ArtBeads.com in the mail!

I ordered up these fantastic Czech pressed glass bell flowers in two sizes, 5.5mm x 9mm and 8.5mm x 12mm. Both make great earrings and dangles on vintage inspired pieces. Both of which will have to wait until tomorrow. I need a little break from the studio this afternoon. As soon as I am done sorting freshly tumbled jump rings, I'm heading home for a few hours of non-beading and hanging out with my cat Shelby.

Busy Bee

Since my return from NYC, it's been nothing but go-go-go. I've had 5 classes in Omaha, a few very hectic days working at the Bead Market (people sure are crabby around the holidays- Jesus Christ on a Laptop, your buying beads, it's not rocket science people!!), organizing and pricing the booty from my buying trip...and getting ready for the next show in Des Moines at the Market Street Media Foundry. (Perhaps afterward I will either celebrate a good show or drown my sorrows in the best sushi this side of the Missouri River, Miyabi 9.)

Most of my time has been spent working in BronzClay and CopprClay. I love it, and have come up with a centerpiece that works well with Mermaid's Tail weave. It is pretty cool, even if I do say so myself.

Hey there, Peanut!

Miyuki 2mm x 4mm peanut shaped seed beads. Fabulous!

Beading Contest

Over at GoodQuillHunting.com, there's a little beading contest goin' on. I've entered a project inspired by #22. I did something completely different from my normal gig. 1.) I used brick stitch, and it's sort of sculptural, and 2.) employed bright colors. It's definitely NOT an award winner. It got me out of my comfort zone (but for far too many beady hours, IMO). You live and you learn I suppose. Each round is an individually worked entity. I layered each piece and tacked them together. I made the toggle bar out of 14 gauge fine silver and hammered the ends. It took over 8 hours to complete. It sure doesn't look like it.

A little something before I go...

Studio Time

I've had a great week in my studio. Really, in all of October I had great studio time. It's days like these that make me wish I could support myself on my craft. *sigh*
I've put together several chainmaille pieces (5 pairs of earrings in copper, 2 Turkish Round bracelets in copper and gold-filled, a sterling Jens pind and a sterling Byzantine bracelet, two copper Byzantine variations, and I'm in the middle of a Mermaid's Tail...) I cut rings for students. I've made PMC components (and will fire those this afternoon) and am gearing up to make more BronzClay and CopprClay components.
I thought I'd share a picture of my worktable when I'm in the midst of craziness, and too many ideas are running through my head. And yes, I drilled holes in various sizes in the back of my chair to act as mandrel holders. It works. :)

NYC!

I'm gearing up for my buying trip to NYC. Making lists and whatnot. (If you are interested in purchasing finished work or supplies, now is a good time to do it. I'll be shipping up to the morning of the 5th and resuming shipping Wednesday the 12th.) I've got tools to buy, wire and sheet metal to acquire, and if everything goes as planned, I will return with a heavy satchel full of vintage metal filigrees. And chain. And. And. And.