Today I was enjoying one of those days where I have a little more time than usual for creating jewelry.  I made a few pieces I was happy with, and then this happened:

You just have to smile and laugh when little blunders like that happen.  Obviously, I'll restring it so that it has both ends of the toggle clasp, not just two of the bar ends.  :)

Playing Around with Clay

I truly love playing around with polymer clay.  There are a myriad of techniques a person can use to achieve so many different looks.  There are so many talented polymer clay artists out there that really inspire me.

When I came across the Rustic Beads and Components Tutorial from The Blue Bottle Tree earlier this year, I was intrigued.  I purchased it and have been playing around with the techniques I learned in it.  I have to say that I've been very happy with the results I've had.  The photos below show a few pieces of jewelry I've made with components created from techniques learned in the tutorial.

Overall, I found the tutorial very well written and easy to follow.  Of course I like to take basic techniques and play around with them and put my own spin on them, as well.  That's half the fun.  The headpins that I made with the techniques from the tutorial really just inspired me to make earrings right away.  I honestly have never been on such an earring making frenzy, where all the designs just seemed to fall into place right away.  I think I made at least a dozen earring in a day with those headpins I created from the tutorial.

I'm very excited to have this whole weekend to devote to playing around with clay and maybe creating some finished jewelry pieces as well.

March 2013 Denver Bead Show

I love the March bead show in Denver, but it always goes by way too quickly.  This year the wholesale area was definitely the place to be, with the most bargains.  I was a little bit disappointed that there seemed to be more finished jewelry vendors and less bead vendors.  However I still managed to score quite a haul.  My favorite vendors this year were May's Beads and China Mountain Gems.  The photos below show the strands that I purchase, except for the Indonesian glass strands, which are still tucked away.  I also picked up some nice silver plated Bali beads and other assorted metal.  I love everything I found, but I have to say some of my favorites were some strands I picked up in salmon and pale orange colors... colors that I've had a hard time finding in the past.

Just Days Until Denver

I'm so excited, in just a few days time I'll be leaving for Denver for the bead show.  It is absolutely one of the highlights of my year, and what is even better is that I get to share the fun with two of my sisters. 

Last year's show was a blast, and I've got so many ideas of what I want to buy at this one.  However, I do accept the truth that the minute I walk through the doors to the show, that will all be out the window as I'm drawn to the tables full of wonderful beads.

I've always found that new beads are a great way to get inspired to make new pieces, and I have to admit, I need that right now.  Work has been very much consuming for the last while, and a much-needed break and some fun new beads should be just the medicine I need!

Bead show bounty

My trip to the Denver bead show was a blast! The photo below shows my purchases from the first day.

Bead Show Bound

The last couple years I have been making an annual trip to go and visit my sister Lori in Denver for the March bead show that is held there.  I'm very excited, as my sister Cindy and I will be leaving on Thursday to again embark on this journey!  I can't wait to see all the wonderful beads that the countless vendors will have to offer, and share the fun of a bead buying adventure with my sisters.

Last year I went with the intention of looking for certain beads, but that all went out the window the minute I stepped into the show - I was pulled this way and that way by strands of colorful gemstones that made my heart rate quicken.

Although I haven't been too faithful about posting to my blog, I vow to post some pictures of my finds!

Getting Published

I'm so excited, I just found out that one of my designs is going to be featured in the May 2012 issue of Bead Trends Magazine.  I've never had one of my designs published in print before, and I'm extremely honored to be featured in a magazine that features so many talented artists.  I'm not allowed to have my design online until the magazine is published, otherwise I would put a picture of it along with my post.