Are Those Mooses or Meese?

Last week I was asked if I still had my Dancing Moose Amulet bag I made with a pattern created by Liz Thompson who at the time had a website called Dancing Moose Designs. I remember how much fun I had making this amulet bag. Those silly mooses kept me laughing as I stitched along. Liz has since moved on to create beautiful bead embroidery pictures. I received this postcard along with an invitation to Downriver Council of the Arts show where Liz's pieces were on display. Stop by Liz's blog to see more of incredible work as she makes her name in the beadworld with Art. The Flamingo was a gift from Liz. I love being able to see this piece in its special place displayed as Art. Thanks, Liz I love this piece!

October Etsy Beadweaver Challenge

Voting starts tomorrow. Help pick a winner for the Etsy Beadweavers challenge. A study in Monochromatic 1. Dusty Lavender Fringe - Beadwoven Necklace by time2cre8.etsy.com 2. Many Shades of Royalty -- Purple Freeform Bead Bracelet by ForbesFarm.etsy.com 3. Bronze lights Bracelet by clairecreations.etsy.com 4. Blue by DantesSpirit.etsy.com 5. Pink Princess Bracelet and Ring Set by Patchers7.etsy.com 6. Who Got The Blues Cuff Bracelet by Sooz by BoodlersBeads.etsy.com 7. Dutch Spiral Bracelet by noeasybeads.etsy.com 8. Anyone can whistle necklace by enso.etsy.com 9. World on a String Necklace by ambrosianbeads.etsy.com 10. For the love of Pink by LauriDesigns.etsy.com 11. Study in Iolite by thebeadedlily.etsy.com 12. Pearl Waterfall Necklace by nardiesarttowear.etsy.com 13. Seismic Wave Peyote Cuff by Tresijas.etsy.com 14. Fractured Orchid - Ruffly Beadwoven Necklace by time2cre8.etsy.com 15. Delica Triangles Bracelet by BeadJewelryShopGirl.etsy.com 16. Beadwoven Leaves and Vintage Brass Button Bracelet and Earring Set by beadbug.etsy.com 17. beaded picture - Green Lady Green Mother Gaia by LauriDesigns.etsy.com 18. Green Ruffles by DantesSpirit.etsy.com 19. October - Freeform Bead Bracelet by totallytwisted.etsy.com 20. Gold Rush Log Cabin Braid Peyote Cuff by SandFibers.etsy.com 21. Shades of Silver by maneklady.etsy.com

It Only Takes A Second

It only takes a second to become a victim of a crime. Today I became of those statistic. This afternoon my wallet was stolen out of my purse as I used the self check out line at the grocery store. I took my debit card out of my wallet and stuck my wallet back in my purse. I was in a hurry and not paying attention. As I swiped my debit card someone was helping themselves to my wallet. After paying for my groceries I went to put my card back in my wallet. It was gone. I was in shock and disbelief. I had only turned my head for a second. I am mad that all my pictures of my grandbabies are gone. I am mad that someone took the money I saved for bead shopping this weekend. We were going to Turquoise Coyote Saturday and I had visions of rivolis, crystals and rose montees floating around in my head. Tonight customer service from Visa called about charges being made on the credit card. They filled their car up with gas and ordered $26.00 of food from McDonalds. Thank goodness they were not the last of the big spenders while starting their shopping spree. I am thankful I wasn't wacked over the head and my purse stolen in the parking lot. I am thankful I was not shot in a drive by shooting. I am thankful I dodged the crazy drivers on the way home. I am thankful we didn't flood with the 8 inches of rain we got yesterday. I am thankful for friends and family. I am just going to have to start saving again for another time to go bead shopping and fight the line at the DMV office getting my drivers license replaced. Today knocked the wind out of my sails and made me a part of the crime statistics in the Big Easy. Do not become a victim. 1. pay attention to your surroundings. 2. Keep your purse close and don't let it out of your site. I hope this post will help keep someone else safe as crimes go up during the holiday season.

Traveling to Phoenix

Where did the time go? My bags are packed and I am heading out the door early in the morning. Desitnation Phoenix AZ to meet up with my Mom and sisters. There is so much excitement involved with this trip. My brother is getting married! I made this beauty to accent the outfit I am wearing to the wedding. See you next week!

A Study In Color

This is an example of a monchromatic color scheme. From Wikipedia: Example of Monochromatic colorMonochromatic color schemes are derived from a single base color, and extended using its shades and tints (that is, a color modified by the addition of black and white). As a result, the energy is more subtle and peaceful due to a lack of color contrast. Monochromatic colors offer very little contrast and may be considered boring unless there is diversity within the design. This color scheme worked very well for the Dutch Spiral bracelet below. Using different size beads in the spiral created the diversity within the design. While revisiting this technique, I experimented and discovered a little trick to make the spiral pop.

Nov/Dec Step by Step Magazine

Hot off the press the Nov/Dec issue of Step by Step magazine arrived in my mail box yesterday. On page 22 you find instructions "Bumps in the Road" The Green and Blue bracelets were used as examples for the article. Playing with copper colors produced this monochromatic scheme. If you can't find the magazine you can also find this pattern at Bead-Patterns.com Don't have time bead but want one of the bracelets? Check out my etsy shop. A special thanks to my friends for all your support!!!