My New Creation!

I am pleased to introduce my newest creation. I haven't thought of a name for it yet, but I'm working on it (you know the holidays and all).

I received these lovely beads from ArtBeads.com a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to get started. I have decided that this blogger program is a fantastic way for me to push myself and try something new each time. This is the perfect opportunity for me to leave my comfort zone and explore new techniques and ideas.

I'm not a huge fan of fringe; I love the way fringe looks, but hate working it up. It's time consuming and well just seems to give me trouble every time I try. But this time I was determined to make it work; the beautiful Czech glass leaves I received were definitely inspiration. They were absolutely lovely. It was very difficult to pick just a few from ArtBeads large collection of glass beads.

I also decided to try a new bead stitch; St. Petersburg. I've always loved how it looks, but just never tried it. So I used black and blue seed beads to create a delicate beaded necklace that compliments the fringe and flower pendents. I think this stitch looks like vines growing on a stone wall. Very natural and organic. I'm really happy with how it turned out and have a few more ideas on how to use it in the future.

I am also in love with these fabulous Hill Tribe Silver Flower Pendents. I've always wanted to order some of these flower pendents, but just never have. They are absolute stunners. ArtBeads has a fantastic selection of Hill Tribe Silver Beads and Pendants. Each silver item made individually by the Karen Hill Tribe in northern Thailand. Just beautiful.

I finished this necklace off with beaded end caps and a wonderful Bali Sterling Silver "S" clasp. I am really happy with how this necklace turned out. It looks so pretty on, it's definitely on my list of favorites.


Disclosure - I have received these products from ArtBeads free of charge to honestly review. I have not been paid for this post.

Christmas Gifts!

I just finished up a couple of necklaces I made for my mom and my MIL.

I really love these beaded rings. I was practicing my beading around objects, and I completely misjudged the size of the steel washer I was beading around, so I just finished them off as rings. I've always loved seeing beaded rings and other shapes, so I'm glad I've (accidentally) learned how.

I received these great bead mixes the other day and couldn't wait to get something made with them. I really think my mom and MIL will like these. They are simple yet really pretty.

I made myself one that was using a green and gold seed bead mix, I love it. (J says it looks like a wreath).
I also got new backgrounds for my pictures (new scrapbook paper). Ok, so maybe it was a gift to myself while I was out Christmas shopping. I was super excited to use it on some new pictures. I love the way the first picture looks.

Playing Catch Up!

Wow, you can definitely tell it's almost Christmas around my house. This is the time of year where everything is crazy. So my blog always seems to be what suffers.

J got back from China on Saturday. He had a good time, but is happy to be home. He brought me back some really nice silk slippers and a fun fat panda stuffed animal. He also brought home a fantastic chest cold (no it's not H1N1, he was vaccinated). But luckily he is off of work for the rest of the year, so he has plenty of time to rest up and get well.

Yoda's doing good. She's learned how to jump up on the couch, so now no place is safe in the house from her. Crazy puppy!

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I'm in a couple of treasuries, yay!!!


This first one is really pretty, all different shades of blue. My blue beaded hoop earrings are featured in A Shade of Blue created by Momgen's Corner.


Then my cosmic storm necklace was featured in Cosmic Man created by Christine's Beadwork.

Thank you both for featuring my work. Please stop by these fantastic treasuries and click on all the wonderful items.

I also was interviewed over at K. Nice Artworks Blog. It was a fun interview, thank you for featuring me. And don't forget to stop by her etsy store, K. Nice Artworks, for some really great jewelry.


And last but not least I want to thank everyone who has hearted my store. I have finally reached 600 hearts. It really does make me smile. Thank you everyone that has stopped by and liked my stuffs enough to heart me store.

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Don't forget that there is still free shipping on everything in my etsy store to anywhere until further notice. We're still working on Yoda's vet bills from her surgery. So stop by and get some really unique items and save a little dough.

Ok, I think I'm pretty much caught up on everything. Stop back soon because I have a couple of exciting things planned.

Thank you all!!!

Snow Day!!!

So today is a fairly rare occurrence; the UW-Madison has canceled all classes. This is actually pretty great news for me, that means I get a snow day. No I'm not a student anymore, but that means that all non essential (that's how they put it in the email) staff and faculty are to stay home. WooHoo! See kids, adults get pretty excited about snow days too!

So today, I plan on getting some things done that I've been putting off. I plan on beading my little butt off. I also plan on playing with Yoda for a while, she's teething right now and wow is she cranky. Who knew such a little puppy could be so moody.

And unfortunately since J is in China for work right now, I get to go out and shovel the snow (0urs and our neighbors). I'll be doing this by myself because Yoda is not so fond of the snow. Hey maybe I can get Toonces to help me out. She loves the snow. She's been sitting at the patio door since last night crying.

So to all my friends out there that have been, are currently, or will be pummeled by this storm, keep warm and safe.

I'm off to shovel, oh great looks like it's picked up again and there are huge flakes falling. At least it looks pretty. :)

Time to get into the Season!

So Thanksgiving is over and I've been given "permission" to put up the tree. It's one of my favorite things to do. I don't really decorate for any holidays, but the Christmas tree is a staple. I mush have one up. My first tree was a two foot tall white tree because I had such a small apartment. But I don't care, it was still awesome.

We decided to decorate the pug also. What's cuter then a pug dressed up in garland. So we wrapped her in our red tinsel. Yoda had quite the opposite reaction then I expected. She was so frightened that she just sat in the middle of the living room. She did try to run away once. But then she just became paralyzed with fear. Who would have known that this crazy puppy would be scared of garland. But she looks cute, so that's all that matters.

While we're on the topic of Yoda, she's doing really well. She down to getting her meds only twice a day instead of three times a day. We're also going to start weaning her off of her prescription food and onto normal puppy food. The surgery seams to have been a success (I forgot to give her any medication one day and she had no neurological signs of illness). She still needs a blood test, so I'm hoping to get that done soon.

She's really started to fill out and gain some weight, which is a great sign. She's almost big enough to jump up on the couch now (where will we escape from her crazy running around the house).