Back from the ISGB Gathering! Part 1

Whew! I’m back from another fun filled, information packed Gathering. This was my first time attending as a member of the board so it was a little different than past years. I flew in a couple days early to attend meetings so I was actually gone for an entire week but time still flew by!

One of my duties this year was the All Member Show, Under the Sea. For the first time we donated the final piece as a way to leave a part of the ISGB behind in the city that hosted us. We chose the Miami Childrens Hospital as our first recipient. I had two helpers that were invaluable in putting it together, Annemarie Herrlich and Sam Hibler. I am so proud of how it turned out. All the work we put into it was worthwhile. I can’t wait to hear how the kids like it! (That’s my little Puffer fish next to the arrow)

More Gathering stories coming soon!

Too Little Time…

Only a couple days till I leave for the ISGB Gathering in Miami. And I’m beginning to prioritize. I just might not have all new jewelry to wear this year!! But the pieces I’ve finished are pretty fun so I’m just going to have to live with it this time.

As I was saying in my last Watch Me Create post, I have a hard time fitting everything in during the summer. Living only 1/2 hour from Lake Michigan and owning a sailboat create diversions that are hard to ignore!

When I get home I need to start focusing on preparing for the St. James Court Art Show in Louisville and our own West Michigan Bead Expo. I’ll be back with sneak peeks at what I’m up to then…

More Etsy Additions!

Since I can’t sit up long enough to make beads or sail yet, I’m busy adding things to my Etsy shop. I’m so proud of myself! Now to make some sales… one of these days!

Have a great weekend!

Getting there…

Two steps forward… one step back. Felt much better yesterday but evidently overdid it at our Block Party… But I’ve still been adding items to my Etsy store. The Hollow Pendant that I have up above is one of my favorite color combinations. Stop by and check it out when you have a chance…

More later…

A Day Off…

I’m taking the next couple days off to recuperate from my surgery. We went out for a Father’s Day sail yesterday and I way overdid it! So I’m taking it easy for a couple days and hoping I’ll be feeling on top of everything again soon…

It was a great sail though so I think the pain is worth it…

My Challenge to You!

Along the same lines as “making lemonade out of lemons”, I’ve decided to make jewelry out of my gallstone! That’s right, the picture you’re looking at is one of the multiple, large, faceted gallstones that has been bothering me over the last few months.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it yet, but I promise to come back and show you the finished product! Chris Fisher thinks I could use some Moretti colors to make  beads to coordinate with it. So once I can sit long enough to make beads, I’ll see what I can come up with!

Anyone care to join me in this challenge? I’d love some company!

Recuperating

Sorry I’ve been absent this week. I was out of town helping an ill friend and now I’m recuperating from gallbladder surgery.

Thought I’d share a picture of the first of my necklaces to sell at the galleries this summer. Morgan K was inspired by a custom necklace I made for Jordan’s girlfriend’s 21st birthday. (Was that grammatically correct?) Anyway, it’s the first in my Petite series. I’ll be back with more soon!

Now it’s time for another nap…

Arrgh, Act Like a Pirate!!

Arrrgh, so you like buried treasure, eh matey? How about being the one hiding it? Please join me for the ISGB’s Release A Bead program, either in your area, or perhaps, you could consider sending in a few spare lampwork beads to be released in Miami, FL prior to the Gathering. (These are due by June 30th)

I’m thinking this could be a lot of fun, don’t you? I’ve got a few spare beads that folks might just enjoy receiving. I’ve included a snapshot of the card that you’re welcome to download here to use. (don’t forget to sign your name.) And you can go to the website to leave clues too. Just think if each of us released 5 beads. It could be our own way of our industry stimulating the economy…new people learning about what we do and forming connections- no harm trying it.

Anyone game to join me in this adventure? You can click on the link above for complete details and the address where to send them, if you want yours to be found in Miami. (not a bad idea, because there will be more PR down there about the ISGB). Time to start thinking about what to make… Any ideas?!

Dsk ~ ing away…

I think I’m all set for Bead & Button. I didn’t have time to take pictures today of the two Dsk! Dsk! Dsk! sets I’m bringing but I’ll try to snap a couple tomorrow before we leave. I used the beads above  for one of the necklaces. I just LOVE those colors together…. all Check Glass… very fiesta-ish!

Getting ready for Bead & Button

It’s that time of year again… preparing new jewelry to wear to Bead & Button and the ISGB Gathering. No, I don’t *have* to make new pieces but I love the challenge!

This year I needed to make something that I could also wear to my cousin’s wedding in June. I found a great dress in red and black that is simple enough that I could go a little crazy on the necklace.

My buddy Paula made an amazing necklace last fall that would be perfect for my dress. After letting her know I was going to steal the concept, I sat down at the torch and began making the freeform tentacle style beads.

I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out. Now for the really fun part… seeing the reaction it gets!