 | |
 | |
 | |
| |
| |
| |
| To all my family and friends. Today and everyday, thankful for love, water & shelter, health, and art. | |
| | |
 | |
| |
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Thirsty for Art
So last time I updated I was throwing a fit about my cracked cell phone. Which I am still using with all of its shattered glory. It works good enough. :p Let me give you a run down of some things that have been going on since then...
I just recently finished a custom guinea pig for a nice lady in Australia. Her little one turned out really good and is currently making his journey home.
Unfortunately, the loss of the beautiful tree has put a slight damper on my landscaping plans for the yard. Sweetheart and I are planning on installing a circular patio, or one made of faux cobblestones. We are going to tear out the old unattractive patio, expand the flower bed planter in the center of it, and expand the other planter behind the house. I found several terra cotta flower pots someone was just tossing out in the trash that are going to be filled with butterfly attracting flora. So many ideas, and I can't wait to get started. All of this depends on the approval of our landlord though. :) I'm sure she will be excited about it once she sees our schematics and sketches. I want to build an arbor/trellis and a small table with benches. While we were tearing out last years dead plants and raking up the debris, I found this little one!
A real ladybug with seven spots! And I mean real one, not the asian ladybird beetle. So I had a little fun with my macro lens out in the yard. This is one of a bunch of shots I took. I know its not the rare 9 spot ladybug. I have yet to find one, but when I do, I hope I have my macro with me. :)
I've been pretty lazy about creating lately. My job wears me out, and when I get home to actually work on something new I been ending up on the couch researching cool, amazing, fantastic ideas I want to try. Without art my soul dries out, and it's been like a damn drought the last couple months. Its high time I get creating. Even if that entails me literally throwing paint at a canvas. On that note, I think I'll grab my sketchbook.
I just recently finished a custom guinea pig for a nice lady in Australia. Her little one turned out really good and is currently making his journey home.
My neighbors behind me decided, for whatever reason, that they should cut down the very old, very large, tree from their yard. I'm very sad. I loved that tree. I would sit in my window and watch the squirrels and birds, the wind, and the seasons change. Now she is gone. I felt so helpless sitting there watching the destruction of her limbs. When I couldn't stand to watch any longer, I could still feel her as she hit the ground with each resounding thud. I miss her.
Unfortunately, the loss of the beautiful tree has put a slight damper on my landscaping plans for the yard. Sweetheart and I are planning on installing a circular patio, or one made of faux cobblestones. We are going to tear out the old unattractive patio, expand the flower bed planter in the center of it, and expand the other planter behind the house. I found several terra cotta flower pots someone was just tossing out in the trash that are going to be filled with butterfly attracting flora. So many ideas, and I can't wait to get started. All of this depends on the approval of our landlord though. :) I'm sure she will be excited about it once she sees our schematics and sketches. I want to build an arbor/trellis and a small table with benches. While we were tearing out last years dead plants and raking up the debris, I found this little one!
A real ladybug with seven spots! And I mean real one, not the asian ladybird beetle. So I had a little fun with my macro lens out in the yard. This is one of a bunch of shots I took. I know its not the rare 9 spot ladybug. I have yet to find one, but when I do, I hope I have my macro with me. :)
I've been pretty lazy about creating lately. My job wears me out, and when I get home to actually work on something new I been ending up on the couch researching cool, amazing, fantastic ideas I want to try. Without art my soul dries out, and it's been like a damn drought the last couple months. Its high time I get creating. Even if that entails me literally throwing paint at a canvas. On that note, I think I'll grab my sketchbook.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Electronic Overload or Me Griping about Spending Money on a New Cell Phone
I've got something stuck in my craw today. Last week my cell phone had an unfortunate accident. It fell on the ground and the screen cracked. Not just a simple crack. A big ole spider web crack shooting out from the upper left hand corner. This was my first smart phone with its pretty touch screen. Not top of the line, but not exactly cheap either. Sad part is, I'm still paying it off too. My new provider has this clever way of taking your expensive phone and breaking down the cost into payments tacked onto your bill every month. What seemed like a great idea at the time, has lost its shine since it broke. Paying on a damaged phone is kind of a cruel joke. My two year agreement ends in October or November, so not a lot of help there either.
Well, I had been searching online for a replacement thru a popular big box media store. I saw that a phone I'd like was on sale for $99.99 to what I thought had said new contract members/contract member upgrades. I thought it was the perfect solution. Well after going to the store it turned out that not all was as it seemed. I guess from what I gather now, is that I was looking at an online offer. According to the associate the prices in store were different, AND that offer is only for new contract members. Not existing ones. They continued to say something about the same phone for $250, and I stopped listening. I still stand by that it said it included upgrades/existing members, but anyway. I discovered later today that I must have been looking at the online specials ad and not the store front specials ad, which is found by using a store locater and then looking at the ad thru their link. Annoying.
Thinking I could get better information at my providers kiosk, I journeyed into the mall. I asked the associate there about the same phone. I was told that I would have to pay $200 down, send in a rebate for $50 back, and then $20 for 20 months would be tacked on to my bill. I think my brain shut down at this point, and I didn't even get to ask if I had to upgrade my data package to a higher amount, or if I needed a bigger plan to accommodate 4g from 3g. Then she quickly followed that up with the sale that was coming in the next weekend or so where I could buy my phone for the same deal, but instead of a $50 rebate, I could get the whole $200 rebate. She said it with such great enthusiasm, as if I had been given a special gift. Really? You mean I only have to pay $400 for my phone after 20 months instead of $550? Why, that's positively a steal. Can you feel the juicy sarcasm here? I'm laying it on pretty thick.
Now I've been told that the reason these phones cost so much is because they do so much. They are like little computers. They not only make calls, they can play games, stream music, take photos, surf the web... blah blah blah. I know. Yeah its helpful to my job that I can access the web at any given moment, but still. Its a phone. Its one thing that I have to pay for my phone plan and data package and unlimited texts, but why do I have to pay so much for my phone too? The phone I was looking at retails for $700. I need a new fridge (and I'm not talking big fancy stainless steel, I'm talking, medium sized, plain fridge that keeps food cold and colder). It also retails for $700. I need a new computer because my old desktop fried itself. To buy all the parts I want to build it myself, guess what? $700. Why do all these things cost the same amount? Yeah a phone can play games, but not like on a desktop. Yeah a phone can do multiple things, but a basic fridge does two things. These days you cant get by without any of these things. Food has to stay cold, computers are needed for school/work/business, and phones for work/school/business. It just frustrates me that the cost of living is so high. How does the average person (and I mean average like me, scrappin' by as best I can) afford all this? Not to mention all the pressure behind it all to stay current. You need a computer, you need a smart phone, and don't even get me started on the rise of tablets! I've even been investigating those now too! "Oh, well, maybe I need one of these too? I don't, but they're so appealing right? I have a laptop, but a tablet... that's even more portable! I could put it in my purse! I need one!" *face palm* The draw of gadgetry is strong. Its sexy and appealing and there are so many damn cool things you can get.
However, its the price tag that stops me. I know I'm not alone saying these electronics are a bit beyond a price range I'd like to pay for something. I guess that hardest part is also that after a couple months, something bigger, better, faster is coming out, and your gadget is old hat. You now have an expensive relic you may or may not be paying for still.
In the end, they'll win. I'll buy a new phone, probably more than I'd like to spend on one considering I drop stuff a lot. They'll tell me I need a bigger plan. I'll upgrade. The vicious cycle continues. At least a fridge will last a while longer, and a desktop computer is stationary, so the odds of me dropping it are much lower. ;)
Well, I had been searching online for a replacement thru a popular big box media store. I saw that a phone I'd like was on sale for $99.99 to what I thought had said new contract members/contract member upgrades. I thought it was the perfect solution. Well after going to the store it turned out that not all was as it seemed. I guess from what I gather now, is that I was looking at an online offer. According to the associate the prices in store were different, AND that offer is only for new contract members. Not existing ones. They continued to say something about the same phone for $250, and I stopped listening. I still stand by that it said it included upgrades/existing members, but anyway. I discovered later today that I must have been looking at the online specials ad and not the store front specials ad, which is found by using a store locater and then looking at the ad thru their link. Annoying.
Thinking I could get better information at my providers kiosk, I journeyed into the mall. I asked the associate there about the same phone. I was told that I would have to pay $200 down, send in a rebate for $50 back, and then $20 for 20 months would be tacked on to my bill. I think my brain shut down at this point, and I didn't even get to ask if I had to upgrade my data package to a higher amount, or if I needed a bigger plan to accommodate 4g from 3g. Then she quickly followed that up with the sale that was coming in the next weekend or so where I could buy my phone for the same deal, but instead of a $50 rebate, I could get the whole $200 rebate. She said it with such great enthusiasm, as if I had been given a special gift. Really? You mean I only have to pay $400 for my phone after 20 months instead of $550? Why, that's positively a steal. Can you feel the juicy sarcasm here? I'm laying it on pretty thick.
Now I've been told that the reason these phones cost so much is because they do so much. They are like little computers. They not only make calls, they can play games, stream music, take photos, surf the web... blah blah blah. I know. Yeah its helpful to my job that I can access the web at any given moment, but still. Its a phone. Its one thing that I have to pay for my phone plan and data package and unlimited texts, but why do I have to pay so much for my phone too? The phone I was looking at retails for $700. I need a new fridge (and I'm not talking big fancy stainless steel, I'm talking, medium sized, plain fridge that keeps food cold and colder). It also retails for $700. I need a new computer because my old desktop fried itself. To buy all the parts I want to build it myself, guess what? $700. Why do all these things cost the same amount? Yeah a phone can play games, but not like on a desktop. Yeah a phone can do multiple things, but a basic fridge does two things. These days you cant get by without any of these things. Food has to stay cold, computers are needed for school/work/business, and phones for work/school/business. It just frustrates me that the cost of living is so high. How does the average person (and I mean average like me, scrappin' by as best I can) afford all this? Not to mention all the pressure behind it all to stay current. You need a computer, you need a smart phone, and don't even get me started on the rise of tablets! I've even been investigating those now too! "Oh, well, maybe I need one of these too? I don't, but they're so appealing right? I have a laptop, but a tablet... that's even more portable! I could put it in my purse! I need one!" *face palm* The draw of gadgetry is strong. Its sexy and appealing and there are so many damn cool things you can get.
However, its the price tag that stops me. I know I'm not alone saying these electronics are a bit beyond a price range I'd like to pay for something. I guess that hardest part is also that after a couple months, something bigger, better, faster is coming out, and your gadget is old hat. You now have an expensive relic you may or may not be paying for still.
In the end, they'll win. I'll buy a new phone, probably more than I'd like to spend on one considering I drop stuff a lot. They'll tell me I need a bigger plan. I'll upgrade. The vicious cycle continues. At least a fridge will last a while longer, and a desktop computer is stationary, so the odds of me dropping it are much lower. ;)
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tonight is New Years Eve.
I feel like the end of the year will pass me by if I close my eyes. This whole year has gone by so quickly. So much so, that to me, it's as if I just experienced two Christmas seasons within two weeks of itself. While some say time flies when you're having fun, it hasn't been all fun this year. It has been a year full of joy, sadness, fun, repetition, change, excitement, and worry. I've been reflecting the last couple days. Running thru the year, remembering everything that I experienced. I hope that by continuing to do this, the year will seem a little longer than it feels right now.
As for 2013, who knows what it holds. I hope something good. I hope something awesome. The potential is there. I'm going to try like crazy to do something with it.
I think I will have to break out my sketchbook and think about the projects and plans for the coming year.
I feel like the end of the year will pass me by if I close my eyes. This whole year has gone by so quickly. So much so, that to me, it's as if I just experienced two Christmas seasons within two weeks of itself. While some say time flies when you're having fun, it hasn't been all fun this year. It has been a year full of joy, sadness, fun, repetition, change, excitement, and worry. I've been reflecting the last couple days. Running thru the year, remembering everything that I experienced. I hope that by continuing to do this, the year will seem a little longer than it feels right now.
As for 2013, who knows what it holds. I hope something good. I hope something awesome. The potential is there. I'm going to try like crazy to do something with it.
I think I will have to break out my sketchbook and think about the projects and plans for the coming year.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Fall
 |
| Three Backyard Princesses |
On a lighter note, I did my first big show! Preparing for it was exhausting! But, I had a blast :)
 |
| Batty Bats in progress |
 |
| Glow Ghosties glowing |
Halloween is in a couple days, and then so is El Dia de los Muertos. :) I hope to make a couple new sugar skulls for the shop. Until then, here is a couple shots of the pumpkins we've carved this years so far.
 |
| First set of pumpkins |
 |
| Second set of pumpkins |
We have four more to carve :) I love Halloween!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Selling some manga and comics
Ive been cleaning thru some things and I have decided to sell some of my
manga and comic books. I've either read them and didn't finish the
series or just no longer want to hold on to them for some reason or
another. Mainly, I've gotten my use from them and I want to offer
someone else the chance to get some use of them now.
Money I collect from these is going to go to awesome use of my first real big bead show I am planning on doing in October!
I am so excited!!
So here are a few titles I have for you so far:
Tramps like us Vol 1 - 3 $15
Loveless 1 and 2 $10
Tsubasa 1 and 2 $10
Pretear 1 and 2 $10
Excel Saga 1 $5
.Hack 1 and 3 $10
These are all in excellent condition. I can provide you with photos if you like. I am a nonsmoker so no worries there. I do have pets, so be warned if you have allergies.
I'll list more as I find things keep and eye here for updates or my blog.
Paypal for payments & free shipping
Message me if you're interested! :D
bluedesertrose1 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Money I collect from these is going to go to awesome use of my first real big bead show I am planning on doing in October!
I am so excited!!So here are a few titles I have for you so far:
Tramps like us Vol 1 - 3 $15
Loveless 1 and 2 $10
Tsubasa 1 and 2 $10
Pretear 1 and 2 $10
Excel Saga 1 $5
.Hack 1 and 3 $10
These are all in excellent condition. I can provide you with photos if you like. I am a nonsmoker so no worries there. I do have pets, so be warned if you have allergies.
I'll list more as I find things keep and eye here for updates or my blog.
Paypal for payments & free shipping
Message me if you're interested! :D
bluedesertrose1 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Paintings
Some new paintings from a little collaborative show I did with a bunch of talented artists. These were my entries. Now available in my shop - Blue Desert Rose.
 |
| Arcing |
 |
| Breaking Through |
 |
| Flow |
 |
| A Distant Memory |
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This
Sitting here trying to write an amusing readable blog is a pain. Writing it wondering... does anyone really read this? I really don't know. I spend all this time trying to sound interesting and clever. Writing well is hard. I'm not a writer. Shocker.
This week was hectic. My big news? I started a new job and so did my Sweetheart. :) A friend called me a couple weeks ago and told me about it for my Sweetheart knowing that times have been hard looking for jobs. Well, the whole idea blew my mind so I threw my name in too, and within a few days we were hired and given a start date. This past week has been a whirlwind. I was so amped to start my new job, and it seemed like it would be a breeze. It is too for the most part, but getting used to a new job is always hard for me at first. I'm sure once a little time has passed the routine will flow just like the streams do. :)
We went from 70s and 80s back in March, which was ridiculous, back to more normal spring temperatures, 40s, 50s, 60s. The trees are all blossoming and budding. My flowers are starting to pop up. I've noticed that the local lilacs are blooming earlier this year. I love spring. It feels so crisp, and fresh. Plus with all the little flowers, I've been out with my camera shooting some macro. I've managed to get a few shots I'm pretty happy with. :)
This week was hectic. My big news? I started a new job and so did my Sweetheart. :) A friend called me a couple weeks ago and told me about it for my Sweetheart knowing that times have been hard looking for jobs. Well, the whole idea blew my mind so I threw my name in too, and within a few days we were hired and given a start date. This past week has been a whirlwind. I was so amped to start my new job, and it seemed like it would be a breeze. It is too for the most part, but getting used to a new job is always hard for me at first. I'm sure once a little time has passed the routine will flow just like the streams do. :)
We went from 70s and 80s back in March, which was ridiculous, back to more normal spring temperatures, 40s, 50s, 60s. The trees are all blossoming and budding. My flowers are starting to pop up. I've noticed that the local lilacs are blooming earlier this year. I love spring. It feels so crisp, and fresh. Plus with all the little flowers, I've been out with my camera shooting some macro. I've managed to get a few shots I'm pretty happy with. :)
 |
| Johnny Jump Up |
Friday, April 13, 2012
A Mini Updatey Type Post
Kinda fell off the map for a couple months there. I had full intentions of blogging every week and talking about my awesome glass bead making adventures. My last "class" was today. Well, the actual last class was last week. Today entailed picking up my last batch of beads, chatting with classmates, and making functioning jewelry from our beads. It was nice to see everyone one last time. Another session might be offered coming up in a month. I'd LOVE to take it. It will all depend on how the money is flowing. Its not completely ruled out yet in my opinion. :)
Work pretty much dominated my last few months. Which is fine because there are bills to be paid. Though its been so tight and tough even with all the extra time. Just when you think you're stuck in a tight spot, the universe throws you a rope. I was prepared to sit it out and wait in that hole. Still, I'm thrilled to be able to climb out.
I was least expecting a big change like this. I was hoping for a minor one. I don't know what I did for the universe to look down on me and smile, but I'm feeling pretty lucky. More about all this later as it develops.
Spring is here and we have been working in the yard trying to make a little haven in our corner of the world. The big hedges in the yard have perked back up to life, some of our flowers from last year have started popping up, and so have the sweet lily of the valley. My sweetheart has been working hard re-digging the trench the planter bricks sit in. During the week we "planted" a ton of seeds. I cant wait to see what starts to grow. I just hope this last past frosty night is the last frosty night we have for a while. Ive been shooting some of the little flowers that have been blooming around me with my macro lens. Some have turned out and some haven't. I suppose I should use my tripod. Apparently my hand is not as steady as I thought. :p
Other than that I've just been chugging along. I think I'll leave it at this for tonight. :)
Work pretty much dominated my last few months. Which is fine because there are bills to be paid. Though its been so tight and tough even with all the extra time. Just when you think you're stuck in a tight spot, the universe throws you a rope. I was prepared to sit it out and wait in that hole. Still, I'm thrilled to be able to climb out.
I was least expecting a big change like this. I was hoping for a minor one. I don't know what I did for the universe to look down on me and smile, but I'm feeling pretty lucky. More about all this later as it develops.
Spring is here and we have been working in the yard trying to make a little haven in our corner of the world. The big hedges in the yard have perked back up to life, some of our flowers from last year have started popping up, and so have the sweet lily of the valley. My sweetheart has been working hard re-digging the trench the planter bricks sit in. During the week we "planted" a ton of seeds. I cant wait to see what starts to grow. I just hope this last past frosty night is the last frosty night we have for a while. Ive been shooting some of the little flowers that have been blooming around me with my macro lens. Some have turned out and some haven't. I suppose I should use my tripod. Apparently my hand is not as steady as I thought. :p
Other than that I've just been chugging along. I think I'll leave it at this for tonight. :)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Leap Year Giveaway!
I've been at home from work today sick. Even though I have been resting most of the day, I figured it wouldn't take too much energy to post my giveaway! :)
So as I promised on my facebook fanpage, here it is!
I am giving away a pair of my little skulls!
Two little white skulls. You get the choice of winning them as the charms themselves or as a pair of sterling silver plated fish hook earrings.
To enter check out my fanpage here!
Giveaway ends Friday March 2nd at 10am EST
Random winner will be drawn & announced Saturday 3rd or Sunday 4th!
Good luck!
So as I promised on my facebook fanpage, here it is!
I am giving away a pair of my little skulls!
Two little white skulls. You get the choice of winning them as the charms themselves or as a pair of sterling silver plated fish hook earrings.
To enter check out my fanpage here!
Giveaway ends Friday March 2nd at 10am EST
Random winner will be drawn & announced Saturday 3rd or Sunday 4th!
Good luck!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Adventures in Lampwork - Day 2
My second day in my flameworking class was great. I had gone in early to take advantage of the lab time. Looking back now, I got a little over excited and tried to plunge ahead of the class and attempted to make dots on beads before the lesson. It was fun, but after the class had ended I can see why I should have waited for the instruction before. It was still a learning experience. :) I should have practiced making my lifesaver shaped beads instead. I did kind of do that, but then I put some wonky dots on them too. :D
The lesson plan for the day was to learn how to make dots, and then put dots on dots. As my teacher said "Dots nice". ;) The final ideal bead was to be an eye bead. Eye beads are used for protection. They ward off the evil eye, bad luck, and bring good fortune to the wearer. By the end of class, I had a few eye beads, and a couple nice dot beads. I also had a few less attractive beads, and some plain lifesaver beads too. The other lesson I learned from that class, don't rush. Don't rush thru making a bead just to make another one. I have a couple beads I stuck in my vermiculite that were too hot and ended up getting damaged. Some might think I should ditch these damaged beads, but I could never do that. Its a journey, and I want to be able to see the distance I've come since the first class.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I am still having a sale in the shop thru the end of the holiday. So if you see something you like, you can get 15% OFF with the coupon code LOVEYOU during checkout. :) Hope you all have a Happy Valentines Day!
The lesson plan for the day was to learn how to make dots, and then put dots on dots. As my teacher said "Dots nice". ;) The final ideal bead was to be an eye bead. Eye beads are used for protection. They ward off the evil eye, bad luck, and bring good fortune to the wearer. By the end of class, I had a few eye beads, and a couple nice dot beads. I also had a few less attractive beads, and some plain lifesaver beads too. The other lesson I learned from that class, don't rush. Don't rush thru making a bead just to make another one. I have a couple beads I stuck in my vermiculite that were too hot and ended up getting damaged. Some might think I should ditch these damaged beads, but I could never do that. Its a journey, and I want to be able to see the distance I've come since the first class.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I am still having a sale in the shop thru the end of the holiday. So if you see something you like, you can get 15% OFF with the coupon code LOVEYOU during checkout. :) Hope you all have a Happy Valentines Day!
 |
| My best eye bead with two plain little green beads. |
Monday, February 6, 2012
Adventures in Lampwork - Day 1
Two weeks ago I started my lampwork course. I am in love with it. It has been so much fun, and I can hardly wait for the next lesson. On Friday, the instructor taught how to make dots. My beads are in the kiln waiting for me for the coming class. My last two beads that day turned out really nice. I hope they survived the kiln and I will be able to wear them.
This has really been an awesome journey so far. I was worried that I might not enjoy it, or that I would completely suck at making glass beads. I didn't think it would be a good idea to invest in anything until I knew where I stood with the medium. Right now, things are looking promising. If they continue in the same direction I could see myself trying to concoct a studio fit for lampworking. :)
Speaking of new and exciting things, I have two other little updates to share.
I have a sale running to show some love to all my customers in honor of Valentines Day. :) All you have to do to get 15% OFF in the shop is use this coupon code during check out: LOVEYOU. Because without my customers I am lost. So Thank-you all of you for your continued support and business. :) Happy Valentines Day <3
My other little exciting update, which really might only be exciting to me, is that soon, I will be able to take credit as a form of payment at any of my shows to come! :D Isn't that awesome?! I think so. :) In the past it was hard for a small business artist to get ahead, and had to limit accepted payments to cash or checks, and really these days, how many people pay in cash, and how many people carry their checkbooks? We live in a digital age where plastic rules the land. So if you are backed by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express, I can finally welcome you to come and check out my booth with open arms. :) Heehee :D
More to come on shows and such later :)
For now, here's a picture of my beads from my first class!
This has really been an awesome journey so far. I was worried that I might not enjoy it, or that I would completely suck at making glass beads. I didn't think it would be a good idea to invest in anything until I knew where I stood with the medium. Right now, things are looking promising. If they continue in the same direction I could see myself trying to concoct a studio fit for lampworking. :)
Speaking of new and exciting things, I have two other little updates to share.
I have a sale running to show some love to all my customers in honor of Valentines Day. :) All you have to do to get 15% OFF in the shop is use this coupon code during check out: LOVEYOU. Because without my customers I am lost. So Thank-you all of you for your continued support and business. :) Happy Valentines Day <3
My other little exciting update, which really might only be exciting to me, is that soon, I will be able to take credit as a form of payment at any of my shows to come! :D Isn't that awesome?! I think so. :) In the past it was hard for a small business artist to get ahead, and had to limit accepted payments to cash or checks, and really these days, how many people pay in cash, and how many people carry their checkbooks? We live in a digital age where plastic rules the land. So if you are backed by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express, I can finally welcome you to come and check out my booth with open arms. :) Heehee :D
More to come on shows and such later :)
For now, here's a picture of my beads from my first class!
 |
| Blue and black beads! |
Monday, January 30, 2012
A Path Untravelled
There hasn't been much time to do anything for myself lately. This weekend has been the first days off I've had since January 8th. Its been a long month. So its not surprising that I haven't been able to create anything new for my shop.
I had planned on making more heart pendants, and experimenting with some tiny bead embroidery projects. With the new year, I told myself that I would push myself harder than last. Get more done, explore more creative paths. So far, I've been lazy. :P
So when I got an email a week ago for a 10 week flameworking course that I've been trying to get into for easily two years now, I couldn't let it pass by without trying to get in. I immediately responded and with a change of luck, I got in. I can't even tell you how thrilled I am to be in this class. :D
The first class was on Friday last week. I spent my time that day getting familiar with the torch and the beautiful way the glass would glow and melt. The way it flowed over the mandrel folding into itself. It was so completely awesome.
As the weeks pass and I continue on this new path, I hope that it leads to amazing new places. I can't wait. :)
I had planned on making more heart pendants, and experimenting with some tiny bead embroidery projects. With the new year, I told myself that I would push myself harder than last. Get more done, explore more creative paths. So far, I've been lazy. :P
So when I got an email a week ago for a 10 week flameworking course that I've been trying to get into for easily two years now, I couldn't let it pass by without trying to get in. I immediately responded and with a change of luck, I got in. I can't even tell you how thrilled I am to be in this class. :D
The first class was on Friday last week. I spent my time that day getting familiar with the torch and the beautiful way the glass would glow and melt. The way it flowed over the mandrel folding into itself. It was so completely awesome.
As the weeks pass and I continue on this new path, I hope that it leads to amazing new places. I can't wait. :)
Sunday, January 8, 2012
New Hearts in the Shop
Just listed new heart pendants in the shop :)
Blue Desert Rose
Check them out!
Blue Desert Rose
Check them out!
 |
| Blue Heart! |
 |
| Green & Gold Heart! |
 |
| Green Heart! |
 |
| Purple Heart! |
 | ||
| Yellow & Orange Heart! |
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Something New
Happy New Year everyone! :) Just thought I would pop in and share something new with everyone. Here are some pendants I finished and have yet to list in the shop. I'm debating on finishing them with a cord or ribbon or leaving them as pendants.
Pretty excited to try some new things with this idea and see where it takes me. Let me know what you think in the comments :) They should be in the shop in the next few days.
 |
| blues with wire wrapped top |
 |
| greens and golds |
 |
| purples |
 |
| greens |
 |
| orange and yellow |
 |
| reds |
Friday, December 30, 2011
Holidays
I won't pretend that this was an easy year. Plus christmas time is always a hectic time of year for me. This year was no different. I got an incredibly late start; about 4 weeks too late. It makes the season less enjoyable to be in a constant crunch mode. I say the same thing every year, and it always ends the same anymore. Stressed out and in a panic, then depressed its past and over. Christmas seems to start on November 1st anymore, and usually by Thanksgiving I'm pretty burnt out on the music, decorations, and everything. Even though I've accomplished nothing by then. No presents finished, no tree yet, no decorations. So then, after Thanksgiving, about a week or two will pass, and I will panic. That's xmas for me.
So right now, I am in a holiday downswing. I've visited with all my family, gave out all the presents I hurried to finish or buy, and now its just a couple days till the new year. I'm just a little disappointed its over. Time moves too swiftly, leaving little room to savor a moment.
All in all, it was an enjoyable time. I spent a nice holiday with my family, and then the second part was spend with my Sweetheart's family. As every family knows, it is hard to coordinate a large family gathering, and I've been lucky to be able to see everyone almost every year.
The year is coming to an end, and I will be spending some time over the next few days taking stock and revisiting lessons learned. I will be planning and evaluating what's important and what isn't. I will be taking what I need with me and leaving behind what I don't.
I hope 2012 brings opportunities. I feel like 2011 has been a bit unbalanced. Its either been more work and little play, or no work and no play. I know that just because the calendar has been reset it does not mean the balance has been restored. I wish I could say that "new year" means all the ongoing unpleasant crap can't cross the timeline into 2012 with me. The journey will continue. I remain hopeful though, the balance will be restored. This year, I expect great things.
So right now, I am in a holiday downswing. I've visited with all my family, gave out all the presents I hurried to finish or buy, and now its just a couple days till the new year. I'm just a little disappointed its over. Time moves too swiftly, leaving little room to savor a moment.
All in all, it was an enjoyable time. I spent a nice holiday with my family, and then the second part was spend with my Sweetheart's family. As every family knows, it is hard to coordinate a large family gathering, and I've been lucky to be able to see everyone almost every year.
The year is coming to an end, and I will be spending some time over the next few days taking stock and revisiting lessons learned. I will be planning and evaluating what's important and what isn't. I will be taking what I need with me and leaving behind what I don't.
I hope 2012 brings opportunities. I feel like 2011 has been a bit unbalanced. Its either been more work and little play, or no work and no play. I know that just because the calendar has been reset it does not mean the balance has been restored. I wish I could say that "new year" means all the ongoing unpleasant crap can't cross the timeline into 2012 with me. The journey will continue. I remain hopeful though, the balance will be restored. This year, I expect great things.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
 | | | ||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)