I'm working on de-cluttering and cleaning my studio work table...It's time, don't you think?

Eddie, asleep in his bowl...too cute for words...

Fringing anemone technique tonight at Bead Haven! Here are beautiful bracelets in progress created by Alice(left) and Sue(right). When the bracelets are finished they will be full of mini-fringe. I can't wait to see them finished! As usual, great work ladies!

Valley Junction Art Market...

Here are a few pieces I recently made that will be headed with me to the 2010 Historic Valley Junction Spring Art Market. It is held this Sunday, May 16, 11-5 in West Des Moines. Come visit me if you are in the area. The below pieces are from my line of jewelry I call: Recycle, Reclaim, Repurpose...

Snow in South Dakota

Crazy Horse Memorial today, Custer SD...

"Preach the Gospel always. Use words if necessary."

...St. Francis of Assisi

My beading mat today...simple and to the point...with a hint of denim blue.

More recycled, reclaimed, repurposed...

On my beading mat this afternoon...

...some pieces "just born"...

Thunder, you're just too cute for words...

My "just born" pendants... My mind is "swirling" with ideas and what people might like - think I'll just create what I like, and hope for the best.

On my beading mat this morning...a work in progress before I get ready to go to work.

Born yesterday...something different...with lots of movement and colors I like. (Sorry, the photo is a little dark, but if you click on the picture-you can get a better look at the bracelet.)

Do you know what color "Coca Cola" would be if colouring weren't added?

I need a name...

Here's a new piece that I'm working on-and she needs a name...any ideas? She is a beaded silver toned cabochon with 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, Czech firepolish and vintage sequins.

Luka, Luka...where for art thou Luka?

Matt, this one's for you...

New Work...

Penelope...you sweet, sweet baby!

Buster, you make me smile! Look at those paws...

This is me a few years ago feeding my pet lamb, Squeaky. I really think the shoes make the outfit...

I really should finish this-don't you think?

Opening Day: Cards Win...

Cardinals Albert Pujols homered twice, Colby Rasmus hit a home run, and Yadier Molina hit his first career grand slam, as the Cardinals got the 2010 season started on a winning note. St. Louis downed Cincinnati, 11-6, at Great American Ball Park in the season opener for both clubs. The four homers were also an Opening Day record for St. Louis!

Today: Deadwood, South Dakota...

This picture, taken from a live web cam shot, is what we're missing-or rather missing us today!
It would be great to be there and snowed in!

Darwin, you make me smile...

Some of my "Curious Components" just born... Are you coming to the Trunk Show this weekend? More pics to follow. I gotta get back to work...

Chevron Chain Flower Bracelets...

What a great class today! Look at the fantastic workmanship these individuals did in class! The first photo below is Sheree's work, then Natasha's, and then Paul's...
These three talented people were so delightful to spend time with and they were so focused! This is a difficult bead weaving project and I was so impressed with their dedication to the construction of this stunning chevron weave. Great job...I can't wait to see them finished!

Fibula Pins...

Tonight I taught the Fibula Pin wireworking technique to Joie. We each made two pins--the top two are Joie's, and the bottom two are mine. Make sure you click on the picture to see Joie's beautiful detailing and workmanship! She really did an outstanding job on her stunning pins...

Introducing...

Barb and Mike's new puppy...Muffin!
Lucky, Barb & Mike...Lucky, Muffin!

A Few Curious Components....

On my studio table--a peek at some components just made. The first photo is actually an antique metal buckle that I wrapped and made into a pendent. It measures a beautiful 1 1/2 inch in diameter. You can get a closer look by clicking on the photos. Below is an antique key that I beaded around in tubular peyote stitch.

The last photo features a hammered copper toggle that I made. The pendent, on the right, is made with one of my favorite metal face beads. It has assorted goodies that move and dangle from the bottom. I would love your feedback as far as what you think "trunk show" shoppers might like, or find useful to their jewelry creations! Thanks...

Tonight's class was the "Chevron Ladder" bracelet. It was great to once again share time with this wonderful group of women, who also took the "Russian Spiral" together. Starting at the top of the picture: Paula's, Mary Jo's, Mary's and Sue's bracelets...beautiful work, ladies!

On my work surface---busy making jewelry components...no two will be alike!

The following are pictures from the Saturday classes! The first photo is from the "Caterpillar Bracelet" class. The brown bracelet is Pam's stunning bracelet and the beautiful blue bracelet is Vonnie's! This mother-daughter team did such a great job--I was really impressed. Way to go, ladies! Make sure you click on the pictures to zoom-in on their work!The second picture is from the "Catch a Star" class. Paulines's olivine crystal star is just stunning and the bottom star (I believe it was indocolite crystal?) is Sheree's beautiful star! (I didn't complete my midnight blue/Burgundy star.) These two ladies were so motivated...I don't believe they got up from their seats for 2 1/2 hours! They always do such impeccable work...

Echo...you make me smile!

My wonderful son sent these gorgeous flowers to me for Valentine's Day. I took the picture this evening and they are still in their prime after 5 days. I just love them-and as you can see, some of them are not open yet! They make my whole condominium smell so fresh, so "Spring". Love you, Matt!

Just finished....

On my beading mat tonight is a brooch I just finished. I made the face out of paper that is placed in a mold and then dried for 2-3 weeks. I then painted the face with several different colors and then sprayed it with a sealer. I then beaded around the cabochon face. The brooch is backed with a pin back and Sensuede.

Tuscon Show...

Don't we wish we were all at the Tucson Bead Show? I added a couple of links today that feature some photos from the show, for us that stayed behind to enjoy the snow! The sites: Beads of Color and Mad Designs have been added to "Some of my Favorites", located on the right hand column of this page.

The Blogger site is back up on line!

I am sorry that the Blogger site was down yesterday & today, so I couldn't post Saturday's class photos. So, with anticipation-here are the pictures taken from the class! Way to go---your bracelets are beautiful!
The first photo is of Joie's bracelet...


This one is Yannie's...

Here is Shirlee's...

And here are Bea's and Lisa's-ready for assembly...