No Words

Well, ok  - maybe just TWO.

THANK YOU.

To my faithful friends for always being there to listen, love and help me manifest my dreams.

To my THURSDAY girls - for always being there to listen, love and help me through the fears ABOUT manifesting my dreams.

To the UNIVERSE.   For making the dream manifest as more real every. DAY.

Today was another 'giving' day - and it's still hard for me to wrap my head - and heart - around the kindness that so many offer me.  I was brought up to BE a giving person, but that TAKING was not something done without monetary or other compensation.  It's been hard for me to TAKE without guilt.

Last summer was a biggie for me - all those beautiful beads from so many wonderful sources.


 I took with love and 'paid it forward' to a fellow bead person - knowing that the person that had owned them (if you recall she was a bead lover/hoarder that passed away) would have liked that.  I'm STILL finding beautiful AWESOME surprises like vintage charlottes and antique beads in the bottom of those boxes.....

Unbelieveable awesomeness from my summer of 2014.

And now it's happening again. In the form of a dinner invitation from a friend soon to be permanently moving out of state.  In the form of MOM allowing me to use her car until the end of the day so that I can manifest all this greatness in all it's many shapes and sizes.   In the form of an entire box of like new/brand new display items that are perfect for my denim pieces.  I couldn't just take them - so I gave her a denim ring as a 'swap'.  And she can advertise for me.  Win/Win/Win.   And then I did repairs for someone on something I made her that was clearly a design flaw on my part.  She INSISTED on paying me for the repairs - WAY more than I was planning to charge her.  So we came to the decision that I'd make her a few more in return.  Win/Win again.     So much love and caring in my life already today-but I felt that the reciprocation on my part of the ring and the items to come was necessary for MY piece of mind.

Now - before I reveal the BEST part of the day - a little back story on "The Thursday Girls".  These girls are all a part of my metaphysical/new age family.  Our illustrious leader was the owner of the bookstore that I started working in as a retail clerk - she took a chance on me even though I had had NO retail experience.  I went on to be manager and newsletter editor for a second store owner as well, and also worked in a second store, where I also sold my wares for awhile.  I've learned so much from them, and from a few of the other girls in the group that have been with me from the start - each with their own unique gifts and insights - I cherish each one.  I've been introduced to new people through these girls too - and we've managed to maintain most of the original members - as well as a few new ones - for going on about 5 years now.  We are each others shoulders, rocks, sounding boards, and support systems.  We do abundance and prosperity manifestation, meditation, and try to keep the positive vibes flowing by reading affirmation cards each week.

So imagine my surprise today when mine was all about "facing your fears".  Exactly those fears and the dread that I've been bashing myself with over my summer sales this year; panicking that I'll sell nothing.  Freaking out that the weather will be nasty.    

It was and it wasn't something that I wanted to share - even though I knew that's what those girls DO.

And of course - never letting me down - they all provided me - each with their own take - on WHY (see MONDAY'S blog post) and how to snap myself out of what was surely self sabotage.  AGAIN.

The surprise was one of those beautiful souls - one that has had faith, hope and love for me from the start - has graciously made a "down payment" of a substantial amount on what she knows will be an awesome piece  - she'll know it when she sees it.  

Blow. Me. Away.   I tried to return it.  I tried to make her hold on to it until she actually SAW the piece she's going to want.  But no.  She insisted that it needs to help me get started on my summer sales - in however way I need to make it so.

WOW.   She will definitely be on my mind as I continue to create - one awesome LIZ statement necklace comin' up!

So much love in my life.  Remind of that the next time I get cranky and whiny,  OK?   :)

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

And P.S.  JUST as I'm closing this blog - I've also got an ETSY sale coming in!  CHA-CHING!  That's the sound my phone actually made when it did!

Awesomeness from The Universe.  It really is that easy.....

tiny buddhas and tranquility dudes to the rescue!

For those of you who don't like listening to the ME stuff, the stuff about the not so happy days, and the 'whining'  - STOP right here.   You won't like this post.

But if you are one of the tried and true following friends that will read and see me through, and may even have some comment words of encouragement and comfort then here we go...

It's been a 'why me' kind of weekend.  And forgive the "astrolog-ese" when I say I would like to blame Mercury Retrograde for everything.  LOL.    But it seems as though this is the week, weekend, and TIME for all things electronic in this house to hit the fritz.  Fzzzzt.  First  -  this laptop is on it's last legs.  Internal battery not worth a plug nickel - and it overheats during ANY video.  Ack.
Then my phone.  Don't get me started on my phone, and I still have a year left on the contact.  Even my little used Nook was giving me trouble this morning.  How will I survive???  

 I'm also all of a sudden in a beadwork sort of FUNK - finding little to inspire and motivate me after discovering another artist (although not in my immediate area) working with DENIM.  I had planned to make a trip to her neck of the woods - hit the art galleries, a street fair maybe - but she's going to have the jump on me.  So it depressed me a little to realize (as I should have all along) that what I do is not unique. (Just put Denim Jewelry in the search on Pinterest.  Ack).    Even though I will swear on both my dogs lives that I DID NOT copy anyone when I began creating these pieces - I must have seen something somewhere to put the thought - the idea - in my head.  And I ran with it.  Pretty successfully so far.  So I guess that's SOMETHING....

So as I'm having one of those feeling sorry for myself kind of mornings --- I find this in my Facebook pages feed this morning.... a wonderful quote from Neal Donald Walsch posted by the Tranquility Dudes.

"Why is this happening?" is the most useless
question in the Universe.

The only really profitable question is, "What?" As in,
"What do I choose now?" This question empowers.
The "why" question simply perplexes, and rarely
satisfies even when it gets a good answer.

So don't try to "figure it out." Stop it. Just focus on
what you now wish to create. Keep moving forward.
There's nothing behind you that can possibly serve
you better than your highest thoughts about tomorrow.

You will not have to think but a second to know
exactly why you received this message today. - Neale Donald Walsch

Ahhhhhh.
 I love the Tranquility Dudes.  I need to remember to go read stuff the Tranquility Dudes post more often.  As well as Tiny Buddha.  BOTH of those pages always have pertinent posts that just happen to come to me at the right time.

I am hoping that my plan to get out all my trays of jewelry and inventory for the looming summer shows will jump start me into creating wonderful again.  Only about 20 days before the first show to kick off the season.  I have a new 10x10 canopy, new weights that are more streamlined and easier to handle, and a new way to display many of my pieces - HANGING racks!


The metal grid rack in the back has a twin - and BOTH should hang beautifully from the bottom rungs of the 10x10 frame.  This will free up much table space and help lighten things up a bit!  Kind of excited to see how well they work....And the bonus is - I can test it early.  We have my old 10x10 permanently affixed to our deck now - so I can play all day!

 I HAVE done a few things this week - in between cooking for my STAY-CATION husband (who's having a grand time, by the way).  He goes back to work tomorrow.  So more bead time for ME!

(Sunset Blues.  The center section is a teaser for my Fire Mountain seed bead contest entry - something that didn't make it into the piece).

The focal piece is another lovely polymer clay creation by my artist friend and fellow art fair vendor - Claudia of Clawdia's Creations.  She has a unique style - and a cat theme that's quite popular 'round here... can't wait to see what she comes up with next.   I'm having fun playing with the pieces that can be incorporated into beadwork!  This is a tribute to her of sorts - "The Cat's Meow"...

ah.  Now I'm feeling just a bit better from 'venting' through this blog - so I'm sure this funky thing with pass - they come around every once in awhile, and thankfully, with a little help from my friends - they pass quickly and are followed by massive bouts of YAY-ness.  So something to look forward to.....

Thanks to all of you for sticking with Cool Moon and the Babbling Beader.  We truly do LOVE YOU!   MWWWWWWWWWAAAAAA!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Just BE.

A quick little blog with a link to a LOT of beautiful beads, and stories of faith, hope and courage. Lori Anderson's Art Bead Challenge "The Art of Awareness Blog Hop"  began over the weekend.  I was so busy with Battle of the Beadsmith, and my other obligations, that I didn't participate in this hop, but I have taken time to check out many of the blogs - and oh my.

I urge you to take the time to GO.  Look at the beautiful work.  Read the stories.  But grab a box of kleenex first.

The post title is all about what one of the participants had to say about her challenge pieces ....... 

Live life.  Breathe.  Love.  

BE.

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

And P.S.  I submitted my BOTB 15 piece to Steven yesterday.  Now the nail biting suspense of the vote begins..... (deadline isn't until 6/8).   EEEEEEK!

Still alive and beadin'!

Haven't had much time for blogging lately.  And it's not that I've been super busy-

well, maybe just a little.  

It's more like my brain is running in beady overdrive!   I have sooooo many ideas pouring out of my head and through my fingers.  This one happened just yesterday, while I was 'playing with possibilities':

And this happened this week too:

(the focal tile was made by my wonderful polymer clay friend Claudia of Clawdia's Creations)

As well as having a fun First Thursday Play Date last Thursday, despite the fact that some lowlife decided to key some cars that apparently were blocking their path.  :(  

  (This is Claudia!)

And Dodie, and Middy (BOTH were first time meet in real life Facebook friends!)  And Jane, the queen of all things theatrical and the organizer of many a successful art show....

Everyone was so focused on their projects!   And on their plates - there was a whole spread full of munchie goodness in the kitchen!   NOM.  NOM.

Another exciting development - I HAVE STUDENTS for my HCE Spiral Rope Bracelet class!
I've offered classes similar to this one 2 other semesters now - with NO results.  3rd time's the charm.  And I'm hoping that these 2 hopefully NEW and excited beaders will also sign up for next weeks EMBELLISHED Spiral Rope Bracelet.  Now I just have to finish those kits and tutorial!

But I think my MOST exciting 'busy thing' this week was my Sunday trip back to Owosso for the Member Show reception.  Wow.  I didn't realize it would be such a shindig!  What a turnout - and fun afternoon.  Here's what my piece looks like on display in the show room:



Cool huh?   There are sooooo many other fabulous pieces of art that have been entered in this show, that I'm sure I don't have a chance of winning the award - but the gallery manager tells me that there WAS an inquiry as to purchasing this piece (YAY!) AND - I have sold so many things from the shop, that I need to bring them more.

Awesome.  

This is once again, for the most part - turning into another year of Sheryl!  LOL!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Over. Done. A new chapter spun....

Onward and upward.  My annual spring open house is done and behind me - with a little disappointment, and a lot of gratitude.  Not many came - for many different reasons.  But those that did are tried and true - and I am grateful to them for sticking with me.  Besides.  MORE GRUB FOR US!

I love how my 'denim' table turned out - and will attempting to repeat this with a 4 foot table at my first show this year - Celebrate Okemos on June 13th!  

But before I get into show mode - I have to get into CLASSROOM mode.  I LOVE to teach - but don't get an opportunity to do so very often.  Bead technique teaching is just not popular in my area - especially now that there's this THING called YouTube.  :)
So I'm a bit rusty.  And realized that the last time I taught the particular class I hope to be teaching (don't know about attendance numbers yet) - I had a different laptop, and no longer have access to the instructions I wrote.  So guess what?  I'll be using GUINEA PIGS (aka bead loving friends) to test my newly written instructions at my Bead Play date next Thursday night.  Great chance for a free lesson (the lesson through the school district community ed is about $30).  

I also have to get into PHOTOGRAPHER mode - which is the scariest mode of all.  It's time to start getting those photos ready for Battle of the Beadsmith.  And I'm nervous.  I have a professional all lined up.  A great one.  But something tells me I also need to have my own back up photos - with all the right photo parameters, lighting, backdrops, etc.   Never been great at the photo part - not sure why so many put such stock in the photos when they rarely do the actual item justice - no matter how professional.  I still struggle with my own; here are some examples of my jewelry photo journey:

One of my first attempts at photographing my jewelry.  

I then learned about lighter and brighter.

And shadow play.

And I discovered that I kind of like using the shiny gray cover of my laptop lit from behind by the natural light through a window.  I have used this method for a few current pieces as well.

And of course - you are all familiar with this one.  I have an actual light box that can be lined with fabric, lit from above and the side, diffused, etc.  but it's home made and a bit cumbersome at times. 

  I still find myself throwing a cloth on my studio work table under my Ott Light with a pretty piece of  scrapbook paper underneath - with my CELL PHONE camera.    Works for me, and works great with my photo edit program...

My newest creation, Shiawassee Art Center bound....

Hope your life is spinning you in all kinds of wonderful directions...mine sure is!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Vintage Redux, family style

Let me begin with....

I have such awesome friends and family.  I have had denim, and beads, and more denim, and vintage jewelry and buttons GIVEN to me on a regular basis for a couple years now.  MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY ROCK!   

My mother in law recently found a box of very vintage jewelry among some old even more vintage photographs (some dating back to the late 1800's) and told me to take it and do what I do best with it.

THIS was the latest and GREATEST of the pieces created with a vintage (circa 1940's) rhinestone and pearl choker from that box (long piece in the center of the photo above).

  I didn't have the heart to rip it apart - so I wanted to enhance and embellish the original choker.  It was truly a choker - barely 16 inches when closed.
I needed to make it a tad longer, without compromising the original shape.
Two days, and tons of vintage pearls and size 15 seed beads later....
Rodeo Pearls.

This piece sold within 10 minutes of posting it on my Facebook timeline.  It's a record!  The best part - it sold to my sister in law - my husbands brother's wife - so the choker, in it's new found glory - is staying in the family at least.  I hope she truly enjoys it. 

 It's one of my favorite pieces I've made (SO FAR!).....

Now I can concentrate of this weekends open house, then the new gallery inventory delivery, and then I can concentrate on class kits and instructions, after which I simply must start getting things ready for my summer of shows!  Over 1 dozen shows are scheduled between now and the end of the year!  TWO more applications in todays email!  I'm waiting for my handsome husband to say 'enough already'.  (The handsome part is meant to butter him up should he read this!  LOL).  I am really looking forward to seeing even more excitement that people have over my denim pieces.  I will be doing SOME of those summer shows with strictly a denim inventory.  

Still need to create just a few more...

Back to the peaceful, cathartic, meditative way of the bead.
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Coming up for air

Whew!  What a week!  Lunch with friends.  Spontaneous out of town art fair trip.  Farmers Market fun and dinner with hubby.  BEAUTIFUL weather.  And of course - my Battle piece.  Progress IS being made - in fact - I THINK the FRONT of the piece, the focal, the accents, etc. is just about done. BUT - since I've decided that the back also needs drama - that will be coming next.  I'm VERY pleased with how it's turning out - my vision, my dream - is becoming reality with each pass of the needle through the beads.  I DID have to break down and buy a few accents for it - one of them becoming a true miracle in itself - finding EXACTLY the same size, color and shape of bead at a different supplier than the original.  That almost NEVER happens!  And then almost running out of a certain color, and finding the exact same color among the beads I was gifted with last summer!  THAT almost never happens either!  That's why I think this piece was just destined to be - and why it's barely putting up a fight.   Here's another tease - I can't wait to show you the actual finished piece sometime in June or July!   

Very exciting!

And as if that weren't enough- it's less than 2 weeks now before my annual open house!  And I'M NOT READY!  I have several pieces left in mind to make - if I get half of them made before then (between Battle piece and class instructions and the darn good book I'm reading) I'll be happy.

LIFE is in bloom all around me - and it's GOOD!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN