Speaking of the Muse

Meaning of Muse

The term refers to a source of inspiration, accessible by artists and generally restricted to artists (artists in a broad sense). The muse is not in itself a delusion, or hallucination, but rather a myth to which writers, musicians, painters (bead weavers) and more are able to credit the conception of their art to - those times when the artist has not been actively designing a piece, but spontaneously has an idea for one.

Scarlett Lanson of The Beader's Muse is hosting her second "Use the Muse II constest". The muse for this contest is mystery component by Lillypilly. The prizes range from a Grand Prize, Second place, Third place with 10 catagory prizes.

This is a picture of the Grand Prize. Read about the sponsors here.

To be a part of this contest you will need to purchase a kit with the mystery muse component and an assortment of other beads to help you create your design. The cost of the kit is $30 plus $5.00 for shipping. You are not limited to just to the beads in the kit. You can use your own beads in combination with the kit. The deadline to order your kit is June 27th. Are you ready to test your muse?

Bead Star

Who will be the next Bead Star? It's time to vote and pick your favorite. Humblebeads has made it as a finalist with her entry in the stone category called Fragile Love. This is my favorite. It has been very heart warming to to read how Heather has inspired others to join the ranks as a a finalist in the Bead Star competition. Check out Lorelei Blog to see her entery in the plastic catogory. Erin from Tesorit Trovat has entries in 3 of the categories. Congratulations girls!! You got my vote.

Fabfiber's Give Away

Can you believe it? Fabfibers is giving these away! All you have to do is stop by her blog Leave a comment and make a post to your blog about this give away. These beads were created by Carolyn Driver of Blue Healer Beads.

A Gathering of Friends

This afternoon was another day filled with friends, lunch and beadtalk. Carol, Iris, Sally Kathleen, Bev and Evelyn met at La Madeline's

Created by Evelyn. Pattern by Jenna Colyar Cooper. Published in May/June 2009 Step by Step Magazine

Cafewhat

"A friend is someone who sings your heart's song back to you when you have forgotten the words." ~ David Coppola, Ph.D. I am so thankful for wonderful friends. Today Brenda and I went to lunch at Cafewhat. I think our friends who previously owned the coffee shop would be pleased to see what the new owners have accomplished. The atmosphere was very New Orleans. The new owner was very friendly. I had chicken panini with appplewood smoked bacon and cheese. Brenda had a chief salad. I had a great day with my friend.

Happy Mother's Day

To all my Mother friends and family. 
Mother to kids, dogs, cats, birds and horses.
Happy Mother's Day!!

Tonight I finished the 3rd Dragonfly with Swarovski and Vintaj brass components. Copper crystal rondells accent the brass necklace chain. For being someone who says "I don't like to make the same twice" I seem to have created quite a few dragonflies. The part I have enjoyed the most is designing the necklaces to suspend them from. I have a confession to make. I used the Wildfire thread to make the dragonflies. I figured out what my problem was the first time I used it. My beading needle was too big. Something as simple as using a different size needle made all the difference with the performance of the thread. In my future I see a trip to Micheal's with my 40% off coupon to buy more. It looks like it is going to be busy weekend. Tomorrow is our bead society meeting. Along with being Mother's Day on Sunday it also my husband's birthday. I promised Art his favorite pizza for supper tomorrow night. It's a hour's drive there and back again to pick up the pizza. He is worth it. Sunday we are invited to my friend Sally's for a Mother's day BBQ. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend.

Dogwood Blossoms and Dragonflies

Dogwood Blossom bead by Humblebeads. You can purchase these through Heather's etsy shop

There is a story behind this bead. I have been saving this bead waiting for just the right project to work it into. Last week when the dragonflies took over and I knew it belonged in a teal Dragonfly. I placed an order with Fussion Beads for Vintaj brass toggles, leaves and few a filigrees. I finished the dragonfly the same day the order arrived with the Vintaj brass. I was so excited to create the necklace for the dragonfly. I had the brass now but where did I put that Dogwood Blossom bead? I just had it!! I spent the whole weekend searching. It wasn't where I saw it last. Playing hide and seek with all the boxes looking for the missing bead was fruitless. Just as I was about to give up and write the bead off as being lost. I remembered one more place I could look. There it was in my hat box hanging out with the finished beadwork.

I am very happy with the way this one has turned out. The mix of beadweaving with brass and chain are a perfect union to complete a design. What is your opinion? Do you think there is a place for the brass and filigree to be mixed in the with beadwork? I myself like the antique look it brings to the creation. Thanks for stopping by.

Make you feel my love

Dedicated to you my love.