It's Been A Month?

Wow! I had no idea that I had neglected the blog for so long! Okay, here's the scoop.

The wire is out and I feel great! Progress is good and I'm actually starting to move. I tried to drive. Driving went well, stopping did not. Fortunately I chose a safe place for the test.

Max came home the week before Thanksgiving!



Marshall is doing well and we're hoping he can come home by Christmas (positive thoughts, please!).



For Thanksgiving dinner we had our traditional mac and cheese with sausage, ending with a homemade lemon curd tart. The only thing missing was being in front of a campfire with a warm sleeping bag waiting. Next year we'll get back to that.

It's freaking cold here. We'll need to protect the garden from a freeze on Friday (we don't want to loose our winter tomatoes!) only to have it get all warm again next week. That's winter in Central Texas.

T-man finished the first classes of his degree plan with an 82 and a 97, and I am so proud of my husband!

Ariel has started rock climbing and made her very first summit.

I've had my first 2011 teaching proposal accepted and as soon as the contract is signed I'll have details. I'm finishing a new teaching piece. I'm in my winter doldrums and pretty much have to force myself to work.

And that's all I have for you. Stay warm and keep on beading on!

This Is Kind Of Cool

I found something a little different to share with you today. I know some of you use and keep smaller amounts of beads, and as such you want something inexpensive for your beads. Check this out. It uses not only inexpensive but recyclable supplies to make your storage tubes.

Hope the sun is shining on you today!

What More Could A Beader Want?

How about another chance to win Marcia's book? Hop on over to Lorelei's Blog and leave a comment. Maybe you'll win. Maybe I'll win. Someone is going to win!

AND if you pre-order Beverly's new book (also signed), you receive free beads and a chance to win beads and fibers worth over $400!

Don't forget about Art Bead Scene with their weekly giveaways and the monthly challenge. The newest challenge started this week. Take yourself on over and see the inspirational painting.

Everything I did bead-wise over the weekend must be redone. SIGH And I must go back to my orthopedic surgeon in two weeks to have a little something fixed. SIGH BUT the grandsons are growing like weeds and doing just fine, so something in my world is still okay!

Excuse My Being Remiss, Please!

It's been a hectic week here at Chez Bead-Mused. Fortunately, things have turned around. I got my most recent teaching proposal out the door just in the nick of time. Whew! Our little Marshall had a reaction to his dialysis fistulas, which caused a bit of alarm since the first thought was infection. Apparently this reaction is not unusual, just scary and for now he is fine. His dialysis starts next week so hopefully he'll be ready to come home in a few weeks. And Max is now four pounds big and nursing on his own. He'll be ready to come home soon. I'm waiting for just a few days when Natalie and Bryan can take deep calming breaths and just sit still for a while. And my physical therapy is progressing. This time has been a bit more difficult. I think it's just due to the other stress surrounding me right now, but I'll muddle through.

I have more giveaways and contests for you. I really didn't forget.

Heather Powers at Humbelbeads has a little project driven giveaway. You still have time to use your creativity to win a nifty prize. If nothing else, the visit is worth it just to look at Heather's designs.

I've missed seeing all the color on Beverly Gilbert's blog, but she more than made up for it this time. Hurry! You have until this weekend to enter and win and explosion of yumminess!

I'll try to keep up next week. In the meantime, have a fun, safe Halloween and remember to honor those who came before us on All Hallow's Eve.

Creative Thoughts

This is a "skewered dragon-fae" necklace that I made for my dear friend Michelle back in July. It was a special request, right down to the beautiful blues. Michelle and I met way back when I belonged to the fantasy/medieval role playing group (the same one wherein I met the love of my life). Once upon a time, Michelle and I did not speak to each other for years, which was a very sad time for me. We have since found our way back to each other, for which I'm exceedingly grateful. It's not easy to find good friends. It's even more difficult to hold on to them. I kept forgetting to post the picture of her birthday present! Her birthday is three days after mine, and her celebration was absolutely fantastic -- it was at a CHOCOLATE AND WINE BAR in Austin! Heavenly!!

And I've been trying to take my mind off my pain. It's a little worse this time, but this knee was in worse shape. Anyway . . .

I'm looking more at fibers. I left off fibers a while back, thinking that I just didn't have time to play with them. I might be wrong. I'm still hungering to work with wire more. I feel that if I make more of my own findings, the pieces will belong to me even more so. Of course, that might make parting with them even more difficult. Then there is metal. Geez, I love copper and bronze and etching seems not so difficult to do so I really, really want to.

But I also have to consider what I've chosen to do for a living and try to work all my little desires into the time I have left over when not coaxing little bits of glass into pleasing shapes and then writing down how to exactly that for others. And I couldn't leave those infuriating bits of melted sand if you held a gun to my head. As a result of all this musing, I've also been trying to think of ways to meld a few of the "I wants" with the tiny beads. Aha! (Believe me, it's probably much more difficult for me than it sounds.)

I'm also trying to come up with little items to stock in the Etsy store that folks might like to purchase for holiday gifts, and I've made the monumental decision to offer my patterns, tutorials and kits in the Etsy store. At this point I would like to open the floor to you, beadlings, to find out what you would like to see out of my repetoire of said patterns/tutorials/kits. Just remember that I'm still not up to full steam, so it will be a trickle of goodies, not a huge flood!

Have a beadiful weekend!

Giveaway Wednesday And Other News!

So I changed the day of the week. Look, I'm lucky if I know what year it is right now! First, Cindy at Sweet Bead Studio has a little giveaway that is right up my alley. I've really been wanting to delve into more wire work and this is perfect for a beginner when it comes to just that.

Lorelei has the final Green Girl Studios giveaway -- hearts! Yum. Go leave your comment and good luck.

Can you name these beads? If you can, you might just win some. Go help Kelley out.

And one of my favorite places, Art Bead Scene, is having a book giveaway. We all know we need more beading books, and this one is from my pal Marcia DeCoster!

Babies: Natalie was supposed to be able to hold Marshall for the first time last night. I'm waiting for an update and new pictures. Max is in the intermediate care nursery now. His next step will be to actually nurse. He's rooting and trying to tell everyone he's ready.

Knee: I'm just waiting on my therapist for today's torture session.

Beady stuff: Little feelings of creativity are surfacing. I just need to be able to sit up without becoming utterly exhausted. Here's a hint, kids, when your doctor says to take it easy he really means it. When you end up overdoing, you kind of slide bassackwards. Know what I mean? (but I would do it again in a heartbeat!)

Life Is A Roller Coaster

Well, my impatient little grandsons are here, 10 weeks early. They came Tuesday morning, just could not wait until Thanksgiving. They barely waited until Nonnie got out of the hospital! That's Max on top, he's older by six minutes. Then there is Marshall, who gave us all quite a scare but now he's just fine. And Natalie is fine, but tired. They weight around 3.5 pounds, but Marshall is now just over 4 pounds! They will both be off ventilators today, and breathing on their own with just the CPAP for help. And they can now both be held by their mommy and daddy. Max looks like Natalie, and Marshall looks like Bryan. We are just all so happy that there are not enough words. Bear with me for a while as my beady blog gets taken over by baby news.

The knee is fine, but I'm exhausted. This is the first day I've had to relax since I was discharged Sunday. I need to take stock of where I am in the beady scheme of things since life has been a big series of ups and downs this week. I cannot believe it's already Friday. I'll try to get back on track this weekend and intersperse some beady stuff with babies next week. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I know I will!

I Found Another Fab Giveaway

Are you a patient beader/artist? Run over to Beads of Clay to read Kristie's treatise on patience and enter for a chance to win one of her gorgeous pendants.

What A Giveaway!

Apparently my dear friend Carol Dean Sharpe made a boo-boo, and in doing so she was left with a gorgeous mistake which she is so very generously offering to give away. She has a gorgeous purple and gold bracelet up for grabs. Go check it out! Her generosity abounds!

Changed My Mind . . .

It is my prerogative, right?

Surprise!!

It's not finished yet. Almost, but not quite finished. Stay tuned.

Rain, Rain, Rain, Rain, Rain

Of course it's raining. Duh. We gave Bella a bath last night. Now she can go out and get her pretty blond hair muddy. Sheesh. We have had a lot of rain overnight. Taking the girls to school this morning I drove over a low water crossing that the water was just starting to cover. Fortunately it's not a running stream with any force. It's just a dip in the road, but I'm thinking we may have to use a different route tomorrow morning.

Here is a very cool link that I came across thanks to Suzanne Cooper. I agree with Suzanne's observation that beaders have been doing all of these for years, so we're a step ahead of the trend.

Lorelei is hosting the FIFTH Green Girl Studios giveaway. Hurry over and leave your comment to be entered.

And now I must be off. I'm moving on to the next teaching sample. Yes, pictures will be posted as soon as allowed. I had a bit of frustration yesterday. I thought I had the perfect ending for a piece I had been working on. I originally designed it as a bracelet and had just the right amount of supplies, but it would have been too similar to something that Kim Stathis had designed and I really hate stepping on the toes of other designers and teachers so it became a necklace. Unfortunately, I was eight little beads short of finishing the embellishment. On the upside, this one is not due until January so I have time to get to my favorite area Swarovsk pusher, Mica Jewelry and Beads in San Antonio. Today is a gemstone and seed bead kind of day in red, rosy red fading to paler shades. I know. It's totally unlike me, right? It's almost as unusual as orange! And on that note I leave you. Keep on beading on, beadlings!

Busy Bee

That's me! I have so much to do. I really need a replicator. I realized it had been a week since my last blog, but I'm really trying to not spread myself too thin right now. I've been beading and knitting and knitting and beading. I'm trying to get a lot of beading done before the next surgery date and trying to get some things knitted in time for the grandbabies.

In the meantime, we are enjoying exceedingly mild weather. I actually heard someone on the radio this morning make the statement that since we didn't break the record of 69 days with temps over 100° that our brutal summer was all for nothing. Tell me, if we had broken said record what would we have received? I'm just curious.

Lost My Sketchbook???

Actually, it's an IDEA book and I truly cannot find it. I have others, with better and more recent ideas, but I shudder to think that maybe the perfect project is in the oldest idea book. I'm trying to move on and look at more recent sketches and notes.

As a result of this misplacement, I've walked all over the house three times already. I've driven to school and back twice because someone forgot her lunch. I've walked the yard with the animal control officer (stupid stray dog got into T-man's garden!), and now my legs are threatening to go on strike. Fortunately, sifting through the idea notebooks can be done with my feet up. Did I tell you I've been up since 6:30? And you KNOW I'm not a morning person.

Let's go back to ideas. Hmm. I've got an elegant, gorgeous rosy pink WIP, an almost formal bronze UFO and grapes on two different vines waiting to be plucked. I've got an old favorite with a new and improved execution as well as some old standards that will eventually be scooped up as the perfect workshop. I've also got some one hour faves to send off to some of my favorite people in San Antonio. Add to this mix a scheduled surgery date AND the arrival of two very important little boys! And oh my stars, it's only Monday.

More Giveaways!

Did you think I'd forgotten? Nah, I was just waiting. And yes, I need to put together my own giveaway -- I have not forgotten that, either. I just need to be able to get to some of the stash (Jennifer asked about a destash giveaway, and since I won the earrings from her I thought that might appropriate).

Beverly Herman is giving away a lovely bracelet created by none other than herself. If you've never seen Bevvie's work in person, you are missing out on some great eye candy.

Lorelei is having the fourth Green Girl Studios giveaway. There is still time to enter and win beautiful beads and charms.

And this chart from Fire Mountain Gems is just too handy. Download it as a .PDF to keep on your computer. It's FREE! (that makes it a giveaway!)

I'm working on a kit I bought a couple of years ago from Beads East a couple of years ago. I felt like learning a little something different and honing old skills. I've got four new pair of earrings to take photos of and put in the Etsy shop, but *gasp* it is cloudy and RAINING today! And while this is a welcome change (it MIGHT get to 90° today), it makes for poor photo ops. Oh well! Rain, rain, rain! If my knee were healed a little more, I might go do a dance in it! Bead on, beadlings!!

Pool!

I climbed that ladder. Getting in was a bit more difficult than getting out was, but while I was in I kind of overdid it. No, I really overdid it. It felt so deceptively good to be able to move with ease that I just kept going. I know now that I should do only a fraction of what I did. But it felt so good! Last week I made a decision to NOT visit the Austin Bead Society's bead bazaar. It was a wise decision, based on both the pool fiasco and the drive to my parent's house Saturday. The ride in the car has left me stiff and achy. Crapola, I'm so impatient that it's almost funny. The funnier part is that this Friday I hope to schedule the date for the other knee! Hey, I've got to be fixed by Thanksgiving! I've got special guests this year!!

I managed to make two almost missed deadlines just under the wire. In GG's words, I "stitched like the wind!" I'm still blaming the near miss on pain meds. But, photos and bio got emailed, two additional color palette samples got finished and mailed off. All that's left is to wait and see how many students sign up for the classes and then the fun begins -- kit making! Woo hoo!

I hope you had a great weekend. I know we did.

Happy Birthday, Natalie!

She's 21 today. I've always said she's the child I did by myself. I think I did a pretty good job, if I may say so.



She's pretty, she's compassionate, she's intelligent, she's funny, she's loving.



In about 10 weeks, she's going to be a mom herself.



We've had to give her to someone else, who loves her as fiercely as we do.



But she will always be my baby bird. I love you, Natalie. Happy birthday!!

Just Keeps On Getting Better Every Day

I'm sore, but I'm walking. I'm taking Bella out, which means walking down and then back up four stairs. This weekend I'll get back into the pool. Yippee! I'm doing my exercises and I can tell it's making a big difference. I'm actually ready to have the other knee fixed now. What a great doctor I have! By the way, there is no scar! I may just have to have pictures to show you. My biggest problem is being house-bound. Ugh.

So, 13 years ago T-man and I said our "I do's". Seems like just yesterday. I can honestly say I've never felt this way about any other man in my life, and it just keeps on getting better every day! Here's a nose-thumb to all the naysayers who swore it would never last. Thpbbbbbbt!

Cool Tool!

Check out this very cool color tool!
Online Tool: Color Palette Generator

Posted using ShareThis
More later!

Friday Fun Stuff

Digital eye candy here. Just when I think I've found a favorite, something else pops up!

I found this while reading Jennifer's blog. What a cool way to see yourself on the World Wide Web. Here is my digital history. Click on the picture to see full size:



Everyone's favorite catalogue must be J. Peterman, right?

And I'm wishing I had one of these right now. How cool is this? We should all channel our inner artistic child!

Well, beadlings, my physical therapist worked me pretty hard yesterday and I'm feeling every minute of his visit. Today I'm knitting baby wraps for the boys. I'll keep putting earrings together and I'll bet I take a nap in just a couple of hours. I'm really ready to get back to my original work style but I can't push too hard, lest I backslide. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Walk, Walk, Walk

Hey there, beadlings! How are you? I've missed you. Me? I'm great. It's one week after surgery and I can actually walk short distances without assistance. About an hour ago, I walked over to the earring-making table and put something together. I'll go finish them later.

Being in the hospital for almost week was not much fun. I had little computer access, which was really frustrating. BUT I had a wonderful roommate who reminded me of my late grandmother and I had wonderful nurses and aides who made my stay a little more enjoyable. I'm told that when I go back in a few weeks for the other knee that I'll receive VIP status. Now if I could just get gourmet meals next time, I'd be a happier camper. I've had a visit from the home health care nurse who was amazed at my mobility and today the home health care physical therapist will come by. I feel so special. My nurse actually makes jewelry herself, so we actually had things in common other than my knee. She also travels with doggy treats in her bag, so she made an instant friend in Bella.

I need to put together a giveaway, but it may be a couple of weeks since I'll need to be able to dig through the stash (yes, a destash giveaway). I'll let you know as soon as I put something together.

So there you have it. I'm home, I'm fine, I'm progressing and I'm getting back into my groove. I'm knitting baby wraps for the grandbabies, stitching Christmas stockings with their names on them, making earrings and beading bracelet samples. Who could ask for more than that? Keep on beading on!!

Today Is THE Day

In a few minutes I'll be off to you know where. I just wanted to thank everyone for their well-wishes and words of encouragement. I'll try to bog again tonight. Later, beadlings!

A Must Read

Please go read this post by Jeannette Cook. This is a subject near to my heart and I think Jeannette expresses the thought of most of us bead artists (or any other artist for that matter).

Monday Giveaway Alert

Lorelei has another nifty giveaway today. I love owls. In fact, I recently received a little owl shipment of my own albeit they were nothing like these being given away by Lorelei.

Carol Dean Sharpe has a cute giveaway on her blog and all you have to do is name your beading hero(ine).

Don't forget that every Saturday Art Bead Scene has a giveaway in conjunction with their artists' Studio Saturday.

Objects and Elements has a reader's challenge. Enter and you could win some goodies from their store!

Two days left. Ugh. Wednesday is just two days away. Nervous? Yes. Stressed? Yes. Rethinking decisions to do this? Possibly, but I'm pretty sure this is the best thing to do. Ugh. Keep on beading on, beadlings.

Quickness!

Short blog for you today. Pam sent me an email reminding me that I had not updated! I do apologize. All is well with the clan. Natalie is home on bed rest after a short hospital stay. Both babies are fine with good strong heart beats and they have started kicking. Her due date is still Christmas day, but Thanksgiving babies may be more of a reality.

I'm still trying to come up with a giveaway to celebrate my own win. I cannot wait to see my new earrings in person.

Today means more doctor's visits. Surgery is just five days away. I've got lots of strengthening do to between now and then. Ugh -- I hate that part of all of this, but I'm burning those calories! Have a great weekend.

I Won! You Know What That Means . . .

Do you remember the fabulous earrings and pendant bead that Jennifer at Glass Addictions was giving away? Well, yours truly won those fab earrings! So, in the spirit of paying it forward, I'll have to come up with a giveaway of my own. Destash? Earrings crafted by me? Peyote pattern? Scissors fob? Give me some ideas please.

I've got Ariel and the neighbor girls hooked on making earrings now. It's great. I took them all bead shopping yesterday (exhausting!). They made GREAT choices in beads. Then I taught their mom how to make the wraps on the eye pins and head pins. We made four pair here, then she went home to finish them up. I'll get her to bring them over, and this time I promise the pictures will be better.

I have my visit with the bone wizard today. If (IF) my blood pressure is down, the surgery is still schedule for the 12^th. If not, then we look at the 19^th. In the meantime, Natalie has been put on bed rest until the babies come.
(Mom)"Do you want me to teach you how to knit or crochet or cross stitch?"
(Daughter)"No, I don't want to do those things. I don't want to be in bed
(Mom)"You'll need to do something so you don't get too bored."
(Daughter)'heaves great big sigh'

Later that same day:
(Daughter)Maybe I should learn how to do those things. Then I could make things for my babies later.
(Mom)'secret, happy smile'

Wish me luck, beadlings! I'll come up with a giveaway for you in the next couple of days. YOU! Yes, you -- keep beading on.

Let's Start The Week With A Giveaway

Go check out Treasures Found and you might receive your own treasure!

I'll find some more later and post again. Today is Erday, after all.

What Did You Do On Sunday?

Me - "Okay, you can make three pair of earrings each."
Them - "THREE?"
Me - "Three. And these are the beads you can choose from."
Them - "OMG!"


Ariel - "I like these!"
Katie - "I think I like these!"

And now you know what I did on Sunday! Fun, fun, fun!

Aching For Lime Green

Please notice the double entendre in the title! HAH! I was doing my usual surf this morning and it suddenly occurred to me that I wanted something lime green. I've had two patterns sitting, waiting to be executed, both using lime green with some other nifty accents. I've got some pattern samples finished except for the clasps. I suppose it's time to start stitching.

I've set things up in the living room in anticipation of recuperation time. Wire and chain work over there, seed beads next to the couch. There are a few things that I'll still need out of the bead room. As I start organizing a little more I'll add them to the work stations. I'm just trying to make sure everything is at the ready when the time comes. I also plan to have at least one project that can travel to the hospital with me.

I find myself wanting to learn some new things -- metal etching, wire work, chain maille. Why? I can't stop learning. I'm just wired that way I guess.

Did anyone win any of the giveaways this week? My goodness, it was awesome to see so many at one time. Dontcha just love it? Keep searching. If you find one that I haven't seen, let me know so I can post it.

13 days and counting!

What? Another Giveaway??

You betcha! My friend Heather is having a giveaway. Hop on over!

Just a drive by for now. I'll be back later with a real blog post. In the meantime, go sign up for these freebies! I expect to see your posts on all of them, beadlings.

And Yet ANOTHER Giveaway!

Yep, your cup runneth over this week. Have you seen Jennifer Cameron's blog Glass Addictions? Well, Jennifer is having a giveaway and she is giving away some of her gorgeous beads. Get on over there and compete with me, because I REALLY want those earrings!

More later. Going to see the bone wizard today. 16 days.

Keep Checking Those Giveaway Links

Here's another one for you, but you better act quick. This one ends at midnight Tuesday. Or would that be Wednesday? Either way, you have just a little over 24 hours. La Bella Joya is giving away a gorgeous beaded bracelet and all you have to do is comment and offer advice. Hop on over and check it out! Me? I've commented and I'm going to bed soon! ¡Hasta mañana en la mañana, beadlings!

Are You Checking For Giveaways?

Giveaway alert! Go visit Lorelei to see what's happening today. Note that in the title of her post she says "No. 1". Hmmm. What could that mean? I think we should keep checking back! Oh, look! There on the right. She has a SCHEDULE!

Today is chock full of stuff to do HOWEVER it is all being done inside the house! Yep, no Erday here today. It's just plain old Monday. Too bad I can't say the same for the rest of the week. 17 days and counting. (I've decided to bead my cane!) Keep on beading on, beadlings!

Cool Link

It's not really beady, but it's pretty cool: 50 Things Everyone Should Know How To Do. I'm still reading!

I'll have new bead/jewelry/art links later in the week. Enjoy your Sunday. Are you keeping up with the giveaways? Better go check!

You're Back!

You're all back! All my followers are back! Woot!! How nice to see you all again!

No new stuff here. SSDD. T-man is going to pull some stuff out of the "studio" for me to have on hand as I gear up for d-day (or s-day if you prefer). This weekend will be spent doing family stuff, very low key. Remember, the choice word for the next week is R-E-L-A-X.

Have a beady weekend.

What's Going On?

I notice that my followers have all disappeared. From what I can tell, you must now go into your Google dashboard and add my blog manually. We might have to start again from scratch. It kind of irks me, but what is a girl to do? So, if you don't mind, please go back in and add Bead-Mused to your list of followed blogs.

August 12^th gets closer and closer, and in the meantime I'm supposed to RELAX. Yeah, right. So what did I do Tuesday afternoon? I fell again, right down onto both knees. I tripped (over what, I have no idea) and down I went. I bruised my wrist, my foot, my knees and, of course, wrenched the back a bit. Do you know what pain does to your blood pressure? That's right, kids. It makes your blood pressure soar, and so do pain killers. What a quandary. So, the word for the week is R-E-L-A-X.

I suppose some of you might say "But T, doesn't beading relax you?" HAH! Okay, maybe it does. Sometimes it does. On occasion, it has been know to relax me and that's all I will admit at this point. I'll think about it.

Must Do

Photo by Lisa Stegall
Two things I must do today. I must start beading the color option samples for Autumn Blooms and I must do my physical therapy exercises. The first entails hunting down those beads I had picked for the two options and the second entails sweat, pain and tears. Both will probably result in a bit of frustration. What I really, really want to do is sit and read, but if I don't use these muscles (both the beading and the thighs), no progress will be made on either front. So, I'm off to hunt down some bits of glass and then set up my little gym. I'll have updates tomorrow. Bead on, beadlings!

Birthday Girl

I cannot believe she's twelve. It seems like just yesterday we were rushing to the doctor's office and then over to the hospital to help her into the world one month early. At that point, she had been trying her best for the previous two months to make her grand entrance. The impatience has not changed one little bit!



Apparently, there is a shiny purple bicycle being picked up and sleep-over planned for the day. I understand that an order has been placed for T-man to fix hamburgers and apparently I am expected to pick up an ice-cream cake, candles, banner, chips, dip, pancake supplies, and party favors.



Happy 12^th birthday, AriRo!

Totally Not Beads Today (Well, Not Totally)

First, the heat has really been wreaking havoc with me and my schizoid body. I don't handle daily headaches well, I'm irritable and cranky and just not fun to be around. Ugh -- mean mommy. Then the cable connection just died this morning. No warning. It was there and then it was gone. We have the phone through the Internet, my computer runs off the Internet; my television is fed by the Internet and apparently so is my 12-year old. It was a rocky morning, but still salvageable.



Ariel helped me pull some things out of the soon-to-be bead studio and we set up a little work station to put together some more earrings. Everything I need to sort, assemble and finish all in one handy spot.



Then we realized that I just have to take it all down again on Friday to prepare for her birthday party. Harrumph. Grumble, grumble. Harrumph. Oh well, it's easily done.

And to top my day off, I went back to the bone doctor to tell him I've decided to let him do his thing. I will know the definite date for the first knee surgery by the end of this week, and I start "pre-hab" as soon as I call tomorrow and make the first appointment. I'm still looking at this with trepidation but I also know everything will be better by the end of the year. The thought of walking without pain is still exceedingly appealing. And instead of a lollipop, T-man got me a Blizzard. Hot day, cold ice cream! Yes!! Is there anything better than that?

Why Seed Beads?

So, Marcia had a great question today: Why seed beads? Why do we choose tiny, infuriating bits of glass as our medium?

Have you noticed that most of us who work with seed beads are not exactly known for being patient? Take note the next time you are in a group of seed bead fanatics. Take me for instance. I am hardly patient. When I want something I want it NOW. I want results immediately, yesterday even. I like easy recipes that have little prep time and almost no cook time. I speed read, skimming the pages. But I can take the time (anywhere from two hours to six weeks) to work with the tiniest beads to create something like this:



Comment: Oh my gosh, you must have really good eyes.
Response: I just use very good lighting while I work and wear my glasses.
Comment: How long does it take?
Response: Well, that depends on what I'm doing, how I'm feeling and how many mundane interruptions occur.
Comment: Wow, you must have a lot of patience!
Response: See above.

Why do I love seed beads? Have you looked at the color choices available to us today? Delicas® alone are available in almost 900 colors! That kind of boggles the mind, doesn't it? I also love the fact that I can take that little bit of glass, a needle and thread and then make the most luscious creation:



If you work with seed beads, tell us why. Why did you choose them? Why do you stay with them? Could you live without them?? Inquiring beaders would like to know!

Labors Of Love

I have had a small "to-do" list this week, each item a labor of love -- a beadwork submission, a letter of reference and a birthday gift. I'm submitting piece for a challenge that, if I win, will result in publication. Yes, it's true, I've done it. I spent several hours crafting a letter of reference for one my dearest friends (by the way, she has started blogging again). Lest you think she is searching for a new job, relax. It was just a formality for her current position. And I'm going to make a special birthday gift for a friend who was lost and has come back. We've both learned not to listen to others, but to our own hearts. I'm glad to have her back in my life. I'll have pictures of her gift AFTER she opens it. And I have completed two out of the three items! I love crossing things off the list.

Otherwise, life is a lot of "wait and see" right now, full of appointments with various doctors. Next week I'll have dates for when what gets done. Ugh. I'm not looking forward to the process, but I eagerly anticipate the results. Not exactly the changes I had in mind, but it's a "step" (ha-ha) in the right direction.

Erday A Day Early

I'll actually be out of pocket tomorrow (Erday, or Monday for the rest of you). My friend Mrs. B must be taken to the dentist's office, and I told her it would be no problem. The only "problem" is that she could not get an appointment on Friday when she really needed it! It's not a bad way to spend my birthday, and I might just do a little LBS shopping while I'm out. (That's Local Bead Shop for the uninitiated.) Or I might come home and do some on-line shopping. Mom and Dad gave me a Visa gift card for my birthday that I can spend however I so desire and I might desire more BEADS. HAH! What a concept!!

Happy Independence Day And More

Photo from Wikimedia Commons
It is 7:30 on a Saturday morning and I'm awake. I've been up since 6:00 and no, there is no fever as far as I can tell. It's just one of those mornings. The heat here has been so bad, it's just difficult to cool off. While we were shopping yesterday, our air conditioner froze up again. We came home to a house that was 92°. Cooler than 106°, yes, but it was still hot. So I Google "why does my AC keep freezing" and found Energy Boomer. Lo and behold, our fan speed was set to med-low, T-man fixes that, and the house cooled off right away. It is so nice to be married to a handy DIY guy. Today, he's checking the drain. Hopefully our freeze-up situation is fixed.

I got the rest of my birthday present from T-man yesterday. Now I can make circles. And . . .

because he said I needed one. It should make punching holes easier. Also, I've got the perfect first project:

Barbe posted this a few weeks ago and I thought it was cute in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way. I can't afford to use my cards so I should do SOMETHING with them, right? I'm glad, though, that I had "custom" designs and that my cards are a little more colorful. If nothing else, I'll have fun making the bracelet.

Have fun, stay safe, be cool! I'll be back AFTER my birthday.

Something I Cannot Bead

Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone. Mary Schmich

Here's something I cannot bead -- new knees. Nope, can't make new ones, at least not new ones that will work correctly. Then again, they would probably work better than what I have.

I had an episode yesterday. One minute my "good" knee worked just fine, the next minute I was screaming, crumpling and crying in agony because it refused to bend or to straighten out completely. What? You ask "what is the problem?" No more lateral meniscus in the "bad" knee (I knew that, but it's gotten worse) and I'm losing the lateral meniscus in the "good" knee. What? "What causes this?" No one knows what causes it, but the doctor suggested having chosen poorly in the grandparent/parent area (things tend to be hereditary) and having the audacity to age. What? "How do they fix it?" Oh, they fix it with the "S" word. You know, that word I don't like and don't really want to mention until something is definitely decided.

So today I'm going to practice a bit of denial and make something instead of researching the procedures used to replace bits of my bone with titanium. Just call me the Six Thousand Dollar Woman. *sigh* I'll look things up tomorrow, make a few phone calls and then make a decision. Fortunately, I have a job that I can take with me to hospitals, waiting rooms, etc. And the doctor swears I should be good as new in time for the grandbabies' arrival. I better be!

Here's your question of the week: Some of you know my "beading on Vicodin" story while recovering from the first knee surgery, lo those many years ago (ooooh, pretty colors!). How many of you have beaded/created while being laid up for some necessary thing that laid you up?

California Here I Come!

I will be teaching this beautiful piece September, 2010 at the Embroiders' Guild of America National Seminar: Stitching on the Barbary Coast in San Francisco. I'm very excited as I have never been to California and cannot wait to see San Francisco. I'm also excited because this was my first submission to an EGA national seminar and I was accepted. I am full of trepidation because I must fly (gasp!)and because I'm going to San Francisco, California, a.k.a. earthquake central. My California friends chuckle at this.

My Leaf Lariat has become a favorite of the EGA members, and I'll be teaching it in June, 2010 at SASXXX which is the Tennessee Valley Region Seminar. I have driven through the "panhandle" of West Virginia, which took about 15 minutes, but the scenery was breathtaking. All I could think was "Almost heaven, West Virginia . . . ". I cannot wait to see more of that state.

Also in June, 2010 I have Oh, Straighten Up! with the South Central Region (my home region of the EGA) for "Stitchin' Safari" in Dallas, Texas. Dallas is close enough to be home, but it will still be fun. These are not in date order. In fact, they are reversed but that's okay -- this was the only way the blog title made sense!

After my after noon in the heat yesterday, I am very thankful for the person who created air conditioning and that the universe saw fit to bestow him with the knowledge to do so. This photo was taken at 5:00 yesterday in South Austin. I definitely felt the heat, so much so that I was feeling "peckish" (as my grandmother would have said) by the time I got home. Yuck. After a big glass of ice water, some dinner and some floating in the pool, things were much better.

I'm adding a couple of new blogs for you to check out. First, there is Sweet Bead Studio with gorgeous jewelry and great reading. Don't miss the photo that Cindy's four-year old took! And then there is Susabella's Creative Pursuits full of photos, food and jewelry. Both of these ladies are very friendly and very talented. Enjoy their work and enjoy your day!

Erday

I'm just going to change "Monday" to "Erday". This week on Erday, I'm driving into Austin to take my dear friend Mrs. B to the doctor for a check-up. She broke her wrist last month and can't drive. Her own children live four hours in either direction, so it's no bother for me to drive in and play chauffeur and help her with a few things she can't do for herself right now. I get rewarded with plants, trees and lily bulbs plus a beautiful friendship. She knew a lot of the same people that my grandparents and my mother knew, having spent most of her life out around the lake. It's amazing sometimes how small the world really is. She actually went to school with my mother's second cousin! She tells me stories about the lake when it was still young and clean, her late husband, her children (whom I feel I know) and her grandchildren.

I'm basking in the glory of my clean house, especially the living room and am hesitant to bring anything into it. This sucks, because right now the living room is the only place I have to work! Ack! Quandary alert!!

When I get home this evening, I'll try to grab the computer again and add some new links for you. I've found some very pretty, very arty sites with lots of info and eye candy.

I'm off for now. Bead on!

New Link And Giveaway

You know I love giveaways! Check out Sweet Bead Studio. Cindy has redesigned her blog and it rocks, her jewelry is drop-dead gorgeous, and she's giving away fabulous prizes. I love it. Everything on her page is just gorgeous.

I've been drug kicking and screaming into the techno toy age. Next week you can start following me on Twitter as well as Facebook (or click on the Facebook badge at the lower right-hand side of this page). Details to follow. I must run. I need to clean up soem bead mess since Kay and her B-man are coming for dinner and cards tonight, and it's been way too long since we've done that. Have a great weekend, beadlings!

Everything Is Peachy Keen!

I'm busy adding items to the Etsy shop this week. That means lots of work with the camera, which is nothing but frustrating for me. Oh well, I'll get over it. There is just so much to photograph! I've been very remiss and have ignored my little enterprise for way too long. These are my Peachy Keen Earrings, now available.
I've also added the $5.00 tutorial for my Fields of Gold Bracelet, aka Wild Blue and Purple Haze. To those of you who have responded, thank you so much for your comments and support. When it comes to things like this, it's nice to know we all really do stick together. Beaders and jewelry designers rock! ♥

Angry And Working On It

So the LBS has changed one of the pictures for the bracelet class, making it look a little less like my Fields of Gold, HOWEVER, it is still the same bracelet and I am still offering you the instructions for only $5.00. All you have to do is email me at theresa AT tbuchle DOT com and we can do a Pay Pal transaction, after which you will receive a wonderful PDF for your use. Be sure to include the email address you use for your Pay Pal transactions. In the meantime, I'm taking photos to add goodies to my Etsy store and trying to stay cool. I sincerely hope no one else is melting!

Still Pissed, Or SSDD

I'm still very angry. Read Saturday's blog post. Many, many thanks to all of the beaders who have been so generous in their support. I will keep you updated. In the meantime, I'm putting together instruction packets for a few sales and it's going up in my Etsy store later today. If you would like your very own copy, please email me at theresa AT tbuchle DOT com.

Bitchy, Vindictive Me Who Does Not Want To Play Nice

I AM PISSED!!
Would you like VERY INEXPENSIVE instructions to this bracelet with color keys for the peacock/gold, blue and purple variations? Yes, I said ROCK BOTTOM CHEAP.

Now, I don't happen to have a picture of the purple variation, but trust me when I tell you that it was eye-catching. This bracelet is full of physical and visual texture. You will learn square stitch, basic fringing and color shading with my easy to follow instructions.


It seems that a local bead store has started teaching my bracelet (by the way, it's the only one around here that teaches seed bead techniques). I'm sure that the teacher thought that if she (1) made it a bit more narrow, (2) changed the colors and/or (3) added a fourth color plus (4) changed the clasp that it would be okay, because, hey, she changed 10% of the original. What a crock! In case you have not learned by now, that is a total myth. It does not matter how much you change, unless you have permission from the creator of the work (and this means the written instructions or the finished piece), it's a violation of FEDERAL LAW. AND this store apparently has no qualms about teaching the work of others without permission. This is something I made sure never happened in my store. If a teacher didn't own the copyright or have permission from the owner (and yes, I asked to see WRITTEN permission), it wasn't taught in my store.

So now you can have, for A MERE $5.00, my copyrighted instructions. You get clear, easy-to-read instructions with full color graphics plus a large easy-to-read graph for color shading of THREE or FOUR colors (yes, these are the original instructions). In addition, you will receive exact purchasing info for the Toho beads used in this beautiful creation. That means you get the color numbers and the amount you will need of each color. I always receive compliments when I wear this bracelet. It is as much fun to make as it is to wear. $5.00 means no teacher fees, which is a substantial savings to you. In fact, it is a savings of $30.00 plus whatever gas you need to get there. Want more information or want to buy the pattern (downloadable PDF or I'll mail hard copies to you), contact me via email at theresa AT tbuchle DOT com. This is not a limited-time offer. It is offered until they stop teaching my bracelet and probably a little longer afterward.

Oh Happy Day

This is my happy face self-portrait. No, I am not an artist but I like to play. Why I am I this happy? Read to the end of the blog (no, don't skip or scan, read the blog).

I have two new blog links to share with you. First is the lovely Lisa Peters. I've got four items from Lisa, which will all be put to good use in the following months. Second is the marvelous MaryLou Holvenstot. And I would not know of either of these two ladies without my cyber friend Carol Dean Sharpe. I got to meet Lisa in person at Bead & Button, but missed MaryLou -- our paths just never crossed. As for Carol Dean, we're working on a face to face. These are three very talented ladies and I'm very glad to have made their acquaintance, even if it is only virtual. Have you hugged a cyber friend today?

I still have earrings screaming to be made but I also need to do MASSIVE house cleaning! It's really too bad I can't do both.

Your mission for the day: Check out the web site and blog links I've provided for you. There are some giveaways, some art news, some great tutorials and lots of inspiration. Take a few minutes and surf.

I now have pants that can be removed without use of button/zipper. And Clara will be coming soon to take new pictures. Okay, enough personal stuff.

Wednesday is for . . .

Well, this week it is for groceries. We have a new "farmers" market in Austin called Newflower Farmers Market and we've been shopping there lately. I don't need to buy veggies anymore, but their meat is great and the fruit has such great prices it's unbelievable. And to top it off, Wednesday is "double ad" day, so whatever was featured in last week's ad is also featured in this week's ad. And we all know that money saved on groceries is money that gets spent on things like more new flooring, paint, furniture, turning the A/C down to 68°.

So, after I get home from the market, I'm going to make an assembly line for earrings. I'll set out ear wires, beads, head pins, chain, etc. Then I'll start putting some things together. And when T-man gets home, we'll float for a bit to cool off before dinner. I am into things cool right now, but salad gets boring. I found this recipe last week and it was pretty good, especially with corn and tomatoes right out of our own garden. It's a simple life these days, but it's my life.

I got an early birthday present from T-man yesterday:


I've already got some great ideas for this baby! Keep on beading on, beadlings!

Oppressive Heat!

The heat index yesterday in downtown Austin, where I was spending the afternoon, was 107°, which is odd since the outside thermometer on the car read 106°. I felt every degree of . . . . well, you choose one of them. Today will be the same. And the breeze out here is straight out of the south and hot and dry. Did I complain about the cold a few months ago? If I did, I take it all back. It's hard to believe that just a few days ago I was in a blustery 45° with rain in Milwaukee! I do believe it sent my entire system into shock!!

I think that today I will sit inside the cool house and make some earrings. Maybe I will take some photos. I went through the pictures of the Bead and Button road trip. Some of them are usable, most are not. Obviously, I do not know how to correctly use a camera. *sigh* I want a new one so badly, but I'm thinking I may have to take lessons when I get it!

Question: How do you keep cool when you are creating? I have a small, directional fan that I set up to blow directly on me. I'd just curl up and die without it.

Whatever you do, wherever you are, I hope you keep cool today.

Giveaway Alert!

Silver Parrot is giving away a ton of beads and you have until midnight tonight to sign up. Can you say "genuine emerald beads"??? Then scroll down and check out her Dark Floral Necklace -- yum! And to top it all off, there is a cool pic of Jeffery Donovan to boot. What more could y'all ask for? Oh, those? I'm working on the road trip pictures today. Later, beadlings!

Total Exhaustion

I'm home. I arrived at 12:30 yesterday morning. Then I got up at 9:00 and headed to Natalie's house to pick up Ariel. Needless to say, there was a nap yesterday afternoon. I'm still feeling tired, but it will pass in a couple of days.

How do I describe Bead and Button? Wow. It was not as overwhelming at the Houston International Quilt Show, but it was still pretty big. There were quite a few people but reports from experienced attendees indicated that attendance was down as were sales. All in all, it was a pretty good weekend (barring a few unforeseen catastrophes).

I did get to visit with the fab Kate McKinnon, the wonderful Cynthia Rutledge, the marvelous Lisa Peters (I bought some of her pieces -- my B&B souvenirs), the talented Heather Powers, and the cheerful girls from Beads East. I saw friends from Austin and Houston. I also got to see the Bead Dreams entries in person as well as the Treasures of Toho competition entries and the Convergence exhibit. Wow! Otherwise, I pretty much stayed in the booth and worked, worked, worked! Carol had so many new goodies, it seemed like an endless stream of unpacking, pricing and merchandising. Then we would drive back to the hotel and collapse on the beds only to get up and do it again the next morning. I did go in search of several beaders I wanted to meet but, alas, our paths never crossed.

I have over 300 pictures to go through with a story for every one of them. Plus, Carol has some of them so there will be some swapping before I get them all posted. But there will be a great road trip pictorial! Later, beadlings!!

On The Road Again

Well I've finally got Internet access again. The hotel in Milwaukee (actually in Brown Deer) did not have WiFi. Sheesh.

We are in Rockford, Illinois and on the way to Lambert's Cafe, the home of the throwed rolls for a late lunch then on to Memphis (again!) for the night. I've got so much to show and tell, but that will need to wait until I get home. I'm tired and sore and it's time to load the truck up and take off. Later, beadlings!

Elvis Was In The Building . . . .

. . . and Carol had a lovely chat with him. Mississippi was a long drive, Memphis was great, Arkansas was flat, Illinois is gorgeous, the arch zipped past us (but there are pictures) and now we are on the last leg of our journey. We're pooped and it's past our bedtime!

From Southeast Texas To Jackson, Mississippi

Here is your first drive-by post from the road. Carol and I are hunkered down for the night in Jackson. She tells me that tomorrow we go in search of Elvis for a lunch date before we head on into Chicago. I am pooped as I've been in a car since 8:00 this morning and we got here at 11:00 tonight. I'm very ready for a position that is NOT sitting. I've got some pictures of the big swamps along IH-10 Between Lake Charles and Baton Rouge and will try to get a few of them up here tomorrow night but right now I'm ready for bed. G'night!

All Packed

I'm pretty much ready to go except for those little last minutes things (like throwing my toothbrush in the bag). I'll leave early in the morning for Carol's place and from there we hit the road for Bead and Button. I'll try to check in during the week and maybe even put some pictures up for you. I know, it will be nothing like being there but I'll do what I can to bring you along in spirit. If I could, I'd stash you all in my bags and take you along. Alas, that just won't be possible because you won't all fit in my one suitcase (I had to have room for my beading projects!).

"See" you soon!

Who's Panicking?

There was just a moment this morning. There was just a little moment of panic, but it has passed. I have actually achieved quite a bit, even after procrastinating. T-man has said for years that I work best under pressure. Giving myself deadlines is just not the same as those imposed by others. So circumstances stepped in this morning and results have been achieved.

Then I had a little panic about packing. After I made my list I realized that I just don't have that much to pack! Carol, however, is packing like a mad woman! She's the one who has to load up the goodies for Bead and Button. She will, for instance, be packing the instructions and supplies for making her lariat (designed by yours truly).

Remember, we'll be in booths 746, 748 and we look forward to meeting some of you. Have a great weekend!!!

Sure Happy It's Thursday

Do the acronym and that is exactly my feeling right now! Where did my week go?

Okay, not much news here. Today is an errand day but tomorrow I get to do lunch with my friend Joyce. I haven't seen much of Joyce these past two years as she has been Regional Director for the South Central Region of the Embroiders' Guild. I am taking her the sample for the piece I'll be teaching at next year's seminar in Dallas:



This weekend I'll be packing for my road trip with Carol to the Bead and Button show. Yes, we are driving. It would cost an arm and a leg and a kidney for Carol to ship all that glass, so we are hauling it up there ourselves. Actually, I love road trips. There is always so much to see along the way. And yes, I plan to take a camera.

So I'm off to get things rolling. More tomorrow. Bead on!

Event On The Horizon

Carol and I leave for Milwaukee on Monday! I cannot believe it's that close. I better make a list of things that need to get done so I don't forget anything. I'll try to take the computer and hopefully I'll be able to type a little each evening. Actually, I'm hoping we are so busy that we barely have the energy to fall into bed each night and drag ourselves out again the next day. I really, really want Carol to go home with a MUCH lighter load (and not just because it's less to pack up).

As for the jewelry, I'm going to attempt to finish a necklace I've started, but I'm not sure there will be anything else I can get finished before we start selling. The earrings have garnered lots of compliments when I have worn them. I absolutely love the ones made with the vintage Chanel chain (tease, tease, tease). By the way, we will be in booths 746,748. Look for Jeweled Treasures on your program.

Thunderstorms are getting closer. Of course it is raining in Austin, which is where I'm headed this afternoon. Bah! It figures. Oh well, I don't melt -- I must be a good witch, huh? Later, beadlings!

Lots Of Words And A Few Pictures

First there is the necklace made from goodies from Carol, modeled by my darling Natalie. Just so we are clear, I don't do wire and chain work. This is made with a Vintaj bronze hook and ring clasp, two types of bronze chain, 20g wire in vintage bronze (wire wraps by yours truly), some beautiful glass rose beads (she has these in several colors!) and a flower which adorned a bracelet in a previous life (there are quite a few of these in the booth). She even has all the tools you need to create your own wearable work of art. I'll be wearing this next week at the Bead and Button show. I'm making another pair of earrings today (in addition to two pair I have already made -- pictures next week) and I'll lay out another necklace to be put together this weekend.

Changes! Okay, no changes here yet but changes in ME! Yes, me. Be prepared for what happens next. I want you to be sitting down and not have anything in your mouth. You know how I dislike pictures of myself, but here you go:

This picture was taken by Clara back in March. Yuck. That is NOT me. That woman CANNOT be me. Then we went looking at bridesmaid dresses Wednesday and Natalie shows me what she wants me to wear at the big celebration next year. Oooookaaaaay. Hmm. Add to all this a visit with the doctor yesterday and changes are going to be made. I found these Ezine articles, which I absolutely love. You would not believe what a difference it has made to just tell myself that this is going to be done and it can be done. I feel like the Not-So-Little Engine That Could. So, you'll get a new picture of me every month. What did T-man say? He said "Good. I can't wait until we can get back to doing things we used to love to do." Crap. He had that "let's go rock climbing" look in his eye. Do you think it's like riding a bicycle? And bicycles! He wants to ride bicycles! So, here I go getting back down to my fighting weight and I have until November 2010, if not sooner. And no, I won't tell you how much needs to come off. You'll just have to check the pictures each month. And you know how I love moral support, so lay it on me! And I hear you over there, wanting to know what miracle I found. Nope, no miracle and I'm not deluding myself into thinking this is going to be easy. It's going to be a lot of hard work and a totally different way of thinking.

It's apparently a holiday weekend (my days just run together, you know) so I want you all to have a nice, relaxing time and be safe! Oh, and work in some beading while you're at it!