The Future's So Bright

This makes me happy ;)

ArtBeads ‘What’s Old is New Again!’ Blogger Challenge

Oh kids this is a fun one. Artbeads' new blogger challenge is titled - What's Old is New Again, and I am excited.

I have an awesome necklace from my mom from the 70's and have been putting off popping it apart to re purpose it, until now :)

Artbeads gave me a great opportunity to pair it up with some really fun beads and re vamp this necklace into something new and fun!




Here is what I got -

BS-0038 6x8mm Dark Amber and Opaque Sky Blue with Picasso Roundel Bead Strand *

SW-BD245 Stoneware Brown with Light Blue Daisies Tube Bead *

LMP-0146 Yellow and Orange Roundel Beads (7 pcs) *

CR-RL131 5x4mm Opaline Yellow Roundelle Strand *

I can't wait to dive in!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Am Prayin to the Shutter Gods.........

Some people can't cook - case in point - Ellie May - but she can sure keep all them critters in line
Some people can't drive - like these folks

I can't take pictures - and most of you know this, but you stop by here and take a gander anyways.

I spent an hour and a half this morning taking pictures. Almost 200 pictures later - I have about 12 I can use - the most of them come out like this.......





Or this.......



My friend Sam got a light box and has been taking great shots - she has invited me over to play - maybe I can get this right.

My friend Selma is a photographer (and so much more) - she says "just bring it over, I'll shoot it"

Now if I can make time stand still and get some schtuff organized, I may one day have some decent pictures!!!!

Let's start off the week right kids - Hope it is a great one!!!

ArtBeads Make It For Mom Challenge!!!

I got this email from ArtBeads and had to share it with you!

The Make it for Mom Challenge is all about creating that perfect design for Mom and having some fun too. The winner of this jewelry design contest will receive a $250 Artbeads.com Gift Card and their winning design will also be featured in the Artbeads Learning Center. All design submissions must contain at least 50% products available at the Artbeads.com website. Contestants must be 18 or older to enter and this contest is open to entrants worldwide. The winner will be determined by a public vote on Facebook starting at midnight (Pacific Time) on Mother’s Day. Make sure to submit a design yourself and tell all your beading friends, family and blog readers to enter this fun design challenge!

Make it for Mom Challenge




ArtBeads is also are running a great store wide sale to coincide with the design contest. You can save 15% on your order of $45 or more in our Make it for Mom Sale going on right now. Just enter coupon code ZZ-MOM15 at checkout to take advantage of these fantastic savings. Hurry, this sale ends on Saturday, April 23, 2011





Put your thinking caps on and get your creative fingers going and make something beautiful for Mothers Day!

Good Luck!

Dye Easter Eggs Naturally!

How cool is this!

What color goes with what!!?

Color is the hardest thing for me to wrap my head around. I have a color wheel I got from Beadin Path, that I use as a guide when putting colors together for my pieces.

Today, I found this site - Color Combinations



It is awesome! Find your color and it gives you examples of what colors go with it! There is so much work in putting the design together - let them help you pick out your colors!!!

The Smithsonian Wants Your Art!!!!

Ever wondered how to get your work out there ?
How could you reach all these markets and have your work all over the country?

Let me show you the Buyers Market of American Craft.

2x a year, once in Philly and once Baltimore - there is a Buyers Market. This is set up for you to showcase your work and to be introduced to buyers from North America that are looking for unique and hand made items for their stores.

Find out more here and good luck!!!!

A Chance To Win $100 To Spend On ArtFire!!!!

$100 Daily Prize in New “Collection of the Day” Email

Yes you heard me - $100!!!

Find out more on how you can win at Art Fires Blog!

Bead Trends October 2011 Call

Ok kids - there is still time to get your ideas into Bead Trends for their October 2011 call!!!

Bead Trends is a series of beautiful idea books. They feature a great variety of incredible jewelry and bead creations.

Bead Trends October 2011 Call

Bead Trends is currently looking for designs with the following themes for our October 2011 issue:

• Color Challenge - Pantone's color of the year is Honeysuckle, a beautiful reddish pink. Mix your favorite version of Honeysuckle pink with any other colors and create your favorite combinations!

• Anything Goes - The beaded possibilities are endless and not just limited to jewelry. What about pillows, table runners, picture frames, lamps, clothing, candle collars, wine glass charms, and home decor. This category can contain jewelry and a whole lot more!

• Quick & Easy – Featuring beautiful designs that can be created in less than an hour and are perfect for designers of all levels.

• Fashion Favorites – Features designs from a variety of styles and mediums that can be a personal favorite or necessary staple in any wardrobe.

• Matching Sets – Trendsetting styles that can be worn together or alone.

• Wire Artistry – Gorgeous designs using wire working and wire artistry at its best.

• Mother Earth – Designs made from natural elements from the earth.

• Earrings

• All Mixed Up – Mixed media jewelry! We love mixed metals, fabrics, shapes, textures, and mediums. Rethink how you design and come up with something new!

If you would like to submit your work to this publication, please e-mail a photograph, the name or title of your piece, and contact information to: beadsubmit@northridgepublishing.com.

If submitting multiple pieces, please send a separate e-mail and photograph for each design.

Deadline for the October 2011 issue is 11:59 p.m. MDT, April 25th, 2011. All ideas should be your original work and not previously published.

We will review all submissions, and if selected, we will contact you by May 1st with additional information. All pieces will need to be shipped to us directly for photography and arrive in our office by May 12th. Your creation will be returned to you insured, after the issue has been printed.

Trunk Show - April 25th, 2011

Having another trunk show in a couple of weeks - am nervous as all get out.
Any suggestions from your trunk shows that made them a success or mebbe what you would have done differently?

Completely Exhausted!

Got in late last nite from my trip to Illinois - and am flat out.
Have to take some time off to re group, a little emotional, don't get to see my daughter enuff.
Gimme a couple of days to unpack and get settled in.

Would love to know what you have been up to lately - post some links to what you have been working on!!!!

Take care kids!

Live from DuQuoin!

My help today