Many Thanks to All

It has been a very good ride, learning all I did about beading.  Then sharing it with all of you and getting some great feedback.  I've made some really good friends through my blog that I hope to stay in touch with.  But it is time for me to say goodbye for now.  I can no longer bead due to the extreme pain caused by carpal tunnel.  Tomorrow I am passing along most of my beads and little treasures to one of my students...my mom.  I will check back in when it is time to tell you all about the book that some of my projects are going to be in.  For now, though, it's time to turn off the lights.

You can still find me in blogland.  I'll be writing from time to time and posting pics of my life adventures at Indigo Days.  I hope to see you there.  Please keep in touch.

We Have Some Winners!

The Bead Crafty giveaway for 3 $20 gift cards ended yesterday, November 8th at 5:00 p.m. EST.  That means that there are 7 entries into the contest.  I used a Random Number Generator at random.org to select the winners.  The first winner of $20 to Bead Crafty is.....

Kristin K!!!  Congratulations, Kristin!   The second winner is......

And that would be Abracadebra!!!  Congratulations, Debbie!  And the final winner is.......

Another Debbie...Craftymoose!!!!  Congratulations!  I will be sending you all an email with more information about your prizes.  I want to say thank you to those of you who entered and shared this contest with others.

Bead Happy!!!!

Preview

GIVEAWAY!!! Enter Drawing for $20 Gift Card!

FREE BEADS!  Who doesn't want the chance to order beady things and get presents in the mail FOR FREE???!!!  All you have to do is follow, visit the sponsor's site and comment (on previous post here) what you would to buy.  And an extra entry for sharing on Facebook or your blog.  It's so easy!  Why aren't you entering??? 

UPDATE!!!  I got word from Bead Crafty, the sponsor of this giveaway, that they will be offering 200 lines that will go live in November!!!  Come on and enter so you can win one of 3 $20 Gift Cards to Bead Crafty!!!

Deadline is November 8, 2011 at 5p.m. EST.  Come on in and play!

A Beady Review and a Chance to Win One of 3 Prizes!

I would like to present to you a source for beads that is new to me, and it may be new to you too.  Bead Crafty is a nice little online bead shop that is based out of the UK.  But don't let that deter you!  They pick orders the very same day they are placed, and shipping to the US is only $1.95!  The orders may take up to 2 weeks to arrive.  However, I think they have some lovely little finds that are worth checking out and waiting a few extra days for.

Their site is easily laid out so you can find in a snap exactly what you are looking for.  They have 3 main categories:  beads, charms and findings.  Some of the categories are a little slim, and you may not find every component you are looking for to make a specific project (not to say you can't), but what they may lack in quantity they make up for in quality and unique items.  For example, one thing I had never seen before I visited Bead Crafty was kilt pins.  There are 3 loops that you can attach beads to, and would make a wonderful decorative pin or something similar.  Neat!

The prices on Bead Crafty are very reasonable.  And, even though it's a UK site, all the prices are shown in US dollars so there is no confusion about what you are getting for the price.  The prices are clearly marked and to find out the size or more description of an item, all you have to do is hover over it and a little box will pop up.

Also on the site are some interesting Tips & Tricks.  One that I thought was interesting and different was how to make a beaded lampshade.  Beads aren't just for jewelry, are they?  One section that I could not get to was the link for the FAQ's.  I'm a little weird that way...I like to read FAQ's.  Is that strange or do others do that too?  I hope they can get the link fixed to that page so I can check it out.

I sent an email asking about the inventory, to which I received a prompt reply btw, and Sarah said they are going to be expanding their offerings, but their main objective is quality first.  Overall I think Bead Crafty is a quaint little site with some interesting finds.  To me it is the difference in shopping at a charming little boutique versus getting lost in a mega warehouse store.  I think it is worth your while to check it out.  And to give you some incentive to do just that, I AM OFFERING PRIZES thanks to the fine people at Bead Crafty!  YEA!!!!  And there are more than one to be had, so please please please tell your friends about this  giveaway.

How to enter:

1.  Follow my page.
2.  Leave a comment giving two things.  First, I need your email to contact you and to get your info so you can have your prize!!!!  If I can't get in touch with you, then the prize will have to go to someone else and that would be sad.  Second, visit Bead Crafty and tell me one thing you would buy first if you won the prize.
3.  Post to Facebook or your own blog WITH A LINK BACK TO MY POST and get an extra entry (leave 2 separate comments if you do this.)  I will need a link to the post so I can see that you actually did it.

What are the prizes???

How about 3 $20 credits to their shop!  Doesn't that sound like fun?  Let's go shopping!!!!  So, don't be afraid to invite more people.  After all, you want good karma so you can win, right?  lol.  Ok, so maybe karma won't really be a factor, but hey, you never know.

The winners will be chosen by a random number generator and entries will be accepted until, oh let's say 2 weeks...November 8th at 5:00 p.m. EST.  Sound good?

Ok, kids...Get posting!

New Post

New post on Indigo Days if you would please like to join me there!

New Post (but not here)

For a little while I'll let everyone know here when I make a new post to my 2nd home over at Indigo Days.  There's one up tonight, so go check it out.  And I think I got my Follow button working, so please sign up!  There's a few of us over there, but I sure would like to see more of you!  Come on over!

dang technology!

I just discovered that the Follow gadget wasn't working on my new blog, Indigo Days.  (I almost called it Indigo Daze lol...that's how my days are sometimes...just in a daze.)  anyhoo.  I want to thank the people who came to check it out, and I would ask that you please go back and try following again.  I think it should work now.  I'm thinking about a giveaway to give some incentive to come on over.  What would you all like to see for a giveaway?  Give me some ideas to think about.

It's been a long time!

I have been seriously MIA, haven't I?  Sorry I have been away from Blogger for so long.  I really need to get caught up on everyone's blogs.  Do you forgive me for not visiting you lately?  I hope so!

I have no beads to share. :(  Due to lack of funds and the fact that my muse has abandoned me, I haven't created anything since working on the projects for the book.  The book has been keeping me busy, and I really hope that you will stick with me long enough to see it published so you can look at what I've been doing.  As of right now I will have 3 projects in it.  I am very excited about what I have designed, but unfortunately I can't share it with you yet.  In addition to designing and beading the projects, I have had to become somewhat of a mini expert in Photoshop to edit my photos and get them ready for print.  Each photo takes about 2 hours, so it's very time consuming!

I want to announce that I have created a new blog that I hope you all will visit and follow.  Why did I do that?  Simply because I have more to share than just beads.  Yes, beads are completely fantabulous, and I truly love them, but that's just one facet of what my life is.  So, I guess my new blog will be a little more up close and personal.  I'll still post here from time to time, but I think the bulk of my posts, beads and otherwise, will be over at my new spot at Indigo Days.  I do hope you will come see me there.  And I also hope that you haven't given up on me here.

I miss hearing from everyone, so I need to get back to blogging...both my stuff and reading yours!

Mirrix Loom For Sale

Hi ho, everyone!  I hope all of my friends out there in blogland are doing well.  I have an Ebay listing up right now.  I have an 8" Mirrix Lani Loom that I have never used that I am selling.  If you are interested, please click here to go to the listing.  There are about 3 1/2 days left to bid, or you can buy it outright now for 50% off the current list price.  The opening bid is $50.00.  There is only one bid right now, but there are 8 people watching it, so I expect there will be bids close to when it ends.  Here is a photo of what will come in the box:

On beady news, I've got nothing.  I strung a necklace on beading wire with just a mix of beads and there 2 beads on it that are making me not like it.  I need to restring it and get those beads off.  It's on a stand on my kitchen counter and I wrinkle my nose and make the icky face when I pass it by.  Other than that, nothing really.  Ever since I worked on and finished the book projects, things have really quieted down for a while.  I think part of it was because I was so intensely working on those things that I got a little worn out and now need a break.

What is on your table?  Share with me.  Or drop me a note and just say hi.  Anyone is welcome to email me at anytime at indigosbeads@live.com.  Hope to hear from you!

would you like to see something?

I have good news for those of you who read my last post.  Matthew's blood work came back with  no problems!  Yea!  Now we're just waiting for word on his ultrasound.  Praying that turns out ok too.  The confusing part is, if those two things are normal, what could possibly be causing the blood in the urine?  It will be interesting to hear what the final diagnosis is.  But, first we have to get good results on the ultrasound.  Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming for my little guy!!!  (And thank you so much to those of you who have already been doing that for us.)

As for the book, I've got 3 projects completed and ready to send out.  I was working on a 4th, but it just wasn't coming together smoothly, and we are going to scrap the idea.  I'm going to brainstorm some other ideas.  In the meantime I beaded something just because I wanted to, and I thought it would be perfect for this month's Bead Journal Project.  As you may know, my projects each month are to learn at least one new beadweaving stitch and make something pretty with it.  This month was a little different.  I didn't take an idea of a basic stitch and create my own thing around it.  For this month I think I may have created a new method of my very own.  At least I've never heard of or seen it done this way.

I was just playing around, letting my subconscious take over.  I had an inkling of an idea on making something with lots of fringe.  So if I had a lot of fringe, I would need a base to make the fringe come off, right?  I thought about just a string of beads as the core, and I also thought about a narrow square stitch band.  My fingers didn't do either of those.  I don't even know how to explain what I did.  The core twists and curves throughout the core, sometimes peeking out, sometimes staying hidden, while the beads just mix and mingle all around it.  And there is no fringe in the final piece.  Funny how that works.

After I finished it I reflected on it for a while.  The only word that came to mind was "abundance".  This bracelet looked to me like a cornucopia of beady yumminess.  Then it made me think of all the abundant things I have in my life, despite hiccups and struggles that I sometimes tell you about.  I have an abundance of love.  I have an abundance of joy.  I have an abundance of blessings in my life.  Therefore, this bracelet is called "Abundance".  I would have loved to make a necklace, but that would have taken about a gazillion beads which I just don't have.  Here are two pics of my bracelet...

Abundance

You can click for a larger view.  I just love the mixture of colors, textures, shapes and sizes.  It just makes me feel happy when I look at it.

So there you have it.  I finally have something done that you can actually look at and isn't book related.  I hope you like it!

Say some prayers, light a candle, have good thoughts...whatever it is that you do.

I've been pretty worried about my son, Matthew.  He went to the pediatrician on August 1st for a routine physical for football, some booster shots and an asthma check up.  And he peed in a cup.  I got a call from the doctor's office that they did a paper strip test and it showed positive for microscopic blood in his urine.  They had us go to the lab for a better test, and it came back with the same results.  They want to find out if he's got any kidney disease or abnormalities that would be causing the blood.  We had to go yesterday to get 3 vials of blood drawn for a blood work up.  I am happy to report that I got a call from the doctor's office today and those tests came back fine.  He had one more test this afternoon.  He had an ultrasound of his kidneys and bladder.  Of course the ultrasound tech won't tell you squat, so we have to wait until next week to hear anything about the results of that test.  He's concerned.  Questions like, "will they have to cut me ope?" and "what if I die?" don't make me a very happy mommy. 

So, whatever it is that you do to get out the good juju, please do it for my little guy, Matthew.  He's such a good kid and deserves good vibes.

At the same time, Jeff got laid off again on Thursday.  The fortunate thing was that he worked just long enough for our insurance to kick in on August 1st to help pay for all these tests.  Bad thing is, our savings won't hold out much longer.  Put out some good juju for my big guy, too.  We need him to get back to work quickly.  The jobs are coming in through the union quicker now than they were 6 months ago, which is a very good thing.  I get nervous when I hear talk about a double-dip recession and worry that the work will dry up again.

Please keep my family in your thoughts.  Thank you.

Been in hiding...is anyone still out there?

I can't believe it's been two weeks since I last posted already!  Is anyone still out there paying any attention to my little corner of the world?  Raise your hand and say, "Here!"  I heard something faintly, so maybe there are a few of you left.

I have not been hiding.  I've actually been very very busy.  I am getting my projects done for the book, and that has taken up all my time.  One project I did and redid 6 times to get it just right...whether it be something not quite right in the beads or not quite right in the photo.  If it was a problem with the photo I'd have to redo the project to get to that point to retake that particular photo and get it right.  Another project I had to take 4 inches out of (and that was A LOT of work!)

In addition to the beading I take all of the step by step photos and correct them all in Photoshop to get them as ready as possible for publication.  One photo takes 20-30 minutes.  That equals out to approximately 5 hours per project just fixing photos.  Then I had to write all the instructions, pass them back and forth to the author for edits and tweaks, and then do the final copy in the final formatting. Oh and then put them on CD. Whew!  There's been a lot to do for 3 projects!  And I still have one more project to do.  But this one is a little tougher because I need an extra set of hands to take photos.  In one of my projects in the book you'll see my son Matthew's hands!  :)  He was being such a good hand model for me.  :)

On top of all that, it's about the end of summer and I've been getting the kids ready for school to start.  They go back this Monday, the 8th.  Matthew has been soooo bored and can't wait to go back.  Sara is somewhat excited, and Sami just wants to stay home.  I think she'll enjoy this year a little more than last because she was able to take a couple of electives that she is really interested in...photography and intro to psychology.  So maybe it will offset all those Honors classes she has to work so hard in.

Had to take the two little ones to the pediatrician's office.  Matthew had to get a physical for football, get his asthma med prescriptions written, and get two immunizations that are required for 6th grade. Lots of money has been emptying out the past couple weeks!  ugh!  We try and try to get a little ahead, but there's always something.  I'm sure you know exactly what I mean.

When I was in high school we got our schedules in the mail and we showed up on the first day.  Now it's an entire production and huge ordeal...and expensive.  I never had to pay for anything in high school.  Now it costs a fortune to go to public school.  In order to register for school you have to show up on registration day, go to the library and take a number.  Take a number.  Really?  I don't want to go to the school and take a number and sit.  oh well.  When your number is called you have to go down the line and hand in certain papers to specific people out of the packet we were mailed and told to fill in ahead of time.  Then you had to go get your schedule.  Sami was a lucky one who got a blue paper, which meant there was a problem with her schedule and we had to take do an extra step and go see the guidance counselor.  After we dealt with that we went to the lecture hall and guess what we did!  Took another number.  And sat and waited.  Then we had to pay all the fees, get a locker assigned and then take the photo and get a student ID.  Then, finally, you got in line to get your text books checked out.  What an ordeal!!!! 

On the beady side, I got something in the mail today!  Do you remember the Picasso Jasper cab I got a while back? Here is a pic of it again in case you forgot...

Gorgeous, isn't it???!!!  Well, I got something in the mail today from over at Believe Jewelry Supply on Etsy.  She has amazing beads, some very pretty finished work and FABULOUS prices!!!!  Go check her out!

Anyways, I got a fantastically beautiful string of Picasso Jasper coins to go with the cab I got.  What do you think of these?

And the other sides of all of them...(click for a larger view)

I am SO excited to work with these and make something stunning very soon.  I'm still in book mode, but soon I'll switch gears and get back into create for myself mode.  I'm very sorry I can't show anything I've been working so hard on, but of course I can't ruin the surprise of the finished book, right?

Drop me a line and tell me what you've been up to.  I know I have been neglecting a lot of blog reading and commenting, and I apologize for that.  I will get back into the swing of things very soon.  Hope you all have a super weekend!  Bead Happy!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

My daughter is awesome.  She's super smart, sweet, funny, beautiful, goofy, athletic, a good person with a generous heart and so so much more.  And, she's a beader!  I have to show you what she finished making today.  She beaded three tubular netting beads with 3mm pearls in the core...all by herself.  Sure, the thread got tangled a time or two and I helped her with that, but other than that she did them herself.  She is a very quick study.  Every so often I would be beading at the table and she'd come get her bead mat and project out and sit with me and just bead and be together for a while.  Sweet times.

There are 3 beads about 1" each, and then they are spaced with 1/2" metallite beads.  It's on beading wire with a lobster claw clasp.  It looks so cute on her.  She's very proud of herself, and so am I.  Here's Sara's project....

Way to go Sara!!!

The second thing I wanted to show you today is my newly acquired super duper Photoshop skills.  I thought I was pretty good at adjusting photos before, but now I am like a pro!  Thanks so much to Robin Atkins for spending an hour or so with me on the phone going through bunches and bunches of steps and settings.  I had to learn to edit my photos really really good for the step by step photos for the new book.  Here is an example of the drastic change I am now able to accomplish.  The first pic is the photo as it was taken in its original form.

Pretty kinda ick, huh?  Well, what do you think of the transformation in the next photo?

I can hardly believe the difference myself.  I showed it to my dh and he says, "Did you just use a filter or something?"  No!  It wasn't "just" a filter!  I had to adjust levels, colors, hue/saturation, brightness/contrast, shadows/highlights, make layers, make the shadows disappear with the dodge tool, use the eraser tool (from large to very itty bitty), and i had to merge it together and then use the burn tool to finish it off.  So, no, it wasn't "just" a filter.  I did a lot of work to get it to look this way.  The book photos are looking great, too, but sorry to say I can't show you those.

Teaching a small group of ladies tomorrow how to make a bracelet (and of course Sara will be there, too).  That should be fun!

Ok, kids.  Wanted to pop in to let you all know I'm still here and haven't forgotten any of you.  I've been super busy trying to make pieces for the book, write instructions, get lessons in writing instructions, having the instructions tested, taking photos and editing photos.  phew.  No wonder I'm tired!  But it's a good kind of tired.

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

Let Me Introduce You To...and a GIVEAWAY!!!

Do you remember a couple of posts ago I showed you those two amazing cabs I got?  And do you remember where I got them from?  I do hope you will visit Angela at Believe Jewelry Supply on Etsy.  She has a wonderful shop with some truly beautiful things, whether you want completed jewelry pieces or stones to make your own.  And do you remember what I said about her prices?  They are really good!  And the service and shipping time?  Superb!

I'm doing this post for Angela so that you all can get the chance to meet her.  She just started a Facebook page for Believe Jewelry Supply.  She's trying to get at least 25 new "likes" by July 31st.  To show you how much she wants to get to know all of you, she is giving away a fabulous prize from her Etsy shop.  Here is the photo and description of the prize...(click on it for a larger view)

These are gorgeous 14mm genuine red sponge coral heart shaped beads. They hang from cute 16 karat gold plated over brass puffed heart earrings. They are a 10mm satin finish, brushed gold heart. They have 925 sterling silver earring posts. Retail value is $20!!!

The winner will be chosen from all the people who like Angela's Believe Jewelry Supply page on Facebook by July 31st.  I do hope you will go over to her page and click "like".  You could be the lucky winner of this beautiful pair of earrings!  I know it will be one of you, because it won't be me.  I'm playing the role of announcer of the giveaway, so you all have more of a chance to win!  Awesome sauce, huh?!?  Let me see all of you go on over to her Facebook page and show some love to a fellow beader and supplier of the pretties.


GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

i have been busy busy. how about you?

It's been an exciting week with the mailman bringing me packages.  I got another one the other day from Artbeads.com and also Fire Mountain Gems.  Got some really scrumptious things in it.  What's that?  Oh, you'd like to see?  Ok, sure! ;) 

First, I got the beads for one of my students for my little bracelet making class coming up in a HOLY COW a week.  lol  Just looked at the calendar.  I better not forget.  That would be bad.  Anyways, I think these beads are just gorgemous together. 

Click on the pic for a larger view.  The druks have a real pretty topaz kind of color sheen to them.  Very interesting beads.  I love them.  And the delicas have a nice two tone look to them as well.  Neat!

Next, these don't come out in the photo too well because they are so pale, but here goes.  Blue is a big color this week.  I had to try on a few different shades in a few different sizes and types to find the ones I like the best for one of my projects.  None of the beads in this pic are going to be used immediately, but they are very pretty and will definitely get used one day.  The middle one almost looks white, but it is a very light blue.  uh, very light.  :)

Next up are some of the beads that will be used in one of my projects for the book.  Some of them made the cut and some of them didn't.  And that's all I'm going to say about that.

And finally, one more pic of some beads I chose based on a runway dress that I saw.  (Wait, something else first.)  Did you know that's a good way to find interesting palettes that can take you outside your little box?  Do a Google search for something like "fashion trends runway" or look at "art paintings".  Take your color cues from a photograph that catches your eye.  Here are some photos that I thought were interesting and I was attracted to the colors.

Choose your beads based on the colors in the photos you choose and in the ratios in the photo.  For example, the next pic is beads based on the dress in the bottom left hand corner.  I chose beads in those colors, and in the project the green and pink will be almost equal with a lesser amount of orange.  Also on the collage here are the Pantone Fashion Colors for Fall 2012 if you care to enlarge and see them closer.  That's the swatches on the bottom right.

Ok, so here's the pic of the beads I got based on that dress...

Oh, now that I look at the pic closer...that orange with the pink undertones is one that I bought, but it's not the final orange I decided on.  The beads look great together in piles next to each other, but beaded on a string next to each other they were very similar in tone and I felt there wasn't enough distinction between the two for photos in a book.  So I went to my local stomping ground and made a couple quick seed bead purchases and chose an orange that is a bit brighter.  I got the beading part done on the bracelet (still have to do the clasp and the matching necklace), and my kids would walk by and ooooh and aaaaah.  The colors are bright, festive and happy together.

Again, I can't show you my bead work I've been doing because that would ruin the surprise of the book unveiling, wouldn't it?  I was told I may get "a few" copies of the book when it's done.  If I get more than two don't you think my blog should be screaming for a giveaway?  I think so!  That's a long ways off yet, but still fun for me to think about.

Ok, kids.  Have fun playing this weekend.  What's on your bead table???

Mailman brought something besides bills!

I love it when the mailman brings me something that starts with a "B" that's not "Bills".  I got beady goodies today!  Two packages!!!  Last week I was so lucky to win a giveaway by Spyder Jewels.  She got a screamin' deal at a going out of business :( sale and decided to share the love with two lucky blog readers.  I am new to her blog, and I'm glad Mandy over at Beads for Brains: 365 posted about the giveaway because I have really been enjoying Spyder Jewels blog.  (And speaking of Beads for Brains, you should go check out the stunningly gorgeous beaded bead that Mandy made today!)  I'm going to show you pics of everything I got from Miss Spyder Jewels...

Look at that pile of beady goodness!  Let's take a closer look...

All the blacks...bugles (they have a very satiny/silky look to them), magatamas, delicas and cubes.

Some crystals...6mm cubes in garnet and 4mm faceted rounds in green.  Also, I have never had Tilas before...wasn't quite sure what to do with them.  Now I get to try them out!  Lucky me!

Some more delicas and tear drop looking crystally ones.

Some purple 15/0's.  I love purple!

Look at all these yummy delicious colors!

And finally, some more of my favorite things...metallics! galvanized silver, nickel plated, copper and a raspberry metallic hex.  Very cool!  Did I make out like a bandit or what???!!!  Please go over and visit Spyder Jewels.

Next, I ordered some things from Believe Jewelry Supply on Etsy.  I chose two really gorgeous cabs.  I made a mistake, though.  I fell in love with the photos, checked the sizes and went ahead and ordered.  Then I went back and read the description.  You shouldn't do that.  It said that the photo of the Picasso Jasper was much brighter in the photo than it was in real life.  Oh no!  That's what I loved was the vibrancy and the lines and gradients.  So I was very worried that I wouldn't like it when I got it.  When I nervously opened the package and unwrapped the pretty pink tissue paper, it literally took my breath away.  It. Is. Simply. Fantabulous!  It's true, it's not quite as reddish as the photo, but I am so in love with this stone.  I am so happy I clicked that "add to cart" button!  Take a look at the front and back of this 30mm cab...

You know what it reminds me of?  The name of the place escapes me, but it's down in South America in the deserts where there are mysterious lines and gigantic drawings made with rocks that you can only see from a plane...do you know what I'm talking about?  This stone immediately reminded me of the desert sands, dunes and mysterious alien runway lines.  Now, if that isn't some inspiration to make something cool, I don't know what is!

The 2nd cab I chose was a purple Crazy Lace Agate.  I loved how the colors blended from pink to purple and even some coral in dramatic waving lines.  And when I opened it up I was not disappointed at all.  It is really beautiful.  It is also 30mm high and I think 20mm wide.  Check this one out!

Was the mailman nice to me today???!!!  Thank you so much from Spyder Jewels and Believe Jewelry Supply.  Oh, I forgot!  The prices at Believe Jewelry Supply are really super reasonable and there's LOTS to choose from, so go check the shop out.  The seller was also quick to put the cabs in the mail; the service was very good.

I got an email that one of my orders from Artbeads.com shipped today.  For some reason it seems to take a really long time to get things from them once they have shipped.  I mean, Spyder Jewels mailed my package on Friday and I got it today, Monday.  But Artbeads usually takes about 4 days.  I mean, it's not like it's an eternity or anything, but when you want something now, you just want it now.  Right?  When that comes I'll have more goodies to show you.  Then after that I have another Artbeads order and one more from Fire Mountain Gems.  I was such a bonehead!  I spent soooo long calculating how many beads I would need of a certain kind for one of my book projects.  I needed I think 6 strands.  Dummy me only clicked in 1!  I had to put in another order and pay the $7.65 shipping all over again!!!!!  GRRRRRR!!!  I guess that's a lesson to double and triple check your calculations with your order to make sure you got enough.

Ok kids.  That's all I got for today.  I hope you enjoyed seeing all my fun stuff!  Have a very happy week!

Shopping for beads and more stuff

Hi, everyone.  I hope you are all doing well out there in Blogland.  This post may seem a little incoherent as I am seriously sleep deprived.  My pillow is softly, sweetly calling my name.  I will do my best to stay focused!

The past few days I have been doing some major bead shopping.  At least for me, it's been huge.  I have orders in with Artbeads, Beadaholique, and Fire Mountain Gems, and I am going to be ordering some wire here pretty quick with Bello Modo.  Honestly, I would rather have one place to shop because going to all the different sites trying to find the right colors, sizes, textures, etc. is so exhausting.  And then to meet the minimum order amount so I don't have to pay shipping.  ick.  Hey!  Did you know that Bello Modo has no shipping minimum and ALL orders ship free?  Yea for Bello Modo!  Artbeads is still reasonably low at just $10.  It's not hard to come up with $10 at all. 

Then there's Beadaholique which I think is pretty steep at $25 for no shipping.  I don't usually order that much at one time from one store unless I am doing a major purchase.  That's why I went to them this weekend.  That, and they had the colors and things that one of my students picked for our class later this month.  I still had to put in some few random items that I have no plans for to meet that  minimum.  Although I do like their Preciosa crystals and the prices on them.  It's just coming up to that $25 that's hard.  Of course I could spend less and pay s+h, but if I'm going to give them money, I want to get product in return for it, you know what I mean?

Now, FMG...they're a whole other story.  I doubt that I will order from them in the future.  I needed just 1 thing from them for less than $5.  Shipping and handling was almost $8!!!!!  So, $13 for a $5 item?  No thanks!  I ordered a couple other random things with them, too, just to feel a little more justified in my purchase and paying such high fees.  But I HAD to go to them to get the color I needed.  Do you remember the last post about needing an apple green color in a 6/0?  They had something close.  But I totally feel like I got robbed.

Exciting News!!!!!

I don't think I'm at liberty to give away too many details, but I will give you the basics.  You may not see much of me the next couple months.  That's the bad news.  But it's for a good reason.  A friend of mine who is a bead goddess just got a deal to write a new bead book.  She has asked me to contribute projects for the book!!!!!!  How awesome is that???!!!  I will be doing 2 for sure and possibly 4 projects for the book in different sections of it.  This will be quite a challenge for me, and I am learning so much about the process it's unbelievable.  That's the main thing I have been shopping for...supplies for the book projects.  And all 4 are due with instructions in both a photo story and written step by steps on a CD to the author with the finished pieces no later than SEPTEMBER 1st!!!!!  Yikes!  I better get my groove on, huh?  The bulk of my book supplies is coming from Artbeads, and they haven't even shipped my order yet!  Crazy.  I got my order in the mail today from Beadaholique, and my Artbeads order that I made at the same time hasn't even been picked yet.

So all I have to show today are my goodies from Beadaholique.

The gold and silver 3mm are just because I wanted them.  They are sterling silver plated and 22k gold plated.  I have beads like this in my stash, but they are the cheapies.  I wanted some nice ones like this.  So I got them.  The clear crystals are to finish a bracelet I've had in my UFO pile and the black bicones are for one of my students for our class.

These are the other beads for the class.  This student is addicted (I mean seriously addicted) to green.  These are the colors she chose, and they do look very pretty...more so in person than in the photo.  But isn't it always that way?

The tube clasps are for one of the book projects.  The red 8mm are just because I liked them...and I had to buy something to get to the $25 mark.

I just liked the color and look of these 8mm's.  Also a "no reason purchase except to get free shipping".

These are the most gorgeous color of capri blue I have ever seen.  I mean ever.  They are super gorgeous.  It will have to be a special project indeed to get these babies!

And that's it.  $27 worth of beads so I could get free shipping.  lol.  Am I crazy?  Should I just have paid the shipping fees?  No, I don't think so.  These beads will be the perfect ones for a future project.  It always works out that way. 

And my other exciting news?  I was a winner winner chicken dinner on a blog giveaway the other day!  I haven't got my prize package yet, but as soon as I do you will be the first ones to see it.  I won it courtesy of a great new blog I was introduced to, Spyder Jewels.  Thank you Mandy at Beads for Brains: 365 for the intro!

That's all I got today.  Hope you all have a super fantabulous weekend!

In Search Of.....

Help!  Sending out an A.P.B. to all beaders...be on the lookout for any online bead store that has 6/0 seed beads in matte, opaque or frosted transparent sour apple or lime.  Or if you have some in your stash that you'd be willing to part with, I would like to buy them from you.  I have looked everywhere that I know of including:  Artbeads, Bello Modo, DJ Beads, Auntie's Beads, Fusion Beads, The Hole Bead Shoppe, Beadaholique, Whimbeads, and FMG.  I cannot find the color/size I need anywhere!  Are there online shops that you know that I've missed?  Please let me know!  Either comment here, or contact me directly at indigosbeads(at)live(dot)com.  I need maybe 15 grams of these beads.  Thanks for any and all help you can give me.

July 2011 BJP....aka "the albatross" :)

Yes, it is the albatross around my neck.  The other day it was the monkey on my back.  Getting a picture here?  I have worked so hard on this simple little necklace.  It has most definitely been an exercise in persistence, commitment, and trying to be more patient.  It was a lesson that some things won't allow you to rush them.  With this I was limited by my hands, and although I am usually a fast beader, with this project I had to go much more slowly.  Commitment...I started it, and I was determined to finish it.  Many times projects are started and they aren't as fun and exciting as others so they go in the UFO pile.  Believe me.  There were several times that I thought about it!  So, I had to be persistent.  I had to motivate myself to work on it and go through some physical pain to get it done.  And I did!

The pendant was another challenge.  I had no idea how I was going to bead it, but I got some beads and a stone to go specifically with the seed beads I used, so I was going to make something work.  I had a few sputters and false starts, but I think I was thinking about it too much.  The other night I decided to "just bead" and let the stitching work itself out.  And it did!  I went back to my first days in bead embroidery under the wings of Robin Atkins, learning how to bead "improvisationally" and "just do it".   I am very happy with the way the pendant turned out.  I didn't like the big gaps between the round beads surrounding the stone (a very pretty piece of fossil agate...that's a close up on the first pic at the top), so I just started going in between them all with the seed beads.  It sort of reminded me of petals on a flower.  Of course, my husband didn't think it looked anything like a flower.  Do you know what he said?  He said it looks like his grandparents' old sofa.  Zing. Ouch.  I guess he doesn't like it.  Why should I be surprised?  He rarely likes anything I do...it's because he says "it's not his thing".  But I ask him why he can't appreciate my craftsmanship and artistry?  He doesn't get it.  Oh well.

The colors might not be the "IN" colors on the Pantone Fashion Report, but I thought they looked rather nice together.  I used peach, tangerine and brown seed beads with the core bead in brown to create this triple spiral.  I know one other month I did an embellished regular spiral, but this was much more challenging.  The beads got real tight by the third color in the round and I really had to coax and push and pull the needle through a lot of the time.  Working so hard on something, though, gives a nice sense of accomplishment, don't you think?  It is just over 23" and is hooked with a gold-plated simple lobster claw.  Oh!  And I also tried a new stitch on the bail!  I showed you a twisted tubular herringbone not too long ago, but tonight I did just a flat herringbone.  I guessed at how to make the turn to the next row and thought, "No, this can't be right."  I looked up a tutorial online and I was right!  Gave myself a pat on the back for getting the hang of this beadweaving stuff and seeing how it should go intuitively.

Ok, here it is...my July 2011 BJP project and new stitch in my repertoire...

Also, the pendant is backed in a nice soft tan microsuede and beaded the beads using Nicole's Beadbacking.  It is so nice to work with, holds its shape, doesn't fray or unravel...you should try it!  Check it out at her Etsy shop and visit her blog, Beadwright.

Get That Monkey Off My Back!

Did you ever feel that way?  You've started something and then it just seems to linger and haunt you?  That's kind of how I feel about this project I've been working on.  Guess what!  I finished the necklace part!!!!  Finally.  whew.  I also finished the pendant.  I need to bead the bail for the pendant next, but that shouldn't take too terribly long.  And then I need to get a clasp for the necklace.  I was soooo bummed out when I finished it and realized I didn't have a clasp.  I know I bought two just last week, but I have no idea what happened to them.  Maybe they're around somewhere.  Or maybe I used them and just don't remember.  *sigh*

MY CAR NOW HAS A/C!!!!!  For those of you who don't know, I live in the stifling heat in the Valley of the Sun, Scottsdale, Arizona.  Temps the last couple of days have been about 115F.  It's an unbearable heat.  You walk outside and you instantly feel dehydrated like a raisin.  Your eyeballs dry out.  Your mouth is parched.  And what fluids you do have in your body are now sweating out of you.  And inside the car is even hotter than outside.  I've been without A/C in my car for about 2 years now.  It's been miserable for 6 months out of the year.  I could only bear to drive late at night when the sun has been down for hours (even now at 11:30 p.m. it is still 99 degrees outside!) and have the windows open, whipping that hot air right back in my face.  But that hot air is still better than the stagnant, suffocating heat inside the car.  It cost us a lot of money, but my husband FINALLY said we could get it fixed!!!!  That's the highlight of my week.  That, and finishing that dang necklace.

Sorry I don't have any pics of anything to show you right now.  I have been working on a few things, but there might be some exciting things coming up in my future.  I will let you know more when I am able to divulge secrets.  What are you all working on?

I hope all of you are having a good week.  And I just want to say HELLO! to my new followers.  Thank you for joining me!  Feel free to jump in with comments at any time!