New Bead Design.

You would think after 13 going on 14 years making glass beads you would run dry of ideas. Nope they keep coming.
I see pictures, or remember old techniques I haven't used lately and stuff just pops into my head. One thing I have learned is to draw it out, or write it down, otherwise I won't remember it.
I am thankful that I can keep my beads new and fresh, so my stuff is always evolving and doesn't look the same year after year. That's why if you copy me or my beads its no big deal, cause baby I WILL come up with something new. Fer shure.

Ahhh when is it coming!

Ok so I was bad...I bought a disk cutter at Bead and Button. It was $115.00 with shipping. My buddy Jim Jones said it was a good cutter cause it has screws that hold
the metal in place as you hammer your cutter. So I bought it and that was about two weeks ago. Argg. I have so many ideas swimming around in my head and need that cutter.
The studio has AC on Mondays so I hope to get it this weekend. Fingers crossed.
Did you see Jim Jones Steampunk beads he made at Bead and Button. They were beautiful and so well done. Jim seems to take every art form and pushes it to perfection. Such a talented artist and his wife Lani is too! They are the main reason I am coming back to Bead and Button. Lani and I are shopping buddies and Jim and I shop for tools....perfect.

Bead Porn Baby

I am falling hard for metal..But still love my glass. So I got to thinking how can I combine the two. So I have been playing around with a new style and really am happy with the results. I got some new tools at Bead and Button and so I have lots of new ideas swimming in my head. Enjoy.

Little Moments.

How was your Fathers Day? I had my Dad over for a "Dottie" dinner. Dottie was my Mom and she was a great cook. I know he misses my mom's cooking so I tried to recreate it as best I could and I think he was happy.

My son is home visiting for awhile before he heads back to school. I cherish these moments when the whole family is under the same roof. I ache for those days when we were all in the house together. I didn't cherish them enough. We are on to other things. Daniel is gone at school and Allie is going to be flying the coop soon.

So last night I yelled down to them to undo the dishwasher and the banter between them was delightful. Arguing, laughter, and general brother, sister stuff brought back so many memories. Every single moment of their lives was a joy. Not saying we didn't have really tough times, but we were a tough bunch and came though it a stronger family.
Oh and are you following Denise Yezbak Moore's blog? You should. Look at her great give away!

Long time no blog.

Back from Bead and Button. Whew. Great show, lots of good friends, cool shopping, dismal sales....
So sad to see so many talented people make little to no profit. Many of my friends will not be returning to the show next year.
I plan on submitting a proposal to teach with a fellow beadmaker Brad Pearson. We taught together in Ashville and noticed that our minds kind-of think in similar ways when it comes to glass. So next year hopefully we will co-teach a class together and then I hope to be working for the great gals at Susan Lenart's booth Objects and Elements
That way I can teach, work and visit friends that I love dearly.

So much has happened in the last couple of months with teaching, doing shows, baby showers, and my Son's graduation from Mizzou. I couldn't be more of a proud Mom.
Here is a picture of him and his girlfriend whom he has been dating for 8 years this July. Yep you heard it right. They have been dating since they were freshman in high school and then went to the same college (both graduating at the top of their classes) and now they will both be attending Mizzou with Celsi getting her Masters and my son Daniel entering the Doctoral program in Biology.

AHHHHHHH

That just about sums it up. I am readyish for Bead and Button. I will be seeing tons of friends and lots of cool things to buy. If you are going, make sure you stop by my booth #1000 next to Kate Mckinnon who does have tons of stuff.

When I get back I will have less time at work and more time at home. I have many things planned like painting the kitchen cabinets, cleaning out the basement and organizing. I made the mistake of watching Horders on TLC. Yipees. My house is pretty void of lots of clutter but there are hidden closets and cabinets and storage rooms that need attention.

Off I go!

Home for a Bit and then.....BEAD & BUTTON

Well Blue Moon rocked it. What a great studio and such great hosts. I stayed at Jim and Rose's house so I got to meet the dogs and had a wonderful time.
The class was great with incredible students. I love it when I am teaching a new technique and it pushes everyones abilities. Then when it turns out, they beam with pride and excitement. It really rocks my world when they "get it".

Ohhh girlfriend, do I have cool stuff for Bead and Button. Sets they are colorful crazy good, pairs for killer earrings or accent beads, really rockin PMC pendants with a totally bit@#en technique that I am keeping under wraps cause it is wicked smart, and KITS. Yep I have earring kits. I never make kits but everyone tells me that is what the people want.

Oh and guess what...I am a great aunt. My lovely niece Sarah had a boy! Some of you know my older sister died of Ovarian Cancer almost 2 years ago. We lost her too soon at age 55. Sarah is her oldest daughter so it is bitter sweet, but I am sure she is looking down and smiling. Hopefully pictures soon. She lives in Chicago soI am going to go and see her after Bead and Button and will get pictures of the new addition. Plus I am so the Baby Whisperer. That kid needs his Aunt Libby.