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!

Malawi Series

I am working on a series of bead sets with a 10% donation in mind to the African Women's Health Initiative, a grassroots organization helping high risk postpartum mothers and babies in Malawi through supporting home based care and nutrition. The first set sold almost immediately!My niece, Kim, a nurse practitioner with a heart of gold is in Africa now working with a nurse friend in the program.You won't believe the statistics on these poor children.I felt compelled to do a little more than just send money. I hope these beads will raise awareness for the program as well as sending beadie love.If you would like to learn more about the program here is the link:

http://www.africanmothers.org/

Contest!

abeadstore.com by Beaded Impressions is having a contest!I have have entered a Lampwork bracelet in the Beaded Jewelry category called "Skittles". If you would like to vote for your favorite design here's the link:
http://www.abeadstore.com/Beading-Contest-Winter-2011 You will recieve a 10% off coupon just for voting!

Art Bead Scene Blog: February Monthly Challenge

This is always an inspiring way to get those design juices flowing. This is a challenge,not really a contest,and I love a challenge, especially a color challenge!Art Bead Scene Blog: February Monthly Challenge

A very special issue of Bead Trends

The February issue of Bead Trends magazine features not only myself but 4 other family members (unbeknownst to the editors of the magazine until later)My niece,Lisa of Fanceethat.etsy.com is the featured designer,my sister Paula has a necklace project,my sister in law,Penny has a necklace,bracelet and earrings and my niece,Stephanie has a beautiful bracelet project.We are very excited to all be in the magazine,a real family affair!
The days are definitely getting longer and I can't wait until Spring when the days are not only longer, but warmer! I won't have to wait and hour for my studio to warm up and I can get an earlier start!