BEAD SOUP BLOG PARTY

…...THE GRAND REVEAL…...

It is Party Time….I don't know about you…but I am excited about visiting everyone's blog today and seeing all of the before and after photos.  So much talent and creativity out there.

Welcome to the 7th Bead Soup Blog Party organized by the Bead Swap Queen herself Lori Anderson.  

This is my very first bead swap and what fun it has been.

My partner is Mary Harding….an amazing ceramic bead artist residing on the east coast.  Read all about Mary in my previous post.

These are the lovely beads I received from Mary…..Mary must have known I love rusty orange. I must admit I was very challenged by this collection as I am accustomed to designing with lots of bling and rusty old things.  To be challenged is a good thing, however, and one of the primary focuses of Lori's bead swap…..that and meeting  new art friends.

If you are like me, you buy numerous publications, books, tutorials and classes on jewelry design hoping to have time one fine day to practice new techniques.  Well for me those days are few and far between.  I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to explore  new wire wrapping techniques and incorporate my bling with Mary's ceramic beads.  

Here is my pendant up close and personal…...I have embraced Mary's Burdock Tassels with twists and spirals of copper wire, seed beads, rhinestones, pearls and crystals.  The technique for creating the bezel is one of Lisa Niven Kelly's designs.  Check out her Beaducation.com site for all kinds of wonderful classes.

I enjoy contrasts of color and texture in my designs and loved the way the spiral wrapped quartz set off the drops of carnelian and crystals…..static vs movement.  And look at that beautiful clasp Mary designed.  It was just too pretty to have it hiding in the back…so it took front and center along with the pendant.

The addition of the grey smokey quartz and the ivory turquoise helped pull the colors featured in the Burdock Tassels throughout the piece. I was pleased with the way my piece turned out….I already have an outfit picked out to wear it with.  Thank you Mary!!!!!!  I love what you sent me!!!

Thank you for dropping by.  Follow THIS LINK for the list of Bead Soup Swap participants.  This is the first of three reveals.  

Prepare yourself to be inspired!!

Bead Soup Anyone?

For the last few years I have followed the blogs of some of the people participating in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party and have been so intrigued about the great idea.  So this time around, I decided to jump in to join in the fun.  Lori partners participants who have very different styles of design.  I thought that this was just what I needed to get my creative muse going again.  

I had the pleasure of being partnered with the very talented Mary Harding residing in the state of New York (my birth state).

  Mary is a very accomplished artist with a passion for creating ceramic components (beads, toggle clasps, pendants and charms); freeform peyote stitch beadwork; fused glass; raku and dichoric glass.

Look at this amazing freeform styled bracelet.....a piece of art!  I love the freeform style.  The amount of time it takes to work with these tiny seedbeads and planning the transition of colors and textures in a piece such as this is to be respected….not to mention good eyesight and patience. Bravo Mary!

Mary's love of nature can be seen throughout her work.  She captures her surroundings of the countryside of New York in her pieces. 

Mary sells her jewelry components and designs in her Etsy store and components, ebooks, classes, supplies and designs on her    website. Yes, she does offer instruction and shares her secrets.

My sweet gift box from Mary arrived a few weeks ago tied perfectly with one of her darling ceramic heart charms….aren't I lucky.

And looky, looky what Mary selected for me.  I was born in the fall and it is one of my favorite seasons with the richness of the colors and textures.  This assortment reflects fall perfectly don't you think?  Mary created a ceramic clay pendant depicting native Burdock Tassels; a copper clay toggle clasp; a whimsical copper flower shank button, and orange ceramic beads made from earthenware clay.  I so appreciate the work that went into the making of these components and the thought that Mary put into selecting complimentary stones of Coral and Red Botswana agate, and tubes of Carnelian. 

For those of you who are familiar with my work, I most often design with vintage finds, neutral colors, rust and glitz.  So, this bead collection from Mary gave me the challenge I was looking for.

March 30th will be the "reveal" for my group.  So stay tuned to see what I designed using Mary's selections.

A silk ribbon entwined box ready to be sent off to Mary.

  To see what Mary received from me, visit her blog.

If you haven't participated in Lori's Bead Soup Swap before, I invite you to visit the Bead Soup Blog (see button for Bead Soup in the sidebar to the right) and get the details and join in the fun of the reveal blog hop coming up over the next few months.  Challenging yourself to do something outside of your comfort (safe) zone can broaden your horizons, present you with opportunities to try new techniques and designs; and work with materials you would not otherwise work with.  And the icing on the cake is meeting new people......just like Mary.  

Willow Nest

Reconnecting with friends after 20 years is such a joyous occasion....and just picking up where you left off all those years ago....that's what I did this last weekend.

Lynda (Flynn) Marcov of Willow Nest and her sweet husband, Ludmil, have settled into their new "nest" here on the central coast of California all the way from Burton, TX.  Some of you may know this talented couple if you are Round Top regulars.  

Ludmil and Lynda will be offering their wares once a month, the second weekend of each month, in what used to be the old blacksmith shop on the Old Edna property here in the San Luis Obispo area.  These two make such an incredible duo with Ludmil's architecture background and love of repurposing the old....giving a new yet nostalgic look to his resulting creations.  And Lynda waves her magic wand, clicks her heals three times and transforms any old little building (or tent for that matter) into romantic eye candy.

Here is sweet Lynda.  In another life time ago, I worked with Lynda as her fashion consultant assistant, gofer, model, driver, administrative assistant and retail clerk.  We had so much fun together. 

Lynda and Ludmil's work has been published in countless magazines.  Where ever they go the paparazzi find them.  We are so blessed to have them right here on the central coast now.  Their hand-picked French finds can be found (and purchased) right here in my backyard now.....can  you tell I am excited!    I did find a few treasures this past weekend.....but my most treasured find....was our rekindled friendship. ...so sweet!

DESOLINA HOUSE

And while I am speaking of talented women, let me introduce you to another friend of mine, Pattea Torrence owner of the township of Old Edna.  You must visit the Old Edna website and take a tour of this charming hideaway.  Pattea purchased this property several years ago and is constantly upgrading, remodeling, fine-tuning and pouring her creative self into every detail of the wine tasting building, the Bed and Breakfast accommodations and grounds.  Her newest endeavor has been to remodel the dilapidated little, quaint house that has lived on the property for many, many years.  It was long overdue for a loving hand.  Here are a few photos of Pattea's masterpiece.

The perfect place for a romantic get-away in the heart of the wine country of the central coast of California.  Wine taste during the day, eat at one of San Luis Obispo's many outstanding restaurants, shop in our charming downtown area, take a walk on the beach and return to your little piece or paradise.

Life is Good!

Life is Good here on the central coast of California complete with good friends, food and playing in my studio once again.

A few weeks ago I had the most heart-warming surprise show up on my doorstep.....two of my favorite friends....Vickie and Charlene.  Vickie and I had planned our get-together but little did I know that our friend, Charlene, had made the long trip from Texas to visit as well.  How dear they both were...laden with gifts, well wishes, and hugs. Life has been good in many ways during this time of recovery. It has blessed me with reminders of how rich my life is and to open my eyes to the appreciation of the simple pleasures of daily living that surround me.  These two women have the biggest, most generous hearts.  Their visit gave me the inspiration and jump start I needed to make the transition from convalescing (and a bit of the ole poor me's) to leaping back into a joy-filled life.....which was there all the time.  

We had three glorious days together in which we dined al fresco at one of San Luis Obispo's new boutique restaurants.....Charlene and I on the patio below....where we had the most glorious grilled cheese sandwiches complete with a selection of exotic cheeses, fresh basil and tomatoes...yum.

 Of course we did a little shopping.  The shop below is Serendipity in the Village of Arroyo Grande...full of art, found objects, clothes and treats.

And speaking of art...look at the pieces on display in Serendipity below.  I am so very proud of my friend, Stephani Gorman, for having several of her paintings featured front and center in this lovely boutique.  Congratulations Steff!!!  They are great.

Simple pleasures such as preparing meals once again have been so refreshing.  Having fun trying new recipes and cooking for my hubby......he's been taking care of me for the past several weeks and now it's my turn to give back.  

One of my favorite breakfast dishes is polenta, fried egg with cheese, fresh basil, tomatoes and avocado...yummy!  

Butternut risotto is another favorite....here with a side of grilled zucchini.  Comfort food indeed!

Spending time in my studio again, getting my hands dirty in bronze clay.  I love this clay.... it holds a lot of possibilities and the color is divine.  Here are a few pieces I have designed from the clay bits that came out of my kiln last week.  

I will be teaching a 3-day retreat (Petite Retreat) in my home studio the end of May where we will explore the basics of bronze clay.  See my "Classes" section for details.  The retreat is currently full, however, I do have a waiting list if anyone would like to be added to it.

I am participating in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party and Swap for the first time this spring.  How exciting....I have been partnered with an accomplished ceramic bead artist on the East Coast who I will reveal to you in my next post.  Lori's swaps are such a great opportunity to meet new people, work with beads different from which we are used to working with, encouraging our creative muses in different directions, and giving us the privilege of sharing what we love to create with others. Check out her blog and prepare yourself in joining in the fun of the next bead swap. 

Beach Girls Retreat

Just had to share with you some exciting news.  My good friend Stephani Gorman is hosting a mini retreat featuring artist Sharon Tomlinson right here on the central coast of California.  Sharon's work is amazing!! Participants will be staying in a home overlooking the ocean in beautiful Avila Beach....a charming little village.  Follow the links to Stephani and Sharon's blogs by clicking on their names above.  There you will find all of the details.  Now is your chance for a girls getaway and immersing yourself in painting portraits.  Space is limited.

April 11-15, 2013

Hope you are all enjoying the first days of the new year.  Today is glorious here in my little part of the world....sun is out, the temperature is mild and I have the sweetest little yellow finches visiting the liquid amber outside of my office window.  I have finally become crutch free after my hip surgery 7 weeks ago and I think I am going to go for a short walk to bask in this beautiful spring-like day.

TA DA

I am so excited to announce the four winners of my Christmas Giveaway....the winners are:

Angi Eharis -- Twisted Sistah DVD

Linda Y -- Twisted Sistah DVD

Michelle Kenny -- Heart to Heart Tutorial

Tracie Dean -- Heart to Heart Tutorial

Congratulations to you all.  Please contact me with your mailing addresses and/or emails to which you would like your gifts to be sent.  

Many of you have been asking how I have been doing since my hip surgery....thank you so much for your concern.  It has almost been 3 weeks now and I have been lovingly cared for by my devoted hubby of 33 years and my sweet daughter-in-law, Donna.  I will continue to be restricted to crutches for about another week.....I will be so glad to say goodbye to them.  Physical therapy started a few days ago so am working on building up my strength and stretching. I must admit I am tired of the life of leisure and am anxious to return to my studio to play, do things for myself and take Miss Olive for walks, etc.  But the body needs time to heal.....a lesson in patience, patience, patience.  All is good and I am so blessed.

My boys will be coming home for Christmas so am so excited about seeing them and the rest of my children and grands.  

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

                                                              

Puppy Dog Kisses GIVEAWAY

Sending you all puppy dog kisses for the holidays!

This little precious one has been keeping me busy during the last few months....teaching me what it is like to be a puppy  mom, testing my patience, showering me with kisses, and opening my heart to places I didn't know existed.  I love my little Miss Olive.   

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Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families and friends.  Can you believe the holidays are upon us already?  This is the first time I can remember having all of my Christmas shopping  and decorating complete and it isn't even December 1st yet.    I know crazy but I do have my reasons.  On Monday, I will have hip surgery and will be a bit laid up during December and hobbling around on crutches for awhile.  It is a good thing.  I look forward to recovery, rebuilding my strength and being mobile once again.  No, I will not be having a hip replacement but repairs done for a labral tear and bone spur that have caused me havoc this year....that's what I get for playing Dance Connect with my grand daughters last Christmas and thinking I was 20 years younger....bodies just don't do what they used to do when we get older.  Drat!

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I haven't had much time to play in my studio but have developed a new class which will take place in my California home studio May  31, June 1 and 2, 2013.   My new love, "bronze clay" will be the focus of this 3-day retreat and will include a shopping day at Remnants of the Past Vintage Show here in San Luis Obispo, Ca.  I invite you to visit my "Class" page for details.  I would love to have you join me....space is limited.

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On another note....have you discovered the great opportunity that awaits you over at Art Is You to help those who have lost so much as a result of Hurricane Sandy?  Vivi Magoo Presents, Art Unraveled,  An Artful Journey, Artful Gathering, and Adorn Me have all joined together in efforts to raise funds to help Sandy's victims.....hop on over to Art Is You and see the possibilities.  Tis the season!

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And speaking of giving and the holidays.....I would like to announce a GIVEAWAY and SALE that all of you can take advantage of...... my way of expressing my heartfelt thanks for your continued support of my artful endeavors, kind words, and always giving me opportunities to grow and learn.  

GIVEAWAY - I will be giving away 2 of my Twisted Sistah DVD's and 2 of my Heart to Heart tutorials as a Christmas gift to four of you.  I will draw the winning names December 22nd.  So you have about three weeks to enter the drawing.  All you have to do is sign up as a follower to my blog and leave a comment on this post.  I would love to hear about one of your favorite holiday traditions. Good luck!

SALE - beginning December 1st, my Twisted Sistah DVD's (available in my Etsy store) and Twisted Sistah on-line workshop through Creative Workshops will go on sale for the entire month of December.  For one month only, the enhanced version of Twisted Sistah will be only $99.  

Santa's elves will be busy in my studio while I recoup....so not to worry about getting that DVD before Christmas.

Wishing you all a blessed holiday season.....I have so much to be grateful for, so many blessings.....Kiss, Kiss....