Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Treasure...
Hard Day...
Paulo and Babette went to the vet today. It was a hard day for them, particularly for Paulo. He does not like the carrier, the car, or the vet. The whole way there he cried and cried. Babette for the most part was subdue and even found a chance to snag a nap on the way over. (How she could sleep next to her brother meowing his head off is beyond me.)
As soon as we came home, Paulo ran over to the couch and tucked himself in and settled in for a nap. I could tell by the expression on his dreaming little face that he was glad to be home and have the hard day over.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Undiscovered Corners...
When I think back on my old apartment in Brooklyn and how big it seemed at the time, I laugh quietly to myself. Since I've relocated to the country, my sense of scale has shifted. Those rooms, miles away, seem so tiny now. The property that I live on now is roughly 80 acres. I've only tread a fraction of the territory. Far too often, I stick to my grid around the homestead.
Today I ventured further than I've gone before.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37rMkcUJyeldRDMzWjL2kt5gpPRBfTDOZQhxN86KFi9MCsPMDijVg0Jzd59-ybyyT1nCj3EG6YPQhph3EDkDndIpn7ZwlorigkpVHA9G86QQoIvOIxa7ImMvX1tVqetBjFfrB/s400/Picture+1.png)
There are still acres and acres of land still left to explore. I feel as though I've only scratched the surface. I look forward to revealing more of the mystery of the place that I live.
Thursday Giveaway Winner...
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thunder in the Valley...
Yesterday we decided to "soak up some local color" and head over to Johnstown for their annual event, Thunder in the Valley. Thousands of motorcycles descend upon a ride route centered around Johnstown. Streets close down, motorcycle paraphernalia vendors set up and a throng of thousands of people make their way through the downtown ogling bikes and listening to free concerts.
Later, when I was older, but not by much, one of my dad's employees (who rode a cherry red motorcycle with a sexy lady painted on it) befriended me. We were an odd pair. That summer, we spent many long hours together while working and in the idle moments between lawns we talked about comic books and places we'd always dreamed of going to. Sometimes I talked about my brother. Sometimes he talked about his. He missed his kid brother who lived on the other side of the country with his newly remarried mother and I missed my absent older brother who was about his age. I think he felt sorry for me and my family, not knowing where my brother was. Tommy used to sneak me on his motorcycle, going around in circles in the yard, pretending to let me drive. He promised that when I was older, he'd get my brother's old bike running again and then the two of us would go looking for him.
One day, Tommy didn't show up for work. I was never completely clear about what happened – if he had found easier work or a better paying job or if he decided to live closer to his brother across the country or if my mom had caught him taking me around the yard on his bike with the "dirty girl" painted on it. I never found out and they never told.
In the coming years, my motorcycle meditations became less and less frequent. But when I did sit on the bike, slowly becoming more and more dilapidated in the old red barn, imagining all the places I would go and finding my long lost brother, I also imagined finding my friend too.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Beaded Links...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyiwLwmdaXWRpmxWj0BmkN1Qb1kUbEyUsFCsPUQVX-03dtjd8KG15WN6T4iK0a8PlzJgbmoDd51uqMS1-mUeWA2YioB8lPBvBwrC-phFONPUs8aYq6yHmbDyIbkXIiOOQM-5Z/s400/untitled.jpg)
A Bead A Day
Let's have a Tiki party! Lisa found Tiki beads at Big Lots for $1.00 and is looking for ideas!
About.com Jewelry Making
Thinking of selling on-line but worried about the cost? Tammy has discovered three freebie sites for selling your jewelry, crafts, and vintage items.
Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene finds findings worth finding!
Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe has thoughts about creating multiple streams of income as a jewelry artist
Beading Arts
Cyndi has a copy of "Metalworking 101 for Beaders" to give away!
Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi's button maker is the reason for this new vintage image necklace.
Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy rewinds on wire.
Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows her Steampunk Sampler class made of mixed metals, industrial porcelain, and cold connections.
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's studio is in total disarray. Check out some pics and if you have suggestions, she would totally be appreciative!
Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Jean is delighted to review Totally Twisted by Kerry Bogert! You will LOVE this book which focuses on wire and art beads!
Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses the process of reworking a weak necklace design - the revised version of which now appears on the cover of The Best of Step by Step Beads.
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Always on the hunt for unique components, Andrew spotlights "pinch bail components" from Shoutrinse on Etsy!
Let's have a Tiki party! Lisa found Tiki beads at Big Lots for $1.00 and is looking for ideas!
About.com Jewelry Making
Thinking of selling on-line but worried about the cost? Tammy has discovered three freebie sites for selling your jewelry, crafts, and vintage items.
Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene finds findings worth finding!
Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe has thoughts about creating multiple streams of income as a jewelry artist
Beading Arts
Cyndi has a copy of "Metalworking 101 for Beaders" to give away!
Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi's button maker is the reason for this new vintage image necklace.
Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy rewinds on wire.
Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows her Steampunk Sampler class made of mixed metals, industrial porcelain, and cold connections.
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's studio is in total disarray. Check out some pics and if you have suggestions, she would totally be appreciative!
Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Jean is delighted to review Totally Twisted by Kerry Bogert! You will LOVE this book which focuses on wire and art beads!
Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses the process of reworking a weak necklace design - the revised version of which now appears on the cover of The Best of Step by Step Beads.
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Always on the hunt for unique components, Andrew spotlights "pinch bail components" from Shoutrinse on Etsy!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Self-Portrait Friday...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEvjxyB_yg2HYZFegvIyvrFoyIyYhsOMX9j1q8lvHpwFEmWwcUsus1lnuHqjShgiXcW4uyLIaZeKkKawh5ql_qVSfXZ547rIEUZYoeK-mgwK46mAumEaZ_m8bJjXN1ELh_y7O/s400/IMG_0002.jpg)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Comfort Food...
Thursday Giveaway...
This week, one lucky winner will take home some elegant and easy-to-use "pinch bail" components. These sterling silver lovelies come courtesy of Alisa Masiejczyk of Shoutrinse on Etsy. The winner will claim the prize of two pairs of earwires and one "pinch bail" for a pendant. (I'm a smitten kitten with these "pinch bail" components, CLICK HERE to see what I've done with mine.)
Findings Worth Finding: Pinch Bail Components...
I'm always on the look out for new products that look good, are innovative and are made out of topnotch materials. That's why I was particularly excited to discover Alisa Masiejczyk of Shoutrinse on Etsy.
![shoutrinse pinch bail earwires](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0EfGKBLN0fjLfuEiVHG7fK7oeaIh1Wm5pUFPgv420mn3CUT0De_FLzQQKm2qUpHopB-WY-FxPQT7frxmxx3cWikt0FpJehtGn71l7B1crQIoJ_7J3aFyXZI_e0WjzYNKEfUs/s400/Picture+1.png)
Alisa, a Poland-based jewelry designer, offers a healthy selection of "pinch bail components" and hard to find European-made goods. (She also has an Art Nouveaux-inspired shop that's to die for!) I wasn't familiar with "pinch bails" before, but was happy to discover the easy elegance of these earwires and pendant bails. They are a quick way to make a pair of dazzling earrings in seconds. All you have to do is pop on your desired item and press it shut. You can also stack flatter items for a more layered look. Check out her blog for step-by-step tutorials on how to use these unique components and get a glimpse of what inspires her.
The above earrings were made out of Alisa's sterling silver "pinch bail" earwires, NEW pewter pendants from my family, and black filigree from Ezel Findings. You can stack items in the pinch bail for a more layered look. I think the filigree does a nice job of framing the little fine pewter pendant that says, "heal" on the back.
Here is an example of the "pinch bail" as a pendant bail. This simple necklace took seconds to make. I used a Swarovski Cosmic Crystal Pendant and slipped it on a gunmetal chain, both from Fusion Beads. The "pinch bails" go perfectly with crystals because the exposure to tooling is limited and therefore reduces the risk of chipping.
In case you're into mixed metals jewelry, like working with the warmth of natural brass filigree, or are just really in love with gold, Alisa also offers the pinch bail components in 24K vermeil. I appreciate that Alisa only features components in her shop crafted out of the finest materials. The commitment to quality really shines through and gives pieces made with her components that "fine jewelry" look and feel. Don't the above earrings look posh? I just added Swarovski Olivine Navette Pendants from Artbeads.com to a pair of Alisa's vermeil earwires!
![shoutrinse pinch bail earwires](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0EfGKBLN0fjLfuEiVHG7fK7oeaIh1Wm5pUFPgv420mn3CUT0De_FLzQQKm2qUpHopB-WY-FxPQT7frxmxx3cWikt0FpJehtGn71l7B1crQIoJ_7J3aFyXZI_e0WjzYNKEfUs/s400/Picture+1.png)
Alisa, a Poland-based jewelry designer, offers a healthy selection of "pinch bail components" and hard to find European-made goods. (She also has an Art Nouveaux-inspired shop that's to die for!) I wasn't familiar with "pinch bails" before, but was happy to discover the easy elegance of these earwires and pendant bails. They are a quick way to make a pair of dazzling earrings in seconds. All you have to do is pop on your desired item and press it shut. You can also stack flatter items for a more layered look. Check out her blog for step-by-step tutorials on how to use these unique components and get a glimpse of what inspires her.
Here are some things I threw together:
I definitely recommend going to Shoutrinse on Etsy and checking out the amazing selection of pinch bail components!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Simple Pleasures...
Each day I open myself up to finding at least one magical moment. Sometimes the moments are big and sometimes they're so slight that they might easily be passed over. I think the latter are my favorite. I delight in basking in the small treasures and simple pleasures.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAC9vmu8VEizWYeb3bpslCzmKiS4GtCD_v2Llzlljqr_zAyszVYuL7-FqIL3xUnRrz31RjmelGBrO9yU5SbaxFEh2KIBcs8h5Uw2ouWACRcBI2kClvDP38G4yw0eVqu5c5kIdT/s400/Strawberry.JPG)
Today I wandered outside. A storm was brewing in the distance and the temperature had dropped from earlier in the day. There was a stillness and an almost oppressive calm. I meandered to the strawberry patch and plucked a few ruby jewels. They were still sun-warmed. It was if I was holding a little bit of summertime in the palms of my hand.
I took the berries inside and poured a saucer of aged balsamic vinegar. The pairing of the bright sweetness of the strawberries and the fruity tang of the vinegar might seem strange, but the result is bold, brilliant and bordering on effervescent.
Thursday Giveaway Winner...
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Artist Trading Cards by Jeannette Faber...
Above: Artist Trading Cards by Jeannette Faber. (Left) The Spirit. (Right) The Seer.
I met Jeannette Faber at BeadFest Wire in King of Prussia this past spring. She had stopped by my family's booth and we chatted throughout the weekend. I discovered that Jeannette is a talented polymer clay and collage artist. I was delighted to have found a kindred spirit and wanted to share my work with her. I just happened to have an Artist Trading Card with me and she told me that she organized swaps. So I presented her with mine. Jeannette responded by gifting me the two lovely pieces shown above. She used the CitraSolve technique to create the wonderfully antique and organic backgrounds. CLICK HERE to see more examples of her work.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Midsummer Dinner...
I rubbed down the chicken breasts in a mixture of curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. I then browned the chicken breasts in a little bit of rendered bacon grease. That's another staple that I like to keep on hand. It adds a nice smoky flavor and reduces sticking. After the chicken was a nice golden brown, I took them off the heat and began to caramelize some onions. Once the onions were nice and translucent, I added some more curry powder and some late harvest chardonnay. Late harvest chardonnays are sweeter and more like moscato dessert wines with a bright, citrusy flavor. I made a reduction sauce and then added the chicken back to the pan, letting the meat simmer in the amber-colored sauce. The chicken turned out moist, flavorful, and a nice accompaniment to the pilaf. With its bright, bold flavors, this was the perfect dinner to celebrate the season!
Ransom's Family Receipt Book...
![ransom family receipt book vintage](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCk4YBKJcWfvEyUCtpTDUiu_8uy7BTD5YT_hK6Cfe1_FFJ52dIooBb7mA9MEFutAW1iK2OXj1oc4kN-B685RpZ1v_dO_p8c1bNz1S3CwuUaZKA4ZsbY58IYdBqtQ_LJzo5fvP/s200/IMG_0021.jpg)
I just now got around to scanning it in. Sadly some of the delicate corners did not make it and flaked apart in the process. Luckily though it is now preserved digitally and all may enjoy the article on the medicinal and health benefits of tobacco and the article on treating hemorrhoids and the delightful section on sauces and cakes. CLICK HERE to check out the scans on Flickr.
Summer Solstice...
The days are full and rich here. I feel as though I'm an instrument, being moved by an unseen hand towards a beautiful new direction. I've finished up several of my deadlines and decided to take today to reflect on the turning of the wheel, the onward momentum of the seasons.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa0bSOj2yk1RQTHMBfUkNZlyYIR0ui5-RPYcXWdx1AHNatqbkV_eYI2ChfP1IPRdyPnNcBTAjzd8aOxrkLb8187amnwtMbJcrEPpFNRQX6InbhQrLNAtituBoOLX5r1FIOQVm/s400/Picture+2.png)
I hung the hummingbird feeder. I also weeded the garden (which was made much easier by the black plastic) and planted some spinach seeds. I even got some garden soil around some of the tomato plants. The garden has been calling to me more and more recently. I dream of the things I will plant and how I will better the soil and increase the yield. I feel a certain happiness when I'm digging around in the dirt and see the plants grow and thrive.
It's a happy time here.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Beaded Links...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjJmcPa9aVVb1YFzkGo5YbxUahAk8w4f_0Zt-EgzhmzDDvRtvIT_RmSrPba25P0wyyCGHamwV2sMYGWm7nann18KrBs948Mmvmc_vTcRkCdemf1SP21orfuGuQsLA4J4h-zoc/s400/untitled.jpg)
A Bead A Day
What do you think about solar system jewelry? Lisa found a ceramic bead strand that looks like it could turn that solar system science project into jewelry!
About.com Jewelry Making
If you are selling your jewelry on-line or thinking about it, then you'll find some of these resources very helpful.
Art Bead Scene
The June Monthly Challenge is a painting by Toulouse-Lautrec.
Beading Arts
Do you like Chinese food? Do you like jewelry...?
Carmi's Art/Life World
A button get's glammed up with tear drop rhinestones.
Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
Cindy touts one of her favorite colors in this week's rewind.
Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie explores building materials as texture and symbolism in a new set of pendants inspired by a fortress theme
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei got together for a fun beady date with Kerry Bogert, and together they created a necklace!
missficklemedia.com
Come by and visit for a chance to win free Patina-ted Metal Components!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is fascinated by the beautiful necklace which Jennifer Dangerfield created and reposts her analysis of what makes it so appealing! All jewelry afficionados really must see this lovely piece!
Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her necklace design that won second place in the Metal Clay category of Bead Dreams 2010.
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
On the heels of his trip to Milwaukee for the "Bead & Button" Super Show, Andrew documents and shares his favorite highlights from the experience.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Self-Portrait Friday...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69j8Humq77obGRT4jDUCAJysGYnuDOrMs2HnxDtRU0vJvPR2F4oYE9qzYpJHC5H7ae0FnxTqyexkFOn-YABCLakvq96OmsKKj74PB0hORMBm6wcT14aTGMpBwpu63XCUAqD3c/s400/selfportrait.jpg)
I sometimes struggle with what to say in conjunction with these images. Since I've started my blog, I've always had an invisible line of what can be said and what should be kept private. With as much as I do share, it might not seem that way at all. But I do censor myself. Sometimes I think these pictures reveal too much. My thoughts are smeared across my face like a camera glare, disclosing the contours of my mind and secret scars. These photos – grainy, blurry and as imperfect as I am – say what I cannot.
The Stash...
This year, I tried to reign in my spending a little and stick within my budget. I'm going to try and be responsible and use some of the goodies I already have in my dragon's hoard. But I couldn't resist these mighty fine finds:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgH2DtCoKqvdiyhh-hZEgZv5oZUCG2DYlTkrPooDwChSmhvUCzL1Ep3SHeMSbxQYV0PtfQCyqlLTp-7V6Afj0RyocSQi3I-uu0AUDE1vCKjuIu93LgDOs31TyeawkmJ9mc1CG/s400/Picture+1.png)
I wish I could have had more time (and more cash) to pick up more. The Bead & Button show is a wonderland of treasures. It's a particularly nice place to get artisan-made goods that are hard to track down otherwise. I know now that I'll be kicking myself for weeks for not picking up certain goodies. Oh well... next time.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursday Giveaway...
This week, one lucky winner will take home five terrifyingly terrific skull-themed jewelry components. The skulls come courtesy of the Skull Shop section of My Shop. The winner will win one boxwood Ojime bead, one crackle-glaze ceramic skull by Lisa Peters Art, one shibuichi super mini skull bead by Bob Burkett, one hand-carved bone bead and one carved blackened bone link pendant. The skull is perhaps one of the oldest symbols with a multitude of meanings, including mortality, eternity, vanity, rebellion, caution, mystery and defiance.
Bonus Points: You can earn an extra entry by blogging, updating your Facebook page, and/or Twittering about this Thursday Giveaway! Don't forget to add your act of social media kindness as a separate comment.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The BIG Bead & Button Post...
NOTE: I have tried and TRIED to finish updating this, but Safari keeps crashing and I keep losing HUGE chunks I've written. I will post it "as is" and go back and update in small pieces. Otherwise this may NEVER get finished. Sorry!
I began my trip by racing the sun across the sky. A deep sense of relief washed through me as I got on the plane. I could do no more. No last minute projects or preparations. All I could do was relax and focus my attentions on the horizon ablaze by the setting sun.
Setting up is always a blur. It's a mad dash to the finish line. It's a wild race to get everything done before people start streaming in. We had a double booth, so it took twice as long to set up. It was also a challenge to entertain the kids while focusing on getting everything set up, but somehow we managed at the last possible minute. The last sticker was placed on the bowl just as the first customers started filing in.
The weekend was busy and admittedly, I didn't get a chance to walk around very much. It was great seeing everyone. It was so nice to catch up with long-time customers of Green Girl Studios and meeting new ones. I did carry around my camera and snapped shots whenever I could.
![marcia decoster kathryn bowman tierracast](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4K-YmVgR3zelLtgkAMmS-q98ZYbKKpzQZeuPZH3Ab7TdOmN0_UHVAlVc9A_ZFLhPANZPJDIE5Bg8wYexhnEjVlrZm56PDcfP3BBE4wakwWuZyy5PZa7L7_13PT5zZEk-yGgA/s400/Picture+1.png)
Teacher and artisan, Kathryn Bowman of BeadWeaver, dropped by in between classes to say hello. We met several years ago in the Milwaukee airport of all places. We were both stranded by overbooked flights and planes with mechanical difficulties. We talked for hours.
The fine folks of TierraCast came by as well. (From left to right: Tracy, Christopher, and Julie Young.) I love that even though we both produce pewter lines, we all get along and have a deep respect and appreciation for each other. Their work and the work of my family goes well together. I met Tracy (the TierraCast jewelry designer) and Christopher (the TierraCast graphic designer) this past Tucson at the Swarovski Party. It seems as though I've known the delightful Julie Young forever.
![erin prais hintz mary wohlgemuth fusion beads](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_kO7zG6UfoOKdUlm3JKV77-Hrn41wlgxzMgW9dSZMKXQbIvT4_d32p6jGzOyHJs_wGXuPgMsNmfvy4lWrjQXU5SPK_2c6BvOVM1Myq5fFGNPhX1OBF9shktNJmpp3kSu4KYv/s400/Picture+2.png)
Bearing gifts of chocolate and locally roasted coffee from the fabulous Alterra, Mary Wohlgemuth (a.k.a. Mary Walla-Walla-Bing-Bang) of Kalmbach Publishing, popped by to say hello. It was great to see her (and not just because she replenished my coffee supply either)! She is an absolutely lovely person and an editor extraordinaire, who I hope to work with some day.
Speaking of lovely people bearing gifts of chocolate, Lindsay and Katie Wall of Fusion Beads visited the booth. They are hands down some of my favorite people in the bead world. I always have so much fun with them and I adore Fusion Beads. Fusion Beads is a one-stop-online-retailer that sports a variety of artist-made goods and just about any jewelry making supply you might be interested in, including (but not limited to) the NEW Swarovski crystal colors, pendants and beads, and a wide selection of new jewelry saws! Make sure to check out their collection of over 800 inspirational projects by CLICKING HERE.
![heather powers humblebeads erica cessna lillypilly](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZdCI2IEEouAqs6_hY8RR-kuGKPRVgC9fKZ0hnpAdnxPyisA0TFXoZz6c-OIytlfJ3dJ3cRIq-xtRFjDSBNwiiTRn-2NhiA-bC3M9sTUdAXg1LF78NfVnfxNtXZxjbMdoNc9N/s400/Picture+3.png)
Erica Cessna, a fellow Pennsylvania resident and one of my favorite customers, came by the booth. Erica owns Reed's Beads in Ambler, Pennsylvania. It's easy to get swept up in chatting with her. We could talk for hours about books, movies and television. Erica is responsible for my addiction to TrueBlood and the books the show is based on by Charlaine Harris.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to swing by Lillypilly's table this time. I always look forward to seeing what they've been up to. I love their laser-engraved shell, horn and wood beads. Luckily, Jodi was able to swing by, even if only briefly to say, "Hello!"
![marlene blessing molly schaller danielle fox](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-ExE_Nr1SUMrPbfFFUPZ0p9rhnkn2ipxnBb_1lBYG7_07kYp8IhU9BQQeLUEeLoYct_AfdrJdJDvwBmiOUGNjzGSloR9A37_WzEKP9WOYx6ZQFSGGkP3DKSGGO2qVIA_1haT/s400/Picture+4.png)
Molly Schaller, former editor of Simply Beads and talented jewelry-maker, hams it up for the camera a little, showing off her recent Bob Burkett ring purchase. I couldn't resist posting this picture!
Molly poses again with Danielle Fox, editor of Stringing magazine and author of Simply Modern Jewelry. I just love Stringing! It's one of my favorite beading magazines. It's jam-packed with tips, tricks and design ideas. It's truly a designer's magazine.
![michelle mach jeannette cook kate mckinnon](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE-i9BqTTdlK5n1aG4icGb625laHYIzC5fWBkBTyeX5ZcKc3OL1g1DyBefAa9cNqKnDs3egbh8fapLOzQwdhLdp4e5v8APoQaYJFhfWP_UupbqTIheSaVSTTaIbm2F0JJXQsG/s400/Picture+5.png)
I met Jeannette Cook of Beady Eyed Women earlier this year in Tucson. Even though we've only known each other for a short amount of time, it feels like I've known her for years. I remember staying up late after long days at the show with Jeannette and Joyce Rooks, sipping wine and talking into the wee hours of the morning.
![katherine wadsworth heather powers humblebeads deanna kittrell](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2OTiBO8_8Uo1_1YNi57rQYJnd9jDwCk7BwI7Cq4LChPfVl8BtfweDdv-59-weocn3wWGw9FPy9qXN7EMrOAgrEsCssvH_jd1OcwfFs09cMVnd8eHP71WJIqCdjixpbwarVH9/s400/Picture+6.png)
It was nice to see the full array of Heather Powers' polymer clay at her HumbleBeads table. I've read about them. I've seen pictures of them. I even have a couple of her pieces. But I've never seen them all en masse. It was a treat. She does a masterful job of capturing painterly strokes in polymer clay.
Deanna Kittrell has been set up down the row from us for as long as I can remember. She was there again, sporting some new blue in her hair. She offers amazing chainmaille kits and jump rings.
![diane hawkey melanie brooks earthenwood studio alethia donathan](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75BystfdEsgrEJM9jkhc6NKC9rlGiR_1KtyuHwFfDie3DRHJNMImzdqoPUvUCVsnx_YIHpDu5VmnsBXpS0juvie_N5mLcLyuJ8Hq53xaM9FSrVDe_g2Mnzw8Q5ArQOJB4it2v/s400/Picture+7.png)
Melanie Brooks
Alethia Donathan
Ute Brenstein
Stephanie Ann and Kerri Fuhr
Jill MacKay
Jess Italia Lincoln Vintaj
Patti Cahill
Heather and Jessica Glass Garden Beads
Margaret Zinser
Bernadette Fuentes
Kristal Wick
Bead Blogger
Tony and Irena Miech
Jamie Hogsett
Clara Nina Designs
Susan Jones
Brenda Schweder
Melissa J. Lee
Heather Trudeau
Kelly Angley
Susan Lenart Kazmer is fabulous! Was there any question? Not only does she manage to stay true to her muse and create things as an artist and is an active teacher, but she is also the figurehead of Objects and Elements Design Team and Blog (which are run by the delightful Jen Cushman), has a successful online shop, produces ICE resin AND just launched the Industrial Chic line of components at Michael's craft stores. Did I mention that she's also the author of Making Connections: A Handbook of Cold Joins for Jewelers and Mixed-Media Artists
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![cynthia thornton anne choi kim van antwerp](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpn0vUkanPeyXurDnTyO-fPcTJywUK-EYk4Le1thT7EW7sVIj5Ac8HVAV47RTv0x0Qy-BTNfnVfH1H8cB6TRp0tg4oTl9fAFjasAQT6UwRqnCnbTtw7JZtMmTBsNfv5FqAYmt/s400/Picture+21.png)
We walked around after dinner. The light was magic. Everything was bathed in twilight. Cynthia stopped to take pictures. I just enjoyed the stroll.
After our walk, we headed back to the Rock Bottom Brewery to meet up with the rest of the gang. Greg was there with Aveesh and Carter (and her cousin Grenville) of Bead Trust and Temple Singh Jewels, Bob Burkett and Kim Van Antewarp. I told Kim that she looked like a teenage foreign exchange student. She proceeded to tell me about her Schwinn bicycle and I knew my earlier description was apt.
The big shows are such an amazing phenomenon. People gather from all over the world, united by a common creative interest. I find that after the shows, I'm a little blue. At the shows, your heart is so full of love, camaraderie and friendship. At the shows, your head is full of ideas and inspiration. Leaving it – saying goodbye – creates a vacancy filled with only an afterimage. It's kind of like we're all at summer camp and our time making crafts and seeing friends is over. I can almost hear the echoes of people shouting, "See you next summer!"
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