Express Your Heart

Three sounds Easy

2010-11-02T10:18:00.000-04:00

For the BAO team Challenge this week, we were given the two colors of orange and navy and we had to add our own third color to the mix. Three colors sounds easy right? Every time I looked at that orange and navy I thought of Auburn University!! It was hard to add a third color to the mix. I finally choose chartreuse, or a light lime green.

I made a free form sculptural bracelet. I like the chunkiness of it with the small seed beads, and the metal form adds an unexpected element that ties into the metal clasp well. Take a look at it in my Etsy shop for it and other hand made beaded creations.

One For Each Arm

2010-10-08T17:22:00.001-04:00

I recently finished two new bracelets. The first was a freeform over a wire form. This one is peyote stitch woven around a copper tone wire form. The colors are great for fall. Brown, aqua and bead soup of wonderful jewel tones.

The Second is the first in the upcycled, repurposed bracelets. This is a bangle. It is a collection of glossy magazine pages cut into tiny strips and sealed onto the wooden bracelet form.It has an earthy organic feel as the colors flow from one to another.A great look for the fall!

These and many more can be found in my Etsy shop - DawnChastain - Handbeaded Jewelry

BAO Item of the week

2010-10-03T09:25:00.000-04:00

The New Post is up with the BAO Items of the week showcasing some of our work. This is an especially awesome grouping. Take a look at what each artist has to offer by visiting The Bead Art Originals blog.

ROAD TRIP!

2010-08-04T09:18:00.001-04:00

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands..." I Thessalonians 4:11

When I read this verse, I think that the quiet life is a life that is calm and peaceful, not one that is anxious,negative or complaining. Not perfect by any means..hey, we aren't dead, but one that demonstrates faith, grace and peacefulness.

Beads from the Beadcage and stones that I picked up at Bead Avenue

The next part about working with your hands....That is totally my favorite!! I would just die if you tied my hands up. They need to be making, creating and doing. Hence, the road trip yesterday. Mom and I went down to Columbus, GA yesterday. There is a bead store there, The Beadcage, and I needed to get some beads before school starts.

This is going to be a cuff bracelet, I just have to figure out the back side now!

It is always crazy to see what colors I am attracted to. Not as many greens this time which was very strange, and that purple!! I'm am never into purple ...but it was calling my name this time, can't wait to see what it does with itself!!
I am really thankful that I have hands, and can work with them to create, and also that God gave us such an incredible display of colors.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

2010-08-02T12:14:00.001-04:00

A very sweet friend of mine has had her 1500th sell on Etsy!!! Now if you don't know, that is a ton of tiny little beads. Visit her blog and comment for a chance to win this lovely lariat. When I first started out selling on Etsy I took a chance and asked a couple of questions about thread and tension on the forums and everyone said ask Carol Dean. Whew!! I was intimidated...Sandfibers was a name that everyone had heard of of on Etsy! Do I dare?
Be brave...
I met one of the sweetest, most talented beaders ever. My bead work has never been the same.
Hugs to my friend, Carol Dean and many more sells.

NewWorldSon - Sweet Holy Spirit (With Lyrics)

2010-07-30T14:24:00.000-04:00

Someone is Always Watching

2010-07-16T09:58:00.001-04:00

I love to people watch! When I was very young and would visit my grandmother, we would go in the little store on the square and buy a bag of cashews and sit and nibble on them while we watched people on the square. Now this is totally different from buying a can and popping the lid like we do now. These babys would be laying in a tray under warming lights and the sales person would scoop them out and measure them and then slide them in the paper bag,salt everywhere!!
Now you have the picture! Then we would go out to the square, pick a bench, and just sit, nibble and watch everyone passing by.
There were always those that looked like they hated life, like they were eating dill pickles, those big pickles that you had to wrap with a napkin and still the juice would flow everywhere.
There were those parents who also got onto their children as they passed you because they thought that it would impress you.
They there were always those people that glowed, they were happy, they were joyful and shown with a sweet differentness!! That's the person That I will choose to be today, the one that chooses to live in Joy!
Remember, someone is always watching, which category will you choose to be in!

Current statement necklace is aptly named "LIVE IN JOY"

Showcase

2010-07-09T10:11:00.000-04:00

The BAO team has a showcase each week where the members can feature one of their items. This is the mosaic for the week. All different styles, colors, and textures.... a feast for the eyes.You can click on each item separately to see an up close view and if there are specials offered by the artist. Happy Friday!

A Wandering Heart

2010-07-07T11:23:00.001-04:00

The current color challenge for the BAO etsy team includes olive green, eggplant, and bronze. The olive green I had no problem with, the eggplant on the other hand puzzled me. I ended up going to the craft store and buying a bottle of "eggplant" paint and then matching my beads to that. I call it purple! But for the sake of the challenge my purple is the exact color of the eggplant paint!

My daughter saw this little saying and liked it so I decided to use it. It is so true, just because you look like you are wandering without out purpose or plan doesn't really mean much. If God is in control of our lives and our plans are His plans...There is a distinct path. Often others can't see it because it is narrow and on small stones instead of wide sidewalk. My heart is not lost, just on the narrow path.

Still Working

2010-06-29T12:34:00.001-04:00

I'm still working on my bead projects, in fact they are all over the kitchen counter. I just haven't made the time to photograph many of the workings. This is a pendant and necklace that I am especially excited about. It turned out like I envisioned it. That doesn't happen often. Enjoy!

Time Flies

2010-04-17T09:47:00.000-04:00

I can't believe the time! It seems to be in overtime. Life is moving so fast I think because of the age of my children. My daughter is a senior in highschool and will be graduating in 6 weeks!! I can't believe it.

My mind also works in overdrive and my hands and body can't keep up.Every where I go, I see ideas and color combintions of bead work and jewelry to make and just don't have enough free time to create all of these things.

On the other hand I did get a great new project finished that I want to share with you. I named it "Time for purple rain".Every time I hear the word purple you guessed it, I think of the Prince song. This pendant was created by using bead embroidery around an antique clock face photograph. I just love the vintage new combination.

The Bead Art Original team on Etsy is one amazing group of artists. This is a glimps of some of the featured items for this week.http://www.beadartoriginal.blogspot.com

Raindrops Keep Falling on my head...

2010-03-21T15:06:00.003-04:00

Are you old enough to remember that song?

Well, I'm tired of the rain. It seems like we haven't gone a week without rain since the supposed "drought". And to think that we were worried that it might never rain in the south again....

I finished another in the royal blue and turquoise group that started from the Bead Art Originals color mosaic.
It is officially titled "Raindrops in Turquoise".

I sure enjoyed the few days of sunshine and warm weather....maybe some yellow will be my next project.

Turquiose and Royal Challenge goes CRAZY

2010-03-12T19:56:00.005-05:00

Okay, I have to admit every now and then I get a little competitive. Not on things like running races or other athletic things that I know that I can't do. BUT.... beading challenges, color challenges or someone trying to pass me at the gym while I'm walking my 3 miles, Now that's a whole different matter!

I love when there a certain few people walking on the track that have longer legs and have a naturally faster pace. Mr. Boxer is what I've named one man. He looks like a boxer so that is how I have named him. I can't keep up with him but it defiantly is a challenge and in the process is good for my weight loss and healthy heart.

Another challenge is the color challenges that the BAO team throws out for us. I don't think that they are really challenges as much as a color scheme for the mosaics. I take it as a challenge to do a new piece in those colors.

The latest was Turquoise and Royal Blue. I finished the first piece. A tasseled asymmetric necklace, and before I knew it two more pieces were started in the same colors. Here is where I am so far.

Happy Weekend!

Time is Flying

2010-03-06T09:38:00.004-05:00

Well, back to school we went and the week flew by! I finished the the green and silver pendant and was pleased.
I've started a Royal blue and Turquoise piece.I love the challenge colors, it makes me think beyond my closet and personal stash of jewelry. The new necklace has changed directions several times, I'll keep you posted.
No Tennis this week - RAIN!

Tennis Anyone?

2010-02-24T06:16:00.003-05:00

Well back to school we went and this is the first time I've had a chance to post. I did finish the green and silver pendant. I am pleased with it. I just need to photograph it. In the mean time I created this necklace to wear when my son plays tennis! He played yesterday and it was FREEZING! but...he won and didn't seem like the cold weather affected him! The Word TENNIS was cut from a dictionary and then I just started picking colors that made me happy. I am going to try a new project using some old photographs next.See Ya, Dawn

Friday - Its hard to bead if you're blowing your nose!

2010-02-19T08:51:00.008-05:00

What a day yesterday turned out to be! I was virtually by myself for several hours (In bead talk that means bead,bead,bead!) and I spent most of the time blowing my nose. I didn't feel bad enough to go to bead, but sure hindered my progress of finishing a project a day. Another thing that complicated the story was the fact that I had guidelines. The BAO team (Bead Art Originals) has a color mosaic that they put on the blog.The next color scheme is shades of green and silver. Well I do color mixes very well. I love what I call "bead soup", a little of this , a little of that and a lot more of one color. I decided for my project not to do the soup thing, just stick to one color in varying sizes and silver. Oh My Gosh!!I ripped out this thing at least 10 times!! I'm surprised that there isn't a hole in the base.I will get it though, I am determined.The peyote stitch bezel is finished around the cabochon, which is the word danced,dancing from an antique dictionary.

On happier notes the BAO Item of the Week Mosaic is out. Take a look and drool over the creations, then visit the respective Etsy shops and purchase these Treasures and keep for your own.Most have great deals on these pieces.

Wednsdays Project

2010-02-18T09:12:00.004-05:00

As I am on my quest to "finish" (that is a key word since I can draw out and lay out a trillion projects a day) a project each day, I decided to revisit my old roots. I LOVE tassels.Did you catch the all caps there? Yes, I love tassels because they move, they swing and sometimes even make noise!! As part of my renewed bead energy I have learned the Tubular Herringbone stitch. That was to be the start of this new tassel necklace. Then came the adding of colors. About a year ago I did five bridesmaid pieces for a customer, each was different but used the same beads. The colors were mango and hot pink. I fell in love with the combination and decided that this was to be the colors of choice for Tassel number one. oops, you might can tell that there are several other tassel projects laid out on the counter! I finished and have to admit, I love it. The necklace consists of the Herringbone tube,sterling bead caps and toggle. The stone used on the tassel didn't have a name so I don't know what it is, really who cares as long as the color is good!I am trying another today, but am going to change the format of the tassel. I found a broken tassel Christmas ornament while cleaning out a drawer and the tassel was created off of one main strand. I think that I'll try it today.

Tuesday Morning

2010-02-16T08:52:00.005-05:00

My Goal for this week, being out of school for mid winter break is to create a new piece each day.I'm not sure that I can do that but I am at least striving for that and being creative. I have finished the "joy" pendant that actually started with the Herringbone stitch project. I was pleased with the results. I especially liked the silver 15's around the edge. It gave the rather heavy piece a lacy feel.

In my quest to make sure I didn't forget how to do freeform Peyote I made myself a bracelet. This is the finished result. I think this will get worn many times. I have also started 2 other bracelets. I love the way this bracelet looks mainly aqua but when you look really close there are colors of every kind in it.

We've been watching the Olympics every day. It is amazing to me what some of these athletes go through to master their respective sport. So often we don't see the coaches, mom's, dad's, brothers and sisters behind the scenes. It truly is a family commitment also. The whole family is a winner as they sacrifice, and struggle with the athletes. So, Here is my shout out to all the families that stand behind their athlete in the shadows of triumph.

Progress

2010-02-15T08:07:00.003-05:00

This is to show you how the Latest project is coming along. Sometimes a pendant or project just presents itself in my mind and I see it very clearly, at other times I have to work to see were it should go. This is one of those cases. I started out with a good amount of aqua with this but it never worked out.I am very close to finishing and will post pictures this evening of the final result.
At one time I did a lot of free form peyote stitch. As I was sitting here on one of our "snow" days, which was beautiful by the way!! I realized that I didn't know exactly how to start a free form bracelet any more..so to prove to myself I could, I started one and its like riding a bike. Once you jump on it comes back!!

Starting Differently

2010-02-07T15:16:00.003-05:00

I started my current project a little differently. Usually I create a pendant and then don't worry to much about what to hang it on.Most likely a ribbon or a leather cord. This time I decided to do the necklace part first! I have been bound and determined to learn some new beading stitches. The tubular herringbone was to be my first! I got out one of my favorite bead soups and trudged along as this slippery "bead snake" tried to get the best of me. No way Jose!! I got It! and love it. This is the project in progress.I've started the bezel for this cabochon, and bead embroidery will follow. I'll show you how it turns out. BTW, I've got 2 more herringbone projects started!!

Just For Me. . .

2009-12-28T13:21:00.000-05:00

Every now and then I do some bead work that I can't let go of. This one is mine! I'm keeping it! I love the mix of colors and textures.As I was making it I really didn't have an idea or color theme in mind, it just evolve as much of my work does. It seems happy! Happy day to you, I'll be happy as I wear this bright necklace.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-25T17:28:00.001-05:00

Just a short note to wish all my friends and family a Merry Christmas!

Check back as I'm beading away on some new things.

JOY

2009-08-30T09:37:00.005-04:00

I am in the process of reading and applying a book that I've read before but trying to put to practice this time. The book was given to me by a precious prayer warrior friend! The book is THE 4:8 PRINCIPLE by Tommy Newberry. The book is about living in JOY. This project demanded to be beaded last weekend as a remembrance of how I should be living. Enjoy the little beads. The sparkly represents the JOY that surrounds (and wins out!)the black and negative that tries to surrounds us.

Trash and Treasures

2009-07-20T11:09:00.003-04:00

I am a packrat. I love little pieces of lace, paper,buttons.... You have a good idea! Since starting on my bead journey, I have looked for ways to use my findings, my treasures. Here are a couple of new pieces I've finished. One was formed around a cracked plastic bowl(the green and aqua), the next uses a vintage button, and the last one comes from a serving platter that was chipped.Friends have started handing me baggies with broken plates and cups. It is so much fun to create with what would otherwise end up in the trash.

BAO Item of the week

2009-06-23T08:38:00.004-04:00

The Bead Art Originals street team from Etsy is an incredible group of artists. I was invited to join ages ago when they started the street team and because of a CRAZY school year, have not been able to be very active. Hence, summer vacation is here and the the beads are flying (along with the weeds in the yard this morning!).

One of the really cool things that BAO does is to have an item of the week offering.
Each artist participates in her own way, with whatever discount or "special" they want.Mine item will change through the summer but will be offered at a 20% discount. SOOO...Check it out each week to see if your favorite item made the discount list.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7215986

http://beadartoriginals.blogspot.com

Serenity Pendant

2009-06-19T13:58:00.007-04:00

I created this delightful pendant using a handmade polymer clay face and a piece of broken china. I love creating using throw away things. Things that are broken and seemingly of no use.

The fantastic beads that I used to bead this with were from Artbeads.Artbeads carry a wide variaty of beading supplies. I used size 11 and size 8's in the same smokey topaz. They have such a vintage look. The colors seem to change as you hold them up to the light.Check them out at http://artbeads.com. They are called Toho beads.Toho Seed Beads

Check back soon, as summer is here and the beads are flying!!

Don't Rain on my Parade

2009-06-17T07:29:00.005-04:00

I didn't realize that it had been so long since I had posted.
In my mind of course, I blog daily!
Of course I'm working on some new things for summer. Bead embroidery has consumed my time lately. It could be reverting back to my childhood days of actual embroidery, or those days of smocking. Which ever the appeal. I find it very rewarding.

It is often hard to turn a negative into a positive. That was the goal with this little totem pole face. I loved it's snarling glare, but that doesn't sound very nice. Hence a turn around!! Don't rain on my parade was created. Enjoy!

Squares Can Become Circles

2009-04-26T21:35:00.000-04:00

I'm almost finished with the "Prom Bracelet" but needed to work on something to clear my head so I made this cute little brooch.
It was simple but I liked the results of the ruffle around the outside edge.
The colors are very subtle and refreshing sort of like the new little plants comeing up everywhere. I guess the next piece will have to be hot and steamy to fit the 90 degrees we had today. Gotta love the Heat!!

My Current Project

2009-04-21T18:20:00.005-04:00

My daughter Taylor is going to the prom in 2 weeks. She choose a really cool dress, sort of unconventional for a prom, but that's Taylor!!
The dress is purple, lime, and aqua big geometric retro design.
I'm beading a cuff for her out of the same colors.
This is a sampling of the beads, the start and where I am now.
I don't usually like for someone to preset colors for me but this has been fun. I'm off to bead...

Many thanks go to Darcy Horn of The Jade Dog for her wonderful inspiring work.

Doesn't Look Like Snow

2009-03-13T17:05:00.000-04:00

It doesn't look like snow anymore thank goodness!
This was the result of our recent day off from school.
I thought that you might want to see it.

Time Flies

2009-03-11T22:28:00.002-04:00

I finished "snow day" and need to get a picture for you. I also finished a new pendant "believe"
The next one that I have lined up will be entitled "time flies"
I went on a women's retreat this weekend that was fantastic. The theme was the Holy Spirt, the Fruits of the Spirit and things of the heart.

The start of a Project

2009-03-02T23:04:00.000-05:00

SNOW DAY SPARKS CREATIVITY

2009-03-02T11:50:00.005-05:00

As anyone knows if you live in the deep south - Georgia, that is. All it takes is a little snow and a snow day to get the creative juices flowing.
First a few pictures of our snow!!

Next, a few beads and a polymer face I made months ago and the progress. I'm sure I'll have it up and finished in a few hours. Stop back in to see the results.

PS... The snow is melting very quickly!

A New Season

2009-02-24T20:37:00.002-05:00

Obviously beading and blogging have not been high on the priority list for a while. I truly love beading and creating, BUT.... both of my kids are in high school, and are dedicated athletes. My season of life is with them. so, that means very little time for the tiny beads. I'm drawing sketches all the time and will eventually get back to it.

BeadArtOrigianals Specials for the week!!

2008-11-04T09:15:00.002-05:00

Don't miss the wonderful specials this week!

BAO Item of the week

2008-10-27T19:56:00.002-04:00

Each week different members of the Bead Art Originals team, offer different specials. Check out the team blog at http://www.beadartoriginal.blogspot.com
This would be a great time to start your Christmas shopping.

Justing sitting on the window seal

2008-10-11T21:59:00.002-04:00

Sometimes is nice to just take a step back and watch life around you. I'm enjoying watching my kids grow into wonderful teenagers. They are fun to be around and have a great group of friends. As John Orr, our high school minister, always says .... you're only only as good as the average of your friends. I think that my kids have chosen wisely!!

this little bracelet was sitting on the window....
just watching..

Stop and watch those around you this week... and enjoy!

Bead Art Originals Trunk Show

2008-10-06T17:30:00.001-04:00

I'll add more about this tonight but I did want to let you know that the BAO team was having a trunk show online Thursday Evening from 7:00-9:00. Stop By Etsy to check it out.I'll try to post the links this evening.

Tuesday - Hope you have Gas!

2008-09-23T12:23:00.003-04:00

Hope the title made you giggle!
Some of the gas stations have gas here and some don't. I passed 5 yesterday before I went home and called around. I filled that tank up full.

On to Happier topics. I'm working on a couple of cool fall colored necklaces, almost finished with a colorful funky fish and have a pair of special mother of the Bride earrings to finish.

Have a blessed day.

Bead Art Originals offer Items of the Week

2008-09-17T16:52:00.004-04:00

The Bead Art Originals team offer items of the week. Each week the items change and the special that goes with it changes weekly. Check out each item this week for some great deals!!
http://www.beadartoriginals.blogspot.com

Plum Yummy!

2008-09-11T17:48:00.002-04:00

Newly finished piece!
This spunky little necklace highlights a beaded bead in the center. It was beaded around a wooden ball using a seed bead mix of pinks, lavender. and oranges. There is an orange resin bead on one side and a brighter melon on the other side. To finish off this fun is vintage beads on each end in a wonderful purple. These are strung on a gold tone cable choker!!Great to welcome the fall colors in.

The Day Before Labor Day

2008-08-31T09:53:00.006-04:00

I thought that I'd go back and do a little freeform beading.
I had gotten hooked on the beaded bezel pendants that work up so easily.
I needed to get the other side of my brain working.
I decided to go with some fall colors since the weather is starting to change.
Hope you enjoy!!
Check out the Bead Art Origninals Blog for articles about some amazing bead artists.

BAO Team

2008-08-26T16:25:00.003-04:00

I am a member of a fantastic group of artists on Etsy. It is called Bead Art Originals. I'll talk more about some of the individuals in other posts. Each week we will feature items that come with a little extra! could be free shipping, earrings, a pendant...who knows, you just have to check each out to see what is there. Take a look at the BAO blog to read more about each item. http://beadartoriginals.blogspot.com

Exhaustion!

2008-08-11T06:03:00.003-04:00

I am exhausted!! We started back to school Wednesday, and then of course I am an official home bound cheerleader for the Olympics!! Great title, yes! I love the Olympics, the lives that these people live, to do what they do best is incredible. my throat is a little sore from yelling for my swim team last night!! The most unbelievable relay I think that I have ever seen.
Needless to say beading has take second place this last week.
Check out the team blog for great specials from the BAO team.
http://www.beadartoriginals.blogspot.com
I'll even add to it from my store...a special that you will only read here...
Free shipping and confirmation ..on any item this week!!!

Working on the Beads and Back to School

2008-07-30T11:21:00.003-04:00

Well, we are almost there. Back. to School. That means back to "real" work for me. I'm a Kindergarten Assistant so I'll be meeting a room full of 5 year olds next Wednesday. My own children will both be in high school this year. One will be a Jr. and one a freshman. It should be an exciting year!!
Once school starts I have less free time to just play with beads so my goal this week is to get several projects bagged up and easy to grab to work on at tennis practice or lunch.
I love doing beaded beads.
This is my newest piece. It features one beaded bead and two ceramic beads on a cable necklace.
We were in Macon last weekend for the State Jr.s Tennis Tournament. Jordan played with the Summit team. They did great, and we had a blast.This is a picture of Jordan and Taylor waiting for his match.

Happy Birthday to You!

2008-07-22T09:05:00.003-04:00

It happens every year. And, its a good thing, otherwise we'd be dead, BUT ....
Man my kids are growing up SO fast!!
Jordan had his 15th birthday last week.
Of course we have been celebrating for a week,
Everything we do he says "I get to choose, I'm the birthday boy"
the thing that is so crazy with him is that he is growing so tall!
I'm really short, Keith is Average height but my grandaddy and Keith's grandad were both 6 ft. I've got several uncles that are tall and one of my brothers got that tall gene.
So, were looking for a little height here for the tennis game.

I've just finished the most adorable necklace.
It has 3 beaded beads.
Then it has 4 vintage flower pom pom things made out of rick rack!
Straight from Mayberry!!
My friend Natalie found them for me and they were too cool not to use.
This is all linked together with silver tone chain.

Fast

2008-07-13T09:53:00.003-04:00

Ever have that weird dream about being on the 6 flags ride that goes out of control and your left spinning all over the place?

That's how the summer feels.
It seems that now its here, it is passing by all too quickly.

As most of you know that read my blog or know my jewelry, I love to use odd things, thrown away bits, junk actually, in my jewelry. This is a little medallion that I found in the bottom of a junk bag. I hope that I did it an honor. After I had the medallion finished it was quite a process to finish the piece. I lie the way it turned out. Not too delicate and a little Gothic I think.
I've got a new piece started - a little something I found on my walk the other day!

This is a picture of the tiger lilies in my back yard. I got these years ago from my mother who got them from my grand mother.I think that they are one of my favorite flowers..

Have a Blessed week!

Thanks A Million...

2008-07-05T12:12:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful 4th of July!

Thank you to all of our men and women that serve in our military so faithfully day after day.
Thank you to all of the families of those in the military.
Thank you to all of the government leaders that support a strong military.
Thank you to all of our Founding Fathers that fought so hard for our Freedom.
Thank you to God our Father for protecting our Country, and for keeping His hand of protection on our Country.

These are a few of the pictures from our 4th of July Parade.
Still a small town...
still safe...
still thankful.

July 1 - Summer time at its best

2008-07-01T11:34:00.003-04:00

I love summer!
Could be because I was born and have lived my whole life in the south.
The sounds are different,
there is nothing like hearing those crickets and cicadas.
the smells are different,
grill out anyone?
fresh cut grass,
chlorine from the pool!
My summer has been filled with beading,
working in the yard a little,
and keeping the tennis player on his game!!

Here are pictures of Jordan at GA TECH for tennis camp.
Wilson trying to stay cool in my flower beds.
The newest beaded pendant.

New Photo

2008-06-30T17:26:00.002-04:00

I decided to retake some of my pictures of items I had listed on Etsy. This is the first one. It is named Rachel Ruffled. It is a funky little fish, hand stitched in peyote stitch around a fishing lure. This isn't one of my son's lures, its new without the fishy smell!

I love using unusual items in my beadwork. If it isn't nailed down, I'll bead it!

Looking for the Small things

2008-06-24T06:19:00.005-04:00

Working with very small beads and then using the macro on my camera to photograph them has allowed my focus at times to be small. I look for little things, I break thinks down into their smallest pieces. I really do like 1, 2, 3. I like for things to fall off the frame of the camera. I thank God daily for small things that He brings into my day. Today I'm thankful for hearing the birds as I woke up, the smell of coffee (it wouldn't taste the same without the smell!),and that my kids can sleep safely (and late!)

This extremely small bird's nest and 4 tiny eggs is at my parents house. Dad was going to get the grass off the bush and realized that it was there for a reason..
Take a look at what was in the bush!!Surprise ...Small things.

This is the newest piece I'll list in my Etsy shop today. It's a freeform bracelet in pinks and browns with fresh water pearls.

Look for the small things today and be thankful!

Front Page and I missed it!

2008-06-19T10:02:00.003-04:00

Thanks to my wonderful friend Carol Dean Sharpe, I made it on
the front page of ETSY.
Of course if you read my post from yesterday, I was working in the yard and thus missed the event!
But The wonderful friend sent me a screen shot ......
so here it is.
Thanks Carol Dean!

One before Two

2008-06-18T10:58:00.002-04:00

Number one today is to finish my front flower garden. I started reworking it last Friday and haven't gotten back to it. The perennials were going crazy and looking too Snakey.
Number Two is BEADING. I can't do number two until I finish number one.....
I've got a couple of new ideas in my head and can't wait to get those beads strung.
Here is a little taste....
This necklace I finished yesterday.
I was pleased with the mix of bead work along with the metal.
I always struggle to make wearable pieces, not just the art!!!
Going to the yard!!!

Back to the Beginning

2008-06-17T06:03:00.003-04:00

Way back when, I'm not so sure how long ago,
I finally figured out how to do the Peyote stitch by doing beaded beads.
I created a great necklace with 3 large beaded beads, then attached them to other glass and vintage beads with wiring.
Mom loved it, my brother and sister in law bought it for her, my cousin saw it....now I'm doing another.
Actually it is finished, photographs to prove it!
I surprized myself that I was faster and neater than on the other necklace.
It was a nice little surprize to my self that I had progressed.
Now if I could every get RAW, or right angle weave as they call it. It has simply alluded me!!
Jordan is at GA Tech this week for tennis camp. He is LOVING it!

Summertime Fun

2008-06-12T10:31:00.003-04:00

I finished this adorable pendant and Listed it in my etsy shop this morning http://www.dawnchastain.etsy.com
I love the fun lime green color
Its just like the plants look in the morning after a light rain.
I finished East of Eden last night, It is one of those books that you hear about but I'd never read before, I enjoyed it!!
I'm working in my side garden today, with the rain we've had, it has gone CRAZY! My brother is coming to get some plants so I thought I'd get a start on it.

Happy Summertime Fun!

Freedom in Freeform

2008-06-10T11:16:00.002-04:00

It has been a while since I've done any freeform peyote stitch.
I wasn't real sure I could flow with it like I had done previously.
So...last night I started a bracelet and it was like riding a bike, once you've done it you never forget how.
The colors in this bracelet are so peaceful.
I used green and aqua and let it flow.
I also added a beautiful vintage bead for the closure.
Hope you enjoy!

WISH

2008-06-09T10:41:00.003-04:00

I love the beading that I'm currently stuck on.
It is very freeing going round and round these little shapes,
and then creating something so cool.

I've had the dilemma of creating some of the big beaded collars that are incredible works of art...
but the practical side of me says - NO
It isn't practical, it really isn't wearable
who in the world would wear it

We live in such an impossible casual area

so I guess I'll stick with the more wearable brooches and pendants.
Here is the newest creation, hope you enjoy and wish a wish today!

Sweet Joy....

2008-06-07T05:51:00.003-04:00

I have a lovely neighbor,I am incredibly blessed to have her living beside me. A couple of weeks ago we were chatting and she told be about a book she was implementing into her life and Gave me a copy. The book is - THE 4:8 PRINCIPLE by Tommy Newberry.It is life changing book! IF you can apply it and live by the principles that GOD had laid out for us. I'm on my second time through, I can tell that my thought process is better.It is sure hard to retrain an old dog!! GO get a copy of this book for your summer reading, you'll be glad.

Loving Me Some Summer!

2008-06-06T10:11:00.003-04:00

Not much is better than laying by the pool,

soaking up the rays

sipping on a shave ice...

except new beads..

a broken plate...

and creating a cool piece of jewelry!

Enjoy!

As Promised - Sir Hollyhock

2008-05-28T15:00:00.004-04:00

I got a few pictures taken.

This little guy is hilarious and the colors are wonderful, but it was sure hard to get a good picture.

I named him Sir Hollyhock because he has a cocky little knight in shining armour expression and because the best pictures of him were sitting on the Hollyhock plant.

Summer Vacation has officially begun

2008-05-28T06:31:00.001-04:00

We are out of school!
I've got beads all over the counter, a little bit of sun, and "East of Eden" which will be my summer pool book.
I've actually finished 2 new pendants which I'll try to photograph this afternoon and post the pictures for you.
I also made a trade for this fantastic purse on Etsy that I am dieing to get!!!!

Tons and Tons to Do!

2008-05-12T21:03:00.003-04:00

The Last two weeks of school are CRAZY!

Needless to say, I haven't had much time to bead but I've done a little.

I have fallen in love with these cute little faces.

They are just screaming with personality and emotion.

I think that I want to do a whole line of them on their own little tag cards.

I need a cute and catchy name for them.

Suggestions please!!

If you leave the name that I end up using, I'll send you one.

Here is the first guy. I'll show more as soon as I get to take pictures.

Only one more Monday of school!!

A Mind Of Its Own

2008-04-24T21:19:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure about other beaders, but my beads have a mind of their own. I started out with these pink and green beads which were to be a peyote stitch choker with a cherry quartz in the center. The beads turned themselves every which -a -way and said they wanted to be a freeform piece. Something that could be worn on a breezey summer night, with a flowing dress and flip flops. Man those beads are pushy!! This is what they were meant to be.

Fast as Lightening

2008-04-11T07:14:00.002-04:00

That's how my kids are growing!We were discussing how long we had in school this year and I commented 30 days! My husband about ran off the road. "Do realize that in 30 days both of our kids will be in high school and one of them will be a Jr.?" He gasped for air and looked like he might be sick. Time does go so fast. Here is a recent photo that Celia took of the kids, before they left our room for their bus.Do something fun today. Check out http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ and vote on your favorite beadwoven creation.

It Is White As I Look Out My Window

2008-04-08T11:36:00.005-04:00

You might think that I was talking about snow....No Way!
It is the trees in full bloom that are level with the second story windows of my house!Because of the white and pink blooms on the trees the upstairs is sunglasses bright.

We are out of school this week for spring break. The weather is sort of overcast and dreary, so I'm cleaning out closets.
Just a quick note to visit the http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com to cast your vote this month. The entries are incredible and very creative. You will be amazed at the talent of this group.

Voting Time is Here Again

2008-04-07T16:30:00.002-04:00

Once again that crazy group of beaders, EBW, has tip toed to the edge of madness.

The theme which I thought was a difficult combination , Fire and Flowers, has yielded many incredible beaded works of art. Check out the team blog at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ . Here you can view all of the entries and cast your vote.

The Day before Easter

2008-03-22T13:19:00.003-04:00

It is absolutely beautiful outside. The weather is fantastic, sunny, warm, a slight breeze, the flowers are starting to bloom, the trees are starting to bud and the birds are going crazy!!!Tomorrow is Easter but we are going to church tonight. Our church offers about 8 different services so we choose Saturday night. I'm posting pictures of one of my newest creations, It was so fun to do and I love the outcome. the colors are so calm but vibrant.. Enjoy and celebrate our risen Savior.

Time to Vote

2008-03-08T18:31:00.003-05:00

Once again those crazy Beadweavers are competing!

The theme this month was STORMY WEATHER

Check out the team blog at http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

You can cast your vote there on the right side of the blog for

your favorite piece.

I've shown my two at the top of this post.

Enjoy!!

Jewelry designed with Beautiful words

2008-03-02T12:36:00.002-05:00

Forgiven is not a word that we generally use in our every day life.
It is a very freeing word.
It is a word of hope, of freedom, of new beginnings.This is a powerful word, a burst of energy and redemption.

The basis for this unique necklace is the word "forgiven"

I tried to capture the emotions of the word by the colors that used in the bead work.

The pendant was created using the peyote stitch and bead embroidery.

Enjoy!

Wedding Fun

2008-02-22T17:53:00.003-05:00

I'm working on a Wedding. Not mine of course but a customers! She wants me to do necklaces and earrings for bridesmaids. It has been an absolute ball. The colors are to die for, Azalea and Mango. These are a few of the pictures of what I have going...

SPRING BREAK?

2008-02-09T06:26:00.000-05:00

Think this is a trick?

Not hardly... It is actually the theme for the Esty-Beadweavers Beading Challenge for this month.

The theme was simply "Spring Break" I've always thought of tans, bathing suits, bright sun, flip flops and some good music. Sleeping late, off scheduling eating and staying up late.

Basically - No Rules!

Now don't get me wrong, I like rules and I like everyone to know and abide by them ...but every once in a while it is fun to just be free.

Thus, the piece I created.....totally freeform peyote stitch in bright , happy, sunny colors!

Enjoy the feast for your eyes and cast your vote at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

Love those words!

2008-02-01T16:44:00.000-05:00

I've done

a couple

of really

cute

things lately using a discarded dictionary!

I thought that you might like to take a look. One is a pin and one is a pendant

using the words whimsical and wacky. I also did one that used the the definition

of faith, but I've already sold that one!!

If you have a favorite word that you want "bebeaded" please don't hesitate to let me

know. I'm sure I'll list some more real soon.

ETSY BEADWEAVERS CHALLENGE - RED

2008-01-07T05:54:00.000-05:00

The much awaited for challenge is here!
This is a sample.
please go to http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com to vote!

There are some incredible works of art here and some that are just plain FUN.
Take a few minutes to check us out.

RED - THE CHALLENGE

2008-01-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

Well , I finished 2 pieces for the Etsy-Beadweavers Challenge!

Thanks goodness for being off work and lots of football games to bead to.

I actually am working on a 3rd red piece but that will have to be listed another day.

First I have SIMPLY RED - THIS HEARTS FOR YOU.

This is a choker that ties with a huge red ribbon. It has peyote stitch loops and a bead embroidered heart and rectangle beaded patch.

Dramatic ...red....heart felt!!

Second is SIMPLY RED AND A PEARL

This is a free form peyote stitch bracelet with glass red and "pearl" accent beads.

Nothing like wearing your heart on your wrist!

The challenge voting begins tomorrow at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

BRRRRR....It is cold

2008-01-04T10:09:00.000-05:00

Love you guys up North but dang its cold. Please keep your cold weather up north. I'll post more later when my fingers thaw out!!Have been inspired to do some beading. My Red challenge piece is finished, I just need to photograph it this afternoon. Happy Friday!

ON THE PATH OF RED

2007-12-31T12:10:00.000-05:00

The http://www.etsy-beadweavers/ has their monthly beading challenge fast approaching.

I didn't participate in the last 2 challenges due to family matters, but I'm working on this one and thought you might like to see the process. They might kick my entry out because its not totally bead woven but also includes some bead embroidery and other textures. I'm all about using other findings and making them work. This is what i have so far, check it out and I'll post the progress as I make it.Happy last day of 2007!

PAY IT FORWARD

2007-12-28T12:18:00.000-05:00

. . .with a not completely random act of kindness.It seems that's what some bloggers have started doing. I found this on Carol Dean Sharpes blog, or some may know her as Sandfibers. Carol Dean signed up and won a PIF and posted to give away one from her blog. I was one of the really LUCKY recipients . So this is the concept (verbatim from Carol Deans blog, from Linda's blog who took it from Carla):

Pay it forward rules: I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a Comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange, and who make the same pledge on their own blogs . I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward.I love this idea! It supports the random act of kindness philosophy and gives a boost to handmade, all in one.It'll be fun to see who comments . Life is good and sweet and a whole lot cuter with beads so leave your comments.

Merry CHRISTmas from the Chastains

2007-12-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

Well the wonderful season is upon us!

The birth of our Savior.

Such a sweet time of year...

So special the memories...

From our Family to yours..Merry CHRISTmas!

16th Birthday

2007-12-08T12:23:00.000-05:00

Well, my sweetheart daughter turned 16 this week!

wow, do they grow up fast.

Taylor is an amazing kid.She is kind, sensitive and protective. She loves the Lord and His Church.

She has a great sense of humor and is so fun to be around.

She definitely has a unique sense of style and knows just exactly what she likes.

Taylor is a joy!

I'm so glad that she's mine.

Love you, Girl!! mom

November Challenge

2007-11-26T17:09:00.000-05:00

I belong to an incredibly talented group of beaders known as the Etsy-Beadweavers.

We have started a monthly challenge and invite everyone to vote on their favorite piece. I was unable to participate this month because of family commitments but went and voted for another wonderful piece( I won't tell which one!!)

Go visit our blog and vote at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

Thank You!

2007-11-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

The world of Beaders is such a fine place to be. I have found such wonderful friends among the Etsy beadweavers. It is a compassionate, friendly, giving and supportive team. Guess what? If we were to pass each other on the street, we wouldn't even know each other, except of course Wolf. She has purple hair! Carol Dean Sharpe has been one of my favorite cheerleaders as she unknowing lit my fire when I first entered the waters of Etsy and Internet sales. Sweet Regina didn't blast me in the forums when I asked what beading thread she used. Mary Lou graciously gave up the directions to her favorite stitch when I asked.It is amazing to be online talking and chating with the people that are in my favorite bead magazines. It is so fun to be at Barnes and Noble flipping through bead magazines and be able to say "thats by Beverly" I know her then to flip the page and know another name.This is a huge THANK YOU to a wonderful group of women known as the Etsy Beadweavers!! Check out the Beadweavers blog at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

Bliss! - Not Going to Work

2007-11-20T09:25:00.000-05:00

Don't get me wrong, I love my job working with my kindergarteners, but to be able to get things acomplished at home, Success.

We got The 10 ft. Christmas tree up and decorated yesterday, the 5 ft. topariary is decorated, the door is decorated, Taylor got her small tree started, so today will just be finishing touches.

Maybe by tonight I can pull a few beads out.

Have you ever heard a song that you can't here enough of?

Brookes and Dunn have a song call " I Believe" That song is a kicker for me!! I could listen to it over and over. It is so real and gut kicking. If the holidays are getting the best of you listen to it for renewed strength!!Happy Tuesday!

Thanksgiving Break - Thankgoodness!!

2007-11-19T10:46:00.000-05:00

I thought It would never get here, but alas, Thanksgiving Break. I've started putting up the Christmas decorations, I'm decorating the Church for the Holidays and a Women's CHRISTmas event that we are having, my daughter turns 16 on the 5th of December and the house is still up for sell!!

With all of this going on my mind is still whirling with beading ideas!!

As I walk by the cabinet that houses all of those little creatures, I have to stop and pull beads out and draw sketches so that one day when I HAVE NOTHING to do I can start beading again.

For those that Read the blog My dad is doing fine and has no plans of missing out on Christmas gifts. Thanks for the prayers and thoughts.

Not Forgotten

2007-10-28T20:09:00.000-04:00

Needless to say, I haven't given much attention to my blog or beading.
My dad has some severe health problems and has been told that he probably doesn't have very long to live. So... we have been taking care of legal issues and just getting ready.
We know that he is a believer and we'll see him again in heaven so the whole thing is not as overwhelming as some might think.
My dad Actually had a twin brother who died 10 years ago while my dad was in the hospital having heart surgery.
We know that he has been given 10 great years that we have totally enjoyed!

Beads just don't have the same urgency these last few weeks that they often have. Very soon though I'll get back to those tiny little things!!

Humpday!!

2007-10-17T12:48:00.001-04:00

Of course you know its Wendsday if you hear Humpday... Can't wait till the weekend.

October Challenge - Etsy Beadweavers

2007-10-13T09:28:00.000-04:00

As Many of you know the Etsy street team of Beadweavers http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ has started a creative challenge. It is all in fun and a try to get more exposure for our shops and our art form.

As the September pieces were displayed for voting I realized that we are truly an international team. I knew then that the seasonal changes that we are going through here in the south of US, is not a world wide occurrence and would not, more than likely, be a factor as the challenge for this month was issued.

In my creative head I had this wonderful , fall colored cuff designed( I Just knew the theme would have something to do with fall splendor!!)

The Incredible Helena http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5285336 from Singapore won!!!

I don't think the leaves are changing color in Singapore and the Pumpkins are not being carved because the theme she gave was MONOCHROMATIC!

After a brief second of - oh the beautiful changing colors leaf cuff - I thought I did a lot in monochromatic colors.BUT, After a closer look at finished pieces and Bead mixes that I had lovingly created, I realized that I add either silver or gold to EVERYTHING I make just so I could wear my gold or silver hoops with it.( most of the time I create a piece thinking that if I don't sell it in a reasonable amount of time I will keep it and wear it myself, hence the gold or silver thread)

I now have started over 3 times, but am well on my way to finishing my piece.

It is monochromatic, it does not have gold or silver added!

I think that it will be lovely, these are some pictures of the progress.....

Thank you Helena for making me stretch and grow!

Harvest Moon

2007-10-05T06:13:00.001-04:00

This is my latest creation. I named it for the recent moon we had. It is called a Harvest moon and looks like something from a Sifi picture.
This is a freeform Knot suspended on a silvertone cable.

September Etsy Beadweavers Challenge

2007-09-27T20:32:00.000-04:00

Well the waiting is over. All 20 pieces for the September Challenge have been posted and compiled. Please go to http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ to vote on your favorite piece.The entries are absolutely incredable and wonderful. The voting will be hard. I am honored to a part of such a talented group of Artists.

Finished the September BeadWeaver Challenge

2007-09-19T06:17:00.000-04:00

The challenge Topic for September was:
"Show Your Colors"
We had been discussing how some of beadweavers Have a hard time using bright colors or certain colors so the theme was born.

I knew I wanted to try the bead embrodiery, I'm still learning it and captured by what can be done with it.

I knew that I loved the glass bubbles in all the bright colors...so the piece sort of created itself.

The poll should be up soon so that you can vote on your favorite piece. Click on the the link to the Etsy-beadweavers blog to see the other pieces.

September 11th remembered

2007-09-11T21:31:00.000-04:00

Well, life is a little different since the the 9-11 attacks. I think it has made my family a little bit more alert, definitely more aware of surroundings and more careful to say "I love you, have a good day". Make sure that you let all those around you that you love and care for, know how you feel.

I've mentioned my friend Natalie several times, she is such a free spirit. She loves yard sales, flee markets and anything funky and at a good bargain. She bought these great wood hearts. one for me and one for her. This is the necklace that I created for her! I think I'll do one just like it with my heart. You never know we may show up at school wearing them on the same day. Thanks, Natalie!

Blessed

2007-09-02T09:59:00.000-04:00

I think that Fall is finally here! The air feels different, along with the temperature being lower. I enjoy gradual change. It is good and not to painful! Its the fast stuff that scares me.

I recently read a book, actually in one day! "90 minutes in Heaven" It was incredible. I am a Christian and believe in heaven and that I'm going there but this was a wonderful book to describe it. The part that was also interesting was the fact that God sent this man back to earth to live in pain and to suffer after he had been whole in heaven. The guy's revelation that he had purpose even in pain was remarkable. It puts the bad things of life in a better category for me. Not so much answered but in the categories or files in my mind - it goes to a safer place not the its not fair folder.

Now for lighter brighter, Newest from my fingers of creativity is the brilliant butterfly.
This was in my head before the August nights challenge came out and I couldn't make it fit the theme!!
The September beadweavers theme is "show your colors" I am already having tons of ideas pop into my head!!!
If you're a beadweaver and want to join us on Etsy for the challenge we'd love to have you.
Happy Labor day!!

Etsy Beadweavers August Challenge

2007-08-29T18:11:00.000-04:00

Etsy Beadweavers decided to start a monthly challenge. We would be given a topic for the month and we were to start creating with all those little beads. This was fun but sort of hard for me because I felt it needed to be done in dark colors and that isn't what I normally choose.The results were incredible as this is a very talented group of gals!! here is what I came up with - Hot August Nights - was the theme. Check all of the entries out on our blog at htt://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com.

What will Septembers challenge be?

three is the magic number

2007-08-27T20:53:00.000-04:00

Three is the magic number in this necklace.
Highlighted are three vintage mother of pearl buttons.
These came from the collection of Natalie Archer, the queen of collectors!
I beaded a curving bezel around the three buttons and let them cascade
in an elegant curve. It was beaded with light blue green delica beads with a sprinkling of gold delicas. The resulting pendant is cool and elegant with a touch of vintage appeal. The Pendant is backed in soft faux leather. The pendant is suspended on a single strand of delica beads enhanced with swavorski crystals and fresh water pearls.

Something cool..

2007-08-23T06:19:00.000-04:00

Just finished a Sweet little knot necklace.
This one was stitched in a free form Peyote stitch which I let ruffle a lot before attaching the focal beds. The colors are a great matte earth tone mix.One of the Focal beads is a soft blue green ceramic bead, the other is a vintage Lucite bead. it has "cracks" on the inside which really catch the light and sparkle.

The bad thing about these one of a kind pieces is that I really don't have more beads just like it to do one for myself.

The Etsy beadweavers group is starting a month challenge. We will get a theme, and them create a piece that goes along. This months theme is "Hot August Nights". I am struggling to come up with an idea! It is so hot here at night we don't want to do anything!!!
Stay tuned in to see what I decided to do.

New Creation

2007-08-20T06:25:00.000-04:00

Earlier, I mentioned that I made a trade with a friend of mine, Natalie.
I got this great box of vintage beads and things that were already started.
In the box was a bag of metal beads!
Then there was a piece that had been beaded together with wire. My first "Natalie" project Will be with this unfinished metal bead piece and the remaining beads. Thought you minght like to see how the process goes.
Here are the starting pictures of what I'll be working with.

A Little bit old....A Little bit new

2007-08-18T10:31:00.000-04:00

One of my goals for the summer break was to learn to do beaded cabochons well.
I had learned to do them using the peyote stitch and making the cabochon real tight, but I still wanted to learn to do them with the "rings" around them.More like beaded embroidery.

I think that I've got it down!

This is one of the results.
I glued the definition of "faith" from a 1950's dictionary to the bottom of the glass bubble and started beading.
I love the results.
Old words, new beads!!
Check out other beaded creations at my Etsy store

Off to find some more words!!!

Still At it...But Not Much Time

2007-08-15T06:29:00.000-04:00

WELL, just as I thought, once school has begun I am way busy and have a limited amount of creative time.
I made an awesome trade with a friend of mine, Natalie. She is the pack rat, queen of thrift stores and yard sale junkie number ONE.
I am making her a couple of pieces of jewelry in exchange for a box of vintage beads and buttons. As I decide what I'm going to do I'll post the projects so that you can see them.
This piece was part of an Etsy challenge to make something with the rainbow colors and leave them in the right order. I was very pleased with the way it turned out. You can see it and other items at my Etsy store.

IT'S OVER! summer break that is....

2007-08-05T18:41:00.000-04:00

We officially start back to school in 12 hours!
Needless to say it has been a crazy week getting the room ready, meeting the kids, getting my teenagers ready, keeping the house clean so that real estate agents can show it!!
I am ready to get started though. I love the new beginning, a fresh set of kids, I even bought me some new pens and folders!
Hopefully we'll feel fall in the air soon, it is stifling HOT.
The thing that I'll miss most is the time that I won't get to bead, blog, list and promote!! I'll just have to fit everything into the little available slots I guess.

This is one of my newest necklaces. It is one of the Knots that I love to do in Free form Peyote. This one is more horizontal than vertical. The colors are a yummy pink,light olive, taupe and burgandy!

Here is to a great school Year.

Challenge # 60

2007-07-28T11:01:00.000-04:00

Well, I bit the bullet and participated in one of the Etsy creative challenges. This one was to create something inspired by Paris, France. I did visit Paris on a band trip while in high school!
The architecture was what totally overwhelmed me and the fact that everything was old. Here, once its 20 yrs old, its old and you tear it down and build something new.
The next thing that stood out was the language barrier.
That's where the inspiration started.
I created a cabochon out of one of those glass bubbles with a reproduction print underneath. Next I beaded a bezel out of seed beads and voila, My take on Paris. Hope you enjoy!

1 1/2 weeks untill school starts!

2007-07-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

If you're a teacher, or an assistant like I am..Every thing moves in a time reference to school: when it starts, when we're out, when the holidays are, ect.
It has just hit me how soon we go back.
Way to busy working on the house, and putting it up for sell, I did get to do a good bit of beading, sleeping late, learning new beading stitches, and chilling out.I guess it is a good thing to get back in a routine.

Here is my latest creation.
When I saw the center stone at the bead store I knew instinctively what it needed. It was screaming to be on a beaded band as a choker.
Does that ever happen to you? You see something and it knows what it needs to be? Enjoy.