The saga continues!

As I work my way around Jill's book (which you can purchase here ) I find myself having a difficult time deciding which project to do next.  I think, I'd love to do Abundance, but Flower Power looks super cute, but the Ziggurat ring would be so fun, but the figure eight earrings would be so quick!

Knowing that the plan is to make ALL the projects in this book, the decision is slightly easier because I know I'll get to them all eventually.  Only slightly though. :)

Next up in the rotation was the Ziggurat ring, which went together very quickly and was incredibly easy to follow the directions for:

Teal is definitely one of my favorite colors to work with, I wear it a LOT.  In fact, my shirt is teal at this very moment.  It is a wonderful color and the ring worked incredibly well and is comfortable to wear also!

I have just finished the next project in my list, Flower Power, but as I don't really like flowers all that much, (I'm not that type of girl) I chose washers from the hardware store instead of porcelain flowers:

So I've dubbed mine Metal Power instead.

Until next time, friends. :)

A New Adventure!

I've gotten a wonderful gift in the mail (ok, I bought it for myself!)  Take a look:

I almost immediately started working on Jill Wiseman's book Beautiful Beaded Ropes.  I took a few minutes and looked through the pages to see which project jumped out at me.  I started with a lariat necklace called French Quarter Lariat.

Here's the result:

Next it was suggested by Jill herself that I work up a version of Butterfly Kisses:

Then I couldn't help myself from doing Falling For You, as I had been thinking about it since I started the first project:

And then I whipped up a quick pair of earrings in the form of Figure Eight:

That's where I'm at for now, but I'll do my best to keep you all updated on my progress.  My goal is to work my way through the entire book before the Bead & Button show where I will be taking a class by Jill Wiseman!

The Tricky Terrain of Copyright

Recently I read an article in Bead & Button that opened my eyes.  I would love a design from the magazine or another book or online, I would make that design and I would add it to my inventory of things to sell at craft shows.  I really didn't think I was doing any harm by this.  It's not like I was taking credit for the design, I would tell people where it came from.

But then I read an article in the new issue of Bead & Button (issue #113) and I guess I wasn't the only one to have a change of heart. (Check that out here)  I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm sorry to all the designers I've inadvertently done this to.  There's really no way for me to take back the pieces that are already gone or go back in time and not do this in the first place.  However, I can make changes as of now and for the future.  So that is the plan.  I will no longer sell pieces that are designed by another person.  The only work I will be selling is of my own design.

For me, this means a complete overhaul of what I have done and rethinking where I want my beading to go.  I'm going to take this as a challenge to better my own beadwork and design strength to create an entirely new line of pieces.  Here is what I've decided on.  Geek Beads.  I am a total nerd at heart and that is where I will let my heart go in my beadwork.  Here's a couple examples of what I mean:

My favorite mythological creature (and future overlord) Cthulhu:

Also on my radar is my favorite comic book character Batman:

And, although I am not as versed in this geekery as I will be someday soon, the Star Trek Commander's Pin:

These designs are completely original to me.  I have spent the time to design them in my head, on paper and then with beads.  As for the rest of my collection/inventory that I am no longer selling?  I've decided to start giving pieces away as gifts to my friends so I don't have to worry about any copyright issues.

Once again, I just want to say to all of the designers that I have done this to, I am sorry.  I still love the beadwork you create and it will not stop me from making pieces for myself or a few family and friends as gifts, but I will no longer hurt your work by selling it.

Mostly Settled

Well, I have been absent for quite some time now due to moving into the new house.  I will reward your patience with some pictures of the new place and some new beady treasures as soon as I charge my camera (So beady treasures will probably be tomorrow since I have to locate the charger first!)  Hubby and I are now the proud owners of a bi-level 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house.

First up is the kitchen, since it is the most lived-in room in any house:

Then right next to the kitchen is the upstairs living room:

The master bedroom:

The downstairs living room bar area:

The downstairs living room theater area:

The guest bedroom:

And last but not least, my own wonderful beading office:

I have not painted any of the rooms yet but that is my next step.  I will have more beady goodness for you all soon, now that I am able to get back into my normal flow.

Long absence....my apologies!

Hello again everyone!  I have been absent far too long, I will do my best not to do this again.  I have not been up to much jewelry lately, as hubby and I are moving and I have two craft shows, a concert and work to go to.  As you can imagine, we've been perpetually busy.  We close on our current house at the end of October and will close on the new house 2 weeks later.  In the meantime, we will be staying with the in-laws who will also be housing almost all of our belongings.  I will most likely not have too many updates between now and getting into the new house.  Until then, my friends!

Ornaments Galore!

Well I seem to be in the right mood to make an abundance of ornaments lately because here are a few more!
A small silver and gold ornament:

An extra large ornament containing white, silver and blue:

A netted ornament using Diane Fitzgerald's netted egg as the base:

I've also gotten a couple of custom orders already as well! Here's one in jewel tones for Hubby's aunt:

And one for one of my best friends, inspired by a peacock feather, to wear in her amazing dreads during the holidays!

TTFN Folks!

Xmastime? Really?!

Well, no, but it IS time for me to get ready for my fall Christmas Craft Shows, so the ornaments have begun!  Here is the first one I've done so far

And because I wasn't sure if I liked it all white or not, here is the same beaded section, but on a blue ornament:

Then I decided to make a more Christmas-like one with more red & green in it:

And that's all I have for ornaments so far, but I realize I've neglected all of you so I felt you needed an update anyway!  I will definitely post more of my Holiday items as I make them for all of you lovely people to see!

Til next time!