Card Giveaway Winner

Hello everyone, and thank you to all the people that left comments on the bead hoarders blog post!
The winner of the cards is Jeanne @ Gems by Jeanne Marie!  Jeanne, please send me your address so I can get the cards out to you!!

I am feverishly working on a bracelet for a Sari Silk Challenge that the Glass Onion Bead Company is having (it's due Weds) but here is what I've been up to since last week:

I've been working on a bracelet for my sister's birthday, I finished it last week and gave it to her Saturday.  She adores pink, it's her favorite color.  She really liked it:

 I used 5 or 6 different shades of pink Toho seed beads (sizes 8, 11 and 15) and copper snap clasps.  I swear it weighed a pound when I was done, all those beads!

I also went to my friend Shari's house, she has a beautiful fenced in yard and when the weather permits I bring the dogs over so they can run around with her dogs and play while we sit on her patio and hang out.  I caught Wulfie barking, this picture just cracks me up every time I look at it.

And here is a more normal picture of Wulfie, and Heidi our new addition (she will have her own post soon).

Stay tuned - I will post the picture of my challenge piece after I finish it this week

My Günter

On Easter Sunday 7 years ago we brought a puppy home.  We named him Günter, he's the one on the left in the picture above.  I think he was 3 or 4 weeks old there.  He was all feet and ears which is normal for a Basset Hound puppy.  I love dogs, and I had wanted a Basset Hound for a long time.  I fell in love with him as soon as I saw him, and couldn't wait until he was old enough to bring home.  My husband worked 2nd shift then, so when I came home from work it was just the two of us.  I took him to puppy class, and then to obedience class and listened very well (which for a Basset Hound is pretty amazing).  We had a really tight bond, he was my heart and soul dog.  He was a beautiful little puppy, wasn't he?

 He loved to play, and would even fetch for me (also amazing for a Basset, usually they can't understand why you would expect them to go and get a ball for you).  He was a clown, always making me laugh.  When I came home from work he would do a Snoopy dance to show me how glad he was to see me.  He loved peanut butter, he'd do just about anything for it.  He especially loved to look out the window.  He had his spot on the couch and would just sit there and watch for anything that might come close enough to the house to bark at (close enough to bark at meant that he could see it).  People, dogs, it didn't matter, he let them all know he was protecting the house.

He also LOVED squeaky toys.  He would pick a stuffed squeaky toy over a bone every time.  He had to kill the squeaker - he'd work on it until he had it ripped open, and then he'd break the squeaker.  Then he would go back and remove the rest of the stuffing, just to make sure it was dead.  I'd buy him the toys that were made for dogs that liked to chew, it didn't matter.  They still only lasted 5 minutes or less.  One year for Christmas Brian's parents got Günter and Wülfgang a bunch of squeaky toys.  Here is the carnage that followed lol.

He loved everyone he met, but especially his Grandpa (my Father in Law).  He would get so excited and happy to see him and he would be by Dad's side the whole time we were with them.  It was adorable to see. 

Günter loved puppies.  We decided to get him a brother when the breeder told us the current litter would be the last, since the dog had a hard time with the delivery.  So we brought him with every weekend to see the puppies until Wulfie was old enough to bring home.  He loved it.  He would lay on the floor and let them crawl all over him.  It was the sweetest thing I've ever seen.  Once we brought Wulfie home, Günter was very happy - he took his big brother duties seriously.  They were very bonded, neither one of them was happy without the other. Günter was so gentle when he played with the puppies.  He was really careful with Wulfie until he got big enough to hold his own.

He hated wearing clothes, but the kids that came to our house for trick or treat always liked to see them dressed up for Halloween.  I did say he'd do anything for peanut butter, right?  I had to cut the legs apart and take them in 3 times before it even came close to fitting.

In the beginning of March, he got very suddenly got very sick.  I took him to the vet, and then the emergency vet, and they did everything they could to save him, but it wasn't meant to be.  We had to let him go, and we miss him every day.  I know he is waiting for me and that someday I'll see him again.  Fly free my sweet boy and know that we all love you very much.

Bead Hoarders Blog Hop

I'm one of the participants in Lori Anderson's Bead Hoarders Blog Hop.  We are supposed to take beads that we've been collecting (hoarding) and actually USE them.  Use them, instead of just staring at them and drooling over how pretty they are?  That's crazy talk!  I do have a lot of beads though.  And tools.  And paper.  I have craft ADD, I really do - I want to do EVERYTHING.  I also tend to get intimidated by new tools and then they sit for a while before I actually get up the nerve to use them.  With that in mind, I decided to do a slightly different take on the bead hoarders idea and do a mixed media post. Don't worry, I promise there are beads!

I have wanted a loom since I saw this pattern in Bead and Button Magazine.  If that wasn't enough, a few months later, they had this one.  They suggested a couple of looms so I did my research and spent a lot of time looking at websites, reviews etc.  I finally decided on a Mirrix.  I loved that the looms are made in the USA, it's a small business, and they have wonderful customer service.  I also really liked the fact that these looms would work for both tapestry and beads.  I bought a Little Guy loom almost 2 years ago.  I am embarrassed to say that he's been in his box since then.  I also bought several kits and a lot of hand painted silk that Claudia dyes, it is just gorgeous.  All of that, like the loom sat waiting patiently for me.  When I saw Lori's post about the blog hop, I decided this was the perfect time to start using my loom and at least start on the kits (I had 5).  It also helped that Debbie at my favorite local bead store Glass Onion Bead Company had just gotten a loom at Bead and Button and kept talking about how easy it was to use.  So I gathered up my courage, got the loom out and started warping.  Here is the picture of my Little Guy warped:

This is the bracelet in progress, and a couple pictures of my helper who was fascinated by the loom:

I know that last picture is fuzzy but every time I look at it, it cracks me up. That is Ninja and he is a very sweet pain in the neck.

Finally, my 1st finished bracelet.  Mirrix calls this style of bracelet the Affinity bracelet - it uses seed beads and hand painted silk.  I finally used my loom and one of the kits!

It's pretty wonky, but I think it's pretty good for my first project on a loom. I am very happy to wear it.

After the first bracelet was finished, I warped the loom right away for another one.  I made this one a little wider, and used some of my favorite colors in it.  There are still some mistakes, but I am thrilled with this one. The beads are from my stash, and I used more of the hand painted silk.  Blues, greens and a touch of pink:

I will be warping the loom again soon to do a tapestry bead cuff so please wish me luck.  I have to say that I really enjoy using it, and I'm very glad I did the research and bought a loom capable of doing fiber and beads. (And finally took it out of it's box)!  I do still have the magazine issues with the purse and lantern patterns and I would like to do at least one of them once I get really comfortable with the loom.

Now on to my other hoarding issue, paper.  I had 3 card making kits that had been waiting for me to use them too. I decided to put those together and offer a giveaway.

 

Each kit made 4 cards.  I'll send the winner one set of 4 cards, just leave a comment letting me know which of the three sets is your favorite. I will announce the winner on Sunday, July 28th, (please remember I will need a way to contact the winner).

Disclaimer:  Mirrix has no idea I did this post, neither does Stampin Up, I provided the links in case anyone wanted to see more about the products I used in this post.

Thank you Lori for giving me the push I needed to get going with my loom and all those hoarded kits!!

Please go and see what everyone else created with their bead stash!!

1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Nancy Dale, NEDBeads
3. Roxanne Mendoza, Roxi Designs
4.  Melissa Trudinger, beadrecipes
5.  Rana Lea, Rana Lea Designs
6.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
7.  Rita Avila, Jewel School Friends
8.  Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board
  10.  Erin Guest, Renlish


11.  Joan Williams, lilruby jewelry
12. Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
13.  Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
14.  Sue Kennedy, SueBeads
15.  Lisa Cone, Inspired Adornments
16.  Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design
17.  Nichole Byers, Nichole Byers
18.  Lori Jean Poppe, Adventures in Creativity
19.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
20.  Lori Schneider, Bead Addict


21.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
22. Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
23.  Niki Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
24.  Elsie Deliz-Fonseca, Eliz-Eliz and All That Craft
25.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
26.  Heather Powers, Humblebeads
27.  Sarah Goode, Pookledo
28.  Monique Urquhart, A Half-Baked Notion
29.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
30.  Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri


31.  Robyn, Museiddity
32.  Catherine King, Catherine's Musings
33.  Jacquie, Bead Gypsy
34.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
35. Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreations
36.  Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti
37.  Hannah Rosner, Good River Valley
38.  Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
39.  Nelly May, Smelly Nelly
40.  Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads


41.  Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
42.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs
43.  Leanne Loftus, First Impression Design
44.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
45.  Judy Riggs, Rigglettes
46.  Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
47.  Terry Carter,  Tapping Flamingo
48.  Sue, Mid-Life Great Expectations
49.  Nan Smith, Wired Nan
50.  Miranda Ackerley, MirandAck Arts


51.  Marie Covert, Creating Interest
52.  D'Arsie Manzella, This Here Now, Mamacita
53.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
54.  Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
55.  Johanna Nunez, The Lovely One Design
56.  Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
57.  Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
58.  Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things
59.  Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That
60.  Nat, Grubbi Ceramics


61.  Marjorie Savill Linthwaite, Bennu Bird Rising
62.  Cheryl McCloud, One Thing Leads to Another
63.  Heather Otto, The Crafthopper
64.  Candida Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks
65.  Tracie Dean, Dean Designs
66.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
67.  Ginger Bishop, Lil Mummy Likes
68.  Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
69.  Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
70.  Dini Bruinsma, Angaza by Changes


71.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
72.  Shalini Austin, Jewellery by Shalini
73.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
74.  Ile Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded Jewelry
76.  Annita Wilson, AW Jewelry 
77.  Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame
78.  Hannah Trost, PZ Designs
79.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
80.  Miri Agassi, Beadwork


81.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
82.  Dyanne Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations
83.  Susan Bowie, Susan Nelson Bowie
84.  Megan Milliken, MaeMaeMills
85.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry
86.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog
87.  Lori Lochner, Bloghner
88.  Gerda Jurimae, Gerda's Crafts Blog
89.  Susan, Mistheword
90.  MaryLou Holvenstot, MaryLou's time2cre8


91.  Mary Shannon Hicks, falling into the sky
92.  Karin King, The Sparklie Things Blog
93.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
94.  Jenny Davie-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
95.  Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
96.  Mallory Hoffman, Rosebud 101 - For the Love of Beads
97.  Danielle Kelley, Imbue the Muse
98.  Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
99.  Dolores Rami, CraftyD's Creations
100.  Marcia Dunne, 13 Alternatives


101.  Marlene Cupo, Amazing Designs
102.  Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
103.  Wendy Holder, Jewelry by WendyLea
104.  Michelle Escano, The Cabby Crafter
105.  Louise Glazier, Lily and Jasmine Treasures
106.  Dana Hickey, Wind Dancer Studios
107.  Lennis Carter, windbent
108.  Anne Betenson, Crystal River Beads
109.  Audrey Belanger,  Dreams of an Absolution
110.  Lisa Stukel, Carefree Jewelry by Lisa


111.  Janine Lucas, Travel Stories
112.  Claire Lockwood, Something to Do With Your Hands
113.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams
114.  Paula Hisel, Simply Beadiful
115.  Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
116.  Mischelle Fanucchi, Micheladas Musings
117.  Kim Dworak, Cianci Blue  <------------------- You are here
118.  Linda Sadler, Ida Louise Jewelry
119.  Karen, Spokalulu
120.  Jennifer LaVite, Dry Gulch Bead and Jewelry


121.  Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations
122.  Karen Martinez, Fairies Market
123.  Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
124.  Amy Bright, LABweorc
125.  Jasvanti Patel, Jewels by Jasvanti
126.  Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
127.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
128.  Natalie Moten, Running Out of Thread
129.  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
130.  Jenny Kyrlach, Wonder and Whimsy


131.  LiliKrist, Handmade by LilK
132.  Jessica Klaaren, The Truth Space
133.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
134.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
135.  Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads
136.  Jeanne, Gems by Jeanne Marie
137.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
138.  Laren Dee Barton, Laren Dee Designs
139.  Steph, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
140.  Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations


141.  B. R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem
142.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
143.  Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
144.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
145.  Lizzie Clarke, The Need to Bead
146.  Christina Miles, Wings 'n' Scales
147.  Patricia, The Color of Dreams
148.  Marde Lowe, Fancimar
149.  Ev Shelby, Raindrop Creations
150.  Sarah Small, By Salla


151.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
152.  Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
153.  Pam Traub, Klassy Joolz
154.  Lisa Harrison, Daisy Meadow Studio
155.  Anzia Parks, Anzi-Panzi's Work Shoppe
156.  Ingrid, Lilisgems Handcrafted Jewelry Inspirations
157.  Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey
158.  Kelly Hosford Patterson, The Traveling Side Show
159.  Adlinah Kamsir, Dreamstruck Designs
160.  Marci, That Nothing Be Wasted


161.  Kris Lanae Binsfield,  Cherish Designs
162.  Stephanie Perry, Mustard Bead
163.  Birgit Klughardt, Gites Beads
164.  Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog
165.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
166.  Sandy Markley, Gypsy Spirit Designs
167.  Elena Adams, Lena's Beady Blog

I'm Back!!

I've been gone for a long time.  I've had a lot going on, both good and bad.  My new goal is to make more time for the blog and post at least once a week. 

Some of the things I've been doing while I've been silent:

I am part of Lori Anderson's Bead Hoarder's blog hop, that happens next weekend.  Please come back for it!

In February, I began doing one of the newsletters for Basset Buddies Basset Rescue, they have 3 and mine is about the dogs in foster care.  It's monthly and I love putting it together.  It's nice to be able to help them, they are a wonderful group and help so many homeless dogs. 

I lost my Gunter back in March.  He was 7 years old.  He went from a healthy happy boy to very sick overnight.  We (and the vet) did everything we could for him, but none of it helped and we had to let him go.  He deserves his very own post and I'll do that later this week.  I miss him so much.
Here he is posing for the camera. He was so sweet and such a handsome boy.

Wulfgang had a really hard time without Gunter, so we started looking for another basset right away.  We ended up adopting Heidi from N.E.W Pawsibilities.  She is such a goofball, and Wulfie felt better right away.  I have to say that she helped me a lot too.  She is a Mama's girl, and just what all of us needed.  I cut off poor Wulfgang's head, he's behind her in this picture.

I have been taking a TON of bead classes from my favorite bead store Glass Onion.  The owners Dave and Debbie are wonderful people, I've had so much fun and learned a lot of different techniques.  I've gotten a lot of stitching samplers and learned how to make my own clasps.  I'll post pictures of what I've been doing in another post.  It's kept me really busy but it's been great and I've loved going to bead school.  I also went to Bead and Button, I took a class and of course went shopping.  It was a lot of fun.    

Last week I won a book, from Lark Publishing and the fabulous Jean Yates.  I've had it on my wish list and I can't wait to sit down and read through it (it came Saturday).  I've taken a quick look at the projects and they are gorgeous.  I will post a review after I finish my pieces for the blog hop.

That's just a little bit of what I've been up to lately, I can't wait to show you what I'm working on now for the blog hop next weekend!