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.

Turquoise, Yellow Turquoise, New Jade and Rhyolite Chip Necklace and Bracelet Set

I got some new beads in the mail (yes, I ordered more beads) and couldn't wait to make these two pieces. I was inspired by a necklace worn by an America's Next Top Model model, and I think these turned out pretty nicely, if I do say so myself. ;)

I used Yellow Turquoise, Turquoise, New Jade and Rhyolite chips, all bought from firemountaingems.