Earthenwood Studios

I've been a long time fan of Earthenwood Studios. I actually have quite a collection of Melanie's ceramic beads.

They have been the inspiration for many of my Bead Cruise designs over the past 6 years.

The Queen of Paradise will be making her debut on Bead Cruise 2012 in 1 month, 3 days and 16 hours! There are a lot of preparations in progress getting ready for this event. Thanks to Melanie's great Art beads and service I am one step closer to getting things done.

You can shop with Earthenwood Studio here or in Melanie's Etsy shop here.

Get out there and be inspired by these wonderful ceramic art beads!

Thanks for stopping by!

A Bead Show

There is no shortage of beads in New Orleans. That is Mardi Gras beads. They are not the kind we use in our bead art, although I have seen art made with Mardi Gras beads.

Last weekend was the International Gem and jewelry show. I haven't been to a bead show in so long. I got up Saturday morning armed with my pass and I headed out the door. My plans were to visit Beadstuff and pick up gold perm galv. 15/0 seed beads. As I was entering the show my friend Carol was leaving. We spotted each other and went back in to find Beadstuff and do a little shopping.

There they are Doug and Pam.

We had so much fun talking and shopping I forgot to go home. The sun was setting and my phone was ringing off the hook. See I told my husband I would be home shortly. A 1/2 day later I realized how late it was!

Carol, Pam and me.

I have plans for these Tibetan beads. I envisioned them on the ends a crocheted lariat with a matching bracelet.

These were a few of my favorite things that came home with me. I love these brushed metal disc beads. I now have them in copper, gold and silver. They really do a great job of adding a finishing touch to a design.

Thanks for stopping by.

The New Year

For 2012 instead of making a New Year's resolution I chose a word. It is a powerful word, one that I will look for every day in this new year.

Today I found Joy hanging out with my friends Brenda and Tammye in Barnes and Nobles.

Did you make a New Year's resolution or pick a word for this new year?

Here are a few things I know will bring me Joy this year.

My Mom is coming to visit in a couple of weeks. I can't wait to spend time with her. We are going to hang out, play cards, go to the zoo and treat ourselves to some good New Orleans cuisine.

In March we will be sailing the high seas. 8 days in the Eastern Caribbean with my daughter Heather and my sister Rosanne. We have the best time! I hardly wait to see old friends and make new friends.

I am going to find Joy in blogging again.

I am going to make time to bead. I've been carrying them around in my bag for a month. I take them with me to my friend Sally's every week. They are waiting for me to find time and inspiration to play with them again.

Thanks for stopping by. I wish you a Happy New Year filled with Joy!