Netting Stitch

I used the netting stitch to create this bracelet!  I really like this stitch and have seen a shawl created with it.  Don't think I will attempt it now but it is on my long list of things to do!  This bracelet was made for the Etsy Beadweaver's May challenge titled "Nautical"

Challenging Myself

I finally made it to this month's Etsy Beadweavers Team Challenge.  Nothing fancy this time just was happy to get it finished in time. I really liked the theme Destinations!  Take a peak!  http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/    There was 48 entries and every one was absolutely  outstanding.  I am trying to rev it up for next months challenge theme "Seed Beads Only" the plan is in my head and trying to come out hopefully before the last minute of the 19 days left.  


I get asked frequently how I come up with my designs.  The truth is sometimes they are in my head waiting to come out, but mostly I get inspirations from the beads or stones themselves.  When I see one that I like I will lay it out on trays and put other bead or stones that match or look good with it and keep looking at them until it magically appears.  At any given time I will have three or 4 trays going at once.


While waiting for the plan to come together I have been making multi-strand necklaces in a variety of colors.  And yeah!!!! they have been selling!

New Work!

The cuff on the right is not finished yet but I have been playing around with other metals along with the silver and gold.  I like the textures and colors of copper, especially when mixed with the darker flat finish of jasper.  Because I used 14 gauge wire I need the assistance of my husband's strong fingers to adjust the shape.  14 gauge is a little too much for my fingers.

The cuff on the left  is done with sterling silver, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Red Coral beads.  It is almost done it needs to be tweaked and straightened.

Work Revisited

I have been really studying my older work to figure out why they haven't been selling.  Sometimes that isn't an easy task.  After all my work is created from my feelings on any given day, and my heart and soul goes into every piece.  On this particular piece I have had many comments on it looking like a turtle and after studying it, it sure does and it didn't look like it was hanging right.  So I took the pendant part apart and reworked it.  Here it is:  Before and After!  We will see if it sells now.



 

       Before                                                                                                        After
                                                                                                               

Well I out-did myself this time?  That is made myself more work than necessary.   After my last craft show I had three weeks before my next one so I thought I would go through everything and make sure I had them all listed in my on-line stores.   So I took everything out of the trays I use for craft shows and put them neatly in plastic containers my husband brought me from his shop.  They are clear 4x4 plastic container computer parts come in that get discarded at his work.  They are perfect for keeping my jewelry in.  Then I went through and marked them with which shop they were in and the price I was selling them at, with the pictures ID and their size.

Problem, I have a craft show this Saturday, every piece is now in the containers and will need to be put out.  When the last two shows are done I will have to put them back in the containers.  That is where the problem lies.  I will not know which piece goes in which container unless I go through every one and number them somehow.  So now instead of spending my time creating I have to make the time to number every piece. (Around 160 pieces).

Back to Business/Missing in Action

Wow it has been a long time since I have been able to take care of business but the end is in sight.  If all goes well I will have four more weeks then on my way to recovery.  I have been out on a long medical leave since April 4th 2011 and looking forward to November 8th; my last infusion so I can say I am a cancer survivor.

I really miss making items for the challenges.  Lately I have been making small lower priced thing for craft shows because medication makes my hand hurt and quite shaky.  My husband the dear sole has been doing most of the work for my craft shows, and I have been teaching classes several places, like to my friends at the Oncology Dept at my hospital.

Just wanted to let everyone know I am still alive and really, really looking anxious to get back to business.  That is a big reason I was able to get through these past months, that and the help from my husband.  

4 Skunks

Four baby skunks on our front lawn a couple days ago! They were so cute, they walked in unison never more than 6 inches apart. Mom wasn't in sight but had to be close by in the wooded area.