Where did my time go?

Having a full time job really cuts into the beading. I've really had no time to work on anything since September. I'm finally getting caught up in my second semester and should be starting to make more stuff soon! Here is one of the pieces I've made recently. It's a simple necklace of chain and agate.

Since I started teaching and coaching full time, it's been a little hard to get things accomplished, jewelry wise. I finially have a weekend, so I started cranking some pieces out.

I just started making these bookmarks. I got the metal piece from Bead Garden in downtown Appleton. (www.beadgarden.biz)

Beads and Baldness

This has nothing to do with beading at all, but I wanted to AW Jason for a bit. This last weekend he, along with his friends, raised $2,000 for cancer research by shaving their heads for St. Baldricks. This is the second year that he's done it. :)


I've been trying some new things with beads lately. I have this new technique that I've used for earrings:

I've been using filigree beads a lot lately, too. You can get really good deals on them at firemountaingems.com

Jewelry Open House

I had a jewelry open house last weekend. It was a success! I ordered postcards from vistaprint.com (I first browsed the web for coupon codes - I got them for 50% off!) and sent them out to friends and family. My sister and mom threw in some things as well.

I think the real allure may have been the promise of wine and snacks - I know it was for me :)

The threat of a snowstorm threatened the day, but it held off until the next day.

Craft sales are few and far between this time of year and I needed to do something with the jewelry I've been stockpiling lately!

Thanks to everyone who came!!

I got a new shipment of beads in again and I've been playing around with them and having a lot of fun. One of my new favorites is silver plated filigree beads - I've been putting these little guys into everything lately. I think that the white pearl necklace with them would look beautiful as bridal jewelry.

I also got some 3 strand "earring" components. They are supposed to be used for earrings, but I use them on necklaces with 3 strands.

I have a ton more new designs to share, but I'm tired and will put off til tomorrow what I can do today. :D

Marble Magnets

I've got yet another hobby. I started making marble magnets. These little guys are super easy to make. I got paper at a scrapbooking store, flat glass marbles, magnets and clear glue. It's that easy.

Black Agate Necklace

I think I have a new favorite necklace. I used 13mm and 6mm black agate (dyed) beads and a silver plated lobster clasp. This one is fun and has gotten a lot of compliments already.