Cindy's Beads and Dolls

Needle Felting: the beginning

2011-12-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

HI! All,
I have allowed FaceBook to become my preferred way of communicating what I am doing. Sorry, to all 9 of you! But I think you are all my friends at FB, so you haven't missed anything!

I got interested in making needle felted doll parts: feet and hands. I bought Kay Petal's FeltAlive DVD Workshop. OH! MY!! That was so helpful and fun! And now I find she is moving about 40 miles away!! I will meet her Saturday at a special art event.
I have not been successful at hands or feet yet but here is my first head.

She is a little bug-eyed and buck-toothed. But I think I will make a body for her. When I remove her hat she looks like a Monk! I am going to try to "feminize" her a little bit with some jewelery.

Pasta Machine motor

2011-06-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
When I sent my friend Leslie a picture of the new pasta machine motor all hooked up, she texted back asking: "Did you watch an episode of 'Pimp My Pasta Machine?'" Here is my "pimped out" pasta machine.

A $69.00 Craftsman drill and some clever woodwork from my husband and I have a machine that can handle conditioning or making skinner blends, hands free to catch or hold the clay. This machine is for adult use only. It has to be handled with care. It likes to snap at your fingers!
I only use this one for the heavy work. It will over-condition clay if I am not careful. It will spit out conditioned clay with speed that is very entertaining! I have the trigger set for one speed but it has an adjustable hose clamp to loosen or tighten (slow down or speed up) the drill. Worth the effort and $$.
Beads and clay,
Cindy

One More!

2011-05-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

The Spring Leaf Pod. This Leaf Pod is done in the colors the fashion industry says are the spring colors for 2011. I don't usually pay any attention to these trends because that's what they are: trends. I would rather put colors colors together that look good, make me feel good, are timeless, go with anything and sometimes push the boundaries a little bit. So, here it is....

More Leaf Pods

2011-05-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
Here are a few more Leaf Pod necklaces. I still have not decided about the kit idea. I might just sell the leaves. Hmmmmmm. Ideas are always appreciated!

For those who have tried to go to my website lately......It has been lost in techno-limbo. I tried to change the hosting of my site and was unseccessful. It is still not up and running again but should be (crossing my fingers and toes) soon.

Beadiness,

Cindy

Revised cover

2011-03-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

Howdy!

I have revised the cover for the Copper Bugle and Seed Bead bag. I think it looks better. Also, I made another leaf amulet. First I made a polymer clay leaf cane, sliced, poked holes and baked 50 beads. Strung them onto Perle 8 cotton and knitted it into the leaf pod pattern. I have to modify the tops of the leaves before I poke the holes. I need to pinch the top of the leaf to create a place for the hole. They will lie down better after being knitted. I am very pleased with it. I can see kit possibilities if I get some requests for them.
All things beady,
Cindy

New pattern

2011-03-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

HI! Everyone,
It seems Facebook has become the place where I let everyone know what I am doing. I will still try to keep this going though. Not sure why, but for now I will.
I have a few new patterns coming out. One is a Copper Bugle and Seed bead bag, bead knitted of course. It is already up at bead-patterns.com and at my website.
The other is a Leaf Pod Amulet inspired by KLEW's (Karen Lewis's) leaf pod polymer clay beads. I have another idea for a leafy bag but will keep that a secret for now.
Until next time......
All things beady.
Cindy

Repair on an antique purse

2010-11-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

HI!
This is a repair for a client on an antique purse. It would be great if the old purses could be used. Once in a while you find one that has been protected well and can be used. This purse was made with cotton thread. The thread is so fragile that during the repair I would get one fringe fixed and another one would come loose. The owner learned her lesson. She is going to put this one on display. I told her I would teach her the stitch if she wanted to make a new bag in the same pattern, then she could carry around a look-alike.

Love these old bags!
Beady things,
Cindy

New Bugs

2010-10-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
I am finally getting back to my Blog. Here are a few pictures of "The Bugs". I am using up my old polymer clay and making bug pins and fridge magnets. I sell them at the Bead Merchant here in Grants Pass, OR.

Roses

2010-06-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures of some of the roses in the garden. Madame Parfume' is a beautiful and fragrant rose, she is blooming out nicely.

Eureka is a nice Yellow-Orange Rose.

Then there is Betty Boop. This rose goes from bright coloring to fading out to almost white. It has only a few petals and opens full out. What a beautiful flower.

I am sure I will be posting more Rose pictures. The new rose bed is still getting set in so the blooms will be a little later. I am anxiously awaiting blooms from

Monkey Business. Something ate the buds off, it will come back. Hot Cocoa is blooming. They are a very different color of red with a unique fragrance. Sisters at Heart is a nice Apricot flower.

All for now.

Love and flowers,

Cindy

Beaded Bead bracelet

2010-06-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of the bracelet and barrette I made to go with the Fall Amulet. The large "beads" are actually a beaded-bead. I made 8 of them then strung them together on stretchy cord.

Beady things,
Cindy

Been a While

2010-05-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
I don't seem to have anything post worthy lately. I've been busy. I sell pies at our local Grower's Mkt on saturdays for two more saturdays. I have been trying to get more patterns finished up. Plus, playing and experimenting with polymer clay.
My current favorite clay for making canes is Kato Clay. I have been trying to use up all my old stuff. I still have a little left. I am trying out the Sculpey Ultra Light white clay to use as bases for my flower petal cabs. So, far I like it much better than the Crayola Modeling stuff. The Sculpey product can be sanded and shaped easier after it's baked.
More another day......hoepfully sooner than later.

Hugs,
Cindy

New Amulet

2010-03-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

HI! Everyone,
Here's a photo of a Flower Amulet created for a client. She picked really beautiful colors. It is stunning! The Flower Amulet pattern in not one of my own. It is one from Renee' Gomez-Smith. You can get the pattern in her new book. Go to her website: http://www.beadmerchant.com/ to get it.

Smiley

2010-03-05T06:54:00.000-08:00

HI!
Here is a picture of Smiley the Rabbit. I made him from Karen Shifton's Renaissance Rabbit pattern. He was a Christmas present for my Mom & Dad. I couldn't post his picture until I gave them their rabbit. I carried him in a canvas bag as part of my carry-on luggage when I flew to San Diego. They named him Smiley. He leaps from wall lamp to wall lamp in their abode.

I am getting the itch to make another doll. Ideas will start to brew.

Thoughts of dolls, Cindy

Home again!

2010-02-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

HI!
I am home now. I am so,o,oooooo allergic to Arizona. I CANNOT go there in Feb!! Although, I cannot imagine never going back for the Gem and Bead show extravaganza. There was nice weather everyday, even if it was rainy. I love the rain! It even snowed on the mountains around Tucson and the mountains around the So. Cal. desert.

Snow from a viewpoint on the road to Mt. Lemmon overlooking Tucson.

There are many more pictures I will share as many as I can.

Rainbows in the Desert

2010-01-29T09:40:00.000-08:00

HI! Everyone,
Here's a Rainbow in the desert. I got here to So. California and evidently I had sent the rain ahead. It had been raining all week and didn't stop for 3 more days. The difference is: It rained for 5 days and the desert only got around 4" of rain! This is rushing water in the washes amounts of rain. A mere drop in the bucket compared to Pacific Northwest standards! Their normal here is 2". This year they will probably top out at around 7". There will be weeds and grass and wildflowers everywhere!
I am here for a few more days then off to Tucson for the big Gem, mineral and bead shows!

On a trip

2010-01-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

HI!
I am on my way to Southern California tomorrow. I am going to visit with my parents for about 11 days then over to Tucson to see my long time friend, Leslie. I will be there for the Tucson International Gem and Bead Shows. There are only a few things I NEED and a city full of things I want!
Dew and I are here in Portland staying with our son, Gabe. It has been a great visit. Going to see Avatar 3D at noon today. Dew and I have already seen it once. Then off to friend's, Dave and Carol, to have dinner.

Just a quick update. I don't think anyone reads these but me, but that's OK. It's a place to write down a few thoughts.

Hugs,
Cindy

Our Christmas tree

2010-01-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

Here's our Christmas Tree for 2009. We had a great Christmas with our son Tyler and his family. Bolt, the 7 month old Jack Russel Terrier, was actually on his best behaviour. They all came over on Christmas Eve and stayed through saturday noon. We love having sleepovers with them!

Love and much hugs, Cindy

Polymer Clay

2010-01-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

HI!
Help I am stuck in the Polymer Clay vortex and can't get out! Polymer Clay is my play time. I started playing with clay in 1994. You would think after 15 years I would be better at it. But, like I said, "It's my playtime." I have 10 books by several Polymer artists. I pick a technique and see if I can even come close. Well....the only technique I ever get a decent result from is Sarah Shriver's kaleidescoping technique. I have taken 2 classes from her. I am trying to use up my supply of clays. I have a mix of several kinds and want to give Kato Clay a try. I also like to sculpt with it.
I have 2 Donna Kato books. She makes the coolest box pendants. So, when I get the new clay I am going to try my hand at a box pendant.
Here's some "happy accident" beads. But, I burned them to a crisp! I didn't check the temp on the toaster oven. Fried them at 400 degrees! They became black charred blobs. Most of the pieces I make are made from random blobs of clay. I want to make something intentional. I want to have a design in mind for a specific project and have it resemble the original idea. It is one of my goals for 2010.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

To everyone! Hope this finds everyone well, happy and healthy to start this new year. I wish the best for all. And hope 2010 find everyone focusing on family, friends and loving one another.

Love and hugs to all,
Cindy

My son is in a movie!

2009-12-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

HI!
My son Tyler used to be in a country western band, Oregon Rain. About 3 1/2 yrs ago the band was hired to be the bar band in a scene in a Bruce Campbell movie, My Name is Bruce. We finally got around to watching the movie. Bruce Campbell movies are cheesy, B, save-the-town-from-the-zombies movies. They are meant to be. Anyway, it was worth watching because about 43 minutes into the movie is the bar scene and they show the band for about 5 seconds. I get to see my son in a movie!! His name is in the credits twice as a member of the band and as a perfomer of the song they are singing.
As a Mom it is just the coolest thing. The bonus is Tyler's brother, Gabe, is a long time fan of Bruce Campbell and Bruce Campbell is a local resident. The movie was filmed in the Rogue Valley near Ruch and in Medford, Oregon.
Check it out!
Love and Hugs to all this Christmas and Holiday season,
Cindy

Felted Purses

2009-11-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

HI!

I finally took Wanda's felting class. I could never understand why a person would spend all that time knitting something beautiful and then put in a washer of hot water and shrink it. Well, now I get it!! It is so,ooooo cool! She also showed us how to needle felt and now I'm hooked on that! Needle felted doll faces here I come!

My Fall Necklace Pouch

2009-10-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
I test my friend Renee's bead knitting patterns for her. This necklace is her latest and she says her last, but I think she will do a few more. This is my version of her pattern. I think we have finally worked all the bugs out of this one.
I bought a new fall outfit at JC Penney. I never do that but I did. I bought a pair of purple cordouroy pants, a green knit top and a burnt orange knitted sweater/cape. I just love it! All for about $60! Amazing. Anyway, I knitted this bag to go with the outfit.

Love and the leaves are falling too fast,
Cindy

HI! again,

2009-09-28T14:07:00.001-07:00

I really should check these posts better before I go publishing them to the blog! OH! Well, my mistakes will improve your reading skills and abstract thought!

Hugs,
Cindy

Summer Challenge winner 2009

2009-09-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

HI! All,
Here is the necklace I entered in the Bead Merchant Summer Challenge 2009. She won the Fantasy Beader category and was one point away from being the over-all winner! We all start with the same, or similar, centerpiece. In this case they were all exactly the same. It's what you do with it that makes it your own.

Now I am working on the Fall Challenge piece. We all picked from a dish of pieces of Golden Coral. I chose this one. I already know where I am goign with this one. Let's see where I end up!

Beadiness,
Cindy

One of the last sunsets

2009-09-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
It has been way too long since I posted last. The problem is that when I get out of the routine of posting on a regular basis then I just don't seem to get around to it. Now that we are back home I will have more internet time.
Here is a photo of one of the last sunsets at the Lake.

Here in Grants Pass we are having our annual Sidewalk Chalk Art event October 3&4th. I will have a booth at Riverside Park selling my Pocket Purses, Fuzzy Pouches,Bead Knitted Amulets and my books and patterns.
Wish me luck!
Hugs all around,
Cindy

2009-08-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a few photos I've taken up at Fish Lake. There are two Hummingibrd feeders right by the motorhome driver window. I sit there around 5:30-6:30 AM and try to get an in-focus picture. HA! Out of the two or three hundred I've taken Ive gotten about 6 good ones. Thank goodness for digital cameras!

Click on the photo to take a closer look. The Hummingbird has a drip of sugar water on his beak in one. In the other he is saying something!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-08-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

Another new one....

Here's another sample of some of one of the new patterns. I am trying to get something besides Bead Knitting patterns up at the site.

Beadiness,

Cindy

Help!

2009-08-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Help me!

HI! Everyone,

I need your help! I am finally adding new patterns to my website after about 3 years. I need to ask for your help in getting the word out. I will be posting new patterns every month for as long as I have patterns to post.

I have finally gotten some of my old hand colored and written graphs put onto the computer and have gotten them into pattern form. I am working on putting PDF's for sale again. This will save me printing and customers shipping. Then, the pattern can always be printed up by the customer for their own use.

I am very proud of the frame for the Raspberries pattern. I used the photo of the Raspberry to create the frame. I am going to do more of those!

New Roses

2009-06-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
I have been having trouble posting lately. I am still figuring out what's up, hence the reason there have been no new posts since early May. Let's see if this one works.
These are a few of my roses. The orange and pink need to be identified. Anyone got any suggestions as to their names? The pink one is the most beautiful pink. A soft pink with a slightly yellow touch in the center. I thought maybe it's a Silver Jubilee. The other is of course a Peace rose. It is a Heritage Rose from Heritageroses.com. It is "own root", not grafted. The plant itself is smaller than a mini rose right now. It will grow up to be a regular 3-4' bush in a few years.

Auction doll done, I think

2009-05-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,

I think the HCBHP Auction doll is finished! I may add a few things, who knows. Her clothes are removable. The blouse is difficult to get off, thank goodness she has double jointed shoulders and feels no pain! She even has panties.

She might get beaded sandals. I may make her another hat/wig. She has a red fluffy one that I'm not happy with. I will probably modify it or make a new one.

Got any name suggestions? Petra? Porsche? Patti? Give me some input!

I have a few other dolls in my head that are screaming to get out. So, I will probably work on them through the summer.

Doll hugs,

Cindy

The front yard

2009-05-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures of the front yard in bloom. The bush Azaleas are just wonderful!!

Lovely flowers,

Cindy

Exciting News!

2009-05-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

HI!

I have exciting news!! My Bee and Saguaro Flower bead art piece has been accepted into the Bead and Button Bead Dreams Competition!! I am so,o,oooooo excited!! I shipped it off the other day, $102 for round trip shipping and insurance! And that was only insuring for half it's value! YIKES!

I also bought a new Digital SLR Canon 450D. I made a camera bag for it. It's a little on the large size but, I think I will evetually fill it up! I used a Polyfill product that is 1" thick and very stiff inside the bottom and sides. The lid has a pocket for paper, magazine or a map and pencils etc. I see now that I need a flap on the pocket. I spent about $20 instead of $70+ for a store bought one. It has it's flaws but it will do the job and look pretty, too!

Summer's coming!

2009-04-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

HI! All,
Summer is on it's way. We were 91 degrees here in Grants Pass yesterday! It should cool down the rest of the week though. The hot, anything over 85 is hot to me, weather will help get the roses thinking about blooming. I know you are supposed to pinch off the first buds, but I am so anxious to see them bloom I'm not sure I can do that this year! I'll get out my Roses book and see how badly I need to do that first pinch.

I just about have all the grass out of the beds, that will be a constant battle. The previous owner left me one of those "hoola-hoe" kind of tools. It is great! It will actually scrape the weeds up with roots!

I had a HUGE mess of clippings in trash cans that were decomposing. My freind Val and hubby Herb brought their dump trailer and helped get my stinky mess loaded and hauled it away to the compster. Thank You so,o,ooo much Val and Herb!!

I only put in a few bedding plants: Violas, Lupines and snapdragons. I'll put in Zinnias and some petunias in whiskey barrels when the Zinnias are at the nursery. The previous owner had a lot of flowers in the beds. We were kind of waiting to see what comes up. But, I can't have a flower bed without Johney Jump Ups! The Jump Ups this year are twice as big as I remember getting before. I like the teeny tiny ones.

Enough for now.
Happy Spring Planting,
Cindy

Harriet B Davis pattern

2009-04-08T09:01:00.001-07:00

HI! All,
Just posting a photo of a bag I made in 2001 from a Harriet B. Davis pattern. I call it the WOW Bag, because that's what everyone says when they see it!

Beady things,
Cindy

Tulips

2009-04-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
Here's a few pics of some of the spring flowers in the flower beds: Tulips and Ranunculus. I missed getting photos of the dafodils, darn it! I will try to get pics as more of the flowes come up and bloom.

I am looking forward to seeing the roses bloom. So far many of the roses have surprised me with how well they are sprouting out.

Spring blooms,
Cindy

Auction doll so far

2009-03-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
Here is the Auction 2009 doll so far. I decided to have one hand to her face and the other to her belly like she just heard a great joke. I gave her a lip ring and a little hook on the inside of her right hand. When posed she has her hand to her mouth and when unposed she'll look like she has a lip ring. The left hand will have a snap or velcro on her clothing to hold that hand in place. She has wire in her arms and fingers, so they are posable also.

So far she is mum about what she wants to wear. My friend Leslie suggested I take her to a quilt shop and maybe she'll see something she likes there! Not a bad idea. I need to go to the fabric shop and look at the Hoffman Challenge fabrics anyway!

Got to mend the hubby's work pants! Can't get work done with no work pants!! It is an absolutely beautiful day here in Grants Pass. The sun is out. It is warm. The daffodils are starting to wilt and the roses are putting on new growth! I can't wait to see them blooming again! I can hear lawnmowers all over the neighborhood.

Hugs and sunshine,
Cindy

Another One!

2009-03-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here's another ad in the same issue of Workbasket December 1958.

Gee, was Cindy popular name in the late 50's?! I once had at least 4 Cindy's in one class, might have been 5 of us.

Dolls and stuff,
Cindy

This is too funny!

2009-03-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
Check out this ad in a December 1958 Workbasket magazine. I found it in a box of old magazines. For those who don't know......I am a "Cindy Lou". I was born in August of 1957. I just found this too funny.
Dolly things,
Cindy

Bald Doll

2009-03-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

HI! Everyone,
Here are a few pics of the Breast Health Auction 2009 doll. I was trying to get a head that could be bald. I think I got it! When I did the needlesculpting I went in through an open seam at the lower back of the head. As I sculpted the stuffing was pulled into the inside of the head. When I finished needlesculpting I re-stuffed the back of the head and stitched the opening closed. I am going to make her a few wigs. At least one beady one and one yarn hair one.

Hope you are all having fun and enjoying life!

Dolliness,
Cindy

Leslie's latest butterfly

2009-03-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

HI!
This is my friend Leslie's latest butterfly photo. It is a Clearwing. She takes great photos of butterfly eyes, too!
I am in Portland visiting with friends and my son Gabe.

It is Coooooooolllllldddddd here! It's been snowing off and on for two days!

Travelin' beads,
Cindy

Blue Heron

2009-02-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

The other day there was a Great Blue Heron on the neighbor's roof. I took several photos. He was a good poser!

The post about the legs didn't go well, did it? I guess I really should preview the post before I publish it!

Hugs,
Cindy

I got the legs done!

2009-02-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

HI! Everyone,
I got the legs done for the HCBHP auction doll 2009. Now on to harder things: stitching the hand/forearm, wire armature for the hands and then....breasts! Breasts are not too difficult, it just depends on if they are going to be exposed or seen at all. If it's just cleavage that's really easy. Decisions, Decisions.

I am trying to clean my Studio up a little bit. My Granddaughter Emily, she's 10 nearly 11, is coming over this afternoon to stay until tomorrow eve. I am hoping to do an easy beading project with her.

I have a class to teach from 11-1 today, Crocheting with Beads and Wire. Then off to get Emmy!

Hugs to All,
Cindy

Practice heads

2009-02-14T16:46:00.000-08:00

HI!
I am practicing cloth doll heads. I am starting to work on the HCBHP doll. I will make a few more and pick from them. The head on the left is #1 on the possibles list. The head on the right is #2, so far. She has a few wrinkles I don't like but, is in the running. The head in the middle is one I've had around and decided to pop a couple of glass eyes into. I like the glass eyes! But, now I need to add eye lids and under lids! I am pretty sure I won't use her. She is strictly practice.

It has been a wonderful relaxing Valentines Day. I gave my hubby, Dew, some blooming purple Tulips and a box of Lindt Truffles. We had agreed not to get each anything but, I was at the store and the Tulips were calling to me and then the Truffles.

Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Cindy

On today's work schedule

2009-02-06T11:10:00.000-08:00

HI! Folks,
I found a Breast Cancer group that wants a doll for their auction this summer!! Whoo-Hoo!! I am so excited about this project! It is The Humboldt Community Breast Health Project. I know several women in Eureka who have dealt with breast cancer and have freinds who live in the area, so it is a local auction to me. I am so happy they decided to include me in their project auction.

Today I have a hundred things I want to get to: Work on ideas for the auction doll. Both breast health, cancer related and doll ideas for a doll that is not related to the subject matter of the project, decide on the matte design for the Hummingbird, Which involves making a few paper mattes, pick one and finish up the beadwork needed to fill it in, Post another pattern at bead-patterns.com, or at least get it emailed to Rita for inspection. Make a trip to the store with Dew for Soy Milk and Overalls.

A lot of thought processing today.
Then tonight is First Friday Art Night in downtown Grants Pass. Dew and are going even if it rains, which it most likely will. We have only had a little rain this winter, a very dry winter for us.
Beadily,
Cindy

More classes

2009-01-29T16:08:00.000-08:00

HI!All,
The Right Angle Weave(RAW) class went very well. I did not take any pictures, sorry. I teach a basic bead stringing class tomorrow for another teacher who has to be out of town for a family issue. Then, saturday I teach a Dutch Spiral class, 3 students!

We have all our Super Bowl Sunday food. We do snacks and Nachos. Our son, Tyler, and family, plus our nephew and family will come. I don't really follow football but, I always try to participate in "the big game".

Here's a photo of the Hummingbird in progress. It is almost done. I just have to decide on the outer edges and where they stop. I will have a custom matte made that will go around the flower.

I really need to be working on my Spring Challenge piece and a hundred other things, so I'll write ya later.

Beadiness,
Cindy

Class today

2009-01-24T08:39:00.000-08:00

HI! Everyone,
I am teaching an Advanced Right Angle Weave class today. I have one student. Maybe I'll take a picture or two to post. It is a rainy day here in Grants Pass, so it will be a good day to stay inside and teach someone something new.

Beady things,
Cindy

New photos in the slide show

2009-01-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

HI! Peeps,
I am adding a few new photos to the slide show. I am going to put up some photos of my older barrettes and bead knitted pouches and purses.

I got a little organizing done this afternoon. I got out my bead box of size 11 seed beads. It is mostly the beads I leave in hanks, on strings, for Bead Knitting and Bead Crocheting. I swear this box weighs 100 pounds, but the bathroom scale says it weighs 34 lbs. I went through it and got all the little baggies leftover from projects put back with their other bead pals in the proper baggies.

Now, on to adding pictures to the slide show and beyond!

Beadiness,
Cindy

Bead Counting

2009-01-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

Well, this week I am helping my local bead shop, The Bead Merchant, with it's annual inventory count for the IRS. Yes. You really count all the beads. Today it was all the strands of beads. I dont' mind it at all. I am getting to handle(fondle) the most beautiful Freshwater Pearls and dream of what I could make with them. Is there a better part-time job? I don't think so! I get paid in rent to have my Beadwork in the shop for sale, even better!

Beads and-a-one-and-a-two.....,
Cindy

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Everyone!

We spent a quiet evening at home watching a movie: The Full Monty. I really like that movie. I love British humor. Now for the hard part: remembering to write 2009 instead of 2008!

Here's a few of my latest obsession: Pocket Purses. I'll be selling them at Grower's Market in Grants Pass in the spring.
Best of the year to come!
Cindy

Daisy and Butterfly

2008-12-30T19:58:00.000-08:00

This is the second of my Bead Art series. The Daisy and Butterfly is done is size 15 seed beads with a butterfly in the bead lines.

Old stuff

2008-12-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

I had to rearrange my bookshelves this morning. The shelves were leaning away from the wall so I had to unload them. After getting the shelves anchored to the wall, I came across alot of papers just stacked. I gathered and put like things in a folder and marked the folder.
Some of what I came across were old, and I mean really old, design drawings from pieces I embroidered in the 70's and 80's. Since we started moving into our house, after living in a motorhome for nearly 9 years and having most of this stuff packed since 1998-99, I have been trying to label and make notes on things so someone besides me knows what it is.

That's all for now.

Nearly Christmas

2008-12-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Everyone,
It's nearly Christmas. Are you ready? This will be our first Christmas with the Grandkids. We used to spend the winter in Arizona, so we would miss out on Christmas with our family. We are not flying south for the winter anymore so this year we'll be with the kids on Christmas.
We buy a few gifts and do a little holiday baking, but don't get involved in the stress of the holidays. If it's stressful it isn't fun!

A little about our grandkids:
Our son, Tyler, married Limarie 2 1/2 yrs ago who had two kids: Emily who is 10 now, and Jesse who is 5. They are blond and blue-eyed, beautiful kids. I am Gramma Cindy and my husband is Poppa Dew. They are energetic and take a lot of energy. We are still adjusting to one another and learning how to handle each other. We love them very much.

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! HO! HO! HO!

Bead Art

2008-12-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

This some of my Photographic Bead Art. I use a photograph as the basis for the bead picture that is created. The Bee and Saguaro Flower was my first attempt. I used size 11 seed beads and Amy Clark-Moore's circular beadwork technique, which I affectionately call: crop circles.

Bead Safari closer

2008-12-15T16:09:00.001-08:00

First Snow '08

2008-12-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

We got our first snow in Grants Pass yesterday. It was beautiful! A beautiful winter day on our Grandson's 5th birthday.

Tantrum Necklace

2008-12-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

The centerpiece for this necklace is a Tantrum piece from JoElla. They are great pieces to work Freeform Peyote stitch around. The strap is Ndebele or Herringbone stitch. The undulation is created by using different sizes of beads.

Bead Safari gal

2008-12-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

This is my Bead Safari doll. She has no given name yet. I am open to suggestions! She is a cloth doll with paperclay hands. I make eveything from head to toe: Hat, head, binoculars, body, shoes, you get the idea. I filled the little tubes with lots of beads. She even has a few empty ones to fill, after all... she is on Safari. She is about 19" tall.