Jael's Art Jewels Blog

It's getting closer to that time of year again...

2011-03-21T15:38:00.001-05:00

If you are thinking about a rabbit for a pet for Easter, please please watch this video. If you are not ready for the commitment, then stick to the chocolate kind, okay?

Giving away the pounds!!!

2011-03-02T17:26:00.000-06:00

I've decided that this is a great cause, and a great reason to start eating healthier and lighter. Anyone else? Every pound you lose gets a pound of food for your local food bank. So, in essence, you are giving your excess weight to someone who really needs it. I know I don't need what I've got (patting the soft pillow around my waist)...

Cheryl's Art sale

2011-02-19T23:14:00.001-06:00

I've blogged about the art of Cheryl Harris before (Off to the Beach). If you have thought about purchasing one of her pieces, now would be a great time to buy!! She has a 25% off sale in her Etsy store (use the code FEBSALE) until the end of February!!!

Cheryl has polymer clay pendants, lampwork beads, some destash bead mixes, and polymer clay flowers. Now is the time to buy!

(oh, and check out her beads on Artfire, too!)

Charms

2011-02-19T22:48:00.000-06:00

I've finished the charms for the exchange I joined on Lampwork Etc. I guess you'd say I'm in the etc. division!

Swap sneak peek

2011-01-24T10:38:00.002-06:00

These are the first 4 little charm "drums" I've made. They'll be cured, sanded, antiqued and then sanded and buffed. I have 2 more in progress on my table

Stepping into life and art

2011-01-23T12:32:00.003-06:00

Was it really September the last time I posted? Must have been, because that's what it says...

We've been through Thanksgiving, caring for my parents with another compression fracture for mom (hospitalization, rehab center/nursing home, vertebroplasty) and healing, and Christmas season, all of it exhausting. Last year, it was my father having a difficult time with his Parkinson's right around the holiday season, falling all the time and horrible spasticity. The year before was when my folks' situation at home hit the fan, and we scrambled to get the house in order for them to come live here. Is it any wonder that I start to feel a "worse than seasonal affective disorder" feeling as I approach October?

I'm now seeing a therapist who is a social worker. She seems to be more "task oriented" than the psychologists I've seen, which could be both a good thing and a bad thing. Good, because I'm going to be working on the clutter around my house that's dragging me down; bad, because I don't have an outlet to ramble on about how I'm feeling.

My homework this time is to find some papers I got from another social worker showing support groups (haven't found them yet) and put them in a three ring binder. The other is to take pictures of the various areas of my house. Sort of "before" pictures. I've done this before, taken pictures of my clutter with the idea of them being "before" pictures, but somehow I never got to the nice "after" pictures I was aiming for. Here are some in an album that I took around 2005-6: "clutter" I haven't taken the ones for my homework yet, I'm doing it this afternoon because my appointment is tomorrow morning. Yes, I procrastinate. A lot.

I've signed up for a charm swap through Lampwork Etc. and I plan on making the maximum number - 15. We'll send our charms in, and we'll get back the same number we sent. I would not want to be the person sorting out all the charms, as there are over 50 people signed up. I've started making some smaller Karen Lewis-style drum beads as my charms. (like the photo on the left, but smaller) Four are made but not cured yet (then the sanding, antiquing, and more sanding and buffing). The deadline is April, but if I let myself, I could get down to the wire and I really don't want to do that. I'd like to enjoy the process...

Right now what I most feel like doing is laying down and sleeping. Mom got me up at 6 am, and I'm afraid I did not get to bed and to sleep until close to midnight. Stupid on my part, no doubt about it. I knew I would also need to get her a shower, which I did. But now... I just want to crash!!

The mind is working...

2010-09-27T15:15:00.003-05:00

If only I could get the hands to start creating. I have vines and leaves on my mind lately. Ideas pop up at weird times, when I can't write them down - like when I'm driving. I see company logos on trucks, vans and billboards ("put up a bill board upon a hill, because those billboards give me such a thrill" - a song from camp, am I scattered?) and they make me think of shapes I could use in my claying.... if I were getting to the table!!!

My living space is as scattered as my mind. Or maybe my mind is scattered and cluttered because of my scattered and cluttered living space?

Caring for 2 more people, who have lots of appointments and lots of needs, is making it hard for me to focus on anything.

Help!!

"Slip slidin' away...
Slip slidin' awaaaaaay....
You know the nearer your destination,
the more you're slip slidin' awa-a-a-y"

Slip Slidin' Away by Paul Simon

Off to the beach?

2010-07-08T09:23:00.001-05:00

One of Cheryl Harris' lovely beach beads. I love this concept. Check it out on etsy, along with her other colorful creations!

Good-bye, Glenda

2010-06-03T11:12:00.003-05:00

I just found out that a former member of our church and friend, Glenda Butler, passed away in a nursing home in Minnesota just before Christmas.

Glenda was a troubled soul. Mental illness could easily have been her middle name. She claimed to have multiple personality disorder (think Sybil) which is now called dissociative identity disorder. She undoubtedly had depression, probably bi-polar and OCD as well. I can relate to mental illness - depression "runs" in my family, and panic/anxiety disorder dots it as well. I recognized that she was a difficult person to be with and speak to because of this, and as I tend to gravitate toward the underdog/neglected/avoided people, I struck up a friendship of sorts with her.

Glenda was an artist. Not a formally trained artist, but a person with potential. She enjoyed working with colored pencils and pastels. Nothing that she created would ever hang in a gallery or sell in a shop. But Glenda put her whole self into what she created, and it took time for her to do this. This meant that, for her, the final product was worth more than she could put a reasonable price to. I remember one substantial piece, a cross with a rose superimposed on the center, entitled "Christ, arose (a rose) from the Cross." Glenda also wrote poetry and songs. She always wanted to publish and sell what she created... she was quite prolific.

Every piece that Glenda made had some sort of spiritual significance. Glenda was a person who "spoke" with God. For her, God was a real person - she heard the voice of God speaking to her, just as if a friend were in the room with her. Do I think that God actually spoke to Glenda? Does that matter? Well, I don't (especially when God told her to buy a computer at Walmart or purchase a purebred puppy) and it actually did matter in her life. She knew I did not believe that God spoke to her, but continued to tell me about it.

Glenda was a needy person. I helped her, as did many other people. It was not always a rewarding thing, helping Glenda, but I do not regret anything I did for her. Other than her God, she felt alone in the world, since she had no living family. Her only purpose was to please her God (who was rather punitive, as her parents were rather punitive), and so when she decided that God wanted her to move up to Redwing, Minnesota from the assisted living facility she was in, to live with a friend and "help her out", no one could dissuade her. Never mind that Glenda was in a motorized wheel chair and hadn't been able to live on her own for over a year. Forget that the friend's house had stairs leading to the front door. This is what God told her to do.

Glenda never made it into the new dwelling. She fell, attempting to climb the steps to the front door. Her belongings stayed at the "friend's" house and she landed in a nursing home. A year later, I received a Christmas card from her saying that she was permanently in the nursing home with no funds to make long-distance phone calls. No doubt her friend made out well with Glenda's funds and belongings. I was in the middle of caring for my parents (as I still am) and did not get around to calling her. Truth be told, I did not have the energy, because with Glenda there was always a crisis brewing.

Yesterday, I received a phone call from another church member, who heard from another source that Glenda had passed away in her sleep just before Christmas. My response was that Glenda always wanted to "go home" to God, and if there is a God, then she is now happy.

I have thought often of Glenda and her beliefs and artistry. I wonder if it's a good thing or a bad thing to put your whole self into what you create. I don't know if I believe in a god, either. I'm not sorry I became involved in Glenda's life, even though at one point I had to separate myself from her problems in order to live my life. She will always be a part of my life and who I am.

Good-bye, Glenda. May you finally rest in peace.

Something new to try

2010-03-25T23:20:00.002-05:00

I have never been comfortable with sculpting creatures and such, so it might be a good idea for me to play around with it... Christi Friesen's books are so inspirational in that arena. She keeps things so light and fun! So I bought this at Amazon.com and I think - if I can permit myself some creative time - that I'll use it to play. Soon.

Orchid

2010-03-09T16:46:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to share some pics of an orchid my mom got for her birthday. I guess I didn't realize orchids could look like this... at least we haven't killed it yet!

Project Wonderful

2010-03-07T14:21:00.002-06:00

I started using Project Wonderful boxes in my blog a couple of years ago. I thought it was pretty cool - a way to "trade" advertisements by earning cash that's placed in an account from ads on my site that I can then use to place ads on other project wonderful websites.

I've been pretty busy the past year, and haven't really kept up with what's been happening with Project Wonderful... but apparently things have changed a little. It seems that now one can choose to place an ad for traffic coming from certain areas: American, European, Canadian and Elsewhere (how would you like to be classified as "elsewhere"?) I don't recall having been notified by PW about this change - which is especially irritating due to the fact that apparently my minimum of $.02 only applies to US traffic. European, Canadian and Elsewhere starts at free.

I'll be leaving my ad prices as is, with this box, for another month. Then, I may just remove the box until I get my act together. If there are those of you who'd like me to keep it, let me know.

Coffee break?

2010-02-08T20:06:00.003-06:00

I was just getting the coffee maker ready for my parents breakfast tomorrow - filling it with water, putting the coffee in the basket - and suddenly a memory came into my head. A sweet memory that reminds me of why I love my husband.

About 23 - 24 years ago, when our daughter Sarah was maybe 2 1/2 or 3, she and her dad had a little evening ritual. Daddy would take her into the kitchen, and get the coffee maker out (a little two cup thing, I don't like coffee) and they would get the machine ready for the next day. He'd give her the scoop, and let her put the coffee in the basket. They'd count out the scoops - some full, some over full, some not so full - and then the basket would get put in the coffee maker.

There were often spills that I'd have to vacuum up, but no one got upset and it was a happy time that Sarah looked forward to each evening.

It wasn't until much later that I found out that my dear husband never went back and changed the amount of coffee in the basket. He took whatever strength came from the drip drip drip of water pouring through the coffee that Sarah apportioned to him the night before. He never complained.

I think I'm married to a very special man. I just have to remember from time to time just how special. I wonder if my parents are drinking the coffee I make - a non-coffee drinker who has no clue what makes a good cup of coffee - and, because I made it, not saying a word about how it tastes.... hmmm....

Signature bead?

2010-01-18T21:24:00.002-06:00

I am throwing this out to those who may "know"...

Some artists have a signature style: for example Karen Lewis (KLew) has her "drum" beads and Barb Fajardo (Rubarb) has her capped swirly beads and, more recently, the textured florals. I've been creating my "capped" teeth, and I wondered if it's been seen anywhere other than in my creations? I know that these teeth incorporate some of KLew's drum accents, but I hope that it has enough of my own "twist" to make these beads my own.

Could these "teeth" be considered my... well, my very own signature style?

New computer, new photos.

2009-12-13T18:26:00.007-06:00

Got a new Mac last week - the Mac Pro Tower. Yikes, what a behemoth! The box came, and I thought "well, there must be a lot of packing material." Nope. Lots of room for expansion. Then, I went to plug in the monitor I already had... and the plug did not fit the spot for a monitor in the back of the computer. Monitor = AVG, Plug = DVI. Apparently VGA is old technology and DVI is new technology. I had to go out and get an adapter, since I was not about to get rid of a perfectly good monitor.

Some pictures of my recent work.... I now need to get my light box stuff out and take some "selling" pictures!!

Starting over?

2009-10-08T15:25:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling the need to start fresh. To discard the canes I've made in the past and start from scratch... (Yes, I know, Kelly, where I can send them!) Some canes are brittle, sadly, and some I'm just tired of. I feel like I need a clean creative slate with a clean work space and a new organizational method (okay, I just need organization.) The clutter everywhere is getting to me, even though I have given away or thrown away an incredible amount of stuff so far.

There are days, like today, where I am so tired and droopy - like the rainy weather outside - that I just want to curl up in a ball and have an excavation team clear out the debris.... both from my house and from my mind!

Caring for my parents, particularly my mom, has taken a physical and mental toll. Most days I am doing fine, handling things well; and I'm very glad that I can do this for them, after all they have given me. Occasionally I have a day where I wonder if I have the strength. Yesterday was one of those days, so today I'm exhausted.

I am sometimes stuck in the "I can't make anything extraordinary so why bother" routine. I see the beautiful, unique work of other artists and mine looks dull by comparison.

That's why I am considering the clear out and start over idea. Now I need a little energy...

Feeling the need for inspiration - help me and earn entrecard credits!

2009-09-21T11:55:00.003-05:00

I'm in need of some... oomph!... creatively speaking. I've been deep in a slump, with no desire to touch clay in many many months.

My brother does improvisational comedy "sports" on weekends, and years ago when I attended a performance, they had a segment where the audience called out suggestions for a skit. I think I'd like to try the same thing here.

For those of you using Entrecard, it will earn you 50 Entrecard credits (up to the first 100 respondents). For those who aren't, you'll just be sending a little inspiration. Here's what I'd like my readers to do:

For the next week (Sept. 21 to Sept. 28), leave one comment with a subject, theme or idea. Even a story line like "Cinderella" would work. (You may leave more than one, but I'm only giving out one 50 card reward per person.) Be sure you are signed in with your entrecard blog if you would like the reward.

I'll use the themes as best I can, and post pictures.

Thank you!

Another sad goodbye

2009-08-23T15:49:00.002-05:00

My sweet bunny, Georgia, died today. Rest well at the Rainbow Bridge my love. Romp and play with all the well-loved creatures that came before you.

Bowl of beads, no time to photograph...

2009-05-19T22:03:00.002-05:00

What you find when you start an addition

2009-05-18T13:44:00.002-05:00

When you remove something from your house, you have to expect some... unexpected stuff. The wood joist under the old sliding doors has to be replaced. This means jacking up the area and removing the old wood... I hear the banging and such going on now...

Molly

2009-05-11T22:20:00.001-05:00

Molly
Originally uploaded by jaelsjewels

I tried to take pictures of some of my beads today. Molly was convinced that the camera's dangling handle was there for her amusement....

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T09:44:00.002-05:00

created by my daughter, Sarah

Farewell to one of rabbits' best friends... Amy Espie

2009-05-09T13:42:00.004-05:00

"In April 2009, the rabbit community as well as the animal community lost one of its greatest advocates, Amy Espie.
The Conscience of HRS
by Marinell Harriman
Founder, House Rabbit Society

When you visit our library in HRS's national headquarters, look up the wall border. You will see Amy (Shapiro) Espie's photo display serenely representing bunnies, who enjoy the respect we know they deserve. These are among the many gifts from Amy Espie....click to read more"

A Sunny Bumble Bee Fish by Melissa Vess

2009-04-30T12:27:00.003-05:00

To brighten any day

Old Screen Porch...

2009-04-27T15:32:00.002-05:00

Old Screen Porch...
Originally uploaded by jaelsjewels

Looks bad, doesn't it? Well, if it hadn't begun to rain cats'n'dogs, this porch would have been on its way down today. In its place will be a new, larger addition - a bedroom, bathroom, and sunroom for mom and dad to use.

So you want to see some beads, do you?

2009-04-16T21:33:00.004-05:00

You have to get past a kitty photo, first. Ah, to be a cat on a ledge in the sun...

Here are some beads, just out of the ice bath, not sanded or finished yet. Took me forever to accumulate a pan to bake. Unique designs are not flowing from my fingers, but at least I have my fingers in the clay, right?

I love the little sparkle from the Swarovski chatons...

Walmart lessons

2009-04-03T20:47:00.002-05:00

Fridays are usually very busy days for me - I have my water exercise class, so I try not to have any appointments scheduled for my mom (I am her overall caretaker/chauffeur). On this day, I generally work some errands and grocery shopping into my trip home from class.

Today, I visited Wendy's (lunch), Petsmart, Walmart, Sam's Club, and the pharmacy.

At Wendy's, I realized just how claustrophobic I get when people stand too close to me while I'm ordering. Can't they wait a few steps behind me while I place my order? The woman behind me was so close to my back that the cashier asked me if this was all together. Huh? Uh, no!

Petsmart - Dogs!! I get to pet other peoples' dogs. Love to visit with them, don't need to live with them. Cat food, treats, and litter were on the list. Oh, and a litter scooper. (boy did I get the father of all scoops for five bucks! I'm tired of the wimpy one I've been using downstairs)

Then... Walmart. It's funny, but no matter what I'm going into Walmart to purchase, I walk in and stand in a confused haze for a little while... I used to buy stuff I didn't need on a regular basis, so I chalk this up to the recent reprogramming I have been going through. (no, I don't need to visit the clearance aisle. no, I don't want to wander through the clothing department. no looking down the easter candy trap aisle...)

So, after the little "where am I and what am I doing here?" befuddlement, I shop: for adult diapers, cheese, half and half, cereal, Diet Coke... well, you get the picture. I also people-watch. Adult mothers with adult daughters helping them out. Couples (how did she get him to come along? my husband usually refuses to accompany me for groceries) shopping - what about this one, do you like this brand? Mothers with babies and toddlers in tow (I do NOT miss those days.)

Two father-daughter combinations struck me and stuck with me.

The first, a father with an obviously mentally handicapped daughter. She may have been six years old, but he was struggling to get her into the child seat. She was thin enough to fit (not emaciated, just thin), and he obviously cared deeply about her. As soon as he got her in, he discovered that there was no seat belt. So I found a cart with a seatbelt in it for him, and helped him get her into it. It was a touching scene.

The second encounter was as I was walking up and down the aisles. I saw a father having a very lively conversation with someone while his daughter was pushing the cart. I wish I could say he was talking to his daughter. But no, he had one of those in-the-ear blue tooth devices and was talking to some invisible someone. Here he was, in a position where he could actually spend some quality time with his child. And he chose to use it to talk to someone else and use her as a tool to push his cart. Believe it or not, I saw this pair throughout my entire shopping trip, and he was talking on the phone the entire time. What a difference.

Something else I realized... when I think I have completed my shopping trip in a big "super store" and I'm heading for the register, and suddenly remember that I forgot to get something wayyyyy back in the back of the store, sometimes I debate with myself as to whether or not I really need it. The dairy section looks so far away after an hour of shopping. Very far away. Sigh. I needed the exercise anyway. Right?

I'm your handy WOman

2009-03-21T16:17:00.003-05:00

We have a lot of things that need and have needed to be fixed in this house. And if they are going to get done... well, I'm generally the one to do them or hire someone. I know I'm dating myself when I say that I always wanted to be like Irene Lorenzo on All in the Family... it drove Archie bunker crazy that she was the one who fixed things around her house while her husband liked to cook and clean. Darn. I didn't marry someone who liked to cook and clean!

In the past week I have actually repaired two broken items!! Yay, me!! I put a new latch on our heavy duty storm door (the kind that actually has a lock on it!) AND today I replaced the toilet tank fill valve on one of our toilets! (I'll let you know if they hold up...)

Last month, I replaced the cartridge on a drippy bathroom faucet. Sigh. It still drips. Oh, and you have to turn the handle the opposite way to get it to turn on. I can fix the latter, but don't know why it is still drippy... except perhaps I need to replace the cartridge on the other handle?

My kids think I am a little too much like Cliff Huxtable on the Cosby show.... and far too slow getting things done in general - but at least I think I know when I am over my head. I did hire someone to put in a new toilet in another bathroom (we hadn't used that bathroom for years) and fix the tile under it where the wood warped. I'll be hiring someone to figure out why the shower in our bathroom was leaking through to the ceiling in the kitchen (we haven't used that shower in several years, either, and boy would it be nice to have it back again.)

I'm feeling a bit full of myself about my handy feats at the moment, although a little overwhelmed about life in general. That's for another day.

Seeing double

2009-03-15T22:06:00.005-05:00

Along with my parents moving in, 5 cats moved in as well. Buster was already here (at "fat camp") then Liz came. Charlie girl, Molly, and Perkins followed my mom by about a week or so.

Perkins is a fluffy gray cat. Molly and Charlie are long haired calico cats. And even my mother sometimes gets Molly and Charlie mixed up!!

Here is a (not very good) picture of Charlie. She's 15 years old, and fairly mellow. She sleeps a lot, and on a sweetness scale I'd put her at 10.

CHARLIE

Then there is Molly. Molly is a young 9 years old or thereabouts. And cranky? You betcha!! One minute she's kneading your chest or belly and purring up a storm, the next minute she's growling and hissing because some other cat came into view... or you petted her wrong...

For the record, I try to get her to stay off the table, but Molly thinks I'm mistaken when I tell her to get down... surely you don't mean ME???

MOLLY

Molly loves cantaloupe. Cantaloupe?? A cat who loves cantaloupe?

And the BEAT goes ON... Patterns 2... storage?

2009-03-15T21:50:00.001-05:00

Here it is, almost a month since my last blog post (as my friend KellyK points out to me).

First thing, thank you to those who weighed in on Patterns. I can't say I chose "A" for all of the questions. It would be much easier for me to choose "A" for someone else's debris than it is for my own.

In case it wasn't obvious, the title "Patterns" was meant to have a double meaning. The reason I have so many clothing patterns is because of the patterns in my life. I'm seriously concerned that (1) once I get rid of the excess stuff I will miss it and (2) even if I get rid of it all and am temporarily thrilled with the cleared and cleaned areas I will eventually fall back into the patterns that got me to this point in the first place. After all, I have lost weight and felt fabulous at least 4 or 5 times in my life, and each time I did, I eventually put back the weight plus more. How do I keep this from happening in my house?

For the moment, my husband and I decided to rent a storage unit so I can haul out as much as possible from my craft room and the rest of the house. The idea is that once I have things rearranged and settled organizationally in the house without the stuff, I will only bring back what I really want and get rid of the rest. (I beg of you not to laugh too hard)

PATTERNS

2009-02-17T21:51:00.004-06:00

As many of you know, I am in the midst of a major clear-out in my house. And because my parents are moving in (mom is here, now) we now have cable installed. I don't watch it much, but I have happened upon a show called "Clean House" which, if I could afford to wait on, I would apply to. (Oh, the terrible grammar I have just thrown at you...)

The target couple/family exposes their cluttered mess and invites the crew to badger and cajole them into selling their possessions at a yard sale. The proceeds are matched, up to $1000, and used to fix up what remains in the house. Other offers are made along the way, when an item is hard for the clutterer(s) to get rid of.

Sigh. Could I EVER use that kind of help!!

My worst area is the room that houses my crafts. (yeah, yeah, my whole house qualifies, but the biggest concentration is in one room) I've been spending time up there, sorting through boxes. I've hit the pattern boxes now.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself if you are ever in my situation, to determine just how bad your disease is:

1) You have just opened a box with loose pattern pieces, instructions, and envelopes. They look as if they might have been sorted at one time. Do you:
a. Wad them up and toss them in the trash. Your time is too precious to sort them out.
b. Sift a bit, to see if there are any "whole" patterns mixed in with the loose pieces.
c. Sort through them meticulously, making piles of each pattern number, checking off each piece on the instructions pages, just in case there are any valuable patterns in there that someone could use somewhere in the world.
d. Close up the box and add it to your "save for a rainy day" pile.

2) Your children are grown. There are baby and toddler clothes patterns. You:
a. Toss them into the giveaway pile without giving them a second glance
b. Choose two or three that are just too cute to part with, and put the rest in the giveaway pile with a little tear in your eye.
c. Make a pile of them to sell on etsy.
d. Sort them by size because someday you will have grandchildren.

3) As you sort, you realize you have purchased the same pattern over and over. Sometimes in different sizes. Sometimes not. What to do?
a. Give them all away. It's obvious you are never going to make the clothing.
b. Save the size you are in and give the rest away.
c. Save one in each size and put the rest in a pile to sell.
d. Save them all. Maybe you'll need them when you start up your own clothing store...

If you answered "a" to all three questions, send me the medication you are on because I want to try it.

If you answered "b" or "c" you are still living in a fantasy world called "denial" (I'm still being dragged kicking and screaming from it myself)

If you answered "d" to all three questions, give it up and check yourself into the funny farm I've been living in for the past 40 years.

Too many goodbyes. Farewell, Cubby.

2009-02-14T10:53:00.006-06:00

My sweet Cubby bunny has a mass in his chest, most likely a thymoma. It's keeping him from breathing properly, and eating. Removing it is beyond my vets' capabilities, and even if it was within their capabilities, I wouldn't put Cubby through it. Thoracic surgery is not easy or painless.

Cubby is 8 years old, possibly older. He's a sweet white and black himalayan dwarf, with fur as soft as plush, white as snow with dark gray/black points. We adopted him in January 2002 a few months after one of our other rabbits passed away. How anyone could have given this sweet boy up is beyond me. Picking him up was easy. Loving him was a breeze.

Today we will give him an easy passing. And miss him terribly.

Is it a kind of a dream
Floating out on the tide
Following the river of death downstream
Oh is it a dream?
There's a fog along the horizon
A strange glow in the sky
And nobody seems to know where it goes
And what does it mean?
Oh is it a dream?

Bright eyes, burning like fire
Bright eyes, how can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly,
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes

Is it a kind of a shadow
Reaching into the night
Wandering over the hills unseen
Oh is it a dream?
There's a high wind in the trees
A cold sound in the air
And nobody ever knows when you go
And where do you start?
Oh into the dark

Bright eyes, burning like fire
Bright eyes, how can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly,
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes
Bright eyes, burning like fire
Bright eyes, how can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly,
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes

"Bright Eyes" by Steven Gately

Emptying the bucket one drop at a time

2009-02-08T10:56:00.003-06:00

I'm back at work decluttering, pulling fabric and yarn from my craft room. It's like emptying a bucket one drop at a time. Or one cup at a time. You can't see the progress... The bucket still looks full and the bottom of the bucket so far away.

At first, it was easy to remove things from the room. I pulled only the boxes that were all fabric or all yarn. I flipped through the contents very quickly and grabbed one or two things here and there I thought I wanted to keep. The first (20+ boxes) give-away batch of fabric went quickly to Generations of Hope for quilts for the kids, and my sister in law's mom who makes quilts and floor cloths for the poor. It didn't hurt all that much, in fact it felt pretty good.

Then I went back in and tried to tackle the boxes that were left, a mixture of fabric, yarn, ribbons, thread, wreaths, dried flowers, and craft items too numerous to mention. The frustrating part of it is that it doesn't look like I took a darn thing out of the room at the moment. I can't reach my polymer clay. And downstairs I have boxes of beads that need to be brought upstairs.

It's getting harder to decide what to do with things. I know I should just pack things away and give them up. But something deep within me is fighting it, fighting to hang on. I loved knowing that that stuff was there, in case I wanted to do something different. I loved all the fabric, the colors, the textures, the potential... (yeah, I know, the potential fire hazard, too)

Today I dragged a large garbage bag of fabric down the stairs to give away. One more drop of water from the bucket.

The Ragger's Creed... Words to live by

2009-02-03T11:58:00.005-06:00

When I was 14, the summer before I went to high school, I went to Phantom Lake YMCA camp. I was a very serious kid, prone to doing the right thing and following the rules. I also felt drawn to the spiritual aspect of life, wondering about the answer to the eternal question "why am I here?" and searching for the pathway to a righteous life.

My self esteem was low, and I think I felt if I could just find the right thing to do, then maybe I could feel good about myself.

Thus, the Ragger's program was right up my alley. The first rag, the blue rag (a blue kerchief), had only one requirement: memorize the "Ragger's Creed" which was the first verse of a hymn, I later found out.

I would be true, for there are those who trust me
I would be pure, for there are those who care
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

I would be a friend to all, the foe, the friendless
I would be giving and forget the gift
I would be humble for I know my weakness
I would look up and laugh, and love, and lift.

I went on, in the following years, to complete the program,finishing with the red rag. This level had us lie on the ground toward the end of the ceremony at Ragger's point, face down, with our arms outstretched, and say "Here I am, Lord, send me"

Later, at my husband's ordination to the ministry in the Episcopal Church, I was startled to find that the end of the service had the same procedure.

Today, I tend to live my life by the Ragger's Creed as much as possible. I'm not sure about my call to any kind of ministry, as I struggle through midlife and all the questions it calls to mind. But I believe that if we all could do our best to be true, pure, strong, brave, a friend to all, giving, humble, laugh, love and lift, the world would be a peaceful place.

What's more fun than a barrel of monkeys?

2009-01-22T13:48:00.002-06:00

Hmmm.... could it be adding 3 more cats to an already critter-full (two cats, three rabbits) household?

No, it's traveling 2 hours with those three cats in the car! Kitty stereo... MeOW? MEow! MeOW? MEow! MeOW? MEow! (and they all went meowmeowmeowmeow all the way home...)

These are the last of the cats coming from my parents' house. All's quiet for the moment. First all three ran under mom's bed. Then Molly ventured out. After that, Charlie (she's 15 years old) came out and visited mom. Perkins is still hiding.

Perkins

Hershey's Raisin Dance is over

2009-01-15T10:02:00.004-06:00

Two days ago, our raisin dancing, feet circling, incisor-less bunny made the trip to the Rainbow Bridge. His battle with head-tilt (severe inner ear infection) hit the point where antibiotics and prednisone could not touch it. He became so disoriented and dizzy that he could not right himself, and the stress on his body and mind was causing heart and breathing problems. We chose to end his suffering.

What am I going to do without him? He was such a joy!

Hershey came into our house about 4 years ago from our vet's office, where another patron had relinquished ownership. He kept us in stitches from day one, grunting in excitement over food and company, nudging our feet for attention, untieing our shoelaces, lop ears flopping up and down.... and then flopping with happy feet out the back and front in what we affectionately called "super bunny position". He quickly became free-range, taking over the living room.

He had no front teeth (removed due to maloclusion) but he didn't know that, and gummed everything in sight. Hersh also had overactive wax glands under his ears, causing lumps to form at the base of the ears. He had his first bout with head tilt about a year after he arrived, but despite being laid low, he bounced back with only slight nerve damage to his face.

I've never met a more forgiving creature - I'd pick him up to administer medication or to clean a poopy butt, and after flipping his feet at me a couple of times, he'd be back, nudging my foot, accepting pets. All is forgiven, forgotten, here I am, pet me and love me.

I can still see him in my mind's eye as I walk into the living room. Goofy, endearing, messy, loving, crazy, raisin and banana loving, never to be equaled Hershey. Farewell, my sweet bunny. Frolic at the rainbow bridge with bunnies Inky, Brigette, Patches, Sneakers, Albus, Missy, Crandall and Patty; Olivia and all the other ratties; and all the other sweet creatures that have touched our lives. We'll miss you.

Reorganizing priorities. A mouthful and a mindful.

2009-01-10T12:44:00.003-06:00

My mom is coming to live with me in 2 days. My dad will follow in a month. Changes are brewing; fermenting even as we speak.

I've given away the equivalent of 20 or more rubbermaid style totes full of fabric and batting. There is more.

As a pack-rat, or magpie, I have turned a blind eye to the accumulation of stuff for more years than I dare to count. Now that I'm pulling things out and sorting, I ask myself: how many staplers, staple removers, pens, pencils, markers, post-it notes and other office supplies does a family of four need? How about magazines? Paint brushes? Old newspapers? And am I ever going to find the piece of equipment that the little baggie of (what the heck?) metal parts belongs to? Should I really save it just in case?

The real question, a deeper one, that I ask myself now - one that helps me pare down in a big way - is this: what's more important, the thingamabobs and whatchamacallits or my parents' comfort? And the answer there is easy.

The surprising reward to all of this is that it's making my life less complicated even as I'm adding more people to my household. Who would have guessed that having less would make me happier?

So I've packed up a boxful of those art and craft supplies to go to someplace where they can be used. I'll continue to put together boxes of fabric and yarn, and toss the excess junk that no one else will want.

The Beanie Babies? Off to soldiers overseas to pass out to kids there, soon.

While I'm tossing and adjusting, I'll be around my etsy street teams less. Claying less. Just sayin'

Hugs to my loyal readers (wink wink)

Fess up. You've got 'em, too.

2009-01-02T16:21:00.004-06:00

Please don't deny it. We all did it. Bought Beanies. Some of us had young children who begged for them. Some collected them for profit. I fall into the former category. (Yep, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

What you see in the picture are the latest discoveries in my quest for a simpler, clutter-free house. These were in my kitchen pantry/broom closet. They were going to be gifts. Yeah. That's it. Gifts. Another of my stories I'm sticking to.

However... it's just the tip of the iceberg. Like Tribbles in The Trouble With Tribbles episode of the original Star Trek TV show, these soft, furry/fuzzy beanbags of cuteness fall from every closet, pop up in every box... I have two grown kids, and we all loved those things.

Now I'm in the position of looking for places that we can donate them and feel good about it. Otherwise I'm stuck counting them and multiplying that number by $5 and $6 (on up) and that would feel very, very bad. (I'm keeping some bears and bunnies. For now.)

Update- I've been cleaning, sorting, and ruthlessly giving away excess belongings, as those who have been following my blog already know.

I now have a surprisingly close deadline: my mother is coming to live with us in a week, and my dad is following a couple of weeks later, along with the last three of their cats. Their furniture is coming, some of it anyway, too. At the moment the plan is to build on to our house, but it won't be done until late summer (won't start until April, at the earliest). Meanwhile mom and dad will be staying in the family room. So much to do!

I've loaded ten Rubbermaid-style plastic boxes into my van full of fabric to give away. I have many more to give away, because it's the fabric or the clay and beads. Something had to give. I can't believe how much fabric I have. I can't believe I'm nonchalantly, almost blithely giving it away. I love fabric. But I have priorities...

Don't EVER let your house get to the point mine is in!!! Take my situation as a fable, a lesson, a warning. Life is better uncluttered!

I haven't run away.... yet!

2008-12-28T21:55:00.004-06:00

My friend, KellyK, says that people who read my blog will think I've run away (people read my blog?), which is her subtle way of saying "hey, you should update your blog!"

I'm currently at my brother and sister-in-law's home, where my parents are temporarily staying while we look for a home to share in Champaign, IL. (which, by the way, is not as easy as I thought it would be... the finding of one, that is) We are entertaining the idea of building a master suite on to our first floor. The problem is, it would not be completed for 6 months... at least... because it wouldn't be started until spring.

Another problem is that one of the cats my parents want to bring into the combined household (three cats are currently still at their old house, people are stopping by to feed them) is. and apparently has been for a while, spraying. Mom has already had to give up 3 of their 8 cats to other (good) homes, and I don't know if she can take losing another.

The cat is a sweet boy, very interesting face and markings. Shy, but once he warms up to you he's a lover. He was an outdoor cat, probably dumped, he's been neutered. What to do? Any suggestions? (And I'm not even going to publish or answer comments that say to euthanize him)

These are just a few of the items that keep me up at night. I lay in bed, trying to come up with workable solutions. I draw plans for an addition in my head. I imagine how we might fit into one of the houses I have looked at and what it will be like fixing up our current house to sell it in this wonderful economy. Eventually I go to sleep.

I've made some new beads. I just can't seem to get my act together, the umph to photograph them and list them.

So, perhaps I've satisfied Kelly and confused the heck out of my (ahem) hoards of readers. Hmmmm?

Making headway... trying to bust the clutter in a big way...

2008-12-22T22:47:00.003-06:00

Before

After (in process)

Ice!!! Yikes!!!

2008-12-20T19:02:00.003-06:00

I visited my brother and sister in law (my parents are staying with them while we search for a house here in Champaign) in Washington, IL, from Wednesday until today. Thursday night, it rained and froze.... big time... and the ice is still there, with temperatures projected to dip into the single digits, with wind at 20mph. I hope the trees don't drop too many more branches!

Here in Champaign, it's cold, but the ice melted the day after it hit....

Another giveaway by Artisan Beaders: Nicole Campanella

2008-12-15T22:31:00.003-06:00

We're nearing the end of our Artisan Beaders holiday giveaways, so don't miss out on a great chance to win! Visit the Artisan Beaders Blog to enter to win this amazing necklace by Nicole Campanella. (Sob! I wish I could enter!!)

Winner announced on Friday!

Change is in the air, I can feel it. OUCH!!

2008-12-14T15:37:00.008-06:00

First, I'd like to say: Congratulations to Alissa for winning my pendant! Alissa is a fellow member of the polymer clay artists guild of etsy street team (what a mouthful, I know) pcagoe for short.

Things are rather up in the air these days at my house. We had planned on purchasing a new house where we could live with my parents and care for them, but the search hasn't been fruitful yet. Nice houses, just not quite what we need.

Add to that the fact that it appears that although my father has been released from the hospital (he and my mom are staying with my brother and his wife), he is not strong or physically stable (a fall risk). His parkinson's disease is causing him to shake quite a bit, and his sleep is disturbed by sleep walking (not a good combo).

I've been sorting through my accumulated debris bit by bit. The toughest area is for me is the craft department - yes, I could have my own store. I'm parting with most of my fabric. Can you hear the ripping sound? It's hard to do, even though I am giving it to great charitable causes. Even though I know that my life will be better. Even though I couldn't possibly use what I have if I lived 5 lifetimes.

I'll continue to do this, even if we do not wind up moving this year, because we will move sometime in the next 5 years or so. My husband is 60. The kids are growing up. The rabbits are getting on in years. My knees are not in great shape. We'll want a smaller place, on one level, at some point.

This week's Artisan Beaders Giveaway - by ME

2008-12-08T11:07:00.001-06:00

Click on the picture to go to our blog and enter! You have until Friday, Dec. 12.

Warning: Facebook causes flashes from the past....

2008-12-06T11:44:00.005-06:00

Jeni Bales, and Me, at Phantom Lake YMCA Camp, 1974

Recently I joined Facebook. I'd heard about it, but never thought to go there, after joining MySpace and being totally flummoxed.

My brother, Bryan, suggested I join so we could be more in touch with one another regarding what's going on with our parents. He's in North Carolina with his wife, and we are in Illinois. So I did. (Of course, as someone pointed out, a phone call is faster; but I'm a sucker for computer communication...) I thought I would just add my brother, my nieces, family members. HA! Facebook grabs you and sucks you in like a vacuum cleaner.

You can plug in your High School, your College, heck, any organization and years you attended. Then, POOF! you have, in a little box on your page, suggestions of people you might know. And you start thinking.... what was that person's name.... and you remember summer camp... and the next thing you know you are plugging in names. And digging out photo albums. And remembering....

(Oh, and don't get me started on the games you can play there...)

Jael's Jewels on Art Fire

2008-12-01T23:39:00.003-06:00

I just opened an Art Fire account at the $7.00 per month level. I figured I'd give it a whirl for a few months to see how it goes... if any of you reading this think you might want to do the same, click on the Art Fire banner at the top and if you also sign up with the $7.00 per month deal - would you consider using my name (JaelsJewels) as a referral?

Here are my first two listings:

DEWDROPS ON MOSS

DICHROIC DEWDROP BLOSSOM PENDANT: PURPLE AND BLUE

New Cat on the blog: Elizabeth

2008-12-01T00:33:00.002-06:00

Last week I brought Liz home from my parents' house. She and Buster will be 2 of the 5 cats that will travel to our new home with my parents, once the logistics have been worked out. (Like, finding a new home...) Three of their 8 cats have found homes with other families, and that has been very hard on my mother. I know they will be well-loved, but it's hard to give up your companions.

At first, Liz and Buster hissed and swatted at each other. Now they seem to have accepted one another once again (they used to live in the same house!) and mostly ignore each other.

Slower than molasses in January... or November/December...

2008-11-29T22:18:00.003-06:00

Listing items in etsy! I have many beads made but the photography process gets me every time. Here are the two I just listed:

Fantasy Floral Pendant

Dragonfly on Moss with flowers

Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers

2008-11-28T10:27:00.001-06:00

My father's surgery went very well. He's in good spirits. Sore, but doing very well.

Hoping for a reason to give thanks

2008-11-23T13:31:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving is coming up on Thursday. My father is scheduled for back surgery on Wednesday. I'm hoping that the surgery is successful and that it clears up the pain.

Week 5: Artisan Beaders Giveaway - phone charm!

2008-11-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

This week, we have a charming (pardon the pun) cell phone charm from Ainsley of Kaskaad Handmade Jewellery! Bright and sunny, this cell phone charm features a glass bead and Swarovski crystals, and is sure to make your phone cheery. Please note: this giveaway is for one charm; the photo above shows two different views.

Visit the Artisan Beaders Blog for details on how to win this lovely phone charm!

Trojan horse... bad news for my entrecard dropping...

2008-11-17T18:06:00.002-06:00

Well, while dropping entrecards on my daughter's computer yesterday an alert popped up saying a Trojan horse virus had been encountered. My daughter has a free version of AVG, and she immediately started running virus scans etc. She's not sure if she got it.

So, I'm not going to be dropping many cards.

Plus... my father was admitted to a rehab facility because he's been losing muscle mass in his legs (he has parkinson's)... it's getting to the point where we are looking at the need for them to move ASAP to somewhere with 'round the clock help available. This is not going to be easy for them, with their 7 cats and a house they've lived in for 30 years.

Be sure to subscribe to my feed or "follow" my blog if you wish to hear what's going on. Otherwise, catch you on the other side of this current crisis.

I want to be where you are... and I want the earrings, too.

2008-11-16T12:38:00.005-06:00

I'm in the midst of cleaning for my mother in law's visit and all sorts of other craziness having to do with family. Perhaps you could say I'm copping out by posting lovelies by other artists. Do you care? (wink)

Patty of Broken Teepee Designs, (one of my fellow artisan beaders street team members) lives on a farm in Montana. Now, I've never been to Montana, but these earrings make me want to go and visit. Look at all the green behind the gorgeous earrings!

Okay. I also want the earrings. Check them out on etsy!

Shoozle's fuzed glass spider pendant

2008-11-15T20:15:00.003-06:00

It's simple, but so striking!!!

spider
Originally uploaded by shoozles67

Awards falling from the sky...!!!

2008-11-12T23:04:00.003-06:00

Or so it seems.... I'd love to know who started this award trend!

In any case, I feel honored that another blogger and artist enjoys my blog, so here's the newest:

It was awarded to me by rkdsign88, and here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 5 blogs(can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing.
3. Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
4. Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

These are the 5 blogs I have chosen... check 'em out!
Vicki Orion of Orion Designs
Brandi of Catie's Blue
Creative Treasures by Donna
Marcy of Studio Marcy
Tejae's Art

Week 4: Artisan Beaders Giveaway

2008-11-12T12:01:00.000-06:00

The Artisan Beaders are pleased to present a little holiday present from us to you! Over the next few weeks, participating members will be sponsoring a giveaway of their fabulous handmade items.

This week, Vicki of Orion Designs is giving away a truly adorable pair of earrings! The Cocoa Waves Earrings feature glass beads and natural brass, and are perfect no matter the time of year. These earrings measure 5/8ths of an inch from the bottom of the earwire.

Visit the Artisan Beaders Blog for details on how to win these lovely earrings!

Getting my fingers back into the clay!

2008-11-11T23:07:00.002-06:00

After 2 weeks away from my clay table, I am home again and playing with dragonflies and dewdrop daisies.

I have so much cleaning to do, and I know I won't get it done before my husband's mother comes to visit from Rhode Island for 2 weeks. She arrives on November 16. Good thing she's seen it this messy before... or almost this messy...

Sarah's Banners and Avatars

2008-11-08T20:26:00.005-06:00

My daughter is creating custom banners and avatars for etsy stores at a very reasonable rate. Check them out!!

Week 3: Artisan Beaders Giveaway Promotion!

2008-11-05T11:10:00.000-06:00

The Artisan Beaders are pleased to present another little holiday present from us to you!

This week's giveaway is a gorgeous pair of earrings, thanks to Brenda of The Jewelry Box! These earrings feature green aventurine wavy ovals, fancy faceted jasper briolettes, and sterling silver findings, and they measure 2.75 inches long.

Visit the Artisan Beaders Blog for details on how to win these lovely earrings!

President Elect: Barack Obama & VP Elect: Joe Biden

2008-11-04T23:30:00.003-06:00

Yes. We can.

I listened to McCain's very touching and gracious concession speech, and to President elect Obama's inspiring acceptance speech. Great men. Great speeches.

I wish Obama the best of luck. It's going to be a difficult ride.

Tuesday's election day. Do you know where your vote is???

2008-11-03T21:12:00.004-06:00

Exercise your right to

I voted early, when I figured I'd be in Peoria on election day. I'm driving my mother to the polling place so she can vote. If you are a US citizen, and you don't vote, you have no right to complain about the results!! So VOTE!!

AWOL again

2008-11-01T16:56:00.004-05:00

Dad went into the hospital again on Thursday - this time he had a pulmonary embolism. We feel very fortunate that it was caught in time to do something about it.

This means I am, once again, at my parents' with my mom - no polymer claying 'til I get home.

I had a wonderful customer purchase a considerable number of pendants from me this past week, and order a couple more as well. That got me moving a bit, before this set back. Here's a little eye candy to make up for my absence:

Just a little reminder... breast cancer awareness auctions closing soon...

2008-10-29T14:11:00.004-05:00

October, breast cancer awareness month, is almost over. It sure flew by fast!!

This means the auctions on JustBeads.com benefiting the Susan G. Komen foundation are also coming to a close. I've got three auctions closing at midnight on Oct. 31, so check them out (along with the other lovelies) and bid high.... ALL proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Just Beads has waived the listing and final value fees.

Thanks!!!

Artisan Beaders mourn the loss of Corinne Portalatin

2008-10-28T11:27:00.003-05:00

We were notified yesterday by a close friend of Cori's (Corinne Portalatin of ccdesigns) that Cori passed away Monday morning, Oct. 27, of a brain aneurysm.

Cori was a treasured member of our Artisan Beaders Street Team of etsy. It's a tragedy for us and for her family. She will be sorely missed....

The REVEAL... soft and spiky!!!

2008-10-26T21:28:00.004-05:00

There it is. What, you were expecting a full frontal face shot? Okay, okay. Click on the photo and you'll get what you came for... Make sure you're sitting down, though, and don't say I didn't warn you!!!

OMG! You did WHAT???

2008-10-25T12:32:00.005-05:00

more animals

I got my hair cut. I mean, really cut. This morning (0kay, it's after noon but who's counting?) I'm going to color it light blond all over. And the cut? It's a spiky affair.

My kids say it's not "me" but I'm over 50 and maybe I'm having a midlife crisis... who knows? I'll have one of them take a picture after I'm all colored and spiked. Promise not to laugh?

On another note, we had 126 entries in the Artisan Beaders Giveaway, and a winner was chosen. Lucky girl!! We'll be having another one next week, which I'll blog about. In the meantime, if you want to keep track yourself, visit the Artisan Beaders Blog and subscribe. We'll be doing giveaways every week into December... and possibly beyond ;)

Have a happy Saturday!!

more animals

Check out the Artisan Beaders GIVEAWAY - gorgeous earrings by Patty of Brokenteepee!!

2008-10-20T12:24:00.004-05:00

The Artisan Beaders are pleased to present a little holiday present from us to you! Over the next few weeks, participating members will be sponsoring a giveaway of their fabulous handmade items.
This week, we have a gorgeous pair of earrings from Patty of Broken Teepee Designs. These sweet beauties feature prasiolite (green amethyst), mystic blue topaz, and gold filled findings. They measure 1/2 an inch long and are darling!

Click here to visit the Artisan Beaders Blog for details!!!

Tagged... Oh, dear... what now? ;)

2008-10-16T19:10:00.006-05:00

I've been tagged by Triz of Triz Designs and by Sue of Signature Sterling.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Seven facts...

1) I started out in college as a music major.

2) My entire family fights depression and anxiety on a daily basis.

3) When I was a child, I used to have dreams where I was saving people - my family, people I knew, strangers - from disasters such as fires and car accidents. I'd die, and watch my funeral. I also dreamed I had enough money to feed and house all the hungry, homeless people in the world.

4) Although we have 5 house rabbits, I did not want to take in the first one... my husband okay'd it, to my chagrin. He's been paying for it ever since. It got me into domestic rabbit rescue and human education for a while. (grin) At one point we had 13 foster rabbits in our home.

5) My father thought I should be a greeting card designer at one point.

6) I'm overweight, and have been for most of my life. I don't hate myself for it. Most of the time.

7) I tend to jump from one art medium or craft to another. Polymer clay is the first medium I've stuck with for any length of time. So, I have: fabric, hemp, beads, candlemaking stuff, dried flowers, batting, paint, wood, stained glass.......
~

Seven people...

Tejae's Art
Mouse Tales
KellyK
Shelly Rodriquez
Beaded Tail
SolSisters
DivaDea

Pluie de Perles - Nathalie, Swiss polymer clay artist

2008-10-16T11:05:00.002-05:00

Hidden

Originally uploaded by pluie_de_perles

I am still without my camera, so....

Here's a Swiss polymer clay artist who has added me to her flickr contacts.

On her blog profile she says her name is "Nathalie ou Nat comme vous préférez..." (Nathalie, or Nat if you prefer) She has a supportive husband, two girls, two cats, a dog and horses. Life sounds wonderful!!

Check out her blog for more truly gorgeous work.

Featured on KellyK's blog... her dewdrops, my beads!

2008-10-14T17:47:00.004-05:00

I've mentioned before that I get my little dichroic dewdrops from my friend Kelly Keniston (KellyK). She has featured my work on her blog. Thanks, Kelly!

Extras... Packaging... Choices...

2008-10-13T16:40:00.006-05:00

I go around in circles all the time about packaging up orders for my beads. Should I include an extra bead or two? What about fancy boxes, ribbons, gifts, thank you cards?

There are days when I feel fortunate to have had the presence of mind to put the item(s) in a little jewelry box and put in all the necessary padding and packing slip. Oh, and get it in the mail!! Occasionally I have something I can toss in the box to say thank you. I have no idea what I could have on hand to include on a regular basis! (and where did I put that box of ribbon... hmmm...)

When I order something, I generally expect the item or items I ordered. Nothing else. Is it nice to get a goodie or two? I'm on the fence about it. I love free things. But sometimes it leaves me wondering and a little uncomfortable. Am I paying for the extras in the long run? The exceptions are when I order something from someone I know, or someone from whom I've ordered before. In those cases, there is a presumption of familiarity, perhaps even friendship.

What do you think?

A bit of glassy goodness from Carolina Sherrill

2008-10-12T08:00:00.003-05:00

As I was checking on my Susan G. Komen auctions on justbeads.com, I happened to click on the banner ad at the top of the page for Carolina Sherrill. What a treat!

I especially love the beads pictured below. Check the auctions out by clicking on the pictures, or visit her website which will point you to her other venues.

Metalle Focal

Matrix Focal

Another award... Thanks!!

2008-10-10T18:44:00.005-05:00

Thank-you Vicki (of Orion Designs), for the award and blog mention!! (I'd love to know who started the award movement... someday, one of us should follow it back to the first!!)

In accepting this award, I agree to:

1. Display the logo and link to the one who awarded it.

2. Nominate at least 7 blogs to receive the award.

3. Add links to those 7 blogs to my blog.

4. Leave the nominees a message that they have been nominated to receive the award.

These are the 7 blogs I have chosen (in no particular order):

1. C.A.Therien Polymer Clay Arts

2. Desert Designs by Barbara

3. Michon Jewelry

4. rkdsign88

5. Karooart

6. Silastones

7. Triz' beading mania

Home, Sweet Home... messy, but it's mine

2008-10-09T23:24:00.000-05:00

I'm home. I was going to post a picture of our plate as it looked when we left the last class shortly after lunch (mom could not handle sitting any longer) as well as pictures of some of my mom's work from before she began having all of her medical problems.

I left the camera sitting next to my mother's bed as I was saying goodbye... Dad's sending it to me, but I'll be without it for the time being. I plan on showcasing some other artists' work, meanwhile. Tomorrow. Now.... bed time in my OWN, cat-free bed!!

Theory of satisfaction vs perfection in practice... China painting

2008-10-07T21:45:00.007-05:00

China Painting Demo by Paula

One of the reasons - actually the main reason - I'm here at my parents' house is because my mom signed up for a 3 day china painting workshop with Paula Collins in Morton, IL, and she needed someone to drive and help her while she was there.

Mom used to do a lot of china painting... before the knee surgeries, pulmonary embolism, etc mentioned in the previous post. All of the medical problems she's had in the past 5 years have managed to set her back in a big way. She's done very little painting, and the shake in her hands has become more pronounced during those difficult years as well. So this workshop has been extremely frustrating and somewhat humiliating for her.

I've been recruited to do some of the painting... a lot of the painting... and to say I am out of my element and out of practice as well is an understatement. Sure, I got my degree in studio art. In 1980. I rarely pick up a brush as small as is used in china painting any more.

So I repeated my mantra as "we" were painting (mom watching, me painting) that the reason we take a class is to learn something new... that we can't expect a masterpiece to come out of it (read: a plate like the instructor's). It's so interesting... in all of the china painting classes I've observed, it's standard practice for the instructor to come around and sort of help "clean up" what the students have done, unless they object (few do). Thinking back, I guess I did a little of that myself when I was teaching polymer clay...

Anyway, here is the teacher's plate progression today (click on photos to enlarge)

And here is "our" plate. I sketched in some leaves after this, but we had to leave because mom was not feeling well, so the teacher blocked them in for us. I'll take a picture tomorrow to show what it looks like fired. The china paints look very different once they are fired...

Perfection VS Satisfaction

2008-10-05T21:37:00.004-05:00

I'm at my parents' house, once again, to help out with getting the folks from one place to the other... and the ride here gave me time to think about perfection and satisfaction.

What should we be striving for, in life, in our art work, in our studies, in all of our endeavors? Is it perfection? Or is it satisfaction?

Some may say perfection. After all, it's a lofty goal, isn't it? Is there anyone who would deny that those who appear to achieve perfection are revered? A perfect test score, a perfect game, a flawless sculpture, a vaccine that would prevent cancer of all kinds, world peace (okay, it's starting to sound like a Miss America pageant... hey, the perfectly proportioned body!) are all wishes, dreams, ideals.

And then, when perfection is achieved... we are satisfied, right? I wonder.

Our son is an excellent student. An all around good person: caring, loving, diligent. Often as not, he achieves that perfect score we all dream of on his exams. He completes all of his homework, often a week ahead of schedule. Is he satisfied?

He worries all the time that he will not live up to expectations. Whose? Not ours. His teachers'? His own? He strives to be perfect, and we try to tell him that perfection is not necessary. Less than perfect is just fine. Work hard and do your best and don't sweat it. Enjoy the ride.

My mother is in pain. She wants her body to be back to the way it was before she had 3 knee surgeries and one partial hip replacement done by an incompetent surgeon, before her pulmonary embolism. She wants to be able to do the things she did before she had the full hip replacement by a competent surgeon, before the vascular surgery on her leg, before 2 extended stays at nursing homes where she was confused and miserable... before her shoulder began aching continuously. So, she goes to doctor after doctor asking them to fix it. Nothing less than perfection will do.

And I have friends who have trouble making things because someone else already does it better. Frankly, I've been there, afraid to put myself out there because my work is not perfect, is not as good as someone else's.

Well, I'm thinking that satisfaction is what we should be looking for. I'm not saying we shouldn't work towards improvement and doing the best we can when we strive to create, or compete, or learn something new. But at some point we should be looking at how satisfying the endeavor is.

You take a class, you learn a new skill, you take a few steps in a walker... you're offered praise, you enjoy the results, you rejoice in what you can do, satisfied in the process.

I'm thinking that perfection is overrated. I'm going to try to revel in my imperfection. That's my goal, now. Satisfaction in each day, in each new attempt. I'll let you know if it works...

Artisan Beaders Treasury: Blues!!

2008-10-03T01:09:00.004-05:00

I'm a fan of blue. And I love this treasury, check it out, !!! (Okay, it doesn't hurt that one of my beads is in it)

Also, go visit the Artisan Beaders Holiday Gift Guide blog!!

Susan G. Komen Charity Auctions on Just Beads

2008-10-01T17:39:00.008-05:00

ERIN

Almost 5 years ago, I began my selling experience on Just Beads. Each year, they sponsor a month of charity auctions to benefit breast cancer research.

BETTY

Every dollar raised goes to the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer research. The site does not charge sellers for listing or for final value as long as all proceeds are donated.

With that in mind, I am once again offering my own listings for the cause. I have known/do know at least 7 women who have been touched by this disease, so it touches me as well. I've started them out at 99¢ so go on over and bid generously!!

RAINSONG

Featured on The Art Zoo blog...

2008-09-26T23:40:00.007-05:00

Country Basket of Blossoms
available on etsy

Christelle of Karooart alerted me this morning that one of my pendant beads was featured on THE ART ZOO blog, a blog that features all sorts of artwork by various artists. I'm honored!

The basketweave is a cane I created using a tutorial by Jana Roberts Benzon on polymer clay central; the leaves are also slices of canes. The blossoms are formed from freshwater pearls and dots of polymer clay.

I distressed the clay before baking, and antiqued it using acrylic paint. It was then sanded and buffed.

"I Love Your Blog" award

2008-09-25T14:54:00.001-05:00

Melissa of Melissa's Jewelry and Gemstone blog has nominated my blog for an "I Love Your Blog" award, and I am truly flattered. It's nice to hear that someone enjoys your blog!!

Now I need to nominate 7 other blogs that I enjoy. Narrowing it down is not easy... I've got so many favorites at the moment ;)

If you are nominated, and choose to display the logo, you should follow these simple steps, after accepting your award:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received the award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of the nominated blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominated.

My picks are as follows (in alphabetical order):
As Mind Goes By
A very simple blog design that showcases her elegant illustrations.
Beadwright Blog
A wealth of seed beading information. A friend. Oh, and I made her banner ;o)
Blooms and Blossoms
Marvelous, inspiring photographs of flowers...
Robin's Woods
I loved reading about the ground squirrels' invasion, with fabulous photographs of these fascinating critters!
Shiny Adornments - Simply Shiny
A blog that's just chock full of information and fun... and yet not too busy.
Shoozles' Blog
Fused glass at its most fun.
Twenty Pound Tabby
A blog full of color. Fabric. I love fabric. Dolls, cats... what's not to like?

Amigurumi Lemur FINISHED!!

2008-09-23T23:42:00.002-05:00

Back to the Bunny Farm....

2008-09-22T23:23:00.003-05:00

No, we don't have a farm. And all our bunnies are spayed and neutered. But I love this picture from icanhascheezburger and had to share it!

more animals

I'm home. Dad is home from the hospital, still in pain. My folks have hired someone to help them out. Hopefully the pain will lessen....

I'm tired, but I'll be back to blogging tomorrow. I'm looking forward to claying and doing stuff around the house after a nice long cat-free sleep tonight.

Bright Spots from Michal Silberberg

2008-09-17T22:00:00.004-05:00

modern times by Michal S.

Since I'm not at my own computer or even near my own creative tools, I decided to browse my contacts' photos in flickr and find the first photo that really grabbed me.

I guess I'm desperately in need of some color therapy because Michal's gorgeous lampwork beads are just the ticket to cheer my soul and make me smile deep inside. Visit her flickr photos for a real treat... again!

Caretaking

2008-09-16T20:13:00.003-05:00

They say we women go from being taken care of (as children) to taking care of others (husband, children) to taking care of our parents, to being taken care of again.

Currently I'm in the middle role - taking care of others, my parents. My dad went into the hospital for pain in his hip severe enough that he couldn't sit up or walk. My mom walks with a walker and has back, leg, and shoulder pain, and dad has been taking care of her. So with dad in the hospital, we children who live close to them (my brother, who lives in the next town with his wife, and me, 90 miles away) play tag team, as we generally do when something like this comes up.

Tag. I'm it. (my brother and sister in law are also around and about doing stuff)

I have several things I want to blog about - one being the kind nomination by Melissa for an "I love your blog" award - but they will have to wait.

Maybe I'll take some pictures of my parents' 7 cats and post them in the next several days... if I have the time and energy. Meanwhile, my daughter has kindly agreed to do a little entrecard dropping for me. Yay, Sarah!

Taking a break - amigurumi lemur

2008-09-14T01:15:00.007-05:00

I first saw amigurumi animals on Lizzy T's blog when I was dropping entrecards. I thought they were darn cute, so when I spotted this book at a local bookstore - tiny yarn animals by Tamie Snow - I bought it. (Please don't take this as a recommendation of the book...)

Keep in mind that I have been crocheting for... oh... about 40 years. Started when I was very young. I've always loved yarn and thread. Addicted to it, like I am to beads and other crafty materials. I figured it wouldn't be too tough to make these simple crocheted animals, even though I have never really crocheted a stuffed animal. I mean, I've done doilies, afghans, dishcloths, baby booties, bonnets...

In theory, these little critters are not difficult to make, in that they do not use complicated stitches. Just single crochet 'round and 'round. What I needed was more specific directions: sew "x" in "y" position; count x number of stitches to insert arms, legs, tail, whatever.

You don't get those directions in this book. The instructions are not very well written, period.

I started with the Lemur, because my (grown) daughter said "hey, a lemur! how cute" and I said okay I'll make you one.

This is my second try. On my first try, I used the size hook specified and worsted weight inexpensive yarn (which she said was just fine, even recommended). I got the size eyes and nose suggested. I got the body and head done. The eyes looked extremely tiny on the head, as did the nose (I didn't permanently affix them). You see, she says gauge is not important. Uh... uh huh it is!!!

So I switched to a smaller hook and different yarn. Finally the eyes and nose looked more proportional.

I had crocheted the black spots that the eyes were suppose to rest on and it said "insert doll eyes". Um. Insert the eyes into the spots? or into the spots and the head? Because the head instructions said to insert doll eyes before stuffing, if you were using purchased doll eyes.

The doll eyes' post was not long enough to go through the spots and the head. So I inserted the eyes into the head and embroidered the ring around the eyes with yarn. Next time, I use felt for the spots.

I still need to crochet the arms and tail. How do I determine where they will be sewn? Look at the picture, I guess.

"Finishing
Sew appendages to head and body. Weave in ends."

Yeah. I knew that....

Sometimes you just need a good LAUGH!!

2008-09-11T12:30:00.002-05:00

more animals

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!!

2008-09-06T00:40:00.006-05:00

I finished some pieces, and had to photograph them in hand to show them off. It may take a few days for them to appear in my store (or maybe I'll get them photo'd and listed tomorrow, who knows!!) but watch for them!

******************************************

Oh, an addendum to my excitement over entrecard dropping on my son's PC....

A couple of times, while using it, I encountered a glitch which caused the wireless connection to stop working. Now, I don't know if it was because of a virus on one of the entrecard sites or if it was a vista glitch, but I'm going back to my slooooowwww as molasses mac for the time being. My son can't afford to be without his computer!

(I'm so proud of him, 4.0 average over his first year in college!!! And now, he's in Calc III, Chemistry, and Physics....)

Tusk Necklace by Lynda Moseley

2008-09-03T23:53:00.004-05:00

Lynda (SCdiva) made this amazing necklace using one of my decorated faux tusks/teeth. It's currently for sale on etsy!

I have several more waiting to be stained and buffed... I just dread that process when my arthritis is acting up!!!

PCAGOE Challenge - texture - VOTE for your favorite!

2008-09-01T07:00:00.005-05:00

Go to PCAGOE.com to vote for your favorite for a chance to win one of TWO prize packages!!

Blossoms and Daisies - Dichroic and Swarovski centers

2008-08-29T22:21:00.005-05:00

Ghost Flower Dewdrop Daisy

Blue and Yellow Sparkle Blossom

Dewdrop Daisy blue and yellow

Blue and Purple Sparkle Blossom

Dewdrop Daisy Pendant

Red-Orange Gold and Glass pendant

How you gonna keep 'em down on the farm, now that they've seen Paree...

2008-08-28T22:31:00.004-05:00

I am currently using an Apple computer. A Mac PowerPC G4. A whopping 40GB hard drive, with 640MB of memory, 533MHz processor.

I know, there are people out there with older computers. Slower computers. People with dial-up connections. I have cable internet. I should be happy, my computer is around... oh... 8 years old this December.... and it's still running. I've packed the hard drive so full, there is less than 5 GB free space. Shoot, I love my super high quality old Mac.

Today, however, I went upstairs to use my 20 year old son's one year old PC running Vista (ack, ptooey) while he was at class, so I could watch some Netflix online. My computer can't do that. And while I was there, I dropped some entrecards.

OH MY GOSH!!! Pages loaded so fast I that I had time to READ some of the blogs I visited instead of waiting eons for them to load, and ages for the entrecard widget to say "thanks". I felt like a time traveler who came from the old west on a mule watching a jet plane flying by. I dropped 129 cards!!

On Netflix, I watched some old Law and Order: Criminal Intent and it was like watching it on DVD (almost) with no stuttering, no pixelation...

I should never have gone up there. I should never have seen what I was missing. Now I know. I must have a new computer. I'm here on my old, faithful mac, lusting after a PC. Okay, I'm lusting after a new Mac, but I find myself thinking I could "make do" with a new PC. What's wrong with me???

Blooms and Blossoms

2008-08-26T22:39:00.003-05:00

Each day I drop my entrecard on between 50 and 100 blogs. Some I glance at and determine that they aren't my "thing". Others I enjoy, when they post (specially pictures). This one, among others... I LOVE.

Blooms and blossoms blog is written by Petra Voegtle, "painter, sculptor, photographic artist". If you love flowers, you will adore her blog.

For the past several days, she has featured the most amazing roses. There are also dahlias, larkspur, and hydrangeas among others. Oh, my gosh - the hydrangea photographs actually cause a visceral reaction in me.... I want them, I want the photograph to stare at constantly!

Check it out. You won't be sorry!!

Thready

2008-08-25T23:10:00.005-05:00

This is what I've been up to. I've been extruding clay to my heart's delight and my fingers' despair. Even with a Makin's Clay extruder (my favorite!), these were painful to create. But oh, how I love them. I have such plans for my little colorful clay threads!!

Here's what got me started: Perusing DDee Wilder's (Malodora) flickr page. Just watching her artwork expand and grow as she takes classes from a plethora of teachers makes me... well... jealous - I mean impressed and inspired! But that's another story.

Visit her etsy store and her flickr page!

Here are threads she made as a result of a class she took with Cynthia Toops:

Originally uploaded by malodora

And this is what she created:

Calliphorid Micromosaic
Originally uploaded by malodora

Now, mind you, this is not what I have in mind for my threads. Not exactly, anyway. My ideas are still in the planning stage, experimentation to come!!! I think I need to extrude more colors. Yes. More colors....

Dragonfly listings

2008-08-22T21:04:00.005-05:00

I have a few dragonfly listings up on Etsy now. I'll be listing more tomorrow, I hope...

Dragonfly Whimsey

FLY dragonfly pendant

Antique Dragonfly on Gold pendant

Artisan Beaders Heart Treasury

2008-08-20T10:28:00.004-05:00

What comes from the heart goes to the heart!
This treasury features two of my "Hearts to God" listings, as well as listings from my fellow Artisan Beaders....

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=22565

Polymer clay artists from PCAGOE

2008-08-15T19:37:00.006-05:00

I belong to the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy. I thought I'd showcase a little bit of the art available from a few of those artists. More to come later!
Meanwhile, enjoy:

1) Bee Tree by M.E.
2) Art by Lilin
3) Artsy Clay
4) RF Colorful Creations
5) Clay Angel
6) Block Party Press
7) Polymer Posies
8) Beadworx
9) Chicki
10) Ametista
11) Elizabeth Bonura
12) Divadea
13) Elemental Dragons
14) Iris Mishly
15) Folk Art From the Heart
16) Camida

Fresh from the oven!

2008-08-13T01:05:00.008-05:00

Nope. Not muffins. Muffins would sure smell better while they were baking!!

Some spacers, focal pendants... Some I need to sand and possibly buff. I feel kind of stuck, so I decided to make some of my - er - tried and true pieces, with dragonflies and blossoms. Some have Kelly's dewdrops in them, some have Swarovski chatons (sent to me by Becca).
The square-ish focal with the blue butterfly is a custom order for my friend Deb, along with the little round basketweave accents.
I'm particularly happy with the way this one turned out:
Freshwater pearls were wired in before curing. I'm ready to do more of these!!What do you think?

"Beads and Fishes" Luncheon

2008-08-09T19:39:00.022-05:00

About once a month, a group of us here in the Champaign-Urbana area gets together to have lunch and share our beady items. The only requirement (other than being friends) to coming to this lunch is that you must make or use beads or love sushi (fishes) or both.

We've chosen, recently, to have our luncheon at Crazy Buffet off of North Prospect (Town Center Drive)... that's where we met today:

They have the craziest selection of food - asian, mainly, but they also have things like macaroni and cheese, pizza, and enchiladas. You just never know! But they also have a sushi bar, which meets the criteria for the lunch... sushi must be available!
Kelly is showing off her chopsticks and dewdrops!

Kelly Keniston (KellyK) is the one who introduced me to this great group of gals. She's a fused glass, jewelry and polymer clay artist.
We met online several years ago through justbeads.com, when Kelly sent me a message about where I got my canes (I make my own), since we were so close... and the rest is history. We tend to bounce things off one another - both compliments and criticism.

I lust after her dewdrops, which she is happy to provide, and her fused glass cabs.
Today, Kelly brought 3 of her fused glass pieces and some dewdrops to pass around.
Kelly sells on Etsy and Ebay.

Hey, Melinda, how are the desserts?
Melinda Willis, ceramic artist and lampworker... brought her large box of lampwork beads this time, as well as two thimbles created on her new thimble mandrel!! She didn't bring her ceramic beads this time, but next time I'll get some photos to show off! Melinda is talking about opening an Etsy store sometime in the future. If she does, snatch up her work... it's fabulous!

Athan hugs her beads as she eats... there isn't much room at the table!

Athan is a lampwork artist. She also works with leather, and does intricate beadwork and jewelry.
Athan brought her bead frame, coming from her booth at the Urbana farmer's market held at Lincoln Square Mall parking lot. She was feeling upbeat, sales had been good!
We oohed and aaahhhed over the gorgeous necklace she was wearing, which was beautiful. She told us where she got it... but my memory is terrible... a gem show? Sigh... gotta write things down...
Athan is talking about opening an etsy store as well.

Sue rifles through my box of clay beads...

Sue creates jewelry and mixed media art. She brought three beautiful necklaces she recently created. The white nugget is real beach glass she found, and ingeniously incorporated in a cool macrame necklace.
Beautiful!
I wish I had gotten a picture of the cards she had brought. She draws large pen and ink pieces, then photocopies them (shrinking the image) and adds color with pencil, paint... they turn out to be quite striking.

Susan drools over Melinda's box of beads...
Susan works with all sorts of mediums. Most recently, she's played with photographs she's taken and digitally alters them to create art pieces. It's amazing what she can do.
Susan didn't bring any of her photos, but she did bring some lovely beads by Constance Poggi she bought on justbeads.com. Susan has a sizable collection of beads - one can never have too many beads... right???

MY preciousssssss!!! Beads I picked out from Melinda's stash...

Butterfly Mania

2008-08-07T23:06:00.006-05:00

It's a good time to shop at my etsy store if you are a fan of butterflies! I made quite a few this past month, and recently listed some of that "flock"!

Chair WIth Face

2008-08-06T22:51:00.005-05:00

Chair WIth Face

Originally uploaded by twentypoundtabby

"A cloth doll sized chair made with a Christine Shively pattern."

A little diversion from the polymer clay - found the blog of twenty pound tabby via entrecard dropping (which is taking up a lot of my time, because I wind up reading the blogs...) and from there, her flickr account.

This gorgeous piece is made of cloth and, I'm assuming, wood. Wouldn't it be a great inspiration for a polymer clay piece? (wheels turning....)