Happy New Year 2009

Happy New Year to my family and friends, to those who paths have crossed mine and to those who paths that I will cross. I wish you peace, happiness and joy for the coming New Year. Thank you for touching my life with happiness. May you have a blessed and wonderful new year. My Christmas Wish Came True. I got to spend it with all of my children, grand kids, sisters and my Mom too. We had more snow than I have seen in years. I watched my granddaughter make a snowman. We made bracelets together. I asked my daughter Amiee if she would like to bead with us and she said yes. I did not realize I have never asked her before. She was so quick and promptly finished her bracelet in record time. I promised to put together some kits with instruction as she wants to learn more. This is the bracelet Rosanne made. It was really hard to get on the plane and go home. I am such a baby! I cried each time I hugged someone in my family and said good bye. Art picked me up at the airport with Cricket who jumped right into the front seat and stayed there all the way home. The fireworks are booming and lighting up the sky. It's loud in my next of the woods waiting for 2009.

I Wanted Snow

Boy have we been getting snow. I am beginning to feel like someone put energizer batteries in the snow machine. The winds are starting to calm and the snow is knee deep at my Mom's house. We had blizzard warnings and everyone stayed home. My sister Susie and I were going to bake Christmas cookies today but the weather was so bad we are baking tomorrow instead. I made Rosanne's favorite cookies tonight. Peanut Butter Cookies with a Hersey Kiss on top. 1 cup of peanut butter 1 cup of packed light brown sugar 1 egg 24 Hersey Kisses Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine peanut butter, sugar and egg blend until smooth. Shape the dough into 24 balls about 1 1/2 inches in size. Place 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Press a Hersey kiss on top. Bake for 10 minutes. Tomorrow I am making fudge with marshmallow creme and semi sweet chocolate chips. Susie and I am are going make press cookies. I am beginning to miss my beads and longing to start a project. I really put my crochet hook through the paces making Christmas gifts. It is time to put it up for awhile. As soon as I get a few more pictures taken on my camera I will have them transferred to a CD from Walgreens so I can share them on my blog. I can't wait for Heather and the family to get here. I want a group hug from all my kids and grandkids!! My presents are wrapped and under the tree. I am ready to start Christmas. Happy Hanuka and Merry Christmas to all

A Merry Christmas Weekend

It's been a busy weekend with Christmas parties. Saturday was our Bead society party. 18 members came and everyone bought a dish to pass. The food was so good!! We had a gift exchange and I received these beautiful beads from my friend Diane. May Wong gave me this beautiful hand-made smocked fish. It is the most beautiful ornament I have ever seen. I love it! I made a new fruit salad. My favorite fruit salad recipe is the one Iris makes. Our family sure has enjoyed making it at every opportunity. 1 can of cherry pie filling 2 can of chuck pineapple 1 large container of coolwhip 1 can of condensed sweetened milk 1 ts of lemon juice. 1/2 of bag of small marshmallows Drain pineapple. In a large bowl mix the cherry pie filling and pineapples. Add lemon juice. Pour in condensed sweetened milk. Mix in the coolwhip and marshmallows. Refrigerate over night. Brenda had a girls ornament crafting party today. It was a fun afternoon. I am all partied out for a little while. I am getting ready to head North and will return before the New Year. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Mitts Arrived

Guess what I am sporting on my hands!! They are most beautiful mitts I have ever seen. I am going to have toasty hands in Michigan. I will have to carry them in my purse for the beginning of the trip. It is going to be in the high 60's when I leave and in the 20's when I arrive in Michigan. Thank you so much Mel. I am going to treasure these mitts knitted by friend! Stop by Medieval Needle blog to see Mel's gorgeous socks and cross stitching. This is the picture I took of my mitts. This is the picture Mel took modeling the mitts. Thanks for stopping by.

Monday Night Heroes

Instead of Heroes tonight we had Football. I am not good at watching sports on TV. 998 channels on cable and I couldn't find a thing I wanted to watch. I spotted the lariat on my computer desk. These earrings instantly came to mind. What a perfect match to the St Peterburg Lariat. If I keep on track there will be a matching bracelet. I will be working on instructions for both. I am hoping to start on them before Thursday. I will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for Art and I. He's worried that it might be to much for me. As long as he helps me lift the turkey to put it in and out of the oven we will be in business.

St. Peterburg's Lariat

Seven 6mm glass pearls complete the ends of the lariat. Measures 34 inches in length.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Today was our first really cold day of fall. We had wind chills of 40 degree. Tonight the temperatures will dip down in the 30's. Where I am going with this? On this first day of cold my husband opens the windows to let in the fresh air. The sun sets and the temperatures drop. I start shivering, adding layers of clothing all the time looking for my blanket to huddle under to keep warm. Cricket loves to look out the window with his bear. The heat gets turned on. It gets to hot. Clothes are shed. We have adjusted and are now ready for winter. This is life at my house on the first day of the winter season.

I am a winner!!

This afternoon a package arrived in my mailbox. I was so excited because I knew these beautiful doily earrings created by Inspired Jewelry by Ann Burke would be inside. Ann had a drawing on her blog to pick a favorite pair of her doily earrings from her etsy shop. My favorite were the Mohagany Doily Earrings. Ann's color choice and combinations are stunning. I love the faceted red Tiger Eye stone in the center. It is a perfect match to red Tiger Eye bracelet I made last year. Stop by Ann'Etsy shop where you find the perfect piece of bead art for you or someone on your shopping list. Thanks Ann, I will treasure and wear these earrings often!

Double St. Petersburg Chain

I have been busy working on a Double St. Peterburgs Chain. This will be my entry for the next Etsy Beadweavers challenge. The theme for the December Challenge is called "Snow Queen". I Imagine my Snow Queen wearing this piece at night. The dark blue of the night sky makes the snow and ice look gray. Surface embellishments on the end of the lariat will be a while pearl and with a blue flower crystal. The design is coming along fine in my mind. Now my hands just have to complete the task. You can see the pieces that have been entered so far by searching EBWC on Etsy.

Rope Enhancer by AZBeadedTreasures

This morning I received an email from Terri. She shared a picture of her beautiful rope enhancer using white pearls. The look is so elegant and her workmanship is beautiful. You can see more of Terri's beaded creations in her etsy shop called AZBeadedTreasures. Or contact Terri by email at RaggeyBoy@aol.com As a Designer and teacher, it is so nice to hear from someone who has created something from one of your patterns or instructions. Terri has made this piece uniquely hers with her choice of surface embellishments and colors. Instructions for the Rope Enhancer can be found at Bead-Patterns.com

We Have A Set

The last couple of days I have been busy crocheting. I am making coasters in sets of six for Christmas presents. I found one of my favorite crocheted angel ornament pattern the other day. Now if I could find my crochet snowflake book I would be in business! Sunday I will have Art help pull the boxes down off the shelves. Hopefully I will be able to find them. My beads are singing quietly in the background waiting for me to get over this crocheting phase. Are you making Christmas presents this year? Leave a comment. I would love to hear what you are making.

This afternoon I went on a quest to find something I knew I had in my closet. I did find what I was looking for but I also found a treasure. A scrapbook Heather made for me in 1999 for Mother's day. Before I go on, I have let you know these boxes have been stacked in the closet from the first day we moved in.(at least 3 or 4years) I wasn't sure what I was going to find! The words Heather wrote to me, her Mom filled me with so much love for my daughter. I cried because it is hard being so far away from my Mom, my children, my grandbabies, my sisters, my brother and nieces and nephews. This year will be wonderful. I am so excited I will be going home for Christmas. Heather as a child kissing her Mom. Heather at the age of 17. Heather on her weddng day, with so much joy within standing next to her Mom and Dad. This brings me to Twitter which I recently joined. I have become a twitter stalker. It's a great tool when you see them twitter and know they are by the phone and it is my chance to call them. *grin* If you would like to learn some helpful hints on how to use twitter for your business and promoting. Stop by the Humblebeads blog. She has some great do and don'ts in the twitter world.

Make A Difference VOTE

This morning I had my husband get me up before he went to work. The time was 5:30am. I didn't have far to go to place my vote. Just across the street. We had a line but it wasn't to bad. It took about 30 minutes. Mission accommplished. My ballot has been cast. Go Vote!

I Have A Dream

And it is for a sewing maching. I have narrowed my search to this Brother® Project Runway 50 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine from JoAnn Fabrics. The regular price is $398.88. with their online 40% off coupon the cost would $239.33 with free shipping. This baby would do all the things I would need one to do with a sewing machine. Right now it is just a dream. This would be a major purchase right now. To many hospital bills from my surgery that have to be paid first. But, I have a dream for that sewing machine!

Harvest Moon

My colors have taken turn. You usually don't find yellow beads with a mixture of reds, blacks, grays and turquoise combined in my work. This bracelet is Big-Bold and ready to wear with any fall colors. Thanks Heather for helping me to name it. Tomrrow I am going across the river for a sewing lesson. My friend Kathleen is going to show me how to make __________. Can't tell you it is a Christmas gift for someone in my family. Tonight I have been etsy searching for fingerless gloves and wrist warmers. I wish I knew how to knit and follow a pattern. Calls going out to a knitter or a crafter. I will make something for you if you can make a pair of fingerless gloves or a pair of wrist warmers me. Tis the season to barter! Thanks for stopping by!

There is a Change in the Air

Oh my gosh someone turned off the heat! I am scrambling around looking for a sweater or a jacket. I can hear my sister laughing at me because I think 60 degrees is cold. Speaking of a change. Heather sent me to Aqua Poppy Designs where I found this paisley background for my blog. I love paisleys but it might be to busy for bead work. I am going to keep it for a few days before I decide if I like the change. I have been busy making bracelets. This one will go in my etsy shop soon. I love the clasp. It is from LLB Findings and Chains Thanks for stopping by!

I've Been Tagged

I have been tagged by my sister Rosanne Fabfibers. I think I am one of the last to respond. All the people I would have tagged have been tagged. Considered yourself tagged if you like. Here are the rules: 1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog. 2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. 3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog. 4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. Here we go. 1. I love my husband. I have three 3 children and 7 grand babies. All which are scattered from San Antonio to Michigan. 2. My favorite sports are kick boxing and Synchronized Swimming. I belonged to a synchronized swimming club called the Dolphins in high school. We swam to Henry Mancini-Baby Elephant Walk 3. I am allergic to corn, corn starch and modified corn starch. 4. I love coffee. 5. I want to be a contestant on "Deal or No Deal". 6. I love meeting peoeple and making friends. 7. My husband has nicknamed me "pigpen". He says the mess follows me from room to room. It's not a mess ...it's just beads!!! That was fun!

Building Components

I have been busy building components for my bead embroidered necklace. Six more should be enough to finish the necklace part. I will also be making the clasp using two more components. This next picture gives you idea of how they will look on the necklace. The pieces I have finished so far have been backed with ultra suede. It takes time to to complete the finishing touches. Like waiting for glue to dry. Than there is my favorite night time show on Monday "Hereos". All beading stops when that show comes on. The only time I missed an episode was when a home Saints game took over the TV station hostage. GRrrrr. Football.

Postage Stamps

This week I was rumaging through my firelite (extra hard-drive) looking for a file. I came across a folder that had images of the beaded Postage Stamps that I made 10 years ago. Elvis was the example I used when I wrote the instructions for the Postage Stamp Pin©1998. <--This link will take you to Bead-Patterns.com where you can purchase the instructions. In 1998 the USPS issued Funding the Fight Finding a Cure Postage Stamp These two pins were made for Breast Cancer surviors. This Christmas Stamp pin is in my studio waiting for the Holidays. Oh the possiblies of creating Art with your stamps and beads. I am ready to revisit this fun project. It is a great gift idea for someone on your list

Making The Cut

The surface embellishments are complete. Last night I trimmed away the excess e'tal. Making the cut doesn't mean I am close to being finished. I will prepare a backing and complete another row around the piece. The next step will be building the components for the necklace. Thanks for stopping by!

Animal Instinct

There are only a few more days left to vote. The enteries for the Etsy Beadweavers October Animal Instinct are posted and ready for you to pick your favorite.

I hope to get an entry in the next challenge.

Kiss-Kiss

New humblebeads are in the house. I love the new Gustav's Kiss Beads. I had a design in mind as soon as I saw the gold kiss cuff bead. I am always so inspired by the color and texture of Heather's beads. You can find these and more in the Humblebead etsy shop. You can join Heather and the Bead Art Originals Etsy team for an online Trunk Show. October 9th 7:00 - 9:00 pm EST in the Etsy Virtual Lab Chat with memebers of the Bead Art Originals Etsy Street team. Special offers and door prizes will be offer.

Surface Embellishments

It's a two word night. Surface Embellishments. This is just the start. There is more to add at the bottom along with wisps of Charlotte loops to bring in more texture. We will see where this piece will take me. Right now it is way past my bedtime.

MASTERS Beadweaving

Major work by leading Artist Stop by Larks Books for questions and answers with Carol. You will find a slide show of works of art by the featured artists. I recently had the opportunity to see this book from from beginning to end. A few of the masters in this book include Diane Fitzgerald, Marcia DeCoster, Valerie Hector, Joyce Scott, Virginia Blakelock, David Chatt, Sherry Serafini, Laura McCabe, Rachel Nelson-Smith. I would recommend this book. For each time you look through it you will be inspired by the works of the Master Beadweavers. This book does not contain instructions for projects but will fill your senses with its beautiful creations of Bead Art. Diane Fitzgerald-Website Marcia DeCoster-Website Valerie Hector-Website Joyce Scott Virginia Blakelock David Chatt-Website Sherry Serafini-Website Laura McCabe-Website Rachel Nelson-Smith-Website Put this book on your wish list. You will love it.

The Desire Turns In To a Design

First it started with a desire. A design began to take shape as the first beads were added. Visions of surface embellishments are forming to complete the design. The attention to detail makes all the difference. Looks like I am in good company with my late night beading hours. Check out "The Lone Beader" She is building a DeLorean. The attention to detail on her vehicle is out of this world.

There Was Desire

All of sudden I had such an urge to bead. This design for a bead embroidered collar has been playing out in my mind for some time. The pieces I have gathered over the last couple of years. I am going to have to do my research again and found out what the name of this stone is. Coin pearls throughout, I hope will bring out the matrix in the stone. The paper I am using to bead embroider on is e'tal. It is no longer being manufactured. It is paper with metal fibers. When I run out that will be it. Sad....Sad...Sad. I will have to find another type of paper that won't need preparation before beading on. Painting or coloring fabric is to much for me. This desire to bead means I am starting feel more like me after surgey. I went for my six wk. check up Friday morning. I have no restrictions now. One rule if it hurts stop doing it. I still have to wear the binder when walking or doing chores. But that is small price to pay. My sleep schedule is backwards. I spend most of time beading between the hours of 11:00 am to 3:00 am. Thanks for stopping by and have a beadiful day!

Do You Need To Be Inspired?

What was the surprise I got in the mail the other day? It was a copy of Bead-a-Day Beading Calendar 2009. I submitted several pieces for inspiration. You can purchase a copy at Andrew McMeel Publishing or at Amazon.com. During 2009, The Mayan Treasure Bracelet will be there to inspire you. Keep your eyes on the horizon as I will be offering some of my previous beadcruise instructions for purchase with instant download. 1. Touch of Russian Elegance. 2. Mayan Treasure Bracelet Cuff 3. Triton's Daughter. 4. Garden by the Sea Thanks for stopping by.

Hurricane Ike

The outer bands of Hurricane Ike can be felt in our area this morning. We have had tornado warnings. The winds have been gusting up to 50 miles a hour and a few feeder bands of rain have hit. On shore flow will cause flooding in the lower parishes. They have started evacuations now for some of the west bank of Jefferson parish. I think we are far enough out that it won't be an issue in my backyard. Now we will hope not to lose electricity today. I am really sad that worst of the storm will hit Galveston Island. Despite my first experience there. I have enjoyed my other visits to the island. Houston will have a hard way to go also. As you go through the day today please keep southern Texas and Louisiania in your prayers.

Honey Were Home

We got in Sunday afternoon around 4:00pm. Driving across the swamps on I-55 and over the Bonnet Carre' Spillways is not for the faint of heart following abdominal surgery. I bounced and jiggled like a bowl full of jello holding tight to a pillow over my belly for the last hour of the drive home. The thought that keep running through my head was "Sally better not want to go to Turquoise Coyote to soon. I would not take that ride willing for a while yet. We made a trip to our local supermarket called Breauxmart around 7:00pm. I really wish I had my camera with me. No one believes me when I say the shelves were empty. The produce bins were empty except for a few tomatoes and some awful looking heads of lettuces not fit for human consumption. We had our choice of 4 sticks of real butter and a loaf of Bunny bread. One man I bumped into just kind of smiled and said if I want something to eat I guess I better go to McDonald!! We ended up with a package of frozen waffles for supper that night. The water bottles and coffee creamer we brought in a cooler from Michigan. The dumpsters around the complex were frightful with bags of spoiled food from other's refrigerators spilling over. Monday I had to go pick up a prescription. Walking more than 500 ft was very difficult for me. Between the pain, feeling very sick and faint I had a hard time making it back out the store. I got home and couldn't not finish fixing dinner. I just sat in a chair and cried. My poor husband didn't know what to for me so he just held my hand until I could pull myself back together. The next day I called the surgeon's office. I was sure the ride back from Michigan had caused some damage to the hernia repair. The one thought that loomed in both of our minds was she would have to drain fluid from my abdomen. Sally drove me to the doctor early the next morning. Dr. Sassard to me I was still healing and needed a binder/griddle for support. Oh my gosh what a difference. I put the binder on and could walk. We went to Target to pick up some t-shirts to wear under it. Later that afternoon I was able to go to the grocery store and pick up a few things for supper this week. I am still going to follow the doctor orders to the letter. No lifting, picking up or climbing stairs for another 3 weeks. Oh man and do I have an itch to start beading again. This afternoon Sally helped me unpack my bead boxes from the suitcase and put them away. I am ready to fondle and pick out colors for my next project. Tomorrow I will have some exciting news to share about a package I received in the mail today. I worked on my website for a few minutes tonight. The side bar has new pictures of beadwork Hugs to all and to all a beady good day. Bev

Cajun Haircut

A few years back I took my friend John to his old neighborhood for a haircut. Walking in the door of the old barber shop was like stepping back into time. The two barber's wore old fashion polyester uniforms. The combs sat on the counter in glass jars in some kind of disinfect. The shop was divide into two sides one for women's hair cuts and the other side for the men. While John was getting his cut I stepped over to the other side and got my hair cut. Not being from the old neighborhood I was unfamiliar with the accents. I thought she said "You keep your short don't ya"? What I didn't hear was you want hair short don't' you? I said yes I do. That was the shortest haircut I ever had!! My friend Brenda told me I was not allowed to get another haircut with her Dad ever again. That brings me to my story for today. I really needed a hair cut and made an appointment at the Clippership for a cut and style this afternoon. My hair had a growing streak and I had wings! I was really looking forward to getting out of the house by myself without having someone drive the car for me. I think I have learned my lesson not to talk about short hair while I am getting mine cut. I ended up with another Cajun hair cut only I was in South Haven, Michigan! My daughter Amiee come over to visit today and she brought her pet goat. His name is Otis. Oh my gosh! The goat wasn't any bigger than my dog Cricket. The goat followed my Daughter around saying Maaa Maaa. Amiee brought her wedding albums and fudge from Mackinaw Island. It was so good! We shared wonderful memories of her special day looking at the pictures. Tomorrow will by last day for visiting with my sisters. We are heading south Saturday morning. I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with my family. I will really miss everyone when we get back home. Maybe some day we will be able to move closer to home. I also have enjoyed my blogging time. Sharing little bits about my life.

Now We Wait

I forgot the thread! After packing all my beads to leave I forgot beading thread. Art and I went down town this afternoon. He got a hair cut and I went to the bead store. I can you I am spoiled by making my purchases online. I paid almost $4.00 for a small bobbin of nymo thread. Ouch!! I talked to my friend Sally this morning. She is a nurse on team A and had to stay for the hurricane. As of today September 3rd, we have no water or electricity in our area. The good news is our apartment is secure with no damage. We won't be going home until they turn on the lights and water. We are very lucky to be at my Mom's and not sitting in an hotel room.

Safe in Michigan

We made it safely to Michigan Sunday night. I was going to write a little story but discovered I didn't have the energy tonight. We spent the day watching Hurricane Gustav batter the Gulf coastline on Fox news and CNN today. Now we just wait and see. I am so glad I got to visit with my sisters yesterday. Today I spent with my grandbabies and son Ray. I have been enjoying my family time and trying not think about waits for us when we get back home.

It's My Birthday

You say it's your birthday?...that's right. August 29Th. I made plans to celebrate my birthday before I had surgery. I ordered a Doberge Cake from Maurice's Bakery. Hurricane Gustav Today we are planning for the worse and hoping for the best. I spent yesterday packing my beads to evacuate. How do you decide which beads you will take with you? My Mom said "Bev you look like your deciding which children get to go. I have been collecting them for over 12 years. All those beads, stones, delicas, seed beads and findings. I filled a suitecase. Not just a suitcase but the biggest one I had. It was so heavy my husband just about hurt himself getting if off the bed. I told him slide it off the bed to the floor!! So tomorrow morning we will pack the car and head for Michigan. We will be leaving before a mandatory evacuation. Better to be safe and out of harms way. I will keep in touch through my blog

The Healing Doll

When I got home Tuesday morning there was package waiting for me. It was a healing doll from my friend Crystal Fox. (Beadfox) I put her right next to my bedstand. I slept alot the first day. Getting up, laying down, turning over and sitting up proved difficult with a new Titian Mesh screen. I have been dubbed RoBoBev2.0 by daughter. Wednesday morning the door bell rang. This beautiful spring bouquet of flowers was sent by my sister Rosanne. The next day my friends Mel and Libby sent this wonderful bouquet of flowers Thank you for the prayers and healing thoughts, the cards, the flowers and the phone calls.

A word from Beverly

Just got word that Beverly has had her surgery and everything went well. She's still in recovery and might stay the night. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We all wish you a speedy recovery Bevvie! Rosanne

Wrapping Things Up

I love my humblebeads cuff beads. Last night I finished this Garden Cuff bracelet for a special person. It went out in the mail this afternoon. I am working on offering this pattern for sale late September, along with past bead cruise projects. This will include Triton's Daughter necklace, Mayan Treasure bracelet and a Touch of Russian Elegance. Saturday is our bead society meeting. Our project this month is a Russian Spiral. I have the instructions printed and kits put together. If you would like to give this technique a try the instructions are available at Bead-Patterns.com The time has sped by with only 3 days to go before surgery. I am not sure if I will make another blog post before Monday. I will be back when I have recovered. Thank you all so much for your prayers and well wishes.

There are Witches in this Post

In June I brought my Mom back home with me for a visit. We drove to Mississippi to see with my Aunt Delores and Uncle Joe. Aunt Delores has been busy making Witches for Halloween. These are replacements for her girls who lost all their holiday decorations in the storm (Katrina) 84 days to go. Are you ready for Holloween?

I've Got A Date

Not a real date but a surgery date on August 18Th for two hernia repairs from previous surgeries. If all goes well they will be able to complete the procedure with laparoscopic surgery. In the mean time I haven't been doing much. Walking, sitting, standing and bending over the bead table are off limits right now. **Thanks for the all the prayers and well wishes for Dona Anderson. After 20 days in the hospital she is home resting. The crochet has been coming along beautifully. I have 3 row to complete and than I can starch and shape it. I recently purchased this Magic Crochet book on etsy: Seller sandritocat I had this magazine many years ago. It was much easier at this time to purchase the magazine than try to dig threw my closets to find the box which holds my crochet books. Thats enough from tonight. I am all worn out!