Not a particularly beady Monday

The day didn't start out well bead wise, and sort of went down hill from there.  Projects not coming together, fumbling beads and snapping threads;  missing the customer who owes me $$ for some custom work, which, by the way, I SWORE I wouldn't do anymore - precisely for that reason.  Top it off with a peculiar, even stressful night at bead group - it just wasn't a very beady good day.  Bead group is supposed to be FUN.  I love most of these girls, hence the reason that I continue to grit my teeth and attend, although there are those that do and say things every time to annoy me.  I'm trying to 'rise above'.  I'm trying to stay quiet, stay focused, and stay near those that DO have similar likes and common interests.   TRYING.  Tonight basically just TRIED my patience.  Wore it thin.   And I'm ready to snap.  So I'm HOPING that the piece of apple pie I've got warming in the microwave, which will be topped with some creamy whip topping, will make everything right with the world again. 
So sorry there's no beady photos.  I DO have some new projects ready.  Like the pretty rose/golden shadow/gold color combo, or the one I started during group tonight -  pale greens, and bright popping orange.  Different.   And because of the stress I was feeling while I was there, I may have to take another look at it in the light of day.  It may not even end up being finished. 
Let's hope Tuesday goes much better.  A few hours of 'work' at the soon to closed shop in Dimondale, and then I have the rest of my day FREE.  Hopefully to bead, and bead successful.
Here's to peaceful beading,
TTFN

Daydream is reality

Daydream Believer is done. Although I just posted an album to Facebook, I want to post it here, too. Not sure if this is a keeper - or a seller. I guess I'll let the necklace decide....

If you remember, THIS is what it looked like before I worked my magic.  Because that's what it really feels like I've performed once the transformation is complete.....magic.

Abracadabra.....Voila.   DONE.

So satisfying to complete something, AND have it turn out even close to what you envisioned.  This one has.  I love it.
Off to my LBS for seed beads for another project....or two, or three.....
Peaceful beading, everyone.
TTFN

Believe it

If you've been following, you saw where I was with "Daydream Believer" yesterday.  I expected to be just a tad farther - but alas, haven't felt my best the last day or two, and decided book reading was better than seed beading....but I'm back at it a bit today, and here is my progress.  First photo is where I was early yesterday.  Second photo is where I am with that same section today.  Pretty snazzy huh?  All that fringe and fun sure does make a difference, doesn't it?

Still have a long way to go, with a queasy tummy and a stuffy house, so not sure how far I'll get even today. 
Can't wait to show you the whole thing when it's done.  Hopefully SOON.
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Believin' in Daydreams on Bead Table Wednesday

Boy.  Say THAT three times fast.  I got started on this piece yesterday, after gathering pieces and parts since buying the focal and tube polymer clay pieces at The Great Lake Beadworkers Guild Bead Bonanza LAST OCTOBER!  Wasn't quite sure how I wanted to 'fancy up' the strap, and at first had in mind a spiral rope.  BUT - fringe was in back in the day.  And so it will be for this piece.  Here's what it looked like BEFORE I started fringing....

And for some people, maybe for teenagers, that would be enough.  But not me. 
I've just started the first pass, so I have at least 4 more to go - here's what just ONE section looks like so far:

I still have a blue, white, yellow and maybe some green to add in there!  And since this cold bug that I caught from a bead shop owner a WEEK ago is still kickin' my butt and making have to cancel everything I had planned for today, I'll probably get quite a bit done on it.
That's all for now.  I'm sure I'll come up with something to babble about later.  It's what I do....;0)
Peaceful beading everyone,
TTFN 

Trends are hot...and I'm not.

I just can't keep up with them all.  The wire - the wrapping, the knitting, the crocheting, the chainmaille, the polymer, the lampwork, the silver clay - and I know I'm not naming them all.   Is it really necessary to learn and KNOW how to do it all?  I have some friends that feel it is.   Me - I would rather concentrate on the things about beading that I DO know - and do them well.  I know practically ALL of the weaving techniques, and can teach them if I am asked.  The only 'stitch' to elude me so far is bead crochet.  And you know what?  I decided I'm fine with that.  I can make a strap for most of my fancy bead embroidered focal pieces using net, or herringbone, or spiral rope, and any of the other glorious patterns and techniques.  I'm not going to sweat it anymore.  I do what I do, and I LIKE what I do.  And because my imagination seems to be running amok lately - there seem to be no shortage of original, unique items to make from the things I DO know.  But just so that it LOOKS like I'm keeping up with them - I have been trying to 'work in' little touches of trendy-ness - like vintage items, or some steampunk.  But my tried and true is - and will be for the foreseeable future - seed beads and all that they imply.
How about you?  Are you feeling the itch to learn a new stitch or technique that's completely out of your box?  Or are you happily stuck in your rut? 
I'm stickin' with my rut for now - and my sales, at least at the bookstore shop, are happily showing for it.  Connie informed me today that I sold TWO more of my mid-priced necklaces - so I guess it's a good thing "Midnight Brew" will be taking center stage on the display tomorrow.
Peaceful beading, whatever your technique may be,
TTFN

Midnight Brew

Although I pretty much saturated Facebook with this yesterday, I felt the need to feature it here too.  This piece came about by accident (of course, don't they all?).  I had been beading with a friend who was drawing out ideas for projects, and among them was a moon shaped/themed 'thing'.  Neither of us knew at the time exactly what that 'thing' might be.  I had originally thought a 3-D type piece, which is where the makings of the brooch I posted a few weeks ago came from.  Once I started that piece, they quickly became two, and the smaller one came together much quicker.  This one was simmering for awhile, though.  I made a few trips to my LBS' looking for just the right components, and I think that yellow toned bone face was my last one in stock.   So here it is ~ 'Midnight Brew'.  The only thing that would make it better that could still be added if I find one, is a coffee or tea CUP charm.  You would think with the popularity of coffee shops that one could be found.  NOT.   

I love the way the necklace portion turned out.  The right side is a netted 'rope' that is actually Bead Infinitum's Crystal Bangle.  The left side is simply three strands of seed beads.   Perfect.
Off to Coyote it will go, at least until the show in mid-April.

This was the piece that was originally supposed to be a part.  They could be companion pieces, however, IF the brooch hasn't sold yet.  I haven't been into the bookstore to check my space in about a week!  Dang gas prices, anyways!
So on to the next project.  It probably should be peacock themed - but I'm feeling drawn to a cute patchwork pastel and daisy piece that has already been named 'Daydream Believer', for obvious reasons.  A fitting tribute to the late Davy Jones, and to the carefree days of my youth.  I'm thinking embellished spiral, but haven't yet begun, so who knows where it will take me....
Another gorgeous day  - the official FIRST day of spring (looked at the wrong calendar page yesterday.  My bad).  Another day of close to 80 degree temps. 
Enough with the babble.  On with my day.  And for the independent web design/SEO peeps reading this blog - I am happy designing it and writing it myself, and am reaching the exact audience I want to reach with it.  So go away.
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Searching

For the perfect privacy fencing solution.  Checked on this at Home Depot today:

Bamboo fencing.  Not a bad price, but still not quite what Hubby thinks will work.  We're also going to check on just using the slats that you weave in (not what I want, but may be more affordable), and I'm looking into getting a couple more of these shutter/planters to set up along the fence too:

Along with some tall sedge grasses, and I don't know what else - she's a small dog - so it doesn't have to be overly TALL - although I think it would look nicer to cover the entire chain link.  All I know is - I'm at my wits end with the barking.  Something WILL be done.  SOON.
Beautiful day, all.  Enjoy it however you can.

TTFN