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!

Off To See The Wizard

And since he is in North Austin and I am not, it will take most of the day. I'll be back tomorrow. Cross your fingers. I need something definitive from this wizard and not more tests, damned doctors and their tests. If you prick us, do we not bleed? Methinks they do forget!

Where are the beading challenge updates? Carol? Clara?? Hellooo! Is anyone out there???? Just a sentence will make me happy!

I'll be back tomorrow afternoon. Until then, remember these immortal words from (of all people) Napoleon Bonaparte: Imagination rules the world.

And now for challenged beading, the kit goes to . . .

Don't confuse challenged beading with the beading challenged. And no, Juls, regardless of what you think, you are most definitely NOT beading challenged. I've seen some of your finished pieces. And Clara, I'm actually sending you a kit for bead weaving, but you know how to do this. I know you do because I taught you how. So there you have it, beaders. Only two kits being mailed out, to two of my dearest beady friends. And they are both very passionate about everything they do, not just beading. I'm very privileged to have these two ladies in my life.

Every once in a while, there will be other challenges with freebies. I truly enjoy it when the blog becomes interactive, so don't be shy -- drop a line or two when you have time. You might just get something nifty in return!

Today is GG's birthday. Her mom is visiting her for a while, which is a great birthday present for her. I'm wishing her a very happy birthday and hope all of her beady friends do likewise. I won't see her until November, but we'll celebrate then.

I've got beads in those colors. Hmmm . . . . I am so ready for cooler, dryer weather. How is this for a great palette? This was taken Thanksgiving 2005 at Lost Maples State Park in Vanderpool, Texas. It was absolutely gorgeous, the weather was perfect and I didn't even mind sleeping on the ground.

I'm working on a necklace that was published in Beadwork magazine a couple of years ago. I'm using it to showcase one of my hubby's lamp work beads. I'm to the point of embellishing, and will post a picture either here or on my website when it is finished. Ooo, beading something for me! What a novel idea!

I've Been Beading

First, the bad news. Hubby got laid off a week ago Friday. He's been making money doing those little jobs that he loves to do, and he has been working every day. The problem with the odd jobs is that eventually they run out, the economy can change at any time (as we learned several years ago), and they don't offer benefits. Have you ever asked a specialist what his fee is if you pay them cash??? And we won't even talk about tests, diagnostics or procedures or pharmaceuticals. On the up side, he is out looking as we speak.

Me? I haven't slept since the night before he got laid off. I have been beading, though. I bought this beautiful kit from Ann Benson's Beads East. I love the color, loved the technique, and truly enjoyed making them. But they are just too heavy for my ears, so I may end up having to sell them.


Now to the good stuff. You have 24 hours. My favorite three posts will get a free kit for this bracelet. The kit includes enough beads for an eight inch bracelet, crimp tubes, a PLATED clasp (don't argue -- it's free), Beadalon, and full instructions with color diagrams. You will need a size 12 beading needle and Fireline. If you do not enjoy working with Fireline, I will be very upfront with you -- you will be weaving with it.

Please post something other than "I'm sorry to hear about hubby" or "the earrings are lovely". I want true interactive blogging. Here's your topic: What is your favorite color combination and does it work with beads? For example, my favorite color combo is teal and violet. It doesn't work well simply because it is so difficult to find beads in those colors. I do have a wonderful set from Pam, but I must make repairs to the bracelet before I can post it. But I could not find seed beads or Delica beads in those colors, so I had to work the bracelet with iris beads to blend in.

So, what I would like from you, dear reader, is your favorite combo and whether it not it works with beads and why or why not. And winning posts are at my discretion, so be creative and entertaining with your posts to win a free kit for the lovely lavender/green bracelet. BUT you must leave some way for me to contact you via email. I do get a notification that posts have been made, but I will also need you to follow up your post with your own email. Ready, set, GO! Winners will be named tomorrow.

Something Beaded This Way Comes . . . .

I cannot believe you guys are letting me get away with these bad word plays!

I spent the morning driving all over South Austin with N, trying to find the correct ACC bookstore for her books. The prices of tuition and books would astound you, especially once you know that all of her classes are online. Let's just say the $50 book was a bargain.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'll post it tomorrow (see? letting me do it again!). Here is a sneak peek at the challenge I've been promising. Tomorrow afternoon, after I get home from beading with the Beadalicious Beading Babes in South Austin, I will post the full picture and details. Until then, I'll be back on the sofa, beading my fingers to the bone.

And the Bead Goes On . . . .

No, not a soap opera -- it's a song written by Sonny Bono, sung by his then wife Cher. Jeez --- you guys are too young to remember. Cher was singing about beads back in the late 60s. For real! I'd prove it to you if I could turn back time . . .

Etsy! I put up a new banner. I've been reading on what makes a successful Etsy store (not that putting up a new banner will guarantee me instant success). One of the things mentioned was an interesting avatar. What's an avatar? It's the tiny little picture that represents you on all things Etsy. Hubby says the new banner looks more "Internet". Do you believe me when I say that the color scheme (matching my logo) was accidental and I'm not sure how I got the other pictures to do that? Yep, purely serendipitous. The other keys to success? Constantly adding items and mentioning Etsy every chance you get.

How is your challenge coming? What? You forgot? Last Friday I issued a challenge to you all, but no one has spoken up. What happened with your colors? I'll go bead while you type . . . .