Distracted

Last Thursday I had plans for the day, that is until the mail carrier delivered the mail. I can always hear her coming down the street. Sometimes I run out to meet her when I'm expecting packages. I guess you could say I'm a stalker in this case. But I know she doesn't mind. In fact, I think she enjoys bringing me packages.

Here's what had me distracted:

This sweet mix of vintage beads came from Judy from Judith B. Designs. Just look at all those beautiful beads and tell me you would be distracted too. I had a lot of fun sorting through the pile and discovering some amazing beads.

This is the kit I received from Andrew Thornton for the October Reader's Challenge. Andrew supplies kits for us to purchase, and usually throws in a sweet surprise. The kit features a ceramic bead from Keith O'Connor, a terra cotta bead from RareEarth Beads, a lampwork glass headpin from SueBeads, a carved blue tiger's eye round bead, natural chain, Swarovski crystals and pearls, glass ancient bead replicas, and a Luxury Bead Blend. My favorite color to work with is blue, so this is a hit with me. Andrew will post links on his blog on November 4th so you can see what everyone makes with their kit.

And last, but certainly not the least, are these lovely handmade earrings from Cindy Wimmer. I won these beauties from Cindy in the recent giveaway in conjunction with Barbara Lewis' book tour for her new book 'Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry'. The earrings are called 'Cattywampus'. Isn't that a cute name?

What has you distracted today, if anything?

Art Bead Scene October Challenge

A Hedgehog in a Landscape, 1643-51
9¼ x 15 in. 23.5 x 38 cm. bodycolor on vellum
by Giovanna Garzoni

Our challenge is to create a piece that represents the colors or the theme of the inspiration art. You can read more about the artist here.

I tried several different designs for this challenge, but none of them felt right. Finally Mother Nature sent me inspiration with the first frost. Not that I'm wishing for winter just yet, but there's something magical about that first frost. Cool, crisp air, warm homemade soup, soft blankets, anticipation of the holidays, and a feeling that our toes are pointed towards the direction of new and exciting things.


'Frost on the Pumpkin'

This necklace includes a white ceramic leaf from Marla's Mud, a couple lampwork beads from
Iris Glass Art, a lampwork spree from JoAnn McCormack, white drop seed beads, red aventurine nuggets, and Vintaj components.

Check out what others have made for this challenge.

Welcome To My Blog

No pretty pictures just yet. I'll let you enjoy the lovely photo my husband took on his way to work, which I commandeered as my header photo. He and I argue over who takes the best photos. We both do pretty good, but he knows so much more about cameras than I, while color and composition seem to be my forte. So there you have it.

As sometimes happens, good things come to an end. Such is the case with the Bliss Guild Blog, which was a collaboration between Louise, Roxi and myself. Life has gotten busy for all three of us, and it was time to let it go. Also, I have felt the need to promote my own work, and it just didn't feel right doing it on the Bliss Guild Blog.

So here I am trudging through and trying to figure out what my new blog should look like. I thought I would put up a post so the poor thing wouldn't be so empty. I plan to share my days with you, which will include my jewelry, travel, and other stuff for you to enjoy.