Table Set Up

My friend Tracy & I had our first show this weekend.  It was a decent enough show, but more importantly we were able to tweak our table set-up that we'll be using for the year.

We are going for a vintage look.  I am using books, antique bottles, and some of my husband's antlers.  We received a lot of positive feedback.  I can't wait for the rest of the year!

More than a Suitcase

I work some pretty awesome people.  Shortly after Christmas I became aware of a situation and needed some assistance having some cats removed from a hoarding situation.  I had heard my coworker Sharon had rescued cats and horses in the past.  I didn't know that she has a network of awesome people.  Within an hour of telling her of the situation, she had made phone calls and those people had made phone calls.  That night, the cats were evaluated.  The next day, they were on their way to being removed.  Within a few days, they were cleaned, cared for, given lots of love, and were on their way to their forever homes.  Words cannot describe how grateful I am for her assistance.  

Sharon and her friends rescued 29 cats, cleaned them, gave them veterinarian care, and spayed and neutered all of 29 them.  She works with Richland Animal Rescue; please take a moment and check them out.  

My table set up for this year has a vintage theme.  Sharon gave me her beloved grandmother's cosmetic case to use.  She said that she has many fond memories of her grandmother and this case. She said she is just happy that someone will be using it.  I feel privileged that she was willing to let me have it, and I plan on cherishing it.

And of course, I can't let any serious post occur without a little humor.  Doesn't this case have the cutest little face?  Big ol' anime eyes and a cute, tiny smile...

One of Those Days...

First Show of 2012

I've updated my Show Schedule.  My first show is next weekend at the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.  It is the Art from the Heart show, and it is the first show with my bead buddy, Tracy.  I am so excited, I cannot stand it!

I've been tweaking the finishing touches on my table.  Well, I should say the first round of finishing touches on my table.  One of the things I did today was to tea-stain the clothes pins I'll be using on my displays.

They may need to be darker, but I figure it is easier  to add color than it is to take it away.

I Love the Bloggess

I wish I had a witty post, or a post with some awesome pictures of the necklaces I made tonight...  Oh that's right, my work table has 4 half-finished necklaces and a large dose of frustration.

Luckily, The Bloggess post today made me laugh until I nearly peed myself (The part about doll heads, not the part about being in the hospital.  I'm not that soulless. Really.)

http://thebloggess.com/2012/01/the-post-where-i-make-it-up-to-you-and-then-make-things-worse-and-then-apologize-again/

Something New

Here is one of the new necklaces I created this weekend.  The hand dyed ribbon is from Paradox Art Glass on Etsy, the copper pendant bail is by JustVonna.  I made the glass leaf using raku glass.  This is the only time I've been able to coax the pink out of raku.  I've had the leaf for a few years, so I figured it is time to use in something...

I Love Dogs

Yesterday was our monthly bead cult meeting, and this time we met at Laurie's.  She has two adorable corgis, Winston and Special Ed.  I love seeing my glassy peeps every month, but I just love it when there are dogs around.  This is Winston.  Once he decides on who will play with him, that person *will* play with him for the entire time you are there.

Hanging out with my peeps always inspires me to create, and I made several necklaces and pairs of earrings today.  I will be listing them over the next couple of days.

Sweet Fire, How I've Missed You

My dear, sweet flame, how I've missed you.

Cleaning Up

Well, I didn't get around to making any beads today, but I did accomplish quite a bit.  I cleaned up around the house, and I straightened up my jewelry work area.  It was an absolutely disaster area. Before my last show in December I was looking for something, couldn't find it.  I started dumping things in piles.  Big shiny piles of jewelry components.  Not a pretty sight.

I've reopened my Etsy store!

One of the things I did today was to assemble my new office chair. I am currently using an old office chair my husband had WAY back in college.  You look at it and it makes and awful squeaking noise, similar to nails-on-a-chalkboard noise.  Now I have a quiet, purple dreamcloud.  

What I'll Be Reading

It was a very good Christmas.  Books, books, and more books.  The above picture is a pile of unread books, most from Christmas, and a few that my BBF lent to me.

So far, I've been able to read three of them.  All good, but I think my favorite is The Secret History of Moscow.  Somewhat Gaimanish, but considering he endorsed it, I can't complain it is a copy of his work.

Shot post, but I'll be back tomorrow.

Don't Blink

No, I can't resist a Doctor Who reference. :)  

Life's been, well, complicated lately.  Can't get into details at the moment; I do plan on sharing because it involves an important subject for me - depression.  Depression and its stigma.  Why depression is so difficult to understand, even for those who live with it.  What is happening right now isn't completely my story to tell, but I will at some point figure out how much I can share without hurting someone.

For now, things are as in control as they can be. I get to spend tomorrow preparing for this year's shows.  It involves a total revamp of my tabled set-up.  Tomorrow also kicks off registration for the next installment of Bead Soup Blog Party.  It is a lottery this time, so I am crossing all of my lucky bits that my name will be chosen to participate. Sunday WILL be spent melting glass.  

Ornament Exchange

This week I participated in an ornament exchange sponsored by Amy of Flamekeeper Beads.  My partner was Vickie Barber-Ellis of Sunshine Jewels.  She makes drool-worthy jewelry and handmade copper components.

She created a beautiful ornament that matched my tree wonderfully!  It is green and glass and even has some local moss from Arizona.  How cool is that!

Tattoos

I've wanted a tattoo for many, many years. 

 As in over 20 years.  

Yeah, I know.  Indecisive much?

 (via Pinterest, quote by Neil Gaiman)

Luckily, when I was younger I was not only broke, but smart enough to know that this is not a step to take lightly.  It wasn't something I thought about all the time, but I would entertain the thought a couple of times a year. 

There are many prejudices and preconceived notions about tatts.  I see them as art I get to wear all the time.  I have narrowed down what I want to a few ideas (not posted here, I just love the quote and the Mucha art).  I am beginning to research artists in Michigan and the surrounding states.  I've been saving up my money, and my goal is to have one by the end of next summer.

I would love to hear your thoughts on tattoos, and the people that wear them.

In My Head

After many months of a creative drought, I finally have some cohesive designs in my head.  Sadly, very little time to execute, but at least I have ideas.  I can face my work bench without wanting to cry.  I can make the time, but I can't force the ideas.

And now, something that makes me laugh every damn time.

My Partner in Crime - 2012

Here is my partner in crime for 2012, Tracy Bell.  We are going to buddy up for shows next year; I am so excited!  The things she does to metal is just awesome.  Plus, she has a twisted/wicked sense of humor, just like mine.  Check out her blog and her fun baubles in her Etsy site!  (I have to cut this post short, as my husband just called from about 20 miles out and our truck won't go above 40 without shaking like it's re-entering the atmosphere.)

Monday Inspiration

"There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."
    --- Nelson Mandela

Snow

I missed my window to take a picture of our first real snowfall this winter (I somehow managed to forget the sun goes down before I get home from work...  duh).  So, here's a picture of Steamboat Springs.

Survived Thanksgiving

Woohoo!  I survived cooking my first Thanksgiving meal.  No stress at all.  I only had 4 people to cook for, although I think I made enough food for over 10.  My aunt and I played several games of Scrabble, and at one point we were playing Scrabble on the table and Words With Friends on our cell phones at the same time.  Nope, we aren't competitive or anything...

Now that the holiday hulabaloo is over, I've listed all sorts of glassy goodness in my Etsy store.  Plus, I'm offering free first class shipping with delivery confirmation through Saturday at Noon (EST).  Just use the code FREEPIG2011.

 This is a simple and sparkling pendant created with some dichro.

I created this necklace with some boro beads I won from Lori Anderson a whole back.

We are currently under a winter storm watch (freezing rain changing to 1" of snow every hour til midnight), so I hope to have some great snow pictures tomorrow.

Behind in Everything

I've been dragging some serious ass lately.  I haven't been posting, reading blogs, making beads, zilch.  I've made some jewelry simply because I've had shows.  I desperately need to catch up on life.

If you see my mojo, please let me know.  :)

Source: vineetkaur.tumblr.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday