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?!

Back from Bead & Button

I’m back from another fun B&B weekend in Milwaukee, WI. The last couple of years, Dave has come with me and we’ve had the opportunity to not only hang out with all my bead making buddies but explore Milwaukee as well.

This year, Dave found out about a 1 1/2 hour Margarita cruise on the Milwaukee River. It was a beautiful day on Friday so off we went! What fun!

I think Milwaukee is a big secret. I’ve lived across the lake from it almost all my life and never knew there were so many great things to see and do there.

So if you have the chance to go to Bead & Button someday, make sure to take a couple extra days to explore the city. It’ll be worth it!!

Can’t Stop Making ‘em!

I actually kept my promise and took pictures of the rest of the jewelry I”m taking over to the Bead & Button show later today. This first set is my Garden Dsk! set. It was inspired by a funky bohemian style top I bought a couple months ago. It was driving me crazy not having something to wear with it. Now I’m all set!

Next is a shot of the actual necklace I made with the Fiesta colored beads. I think it’s probably my favorite set this summer. The colors are so bright and happy!

And finally, here’s the bracelet I made to coordinate with my Red Tentacle Necklace…

Time to start packing! I can hardly wait to meet up with all my buddies at B&B!! See you when I get home…

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!

Enjoying the Weekend

Sorry, no beads or jewelry created this weekend! But I did get in some sailing and camping with friends.

Back at it tomorrow… There’s only 10 days till I leave for B&B. Must make jewelry!!

Inspiration…

A quickie from me today! Here’s my latest Dsk! Dsk! Dsk! necklace. This one was inspired by the sweater I got for Mother’s Day. I love when inspiration just up and slaps you in the head!

2009 Cabin Retreat

Another Cabin Retreat is in the books! That makes six retreats in the last five years.  It is so fun gathering people from all over the country for a weekend of sharing, bead making and demos.

I’ve come home with several fun projects to work on. We played with PMC this year and I can see so many different things I can do to incorporate pieces into my work. And I can’t wait to get my torch hooked back up so I can work on some abstract, tentacle looking beads to put into a necklace for a wedding I’m going to in a few weeks!

I’ll be back with pictures of my projects soon…

Spring is here!

Between re-entry after vacation and the wonderful spring weather we’re enjoying, I’m having a hard time getting back to business!

I did manage to write a new piece for Watch Me Create on the inspiration I found again this year while strolling the beach on Cape San Blas. Tons of shells that were a bit different than ones I’ve found in past years!  I’m headed out to the studio to make some beads to mix with my new treasures.

Does anyone Twitter or Facebook? I’ve been on Facebook for a couple months now but thought I might check out Twitter too. You can find me at: http://twitter.com/NanCSellsPuffer.

Isla Mujeres Beading Collective

Only one week till our family (minus Jordan) heads to Isla Mujeres, Mexico for Brenna’s winter break! I can’t wait for a week of sun, beach, snorkeling and exploring.

While doing research for our trip I discovered a very cool program on Isla that peaked my curiosity. It seems there’s a group of Mayan women that gather together to create beaded jewelry and accessories on the island. They make a living for their families selling their wares in a small storefront in town.

Donations are always appreciated, so I’m planning on bringing down some of my beads and seed beads. I’m hoping to meet some of the women and will tell you about my visit when I return. In the meantime, check out this link to get more information click here and then on the Isla Beading Collective:  www.islawomensretreat.com