BTW on the New Blog- Spirited Earth Studio

http://spiritedearthstudio.blogspot.com/2011/11/bead-table-wednesday.html

Patinas and stuff from Fanciful Devices

I just wanted to share a wonderful Blog in case you may have missed it..Fanciful Devices does amazing work, combining the most interesting bits and pieces to create fabulous jewelry. If you haven't done so, go check out her blog..
Yep, I'm shameless, that's one of my hands on her necklace.
http://fancifuldevices.blogspot.com/2011/10/hey-all.html

BTW ...Glazing

The early morning light is not the best for photos, but I've wanted to join in the BTW but kept putting it off with some excuse or other.. last week was my first BTW with a little tight shot of a beading project..this week , bisque pendants are on the table ready for glazing ..as soon as I get off this computer...perhaps I should combine BTW with a no words Wed.

New Year's Resolutions

greenware going into the kiln this morning, and yes there is a buffalo in the herd

I can't believe this year 2010 has only a few days left.. Seems 2o1o has passed faster than any other year. The other evening, New Year's Resolutions were the topic of discussion , of course,Get Organized was a common commitment..but how many years have I resolved to get into the organized state, so far i have not become a citizen.

While this year has been loaded with challenges, it's also brought with it some wonderful things ..one of which was getting involved with the bead community and Beading Blogs. Lori Anderson's amazing Bead Soup Party introduced me to a wonderful group of interesting and creative people.

Which brings about my second NY's R..

My Etsy shop..Spirited Earth , changed from being filled with rattles to a shop selling ceramic beads..something for which I am thrilled. However , up until now,it's been more of a hobby with my other ceramic business taking up most of my time( whatever that might be when not dealing with family )so my second resolution this new year will be to focus more on the shop and keep at least 2 dozen items listed at all times..

I took advantage of yesterdays Huge storm( which dumped over 3 inches of rain in my area yesterday) to work in the studio..there are almost 100 assorted focals and about 50 small beads in the kilns this morning..

I want to thank everyone for being so welcoming and supportive this past year.. I love the beading community ,You are the best..have a great New Year.

A week of Beading Blog fun

Lorelei's Micheal's Bead Challenge

Gaea's Copy Me Challenge

This week there will be a lot of fun things going on in Beading Blogland

Starting out on Sunday, October 17th - Lorelei's Micheal's Beading Challenge

Begin by visiting out hostess ,Lorelei's blog on Sunday to see what marvel she created with finds from Micheal's

She will have a list of all participating blogs and photos from participating beaders.

Please be sure to come back here and see what I've finally have created after much redoing.

This should be lots of fun.

Tuesday, October 19th - Gaea's 'copy me' Design Challenge

I have created on my own take of Gaea's bracelet for this challenge

Check out her blog, then come back and visit me to see how i was inspired by her bracelet.

Sunday, October 24th - The Beads-Of-Clay Fall Blog Event

This is a not to be missed event. I'm going to be blog hopping.

The ceramic bead artists from the BOC blog will be having an open studio event , shop sales and giveaways all day. You'll be so sorry if you don't hop along.

Brandi Girls Helpful Hints

Can you guess how large this focal is by the photo......NO
I wanted to share some helpful info on brandi girls blog..she has wonderful tips for creating better sales listings. Photos, text etc..go over and have a read..bet it will make you rethink a few things in your shops, it certainly has made me want to update and add info.
http://brandi-girl.blogspot.com/2010/07/week-27-listing-tips.html

Glaze test bracelet

These were supposed to be just glaze tests..

That raspberry color is a combo of 2 commercial glazes mixed together.

The indigo blue is a weird glaze..sometimes it's this mottled faded blue jean color other times it's a foggy hazy grey blue..both interesting but so different.

The sage and bronze combo turned out well too, but my fav is that unassuming mottled sage and butter with a little blush at one end..

These combined unexpectedly well with the little starfish charm...

maybe these tests have a new direction in a necklace or bracelet...

of course that just means i need to more test to have as reference samples in the studio..

I have this little idea..

What is it about those ideas that come to us in the middle of the night?

Are they magic or as my friend says ..brainfarts..

Well either way I have this little idea brewing in my head.

There was an article reminding people that the BP event is causing all manner of hardships for people along the gulf. Animal shelters are even feeling the impact of people losing their lively hood.

http://http//animaladvocatesalliance.org/pets-left-at-shelters-as-bp-oil-spill-takes-toll-on-families/

We rush to lend a helping hand to other countries who experience disasters..should we not do the same for our own countrymen. I am of the feeling that even if one is not well off themselves any little bit helps..
I'm fortunate, house paid for, car as well, no kids in college..etc..

How can i help??

I'm thinking...just tossing around this idea..of making..

100 hands..gulp..and donating a portion of the profit

to organizations giving support to people affected by this disastrous event ongoing in my backyard.

Bead Soup Party is Here

Lori Anderson is hosting the Second Bead Soup Party and the deadline for signing up is fast approaching (May 7th). Once again we will be pairing up to swap beads, clasps and focals to be made into something lovely by June 19th.
This event is so much fun ..click link to sign up .

Is It Soup Yet?

It's almost time for the big reveal of the Bead Soup bead swap.
Thought i would open the lid to let you get a little peak at what's been cooking in my studio .
Tomorrow's the day to hop around to all the Blogs and see what this wonderful group of crafts people has put together with their surprise packet of focal bead , fancy clasp and coordinating beads...