Wordless Wednesday

Friday Freebie

Oh my, it's Friday already. It's been so crazy busy here. I've been trying to finish up the gold beaded gauntlet before the end of the month. I met my goal, oh yeah. And J and I are both trying to get ready for his graduation party tomorrow. It's one of those huge, invite everyone you know party. I'm sure it's going to be fun, but boy it's always a lot of work getting ready for it. So that's what most of my day will be; cleaning cooking, etc, etc. I'm hoping for a little bit of time to work on my solar system project, but I'm not sure if that is going to happen.

But that's enough about that, let's get to that freebie (and I need to get my butt back to work).

This is such a neat freebie.  This pack contains one quick page.
 
Don't have My Memories software, don't worry about it.  You can use my promo code, STMMMS11215, to get $10 off the My Memories Software and then an additional $10 off any purchase in the store. That's a pretty cool deal. The My Memories folks have some really great scrapbooking things. And even if you don't scrapbook, the software and extras are really awesome. I don't scrapbook, but I love the software to make interesting blog post pictures. I even used it to make some labels for my homemade granola bars, so J wouldn't have to guess flavors anymore. Just use STMMMS11215 to get the discounts.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and stay creative.

Friday Freebie

Wow, it's Friday already. This week has been crazy! It seems like I've been busy every single day, oh yeah that's right, I have.

It was my birthday on Wednesday (Don't forget to use coupon code BIRTHDAY to get 20% off anything in my Etsy Shop). It was also my last class and the class decided to throw me a surprise birthday party (I knew about it, but it still very nice). We had cake and punch. We laughed and enjoyed ourselves. It was lots of fun. I really am going to miss all of them. I'm probably going to forget that class is over and just show up next week. I'm sad it's over, but I'm so proud of them. They accomplished so much in such a short period of time. They will rock it.

Speaking of birthdays, J got me a new camera. A Canon EOS 70D. I'm in love. I've only had it 48 hours and I can't put it down. It's quite the upgrade from my 10 year old Rebel XT. So expect a ton of photos, not just on here, but on my Instagram and Facebook pages. Right now they are only of the animals, but I promise to take some photos of beads. ;-)

But that's enough about that, let's get to today's freebie (I'll share more about this weekend on Monday).

This is such a neat freebie.  This pack contains one quick page.

Don't have My Memories software, don't worry about it.  You can use my promo code, STMMMS11215, to get $10 off the My Memories Software and then an additional $10 off any purchase in the store. That's a pretty cool deal. The My Memories folks have some really great scrapbooking things. And even if you don't scrapbook, the software and extras are really awesome. I don't scrapbook, but I love the software to make interesting blog post pictures. I even used it to make some labels for my homemade granola bars, so J wouldn't have to guess flavors anymore. Just use STMMMS11215 to get the discounts.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and stay creative.

Weekend Wrap Up

Another weekend under the belt. Now it's time to get down to business.

This past weekend was a very productive one. I am now 99% moved into my new studio. Yay! I only have a few more things to accomplish and I'll be completely moved in. I'm so excited. I'm loving the new space. It makes me so very happy. And I can't wait for it to warm up here so I can plant some flowers outside the window. Yay flowers.

J and I also got some work done on the house. J's graduation party is at the end of May so we need to get our butt in gear. We took a trip to Menards and stocked up on new carpet, trim, paint, etc, etc. Good news, we used all our saved up rebates, so it cost us very little. I love when that happens.

I am also getting ready to teach my last class. I can't believe the month has gone by so quickly. Tomorrow is the last open lab and Wednesday is the last class until our reunion class in June. I am so proud of my students, they have accomplished so much in such a short period of time. I know they're going to do great.

Wednesday is not only my last class, it's also my birthday. Woot, woot. J and I are going out with my class helpers (that sounds funny calling them that) after class to celebrate.  And I'm patiently waiting for my birthday present. J got me a new DSLR. I've had my current one for about 10 years now, I think it's time to replace it. I'm super excited because it is a step up from my old one. I'm getting the Canon 70D. I am practically peeing my pants waiting for it. I've already started looking at new bags and lens and accessories. All things that I don't need, but want badly. I have not been this excited for something like this in a long time.

And because it is my birthday, I'm having a sale. If you use coupon code BIRTHDAY in my Etsy shop, you'll get 20% off your entire order. That includes clearance items and patterns. The coupon code is good all week (ends May 3, 2015). Help me celebrate my birthday! 

That's all I have. I hope you all had a great and creative weekend and I hope your week is filled with joy.

Friday Freebie

Hello Friday, how have you been? So this week was pretty laid back and, I dare say it, relaxing.

The two custom cuffs I've been working on were dropped off with there new owner and he loved them. He posted a photo of them on Facebook as soon as I gave them to him. I'm so happy and relieved that he liked them. Now on to the next project.

I finished my beaded tin. Well I finished the beaded parts, now I just need to decide what I'm gong to do with the bottom half. I think I'll paint it, but I'm not sure. I hope to have that finished up by the end of next week.  Fingers crossed.

I got my hairs did. I figured if I'm going to teach my first class, I might as well get my mane trimmed up. It's nothing fancy. Just a trim, an addition of a few more layers, and some wispy bangs. I'm still growing it out, so I don't want to get to crazy.

And speaking of class, I think I am finally ready. I'm completely prepped for the first two classes and I'm almost done with the third. I can do this. I have a confession to make, I'm terrified. I don't know why, but I am. Completely terrified. I'm hoping that goes away the second I step into the class room next week. I hope.

But that's enough about me, let's get to that freebie. 

 

This is such a neat freebie.  This pack contains two quick pages.

Don't have My Memories software, don't worry about it.  You can use my promo code, STMMMS11215, to get $10 off the My Memories Software and then an additional $10 off any purchase in the store. That's a pretty cool deal. The My Memories folks have some really great scrapbooking things. And even if you don't scrapbook, the software and extras are really awesome. I don't scrapbook, but I love the software to make interesting blog post pictures. I even used it to make some labels for my homemade granola bars, so J wouldn't have to guess flavors anymore. Just use STMMMS11215 to get the discounts.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and stay creative.

Friday Freebie

Well here we are again, it's Friday. And for most of us, this means, it's the weekend bitches! This past week has been a busy one. I've finished all my teacher training, so I'm ready to teach my class. I'm almost done with my first three lesson plans, which is a huge relief. I even have one mock class under my belt. I'm on a roll with this.  

I finished up both of my beaded cuffs that are due next Tuesday, ahead of schedule. That's a great feeling. Normally I'm working right down to the wire.  So to have this finish, it's great. 

I have even started updating my photos in my shop and best of all, adding new items. I have so many things that are not listed, I really didn't notice that until I started going through everything. So my shop is going to filled to the brim with new items soon, don't forget to go check that out.

But that's enough about me, let's get to this weeks freebie. 

This is such a neat freebie.  This pack contains one page element and one digital paper.

Don't have My Memories software, don't worry about it.  You can use my promo code, STMMMS11215, to get $10 off the My Memories Software and then an additional $10 off any purchase in the store. That's a pretty cool deal. The My Memories folks have some really great scrapbooking things. And even if you don't scrapbook, the software and extras are really awesome. I don't scrapbook, but I love the software to make interesting blog post pictures. I even used it to make some labels for my homemade granola bars, so J wouldn't have to guess flavors anymore. Just use STMMMS11215 to get the discounts.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and stay creative.

Friday Freebie

Whoa, it's Friday again.  How did that happen?  It's been a busy week to say the least, but then, when isn't it a busy week.  I'm back on my crazy schedule in the lab, so I just don't feel like I'm ever caught up.  And Daylight savings time didn't help at all.  I think I've fallen asleep every night around 9:00/10:00.  Just passed out on the couch, every single night this week.  I have to get back on a schedule.

I'm almost done with my latest custom piece.  Sewing on all the pyramid beads is taking forever, but I'm really liking how it looks.  I can't wait to finish it up.

It's garden time!!!!  I plan on starting the first round of seeds this weekend.  It's been so nice here in southern WI that I should be able to do it outside.  Yay, garden time!

I got a teaching gig at the Public Library.  It's part of Etsy's entrepreneurship program and I'm pretty excited about it.  I'm also pretty damn scared because I've never taught a classroom class.  I've only ever taught hands on time things.  Don't get me wrong, half of my job is teaching, but it's in a lab setting, not in a classroom.  But I'm sure I'll do fine.  I sure hope so.

I guess that's it.  Let's get to that freebie before I start on something else.       

This is such a neat freebie.  This pack contains three page elements.

Don't have My Memories software, don't worry about it.  You can use my promo code, STMMMS11215, to get $10 off the My Memories Software and then an additional $10 off any purchase in the store. That's a pretty cool deal. The My Memories folks have some really great scrapbooking things. And even if you don't scrapbook, the software and extras are really awesome. I don't scrapbook, but I love the software to make interesting blog post pictures. I even used it to make some labels for my homemade granola bars, so J wouldn't have to guess flavors anymore. Just use STMMMS11215 to get the discounts.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and stay creative.

Friday Freebie

Here we are again, another Friday. And I do believe that it's supposed to be a heat wave today and tomorrow.  22ºF today and a staggering 34ºF on Saturday.  But I guess anything is better then the -10ºF of yesterday.  But it will be short lived, it's only predicted to be 9º by Sunday.  Oh WI weather.

We don't really have any plans for the weekend.  I'm gonna work on some custom orders and probably work on the new studio a bit.  Slowly buy surely I'm moving in.  The in-laws might stop by, they might not.  Kind of a laid back weekend.

But enough about that, let's get to this weeks freebie.

        

This is such a neat freebie.  This pack contains two page elements.

Don't have My Memories software, don't worry about it.  You can use my promo code, STMMMS11215, to get $10 off the My Memories Software and then an additional $10 off any purchase in the store. That's a pretty cool deal. The My Memories folks have some really great scrapbooking things. And even if you don't scrapbook, the software and extras are really awesome. I don't scrapbook, but I love the software to make interesting blog post pictures. I even used it to make some labels for my homemade granola bars, so J wouldn't have to guess flavors anymore. Just use STMMMS11215 to get the discounts.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and stay creative.

Friday Freebie

Is the week almost over already?  This week seemed to fly by.  It was exceptionally busy week in the lab.  But I don't mind when it's busy, it makes the time go by much faster.  It wasn't an overly exciting week.  We have a new neighborhood owl that was hanging out in the back yard the other night.  That's cool.  I would really like to get a better look at him someday, see what type of owl he is.  We had an amazing dinner with friends at a local seafood restaurant last night.  The food was absolutely amazing.  It was a pretty fun night.  But other then that, the week was the same old.  

I'm working on a finishing up a few beady projects.  I have a new embroidered flower that I will share next week.  I'm hoping to have my beaded tin finished up by the end of the weekend, so I will also have that to share with you.  And I'm slowly, but surely, working on finishing up the solar system project.  Someday I'll finish that. 

But enough about the boring aspects of my life, let's get to that freebie.

This is such a neat freebie.  This pack contains one quick page.

Don't have My Memories software, don't worry about it.  You can use my promo code, STMMMS11215, to get $10 off the My Memories Software and then an additional $10 off any purchase in the store. That's a pretty cool deal. The My Memories folks have some really great scrapbooking things. And even if you don't scrapbook, the software and extras are really awesome. I don't scrapbook, but I love the software to make interesting blog post pictures. I even used it to make some labels for my homemade granola bars, so J wouldn't have to guess flavors anymore. Just use STMMMS11215 to get the discounts.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and stay creative. 

Don't forget that I'm running a sale right now.  Use coupon code NACHO20 to get 20% off your entire order of anything in my etsy store!  And also all holiday orders from now until the end of this month will come with a FREE pair of earrings (while supplies last).

Friday Freebie

Oh Friday, here we are again. And what's that?  It's Halloween!  My favorite holiday of all time.  Who wouldn't like to get dressed up and pretend to be something they are not.  Granted I don't plan on dressing up this year to hand out candy, but I normally do.  Who knows, there is still time, I could decide that I do need a costume.

What is everyone else doing for Halloween?  Are you dressing up?  Did your kids dress up?  Do you already have trick or treating or will you be going today (trick or treating is always on Halloween in Madison)?  Or are you annoyed by this holiday and are ready for it to be over?

But let's get to to this weeks freebie.

This is such a neat freebie.  This pack contains eight page elements.

Don't have My Memories software, don't worry about it.  You can use my promo code, STMMMS11215, to get $10 off the My Memories Software and then an additional $10 off any purchase in the store. That's a pretty cool deal. The My Memories folks have some really great scrapbooking things. And even if you don't scrapbook, the software and extras are really awesome. I don't scrapbook, but I love the software to make interesting blog post pictures. I even used it to make some labels for my homemade granola bars, so J wouldn't have to guess flavors anymore. Just use STMMMS11215 to get the discounts.

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and stay creative. 

Don't forget that I'm running a sale right now.  Use coupon code NACHO20 to get 20% off your entire order of anything in my etsy store! 

Spring Time with ArtBeads

Spring themed bead "jumble"

This month's ArtBead theme was spring.  I was so excited for this theme.  I am more then ready for spring (as I'm sure most of us are).

I've been thinking of doing a necklace like this for quite some time.  Just a wonderful jumble of beads as the focal point, almost like a large beaded bead, but not (if that makes any sense at all).  I felt that the spring theme would be exceptionally good for this.

I did a herringbone rope in two different shades of gold seed beads.  I used a wonderful mix of seed beads and a combination of pressed glass leaf beads in two different colors.    I then accented the green with blue, pink, yellow, and purple Swarovski crystal beads in fun flower and butterfly shapes. 

Sterling Silver Toggle Clasp

The jumble of beads reminds me of a spring time garden.  All the new growth sprouting and growing.  I love it.


I then finished this necklace a fantastic sterling silver leaf toggle clasp.  I love this clasp.  It's so much fun and fits the necklace perfectly. It's quite a large clasp, but because it has a filigree feel to it, it makes it very delicate. 

I've very happy with how this necklace turned out.  I think it captures the spring theme perfectly.

Spring Time Necklace

I've decided I like this style of necklace so much that I will be working on a few more like this.  I have an idea for a gold and ruby one that I'm going to start working on soon.  So everyone will have to stop by and see that one too.

I want to thank ArtBeads for these opportunities to try out some of their beads.  It gives me the opportunity to try things that I normally wouldn't, to give myself a huge shove out of my comfort zone. 

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

Under The Sea!

I finally have some new stuff to show off. I got the ol' camera out and forced myself to take new pictures (it's not really that bad, but I'd much rather be creating).

I made this necklace for a challenge last month, but decided I didn't like how it looked, so I never entered it.

This necklace has been one rocky road for me. I think I've taken it apart 1000 times. I've made two beaded ropes and numerous flowers.

I've added and subtracted, and just wasn't in love with it.

I finally got a flower I liked, but then thought it overpowered the whole necklace.

Ugggg, I just wasn't happy.

But I finally decided to listen to everyone around me and just keep it as is. J thinks it looks great and K (the grad student that works in the lab) says the flower reminds her of a sea anemone, so it fits perfectly.

I've worn this necklace to work and it lays really nice. So I've come around and I'm really starting to like this necklace a lot. I used some great vintage coral that a family friend sent me years ago (and I'm very happy to find something to use this beautiful coral for).

I'm particularly proud of the flower. I have never ever tried anything like this. I've always wanted to, but I've never been brave enough.

I tried a number of different stitches. I kept asking J if they looked like flower petals, and he would try his gentlest to let me know that they weren't quite flower like.

I had three different peyote stitch and 2 different brick stitch petals. They all turned out "ok". Then I gave up. I just didn't want to deal with it anymore.

But then while I was looking through a bead book that had beautiful sculptural bead work, it hit me. Try RAW. So I sketched something out and rushed home (I was at the book store killing time). And low and behold, I created a pretty decent flower petal on the first try.

Now I'll admit, it probably isn't the best flower (there are a number of unbelievably talented bead artists that can do so much better) and I'm definitely not the first person to think of using RAW for flower petals, but I'm pretty happy with it. I would like to try something else with a flower to see if I can perfect them a little bit more. Lets see what else I can put a flower on.

This isn't on etsy yet, but I'll have it up soon and I'll make sure to update this blog with the link when I do.

Friday Treasury!!!

I found my Orange Lily Cuff in this fantastic treasury; Orange, Flowers. This is such a wonderful treasury, so bright and sunny. Thank you njema for including my cuff in this great treasury. Please check it out and click on all the other bright, colorful items.

My Midnight in the Garden Cuff Featured!

My Midnight in the Garden Cuff has been featured on Rose Works Jewelry's Treasury Blog. Go check out all the beautiful beaded flowers in this collection. I am very honored to be part of this group and to be involved with all these talented artists. Thank you very much Rose Works.

An Update on the Corsage Cuff

So I wore the Midnight in the Garden cuff for the whole day yesterday. I wore it to work, where I did a little lab work, a lot of computer work, and a few other things while wearing this cuff.

First off I want to say, I absolutely love the way it looks. It looks even better on. The colors really pop on the black. The lampwork flower turned out really well (I think this is my best one to date, I'm so happy with it, and I can't wait to make a few more). It was also very easy to wear. I didn't even know it was there.

But I was a little disappointed with how little it stayed in place. The corsage part was a little top heavy so it kept falling towards the underside of my arm. I'm sure if I would have made the cuff a little bit smaller and it fit my arm a little bit tighter, then I could have fixed this problem.

I guess I'm going to have to go back to the drawing board to figure out how to fix this little problem. It's just too pretty to let the flower be positioned inward.

I'm also considering instead of placing the corsage in the middle, maybe I'll place it closer to the clasp, but I'm still worried it will be top heavy. Hmmmmm, this one is going to take a while.

So now I'm not sure how long it is going to take to get one of these in my store. Maybe I can just give a wrist size or I can offer it as a made to order cuff and warn a potential buyer about how it's top heavy and needs to fit snugly, so they need to take accurate wrist measurements. Or I can just play with it until I find a way to make it less top heavy. I'll figure it out, I hope.

★★★★★★★★★★

Newest Cuff

Here is my newest cuff. It's a corsage cuff. I really like these. I made one for myself a while back, and I wear it all the time.

This one is a little bit more "fancy" then the one I made for myself.

I used silver lined seed beads for the Russian leaves and both matte and shiny size 6 seed beads for the band.

Then I made a lampwork flower bead for the focal. I'm still working on perfecting making flowers like this. I'm not very good at it, but I do notice I'm getting better over time.

I'm gonna go with Midnight in the Garden for the name. I really like this, and I can't wait to wear it tomorrow at work as a trial run. Then I'll post and update on how it holds up to everyday wear.