Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

What a great year 2014 has been!  I can only hope for bigger and BETTER things in 2015.
I DO know that I'll be starting it out with the brand new Feb/March 2015 BEADWORK in my hot little hands - I'm one of the Challenge participants for this issue - and I can't WAIT to see what "Metallique Chique" looks like in PRINT!  I'll be sure to share a photo and details after the issue has been released!

I hope that you and your families and friends experience all the wonders of the holiday season.
If you are a New Years resolution maker - I wish you luck and good results.  I don't usually make them - too much pressure! - but I think I am this year.  My resolution is to have more

TOLERANCE

for the attitudes of customer service reps and sales clerks.  I have to remember that they are (for the most part) doing their best, and that I've been in their shoes.   I will try to be calmer, nicer, and happier.  EVEN with that ONE impossibly horrible one....

I may have time to 'see you' in the next week or so, but if not - see you next year!  As always....


Peaceful beading,
TTFN

WHOA!

Flickr slideshow fail!   I've removed the big giant in your face thing until I can figure out how to fix it.  Would love to have the new Enlightened Denim slideshow running.  Hopefully next post....

I don't have a whole lot to blog about - hustling and bustling and getting ready for yet more holiday-ing with family and friends, finishing up the shopping, and preparing for the cooking, the cooking and more cooking.  My deviled eggs are a MUST at family gatherings (I think they want the eggs more than ME sometimes.  LOL.).  The obligatory green bean casserole will be made two days in a row as well, along with munchies and yummies still yet to be determined....

I WILL have a bit of major news in the new year.  WATCH this blog, along with Facebook (while you still can) for information about upcoming CLASSES - one here at my home, and one at the Art Gallery in OWOSSO!  FUN!  Actually - the art gallery gig isn't a class exactly - but it's a chance to get a 'free' look at how my bead embroidery process works.  STAY TUNED!  And I'm all in for entering a BIG BIG bead contest (or two) next year as well.... mums the word until all is said and done!

And for those of you who subscribe to or buy Beadwork magazine - you'll find me in the Feb/March 2015 issue's CHALLENGE section!   :)

Hope you holidays are joyful, merry and bright....

Peaceful beading,

TTFN

Bead Hoarders Blog Hop REVEAL!

So here it is, girls - the day you've all been waiting for 

 the REVEAL of our pieces made with our bead HOARD!   

My story may be a bit different than the rest of the hoarders.  I DO admit I have my own hoard.  I've been beading for over 20 years, AND owned a bead shop for about 4 years as well.  

I have a ton of beads, but as EVERY serious bead hoarder knows - there is always room for more.
And that's where this story takes a bittersweet turn.
You see, this blog reveal isn't just about MY hoard - but it's a tribute, story and reveal that includes the hoard of a very special friend and (sort of) family member.
Colleen Beach was one of my bead shop customers.  She was a crafter of ALL things, and as far as beads - she LOVED seed beads, especially Delicas.  Colleen also happened to be the maternal grandmother of two of my husbands nieces, so it was sort of a 'catch up on the kids' friendly get together whenever she came to visit.

Sadly - Colleen passed away early last year.  

Upon taking care of Colleen's things, and cleaning up her home, the girls finally had entry into the room in the house that had once been forbidden - the craft room.
It seems that Colleen was a CRAFT HOARDER.  Of all kinds.  Fabric for quilts. Yarn. Yarn.  More Yarn.  And BEADS.  Glorious, beautiful, unopened tubes and bags of beads.  I know she had a plan in mind for at least some of them, but just as with the rest of us - if not - there could be a use for them someday.
My nieces were given the task of emptying this room.  Finding homes for the fabric. The yarn.  THE BEADS.  And luckily, LOVINGLY - they thought of me.  When they invited me over to give me 'some of Colleen's beads'  - I NEVER expected this

 These boxes, PLUS a shoe box were FULL of bag upon bag upon bag of DELICA beads in every color of the rainbow, as well as bugles, size 15's, vintage CHARLOTTES and some other gloriously delightful items that I didn't think to photograph at the time.

This was just ONE bag of seed beads, czech glass and pearls purchased from our local bead store - T&T Trading - all of them brand new, never opened.

I also found some absolutely spectacular semi precious stone - jasper, a gi-NORMOUS piece of Lapis, and some other lovely bead related items as well.

Colleen.

I could not believe that those girls (and probably Colleen herself) had chosen to gift me with these wonderful beads.
There was so much beauty in this gesture, that I felt I needed to share my good fortune - I put together a box full of items from Colleen's hoard, as well as my own - and had a 'Pay it Forward' give away a few months back, giving some of them to another passionate beader,whom I hope in turn, chose to pass some on to yet another.
THEN - to TOP this - a wonderful fellow beader Renetha of Lamplight Crafts, asked if I would like more for the hoard, as she was destashing as well.  WELL, What kind of a hoarder would I be to say NO to a bead? NEVER did I think I would receive such beautiful things from Renetha as well - much much more than I ever expected.  So beautiful.  

So I've included a few things - mostly seed beads - from Renetha's 'hoard' as well.

SO - without further ado -
Here are the pieces that I have created for the 

"Bead Hoarders Blog Hop"
BOTH are my "Enlightened Denim" bracelets - each with a very different style:

The centerpiece of this one - "Olive Branch"  is from MY hoard, as well as the teardrop piece at the bottom (the 'newest' member of the hoard-those were purchased this past October).  The gorgeous pearls, and all of the seed beads came from Colleen's hoard.  The denim I seem to have a hoard of as well; once my friends and family started seeing what I was doing with them - they contributed piles and piles!

This next one is by far one of my favorites that I've done in my "Enlightened Denim" line.  Walking on Sunshine.  Bright.  Colorful.  SUNNY.  Again, the focal - the Cubic Zirconium dragonfly, is from MY bead store hoard, as well as the yellow quartz flowers, and the button closure.  The seed beads are a mixture of both Colleen's and Renetha's, all peachy and perfect.  The Shibori ribbon was given by Renetha, and the zipper was also among the items from Colleen.

 But I think the ULTIMATE hoarded item I used in this piece is the little VINTAGE sterling silver

and flower pendant from our local favorite antique shop The Little Red Schoolhouse.  Circa probably the 50's or 60's.  :)  

The pieces that I make that include the little zippers are my most popular pieces.  I have just ONE zipper of about a dozen left.  I've found fun and creativity in creating with each and every one.

I am going to refer you to Lori Anderson's blog for the list of other bloggers.  I hope you can visit them all over the next few days.  I KNOW there will be some magnificent art work in there....

Here's Lori's blog address:

Pretty Things

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Mother Nature (and the twins) pay a visit

Whew.  I'm glad that's over.  I can't believe that it's been a WEEK since our annual Holiday Craft Show here in Holt.  Still in the process of putting the house back together, and making room for the Christmas-ing...Our sales weren't nearly as good as in years past, thanks to the little tiff between Mother Nature and Old Man Winter, who dumped about 4 inches of snow on us the night BEFORE the show, making travel difficult for the first few hours of the day on Thursday.  Then they decided once wasn't enough - and added ICE to that on SATURDAY morning - typically one of our busiest times.

Despite the snow and blow on Thursday, though, it seemed to be our busiest day.  It certainly was MY favorite day, because it included a visit from our favorite returning customers - "THE TWINS and DEEDEE".  Sounds like a music group or something, right?

The twins are Sammi and Andrea - first friends with my vendor friend Tracy, and now, as the years have passed, with me too.  They are young college coeds, who both work as bartenders at the same popular eatery in town.  They even have a 'twin bartender night', filling the place and having a blast!
The DeeDee part is their beloved aunt, who seems to follow them everywhere.  She calls them 'my beauties', and together that trio is an absolute HAPPY bubble of fun.  You can't help but laugh when they're around.  They just have that THING about them that throws off positive vibes everywhere they go.
So happy they love us, and keep coming back every year.

All in all - it was fun, and I'm happy with my profit.   We all laughed and ate, and shared stories.  

Girl time, done differently!

Here's a few shots of the house at it's Holiday Sampler show best:

The sun came out for just a bit on Friday; I wish I could say the same for the people. :(  Sadly, Friday was our slowest day - and the day that ALL THREE of my vendors were available to greet customers.  You just never know how to plan for those crowds...

My holiday jewelry and ornament display....

The front porch.  Tracy does good vintage.....

Judy upcycles old sweaters into new accessories: hats, 'texting' gloves, and more.

Michelle offered delicious soy candles.  The chocolate 'flavor' was the most popular! Could be because we had one burning in the kitchen for everyone to smell!

Now on with the rest of the SHOW - decorating for Christmas, AND creating my piece for NEXT SATURDAY'S "Bead Hoarders Blog Hop".  I have a bit different hoarding story to tell - some of you may have an inkling of what it might be if you've been following and reading the blog this year.
Be sure you stop back next Saturday for the reveal....
Off to enjoy a somewhat warmer day, and enjoy the company of relatives from out of town. THEN
Venison lasagna for dinner.
Life is good.
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Things are hoppin'!

Getting down to the wire.  THIS is the week.  Tables being covered, and set up for the show.  Holiday decor being put here and there to help with the holiday 'mood'.  Still lots to do - but that doesn't mean there isn't time for MORE!   Look over on the left and you'll see another new adventure....another blog hop!  I won't tell you too much about it right now - I'll want you to come back on the reveal date and read all about it - but let's just say it will fit right in with what many call the 'season of giving'.   I won't have a hard time writing the blog to fit the topic - but I MAY have trouble squeezing in time to CREATE my pieces!  I'll be glad if I can do ONE piece for this one!   Hope you can stop back on December 6th for this hop reveal!

Moving right along....  ;)    ;)  wink wink 

Beads were again in the spotlight yesterday as I was able to commandeer the Jeep and have the afternoon to myself.  Sale at T&T Trading you say?   Don't mind if I DOOOO!   So off I went - into the on again off again snow squalls (man, I hate that 4 letter word) and into a world crazy with beads!

If you've never been - T&T Trading  has been located way out yonder between Mulliken and Grand Ledge Michigan since WaAAaAY before I was introduced to beads - which was over 20 years ago. So YOU do the math.   They've always been the go-to bead store for EVERYTHING - huge selection of seed beads - and they work directly with Swarovski for their crystals.    This is the weekend of the big annual sale - Tom even bakes us cookies!  - but I did try to control myself.  Operative word being TRY.  :)   Let's just say they have the proper marketing skills in putting the $1.99 pewter findings on the aisle by the check out. 
Got home so late after picking up hubby and doing dinner that I didn't think to take a photo of the entire 'hoard' - which does consist mostly of pewter clasps and findings, as well as two hole czech glass.  BUT - I did find a pretty mix of seed beads that will come together to be the next Enlightened Denim zipper cuff.  Even though those tend to be pricier than the rest of the ones I make - I can't seem to keep them in stock!
Gonna need more ZIPPERS!

That's all for now - I hope you have a ZIPPY weekend!  Enjoy whatever it is you find yourself doing - to the fullest!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Cleaning the castle

When I was a kid, Cinderella was my favorite movie.

Maybe I identify with that movie - because I would much rather dance with a prince than CLEAN anything.  Just not my favorite thing.

Which is what makes participating in this big 3 day home to home holiday show such a stressful experience beforehand.   

I just hate housework.  Spiders need homes.  Dustbunnies do too.    

This cartoon was perfect for depicting our vacuum - which is not just loud, but also decides to pop open and deposit all the yuck you just swept up right back on the floor again.
EVIL.   No wonder the dogs run and hide.

But clean I must.  The show must go on...

Here is a peak at shows past....

The holiday table - holiday jewelry, ornaments and sparkle

This one was before I asked my friend Tracy to join in the fun.  She now occupies this space with her beautiful linens, pillows, and vintage Christmas treasures.  I also have 2 other girls joining in - sharing the family room space in the back of the house - so there are FOUR of us to share the fun and the wealth!

Last but not least - here's a big pile of LOVE for all you bead loving followers!  I love Bead Haven.  And as much as I manage to spend every time I go, I bet Bead Haven loves ME!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Beads, beads, BEADS!

This time of year especially - it's ALL about the beads.  Not only do I have that big 3 day show coming up, but I've got TWO private shows for friends, AND, as I mentioned in my last post - I've reopened the Etsy shop.  You'll see the little Etsy mini shop and link over on the left - there will be many more pieces added over the course of the next few weeks - I think I've discovered a way to keep things in the shop and offer them at shows at the same time!  That would make my life easier (except for the photo taking part.  That still takes up a BIG chunk of time).

My fireplace display in years past....

I made the trip to Bronners in Frankenmuth this week, to give myself a little tweak into the Christmas spirit.  I used to decorate my ENTIRE house, in and out with Christmas cheer - now I'm lucky if there's a wreath on the door, lights on the railing and a tree.  Is it an age thing?   Just haven't been able to get that holiday spirit going the last few years.  Hoping to change that THIS year 

My tree is tiny - but full of crystal and purple decorations and lights.  Cuz as many of you know - purple is how I roll....

I've also made the trip to Shiawassee Art Center to deliver my Holiday Market pieces for this year.

These are just two of the creations delivered to them this week.  I hope you've had an opportunity to check them out.  

Hope I get a chance to check in and blog again soon - but with the big days drawing near - may be too busy cleaning, shining, and preparing.  I will TRY to remember to take photos during the show to post DURING and afterward - but honestly - sometimes it's just TOO busy!  

If you're local, or want to road trip! - here's the flyer and map:

Peaceful beading,
TTFN