soon.

What I'm Working On

Here's what I'm working on right now! I'm loving these (making them and wearing them). Simple, fun, stunning, lovely.

I have my first show of the season coming up in a couple of weeks (11 days to be exact) and I'm gonna try something a little different this year.

I'm still going to offer a wide selection of beadwork projects as well as a wide array of my lampwork beads, but this year I'm also going to offer something a little bit more simpler.

I wanted to offer something for everyone (and I have finally realized not everyone is a huge beadwoven necklace kinda girl). I'm really happy with how these are turning out. I also have found that I can use some of my left over beads to work up these necklaces. So the beads I've had sitting around for quite sometime are going to be used to make really pretty jewelry.

I'm going to see how this line of jewelry goes over at the shows, and see if I'm going to permanently add it to my collection, or just focus on beadwork and lampworking. This is a little bit of an experiment (go figure, the scientist is going to do an experiment). I really like how these are looking. I'm actually wearing one right now that is just crystals and silver rounds on black beading wire (I'm thinking of keeping it for myself, it looks so pretty).

☞ Don't forget to stop by tomorrw, I'm hoping to post some DIY instructions for my new displays. I'm so excited on how they are turning out. The are going to really utilize the wall space in my booth and they were so damn simple to make.

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On a completely separate note, I'm already planning my list of bands I'm gong to see at SummerFest this year. I'm so excited to see Anberlin, Reel Big Fish, Shiny Toy Guns, No Doubt, and The Airborne Toxic Event (holy crap, I'm super excited about this band. I think I'm in love). Plus more, thank god I only work 10-15 min away from the grounds. The list of bands this year is pretty impressive.

Because It's Monday

It's Monday and I'm gonna take a break form jewelry and beads (I know that's crazy talk, but I'll be back at it again tomorrow).

This is how I found Toonces Sunday. I guess she decided to get as comfortable as possible while watching J mow the lawn. We were afraid she got stuck between the window and the couch. She does look a little wedged in there, but don't worry she was not stuck.

She's awake in the photo, but she was sound asleep right before I took this.

That cat is just something else. I don't know what to do with her most of the time. She definitely knows how to get comfortable. Maybe I should take a few tips from her.

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This picture is the most amazing thing I've seen in a long time.

After Toonces was discovered sleep upside down, she decided to try to spend some quality time with Nacho (who was also lounging on the couch).

Well to my amazement; Nacho looked at Toonces, hissed once, and then went back to sleep. They spent a few hours sleeping next to each other.

Then later in the night the both shared the blanket for a while (until Nacho got disgusted and went to lay in her bed).

Maybe just maybe they will get a long with each other someday. We can only hope.

Time to Vote for Your Fave!

It's that time again. Time to vote for your favorite entry in the Etsy Beadweaver's monthly challenge. This month's theme was Hollywood Red Carpet. And boy the members of EBW didn't disappoint. All 21 entries are completely stunning.

Please stop by the Etsy Beadweaver's Blog to vote for you favorite. Voting in on the right hand side of your screen (and don't forget to click vote after you make your selection). I know it's going to be a really hard discion this month.

Click on the links below to see each one fo the entries.

1. Diamonds and Gold II - beaglebeads

2. Buried Treasure OOAK - GoodQuillHunting

3. how to be a rock star beadwoven cuff - thebeadedlily

4. Amethyst Netted Necklace - glimmerstone

5. Black Tie - beadsandblooms

6. Queen Of Sheba Necklace - HannahRachel

7. Golden Brooch with Pearls - enchantedbeads

8. Bollywood Glamour - SmadarsTreasure

9. Sophia Loren's Green Garnet encrusted choker - crownrosegems

10. Ms. Monroe - Evandra

11. The Prince and the Showgirl - ThesePreciousThings

12. Josephine Baker Burlesque Wrist Cuff - gypsyeyesjewelry

13. Suprastellar Red Carpet necklace - CieloDesign

14. Angelina Jolie Bracelet - triz

15. To Liz.. - beadsbyvezsuzsi

16.Scarlett's bracelet - carmenesque

17. The Red Carpet Bracelet for a Mom - alatvian

18. Night of Stars - jodihorgan

19. Vera Similitude Walks the Red Carpet - HauteIceBeadwork

20. Gladiator - jmackgems

21. Cascade - njema

Busy Day Today!!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥Don't forget about free shipping on everything in my Etsy Store. This is only good until May 10th (Mother's Day), so get your mom something as special and unique as she is.♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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It's only Wednesday and I've already had a full week. But a good full week, so that makes it okay.

First off a little Job update. I was offered the research position in pediatrics. So that takes a huge burden off of me. I won't have to go on unemployment and I can start focusing on more bigger and better things, like beady goodness, instead of trying to find my next paycheck. I am going to work with them today to set up a time line, so when I get more news, I'll share it with you :D

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Next, I was interviewed for the Inspirational Beading by Mortira. I was so excited because this was my first interview. I was so honored to be asked to do this. I'm always inspired by others, but I've never considered myself the one doing the inspiring. Thank you very much Mortira . Check out this blog, it has fantastic bead projects inspired by other art work and great interviews with other artists.

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I also am featured The Soap Seduction. Go over and check out her blog. You will find all kinds of great posts on handmade soap and other handmade goodies. I try to stop by everyday to see what she's up to. And don't forget to check her etsy shop.

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And finally, I've entered the Handmadeology's Etsy Worthy Photo Contest. I'm pretty excited about this, I have worked really hard to improve my picture taking skills. I'm always trying to improve my ability and I'm happy with my progress. I entered the first picture of Eternal Daydream. I really love this cuff, and I really love this picture. So I'm going to ask (ok I'm down on my knees begging) for my readers to go and vote for my entry. Please!!!!! *sad puppy eyes* Click HERE to go to my picture to vote and click Here to see all the entries. Thank you!

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Well I think that's all the news for now. Have a great day everyone ☺

EBW Beaded Quilt - 2009 - Breast Cancer Awareness

This year's theme - hearts

First row (l to r): Susan Clinkscales, Eddy Downing, Eddy Downing, JoJo Curley, Swanee Hielscher
2nd row: Swanee Hielscher, Swanee Hielscher, Swanee Hielscher, Linda Davis, Smadar Grossman
3rd row: Smadar Grossman, Smadar Grossman, Smadar Grossman, Lisa Savoy, Lisa Savoy
4th row: Lisa Savoy, Jama Watts, Jama Watts, Jama Watts, Kerrie Slade
5th row: Kerrie Slade, Kerrie Slade, Kerrie Slade, Victoria Thompson, Victoria Thompson
6th row: Victoria Thompson, Kim Shaver, Dawn Nelson, Melody Murray, Melody Murray
7th row: Ileana Munteanu, Ginny Bracht, Ginny Bracht, Ginny Bracht, Ginny Bracht

Last Year, EBW decided to work together to create squares for the Breast Cancer Awareness quilts that will be auctioned off at the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, WI. The money from the auctioned quilts goes to the Medical College of Wisconsin here in Milwaukee. I was so excited that we were going to do this as a group. I am a strong supporter of this program, and I know for a fact the money goes to a great group of researchers who are working hard to advance the study and cure for breast cancer (I work for the Medical College).

If you would like to know more about the beaded quilt program, visit Jeanette Shanigan's Website for more details and to see some of the beaded squares that have been submitted.

And if you are visiting the Bead and Button Show this year, don't forget to stop by and check out all the wonderful beaded quilts, and maybe make a bid to help breast cancer awareness research.

Check out the EBW website for more info on our quilt.

I've Been Featured - WooHoo

Just a quick update today.

Vibrant Green - Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2009

My Green Stripe Cuff has been featured on Etsy Trends. WooHoo.

A Little Special For Mom!

Last Minute Mother's Day Special!!!!

Still haven't gotten mom that special something? Still looking and maybe thinking about the same old gift; flowers and maybe a simple pair of earrings. I know this is the boat I'm in. I've completely put off getting my mom (and J's mom) something for mother's day. Why not get mom something she's really going to enjoy. Get her something as unique as she is.

I'm going to continue my free shipping until Mother's day (May 10th people). So that's free shipping on every single item in my store! That's a pretty good deal.

Just stop by my etsy store to check out all the funky, unique items perfect for mom.

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The sun is shining, there isn't a cloud in the sky, and Toonces is busy eating a lettuce leaf she took from the sink while I wasn't looking. I hope everyone has a super enjoyable weekend. I'm off to enjoy this wonderful spring day.

Woot, woot - It's Friday

Don't forget, today (May 1st) is the last day of my birthday special in my etsy store. That's FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING. Click here to check it out!

Stop back for details on my mother's day sale!

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Me and J celebrated our fifth anniversary last night. It was great. We spent the day together just hanging out.

Then we went to a new Japanese restaurant in West Allis. OMG, the sushi and shashimi was to die for. We had the combo for two. It was served in a wooden boat, it was so cute. It came with a bunch of sushi and shashimi and one of the chef's specialty rolls; the rainbow roll. This was fantastic. It was a California roll wrapped in tuna, salmon, shrimp, avocado, and red snapper. It was so amazing. I was in heaven.

Then we went to The Killers concert. It was amazing. The show sold out the day the tickets went on sale, but some how J got a pair. I've been waiting for three months for this show, and it was worth it. They were so great live. I had such a good time (except for the extreme PDA couple next to us, but oh well).

I would have to say that this was the best birthday/anniversary ever (or as J kept telling me my birthiversary, hehehehehe).

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This is a new pair of long dangle earrings. I used a crazy transparent bright blue, it's a lot of fun.

They are supper long, coming in at about 4 inches in length.

And of course they're finished off with a pair of handmade sterling silver ear wires.

You can find them in my 1000 markets store if you're interested.

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Till next time!