Bead Star Magazine

The voting has begun for the annual issue of Bead Star magazine.This magazine is comprised of all winning designs voted on by the public. I have 2 entries in the finals and so does my niece,Lisa. Mine are: Glass category, "Batik Sarong" and Heart Designs, "Heart's Desire". Lisa's are: Pearls,"Blush" and Plastics (Polymer clay) "Moulin Rouge" To vote for your favorites in each of 8 categories follow this link:

http://www.beadingdaily.com/content/BeadStar2011.aspx

New Bracelet

I found this style of beads is becoming one of my "signature" beads.I also had a few that didn't quite fit into a set,so I made this adorable bracelet.(listed in my Etsy of course!)

Spring is in the Air!

My favorite month( because I have a birthday this month)April!Thanks again to Art Bead Scene for mentioning me in their blog,it has brought me a lot of traffic.If I have been a little absent lately,it's because I am trying to put my own website together.It has been a very frustrating journey and it's still not finished.I will post the URL when it is.I have been making beads of course, a few custom orders and now going to concentrate on some spring designs in floral motifs,some shells for upcoming summer designs and continuing with the Malawi series.

Malawi Series

I finished the third set in my Malawi series.This set is very similar to the ones that sold,only I have etched these giving a nice soft matte look.I have another set in mind patterened after the cloth worn by the African women called Chitenje.They use them to wrap around their heads,torso and even wrap the baby in them and attach it to their back.The pictures my niece sends from Malawi are incredible and I appreciate her sharing her 5 month experience with us.I only hope my little contribution in the way of beads can help bring awareness to her cause.If you would like to read more about the African Mother's Health Initiative here's the link:
http://www.africanmothers.org/

ABS Designer of the Week

I'm so excited to have been chosen designer of the week by Art Bead Scene editor Heather Powers!Thank you so much.I love designing with my own Lampwork beads and these were begging to be combined with Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls in all the colors of the glass.(believe it or not,all that color comes out of one rod of glass!) I think it compliments the beautiful painting by one of my favorite artists, Paul Gauguin in this months challenge.

In like a lion...

Well, the weather has not improved much,but I managed to make a few beads and more jewelry!I'm really looking forward to spring and summer shows.Our first will be our annual Spring Home show at my nieces in Olympia.It's always fun and low overhead!The jewelry is spread out through the living room and dining area. We make simple appetizers and beverages.Low key and no pressure to buy.We've gotten quite a mailing list now,mostly from putting out a guest book at our shows.People love getting an invitation,it makes them feel special!

Snow Days

We have been having very strange weather for this time of year! Here it is almost March and there is 2" of snow on the ground,it's 23 degrees and more snow expected.
Therefore,I have not been torching! When I am in my studio,which is attached to the garage,which is unattached to the house,my ventilation system pulls the cold air in from outside.(you have to have an open window or door for intake air)So...even though I have a heater on,the kiln is putting out heat and of course the torch,it is still too cold to make beads.So...I have been making jewelry at my little beading station in the corner of the living room.It has been good for me because the spring and summer shows will be here before we know it.
Here's a sample!