Date set for Day of Creativity

Our Day of Creativity has been set for January 26.

I've placed a challenge/project for those beaders that wish to participate....there is an organization called Dress for Success that

"promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

The project is for each of us to make a piece of jewelry to donate. The challenge is that another beader will supply the beads in order to make a piece of jewelry. It can be a necklace, bracelet, pin, pendant, earrings....just as long as it is professional looking. I'm excited that we have about 8 people particpating. Just so there's not a lot of pressure, the jewelry does not have to be completed during our Day of Creativity....but should be brought to our next get together which will probably be in March.

Our group is comprised of not only beaders, but quilters, stain glass makers, and painters. It's a diverse group and we all have an appreciation for what each other does.

Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures of our Dress for Success creations.

Until then....HAPPY BEADING!

WAS I AWAY THAT LONG?

Ignoring my blog is what I've done! How can I expect anyone to read my blog if I'm not updating it on a somewhat regular basis!!! Beading just got in the way, I guess! A family visitor for a month this summer was great fun for the husband and myself...a time to enjoy sites and area activities that are taken for granted.

I've really gotten interested in wire as you may have read in an earlier post. Having a great time with it and hopefully I've gotten some other fellow beaders interested in working with wire, too! I've made lots of bangle bracelets and have arranged for several of them to be on display for sale in a very prominent shop in the area. Even if nothing is sold, maybe they will remember me and Circle of Beads.

Take a look......

A new acquaintance is a lampworker who loves to experiment with glass and manipulates the glass into some fantastically awesome colors, hues, and tones mostly on the earthy side. We're always talking beads and we have totally different interests when it comes to beads and beading but we connect....I love to make things with beads and she loves making beads. We're a match made in beading heaven!!!!

My personal Circle of Beads continues to grow. As a result of two quilters wanting to get together to quilt for a day, of them looking for a place to quilt, and me offering a perfect environment for that to happen, a Day of Creativity was started and continues to grow. Quilters, beaders, painters all come together to share, to be inspired, and just to enjoy each other. The Day of Creativity continues to grow and I am so fortunate to get to meet new people and have the opportunity to get to know them.

The Bead Expo is coming to our area early next year and am happy a small group of us are going together. We're already planning to take classes, shop, and enjoy being around other beaders.

Please check out my etsy shop: circleofbeads and let me know what you think. There are a lot of talented people on etsy and it's worth the time.

Mmmh, I bet Paris is beautiful at this time of year!

Until then.....HAPPY BEADING!

Nothing but Perles

Perles, Perles and more Perles........beads, beads, and more beads. Who could ask for anything more in Life. How about a dream trip to France? Husband is planning, reading, practicing french (there's certain things you'll need to find...like a great bead shop). Who could resist southern France in the Spring or a great view (hopefully) from a Paris apartment?

Right now it's a dream but it could become reality....

What is a reality is an upcoming trip to the Puget Sound Bead Festival...classes, shopping, a stroll through Pike's Marketplace, and finding a quiet place to enjoy a beautiful glass of wine with husband.

A wonderful wire workshop given by Wil Petersen in June was an awesome experience for me.....being taught by such a talented soft-spoken artist was certainly a Perle in my life. The inspiration I took from Wil's talent will have me always striving to perfect the skills he demonstrated so patiently. Thanks, Wil.

Those beads are calling to me so I'm off to the beadroom to enjoy!

My Journey Into Beading

It came upon me quite by surprise.....in fact, I didn't realize it was even happening. I was getting hooked on beads...anything and everything to do with beads.

Being invited to join in a UFO (unfinished objects) night at her house, my newly acquired friend got her stash of beads out. I sat just watching with fascination. I'd never thought about beads. The next thing I knew I was buying beads, tools....I was like a kid in a candy store! C'était merveilleux! You'll have to pardon my French! (no, I'm no expert at the French language).

I am fascinated with anything French, so you'll have to pardon me if I get side-tracked now and again!

Well, back to my beads. I certainly have so much more to learn but am having such a wonderful time doing it. I've made some wonderful acquaintances along the way and I feel like my life has turned 360 degrees. And the journey is just starting!

I hope you'll join in my journey through my journal, Perles and Life. Until then...HAPPY BEADING!