2013

Happy New Year to all of you!

2012 was an amazing year. Among other things,

my daughter graduated from high school

We had "the greatest vacation ever" 

(according to our kids)

Disney World was such a blast. 

I "dyed" my hair pink to honor an amazing woman, Lori Anderson

Sent my daughter to college

(how exactly did that happen???)

My son started high school

My hubby turned 50, retired after 25 years on the Metropolitan Police Department

and will start his "new" job shortly.

(no pictures of this....)

Christmas was filled with friends and family, the tree, the decorations,

and the fun of having everyone around.

We welcomed 2013 in quietly last night

with a nice dinner and a few episodes of Community

(seriously, one of the funniest shows!)

This year will be a big year for me, personally and professionally!

I have found that I am drawn to my camera more and more

these days, don't worry, the beads will always call my name.

I have loved being able to do this,

and this,

and this,

I can't even begin to tell you the joy it brings me.

I have decided that I want to do this professionally, like a grown up! :)

I took the step and have filed for a business license with the 

state of Maryland and am awaiting it.  

It felt sooo right!  More than my beads. 

My heart is so full with the excitement and 

possibility of this adventure. 

Not going to lie, I am terrified at the same time.

But, I am ready to take that first step.

I have so much to learn and welcome it with an 

open heart and mind.

I know that being able to make this my full time

job will take time, I am giving myself four years to do this.

At that point, my daughter will be graduating from college and my

son will be headed to college, and

hubby will be four years into his new career.

I have had some amazing friends who have agreed

to help and support me on this journey.

Thank you Jeannie, Karen, Kathleen, and Kelley!

My friend Kelley Wenzel of Pear Tree Photography had the 

most wonderful saying the other day,

"May you chase a dream you never thought possible and

realize you can reach it."

I am dreaming and reaching!

I.Can't.Wait!

I hope you will stick around and go on this adventure

with me!

May 2013 be filled with joy, happiness, health and may you

achieve all your goals!

Monday Morning! with a picture.

And how did my Monday start you ask?  Well, I opened my email to find MY FIRST SALE ON ETSY! Yeah Me!

A picture was asked for, so here it is.  It has one of Kelley's wonderful eggs!! Thanks Kelley.  Thank you all for your words! (and figuring out that whole paypal thing, geez.)

It must be football season~

My creativity has jumped! Loving this. The NFL Theme is like a huge cup of creativity. First I have to share a culinary first for me. I. Made. Wings. Our local spot closed.... :(........so I decided to attempt my own. I used a recipe from Ina Garton, the Barefoot Contessa, on FootNetwork.

First some of these

and some of this

with these

gave us these!!!!!

Tastey!!!!!

Now, on to projects. First is this necklace. I have been playing with these floral components from Sleeping Dog Studio. Now, understand that I have to look at, hold, play with some things until they speak to me.  Well, they finally did. I used some glass beads from Indian Creek Art Glass, some enameled headpins from Sue Beads, and some antiqued copper chain.  I think it turned out really well.  In fact, my daughter said that she may have to "borrow" it.  :)

Oh, and there are a few great beads from Kelley!  Thoughts?

Next, some earrings.

Hand wrapped with some great disc beads from HMB Studios.

These started as a bracelet from Forever 21. It was just too good and I had to take it apart.

Now, these are my fav! I love hammering silver! Gets that aggression out!  12 g silver pounded into sticks and 20 gauge hoops. I do love that rustic feel to hammered silver. But I do have a question - for all you metal workers out there - how do I buff them out? Is there a special tool? Do I get a Dremmel? I would love to know.  I also love how they look on my daughter!

Today rocked! I mean, you know when you get into the groove, really into the groove?  Well, I was there! :)  In fact, probably TMI, I sat downstairs working, drinking water for almost 3.5 hours. Forgot to go, if you know what I mean........Love the groove! Felt really good.

I hope that you all had a good weekend.

Go Skins!!!!!

Yup. Mine. All. Mine.

Uh huh. Mine. 

and

All. Mine.

Kelley of Kelley's Bead Studio made these beautiful beads. Had to have them. My daughter and I were looking at her blog and all she could say when she saw these pink beads was COVET. So, 'nuf said.  Thank you Kelley, for being gracious on a Saturday morning and answering my email. You are wonderful and oh so talented. 

I can't wait to get these and just hold them in my hand for awhile. Then we shall see what they say to me.

A few new pieces and a new friend

On Sunday I got the opportunity to meet Elisabeth of Beads for Busy Gals.  She lives not far from me and we met at Tyson's Corner Mall at Bedazzled.  We shopped and talked for an hour! It was great to put a face with a name! She was good and posted pictures of her goodies, I haven't had the chance to take any pictures, but promise that I will.  I am looking forward to keeping in touch with her. I tell you, bead shopping with someone who "gets" beads is therapy for the soul. And of course, the first thing my daughter asked was "did you get a picture of the two of you?" Alas, no.

I did get the chance to create a few pieces last Thursday when we had all that rain. I am posting some pictures here. Please keep in mind - my light box should arrive the end of the week! Working on my photography is an ongoing project! :)

Made with one of Kelley's wonderful eggs!

A silver bangle made with a polymer bead made by me and one of Cindy Gimbrone's great looking glass charms and some sari ribbon.

Here is where my photo skills are lacking! This necklace has a great charm by Jade Scott.  I love, love her charms. I have a few and like Kelley's eggs, I just sit and look at them.  Hesitant to use them because they are so amazing and I want my creation to do them justice. I know, I just need to get over it! :)

Just plain funky. And of course, this doesn't show the great colors. Once I get my light box and play, I will take more pictures.

I hope you have enjoyed these. I loved making them!

Yeah, that's right! They are mine!

I am getting more of Kelley's  eggs! I can't wait to get these jewels in my hands!!!!!  How beautiful are these?!

Ok, they're not ALL mine, but most are! Hee, Hee!  Thank you Kelley for getting these ready before you went on vacation.