Bead Porn And Holiday Cheer!

Chantilly Lace ã2012 Theresa Buchle

http://www.nomadicnotions.com

This is what I'm teaching this Saturday (November 17) at Nomadic Notions. There is still room in this class. Want to see another color way?

Chantilly Lace ã2012 Theresa Buchle

http://www.nomadicnotions.com

In the mood for Christmas but don't want to make jewelry? How about some special holiday decor for yourself or someone else?

Christmas Banner ã2011 Theresa Buchle

This kit includes everything you need to make your own, gorgeous Christmas Banner. Order now - time's running out!

I'm Working On It!

I promise - I have not forgotten you! There are very good reasons for being absent these past few months.

First and foremost, Marshall received his kidney transplant a few days and things are going well. Secondly, the hours for my part-time job have increased. Thirdly, my teaching schedule at the store has also increased. The fourth thing is still under wraps but I promise you'll find out when it is completed.

But I'll leave you with some bead porn! And you can take the class in January. Check out the Nomadic Notions web site for details.

16 Years!

And yes, he's still the one.

All That Glitters

I thought I would do something a little different today. I would like to post someone else's fabulous work. This lovely bracelet was designed by my friend and co-worker Jessi.

Fabulous, isn't it? You know, you can make one of your own (provided you live in Central Texas).

She's teaching this very project in a class at Nomadic Notions

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Monday evening at 6:00. That's August 13 if you like calendars. I think I might need to have one of these for myself. I sure hope we see you there!

I'm Here! I'm Here!

Yeah, yeah, yeah - I know. As a blogger I should at least keep up on a weekly basis. I've actually been spending a lot of time beading and typing tutorials. That and working at the local bead store plus teaching at the semi-local bead store has been keeping me hopping! What's on tap?

Sunday, August 12 at Nomadic Notions. This is called "My Precious". There are still seats in class! And . . .

Saturday, August 18 also at Nomadic Notions. These are the "Nefertiti" earrings. More next week, including the semi-local bead store offering. Yes, next week. Really. Truly.

Our Stevie turns two next week! He is a character. Check out those dimples. My grandbabies are so freakin' cute! Of course, everyone else's are too. Now, bead on!

The Spirit Is Willing . . . .

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

Yeah, that's right - a quote from the Bible on my page. I read that this quote actually pertained to high goals set by one's self or, in the Biblical sense, high morals and often the inability to live up to said goals or morals. I'll go with goals. I set so many for myself that at times I get a bit overwhelmed.  I'm in that place right now -- too many irons in the fire. You know what I'm talking about - for every two steps taken toward that goal the backslide is at least one step if not more. Then frustration sets in, the flesh falters, and everything goes down the hole.

So today, I'm going into the studio looking for that one thing to create that will give me some sense of having attained a lofty goal. I've got a bracelet started for the child but it's a multiple day project. Scratch that off today's list. I've got owls to hang - about 36 of them. That might work. Oh wait a minute - there are two pair of custom earrings for my BFF. Yeah! That will work. I can crank those babies out in no time. Yippee!

But then what?

Betcha Can't Make Just One!

Possibilities

Sunday! Details? Look here.

In the meantime, I am furiously beading a new sample for one of my beloved pieces. My biggest obstacle is a hand injury sustained last week. It's bothersome but it will heal eventually. Oddly enough my doctor told me that beading and typing (not a lot of either, mind you) will actually be good for the hand. So, I have been beading this morning and now I have typed and now I must rest the hand. I would love to you see Austin-area beadlings in the local bead store this weekend.We have been having a lot of fun during class and I have seen some wonderful results from my students (you know who you are!). If not, then bead on!

Possibilities

I Owe You One

Oh my goodness, I owe you a big blog post. I've been quite the busy bee. There was a trip to the coast to see the cutest little boys in the world, but the wind was fierce and let's just say there was no outing at the beach for any of us. I've been putting in several shifts at the LBS (that's Local Bead Store for the uninitiated). There was a teaching gig or two. I've had such great students lately, it just warms the cockles of my heart! I did receive my swap beads from Michelle and they are lovely! I'll get a photo up for you soon. And there was a little hospital visit by someone here at home but he's doing fine. It was just a clean-up from last summer's surgery.

I've got new classes with new designs coming up and I'll be updating the website with the schedule and I'll be popping pictures in here now and then. For today, I've got a big ole bunch o'beading to do! Bead on with your bad selves!

Bead Swap One

Lori Anderson has very recently hosted a straight-out bead swap. That means no blog hop is involved, but the next Bead Soup Blog Party is coming up. I love bead swaps. My partner is Michelle of The Cabby Crafter. Michelle and I are a little late to the party but that's okay. She was traveling and I was happy to wait. I got busy and she has been patient with me. This is what I'm sending her today. I was feeling pearly and liking green this morning. Since Michelle and her family are moving from the Windy City to Texas I thought the greens might prepare her for what's going on here. It will be a nice change. So, she has some dark olive glass pearls, some lovely green Czech glass, some seed beads in decidedly spring greens, and some vintage pearlized glass. I also threw in a stretchy bracelet made from some of that same vintage glass. I did hold out a few pieces so she'd have a bit of a surprise when she opens the box. I've had a sneak peek at what she's sending me and I can't wait to get my hands on those beads! I love a swap!

Bead Me, Seymour

*giggle*

I had a certain musical running through my head while I created this one. More details coming soon!

Mariachis, Snakes, A Full Moon, Oh My!

Hello, beadlings! I hope you had a very nice weekend. We did. We visited the Starving Artists' Show in San Antonio. I found my friends Carol Bradley and Laura Zeiner  I picked up a sweet reversible enameled pendant from Carol and will be picking up one of Laura's Bee Keys soon. I also came home with a lovely bird feeder made from a cup, saucer and salad dish - lovely greens and creams. Ariel found Gort for her wall and we had lunch on the Riverwalk complete with strolling mariachis and begging ducks. It was a very nice afternoon all in all.

We came home, debated dinner, and took care of feeding the animals and putting the chickens in their house. No big deal, right? Until Ariel rain into the house "mom, mom, mom, hurry, hurry, hurry before it runs away!" Well what could it be that would run away? Then she opens the hen house and I realize it's probably the snake that's been stealing our eggs. I see a big head but from where the tail is (slowly pulling up behind the the nest box) this snake would have to be over six feet long! And then I realize that Mr. Big Head already has his tail near his head and what I am seeing disappear belongs to another snake! Great - TWO egg-stealing snakes. These are desert king snakes. I hate killing these snakes because they kill rattlesnakes and copperheads along with rats and rabbits. They aren't poisonous themselves, but they have a bad temper and they will bite. These were about four feet and four and a half feet long respectively. We had one here that was over six feet long - we left him alone. But since these were witnessed egg eaters (Ariel caught one in the act) they had to go, plus we lost a hen last week to some sort of bite. We think a snake bit her and it became infected. Such is life in the country.

And then the moon came up, as you can see at the top of the page, which really just capped off a very full day. Yesterday was full of nothing but beading, to which I must return. I'm beading a garden full of horrifically cute flowers - you'll see! Bead on!

Just A Tease, er . . I Mean Taste

Totally decadent, no? I'm working on a FABULOUS pink and copper pair now. And again, they are soooo addictive. It's not the best photo I've ever taken, but like I said - it's just a tease. I'll let you know when they are scheduled.

Let Me Be Your Enabler

(C)2012 Theresa Buchle

Oh, they are so addictive! This is the third pair I've made. The size of the dangle is really up to you. These are about the length of my thumb from knuckle to tip - not too long, not too short. Oh! And the possibilities are endless! I really can't wait to teach this one. I'll let you know as soon as it's scheduled. Bead on, beadlings!

It's A Process

To-do list.

Sketch book.

Have You Met My Muse?

(C) 2012 Theresa Buchle

You can have a Muse of your very own. Let me show you how April 11, 18 and 25 at Nomadic Notions from 6:00 to 8:00 each night. Click on the link for more details. Make one in these luscious ocean hues or choose your own palette. She is all about being unique.

I've been a dervish in the bead room today (the whirl is implied). Beads literally flew from my fingertips at one point! Then I stopped and cleaned them up, but I kept going. What I ended up with were earring samples. Then I went looking for my supplies to keep making those earrings. Unfortunately I had to stop because there were other samples to be made first! Anyway, have a fabu weekend and keep on beading on!

Oh Just Kiss My Aster

(C) Theresa Buchle 2006

You can learn to make this little piece of wrist art with me at Nomadic Notions in Austin on April 6th and April 13th, from 6:00 - 8:00. Click on the link for more information or contact me. I would love to see you there.

In the meantime, I'm having such a good time teaching there that I'm working on new goodies for classes. Info to follow so stay tuned!

Handy Definitions

Inspire : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions

Prolific: marked by abundant inventiveness or productivity

Discombobulate: upset or confuse

Ah, a day in the life of a beader. sigh

 

And The Winner Is . . . .

I used a random number generator provided by Research Randomizer and the number generated was 1. So congratulations Mary Newton. It looks like your granddaughters might get some new pretties!

Now, if you didn't win beads here, hop on over to Marcia DeCoster's blog and try your luck. I did. I figured I should try to fill in the hole that will be left by the departure of the pink beads. Bead on!

Once Upon A Time . . .

I really liked pink. I mean, I LOVED pink - once upon a time. Now I don't really like it so much. I realize it's a very hot color and a lot of people adore pink, but not me. And, once upon a time . . .

I sold beads at bead shows, on the internet and in my own little bead store. You may remember Bumble Beads^tm or not. It died a calm, peaceful death in 2003. As a result of having had said store, I still have a lot of beads but not nearly as much room. So . . .

I am having a little giveaway and it's very pink. Here's what we have. There is a lovely vintage cabochon (it was sold to me as vintage - I can only tell you what the seller told me). Some Czech glass - bicone shaped beads, leaves, flowers. Delica beads - 15 grams each of three different colors/finishes and about 12 grams of size 15 cuts in, well, pink. I'll use a random generator to decide the winner, but please tell me what you like pink! Oh, and perhaps what you'll do with your winnings. Be sure to leave an email address if you don't have a Google account! If I can't find you, I'll have to give it away to someone else. I'll close comments Sunday night. Good luck!

It's Coming!

I know I'm signing up. How about you? I'm going to start putting together my swap package this week.

Are you just about ready for a GIVEAWAY? I've got it ready. I just have to get photos of it. Then I'll post it and you'll have your chance. In the meantime, Lorelei is having a little giveaway. Go check it out.

Other than that, it's Wednesday and I was away from my desk the past four days. I have a lot to do today, including a promised photo. Therefore, I am out of here. Bead on!

Paying It A Bit Forward

I finally finished the hop. It took a while, but I visited every participant's blog and got to see the finished soups. Yummy! My dear Gaye has been wearing the necklace I finished. It looks great on her, but then I knew it would. The minute I started putting it together I know exactly who that necklace belonged to. I have some ideas for some of the other beads Skylar sent met, but that piece will be for yours truly!

So, Gaye was here this past weekend and instead of beading or knitting, we went through some of my stash. It seems that I have a plethora of a certain color bead and it's not a color I always appreciate. I believe that some of these beads are deserving of, shall we say, a more loving home. As soon as I find a good focal to add to them, I'll post a GIVEAWAY! Yep, I haven't done this in a while, so it's time to pay things forward. In the meantime, I think I'll go work on that little project for me. Oh, and that project for me will most likely result in a tutorial available to all of you.

I hope you enjoyed the hop. There is still time to catch a glimpse of some amazing talent. Bead on, my beadlings!

Bead Soup Blog Party Swap/Hop

Well, I won't ever try to schedule a post again. This was supposed to pop up in the wee hours of the morning. My apologies, beadlings!

Ta-da! My finished piece with the beads provided to me by Skylar. I did not use all of the beads she sent, so look for additional pieces coming soon. I will add a bit about the beads used. The focal and lampwork glass are from Crystal Brashear of Rubyroo Glass Art. (Crystal is a fellow Texan.) The crystal rounds are some Chinese crystal I picked up somewhere along the way. They sparkle purple and green - yum! There are amethyst fire polished beads sent by Skylar and some faceted alexandrite glass, which totally surprised me. I really thought those faceted tabs were serpentine jade, but no - they turned blue when I pulled the piece out to show someone. But that particular blue is still echoed in the streamers on the focal. There are some metallic bronze glass spacers, a few faceted green spacers that accompanied the lampwork,  and of course the lovely grape leaf focal, all supplied by Skylar.

So the idea now is to hop from blog to blog in the party and see all the participants' finished pieces!

The Participants (Matched By Partner)
Hostess, Lori Anderson

Special Book Sneak Peeks, Cindy Wimmer

1. Adlinah Kamsir(Singapore) and Hajer Waheed (Kingdom of Bahrain)

2. Adrienn Lukacs (Hungary) and Agata Grygiel (Poland)

3. Agi Kiss (Hungary) and Carolien Muller-Genger (the Netherlands)

4. Agnes Asztalos (Hungary) and B.R. Kuhlman

5. Alesha Conklin and Becki Mendivil

6. Alice Peterson and Carol Dillman

7.Alicia Marinache (Canada) and Dita Basu

8.Amanda Dittloff and Brandy Thomason McNair

9. Amanda Tibbetts and Andrea Trank

10. Amy Freeland and Kay Mallery

11.Andra Weber and Christine Murrow

12. Ann Sherwood and Diane Welte

13. Barbara Bechtel and Kerry Bogert

14. Barbara Lewis and Cat Pruitt

15.Bonnie Coursolle (Canada) and Fay Wolfenden (Canada)

16. Carmel McGinley (Australia) and Tracy Stillman (Australia)

17. Cassie Donlen and Deryn Mentock

18. Cathie Carroll and Janel Dudley

19. Cece Cormier and Morwyn Mullins

20.Charlene Jacka and Christina Hickman

21. Cheryl Brown (Canada) and Diana Ptaszynski

22. Christina Stofmeel (the Netherlands) and Eva Kovacs (Hungary)

23.Christine Damm and Deb Brooks

24.Cilla Watkins (Canada) and Elaine Robitaille (Canada)

25.Sabrina Straub (Switzerland) and Kathy Combs

26.Cindy Cima Edwards and Eleanor Burian-Mohr

27. Cory Celaya and Rhea Freitieg

28. Courtney Breul and Dana Hickey

29. Cynthia Abner and Jennifer Boreck

30. Cynthia Tucker and Jean Peter

31. Debbie Goering and Heidi Post

32. Dee Elgie (UK) and Joanne Lockwood (UK)

33. Dian Hierschel (Germany) and Eniko Fabian (Austria)

34. Diane Cook and Lyn Foley

35. Donna Bohler and Lisa Lodge

36. Donna Millard and Kiersten Giles

37. Doris Stumpf (Germany) and Eszter Czibulyas (Hungary)

38.Elisabeth Auld and Eva Sherman

39.Elke Leonhardt-Rath (Germany) and Marjolein Trewavas (UK)

40. Ema Kilroy and Laurie Keefe-Cecere

41.Erika Nooteboom (the Netherlands) and Giorgia Rossini (Italy)

42. Erin Grant and Jean Wells

43.Evelyn Duberry (Canada) and Gaea Cannaday

44. Genea Crivello-Knable and Heather Powers

45. Ginger Bishop (military, Okinawa) and Martina Nagele (Germany)

46. Heidi Kingman and Lori Greenberg

47. Helen Kemp and Lisa Wangeman

48. Helene Goldberg (Australia) and Karen Vincent

49. Jamie Hogsett and Jeannie Dukic

50. Jeanette Ryan and Jelveh Jaferian

51. Jennifer Cameron and Tania Spivey

52.Jennifer Justman and Kari Carrigan

53. Jennifer Tough and Lorelei Eurto

54.Joanna Matuszczyk (Poland) and Julianna Kis (Hungary)

55.Joanne Tinley (UK) and Michaela Pabeschitz (Austria)

56. Julie Anne Leggett and Kelley Fogle

57. Karen Hess and Linda Landig

58.Karyn Bonfiglio and Kathleen Lange Klik

59. Kashmira Patel and Kat White

60. Kat Barron Miller and Kelly Morgan

61. Kathy Lindemer and Rose Binoya

62. Krafty Max and Sandra Miller

63. Kristen Latimer and Pam Ferrari

64. Kristie Roeder and Lea Avroch

65. Kristina Johansson (Sweden) and Penny Neville (Canada)

66. Krisztina Erlaki-Toth (Hungary) and Nicole Keller (Germany)

67.Lara Lutrick and Lisa Suver

68.Laura DeMoya and Lisa Hanna

69. Libby Leuchtman and Melanie Brooks

70. Linda Koch and Rosemarie Cowit

71. Lisa Chapman and Menka Gupta

72. Lisa Liddy and Marion Simmons

73. Lori Anderson and Marcie Abney

74. Lori Bowring-Michaud and Mary Govaars

75. Lori Dorrington and Maria Rosa Sharrow

76. Lori Finney (Canada) and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp (Canada)

77. Lynn Bennett and Mandi Ainsworth

78. Marta Kaczerowska (Poland) and Milla Starchik (Canada)

79.Mary Harding and Shannon LeVart

80. Mary Jane Dodd and Stacey Curry

81. Melinda Orr and Molly Alexander

82. Melissa Meman and Michelle Escano-Caballaro

83. Michelle Jensen and Sandra Young (Canada)

84. Nan Emmett and Nicole Valentine-Rimmer (Canada)

85. Nancy Boylan and Suzette Bentley

86.Natasha Lutes and Patti Vanderbloemen

87. Pam Hurst and Rebekah Payne

88. Patty Miller and Sara Rhoades

89. Rebecca Anderson (UK) and Lori Anderson

90. Rebecca Sirevaag and Sharon Driscoll

91. Rochelle Brisson and Shannon Chomanczuk

92. Rosa Maria Cuevas (Mexico) and Tejae Floyde

93. Sabine Dittrich (Germany) and Sally Russick

94. Sandi Volpe and Sarah/Saturday Sequins

95. Shanti Johnson and Tracy Mok (Canada)

96. Skylar Brez and Theresa Buchle

97. Sonya Stille and Traci Zeller (Canada)

98. Stefanie Teufel (Germany) and Tania Hagen (New Zealand)

99.Stephanie LaRosa and Vonna Maslanka

100. Terri Wlaschin and Wendy Blum

Well, that's a hop! I hope you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend!

I Won!

Last week, the lovely Lori Anderson had a little contest to supply the caption to a photo. You must go see for yourself because, as she stated, words fail. Anyway, I supplied what she said was her favorite caption:

"On Craig's List: Great car, low mileage, unique paint treatment, gently used. OOAK, cash only, GPS coordinates for viewing upon request. "

Now you really want to go look at the photo, don't you?

Anyway, this is what I won for being just a bit silly:

The heart is a pendant. The bird can handle a little hole in her wing to become a pendants. The pottery shard drops are divine. The fuschia and root beer beads tie everything together. I have a couple of ideas in mind.

Be back tomorrow for the blog party!

Big Reveal

Well, the big reveal for the Blog Party is at midnight! I am excited. I may spend all day tomorrow hopping from blog to blog just to see what everyone made with their beads. There will definitely be a lot of bead porn and eye candy. I hope you all will join us.