Monday, December 2, 2013
I'm not dead, I swear
long time no type... lots I could say about being busy at work, stupid knees, crazy life... whatever. hoping to come back in the new year. more to come...
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Please stop spamming my Pinterest
You may have noticed my lack of posting lately. The main reason for this is that my day job has been incredibly, mind killingly busy lately. When I get home I hardly want to even look at a computer. So, in the few spare minutes when I do want to peruse some internet fluff, what I don't want to see is my Pinterest homepage filled with a zillion variations of one thing. Example:
Now, this particular grouping was spammed by a scrapbook supplies company I follow. I chose it so as not to offend a specific person. However, this is not the only time this has happened. Sometimes it cards... page after page of cards, or tattoos, or earrings, or 200 year old jewelry... wait, those were kind of cool.
Anyway, I know that many of us (myself included) tend to think of Pinterest as our own personal picture bookmarks. We pin whatever is amusing us right now, and sometimes we pin a lot of it. I am pretty sure I did it to people the other day when I was pinning cameos. My point is, remember that you have people following you. When you pin 27 of nearly the same thing within a few minutes, they see 27 of nearly the same thing all at once. So, vary what you pin, or spread it out. Remember, if you are just going through other pins you don't have to repin - you can like it instead. This will still allow you to find it later, but won't spam your followers.
Thank you for pinning courteously. P.S. Keep your recipes off your craft boards, I am trying to diet here...
Now, this particular grouping was spammed by a scrapbook supplies company I follow. I chose it so as not to offend a specific person. However, this is not the only time this has happened. Sometimes it cards... page after page of cards, or tattoos, or earrings, or 200 year old jewelry... wait, those were kind of cool.
Anyway, I know that many of us (myself included) tend to think of Pinterest as our own personal picture bookmarks. We pin whatever is amusing us right now, and sometimes we pin a lot of it. I am pretty sure I did it to people the other day when I was pinning cameos. My point is, remember that you have people following you. When you pin 27 of nearly the same thing within a few minutes, they see 27 of nearly the same thing all at once. So, vary what you pin, or spread it out. Remember, if you are just going through other pins you don't have to repin - you can like it instead. This will still allow you to find it later, but won't spam your followers.
Thank you for pinning courteously. P.S. Keep your recipes off your craft boards, I am trying to diet here...
Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday Weigh In: 297
Down 4.4 lbs from 2 weeks ago! Woo!
Last week was a little crazy and I skipped the weigh in... not on purpose, I just kept getting distracted in the morning and forgetting to do it before I left the house. But, it was a good week for me. The Friday before I saw a new doctor, an orthopedic specialist, who did more cortisone shots - both knees at once this time. Hurt like you would not believe! But, a week later my knees are feeling almost like the did a year ago. Almost. The new doctor also prescribed physical therapy which I started last week. They have me doing exercises in a pool. Since I love swimming and being in the water, this is awesome!
So, last week was so busy I even forgot it was the first Friday of the month and forgot to post the new Zodiac ring pattern... this will be rectified later today.
I want to thank all of you who comment on these posts and offer me encouragement and support. It means the world to me.
Last week was a little crazy and I skipped the weigh in... not on purpose, I just kept getting distracted in the morning and forgetting to do it before I left the house. But, it was a good week for me. The Friday before I saw a new doctor, an orthopedic specialist, who did more cortisone shots - both knees at once this time. Hurt like you would not believe! But, a week later my knees are feeling almost like the did a year ago. Almost. The new doctor also prescribed physical therapy which I started last week. They have me doing exercises in a pool. Since I love swimming and being in the water, this is awesome!
So, last week was so busy I even forgot it was the first Friday of the month and forgot to post the new Zodiac ring pattern... this will be rectified later today.
I want to thank all of you who comment on these posts and offer me encouragement and support. It means the world to me.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Exploring Jewelry: Works of fiction
Remember back when I used to end each post with a quote? Yeah, me neither.
A man's face is his autobiography. A woman's face is her work of fiction. Oscar Wilde
So, I have recently become obsessed with cameos. For those of you who don't know, cameo is actually a method of carving. Specifically, it is carving a raised image into a multilayer material. I am told the opposite of cameo is intaglio. In the jewelry world, when you say cameo most of us think of a carving of a Victorian woman's head. But, it can actually be any carving - even large scale such as vases or art installations.
Now, I can't carve to save my life so when I wanted to create my own cameos I had to cheat. Step one was to borrow a cameo from a friend (strangely not a true cameo as it is all one solid material).
Loved (and love) this piece, but because it is solid black, it is very difficult to see the details. So, step two was to make a mold.
An early foray of mine into moldmaking, you can see I used way to much material - my container was too big. I have since learned better.
My next step was to use resin to fake a cameo - multilayered, but definitely NOT carved. Did you notice that I chose not to cast the frame? By leaving this out I can go with a simpler look, or I could choose to add a different frame in a new style.
I loved it so I made another - and several more since. The face on this cameo is so deep/thick that it just really stands out beautifully in the two tones. And the color possibilities are endless. I added a simple glue on bale to this one to make a minimalist pendant. Oh, and I used silver Sharpie to color the outside edge to make it look like it has a metal bezel.
Next up was a couple of commercial cameo molds. I have to admit, I was spoiled by how deep the mold I made was. Getting that first layer of resin to be just in the head area of the new molds was hard! The shoulders especially tended to spill over. The other commercial mold I got(not shown) had a pony tail - OH MY GOSH WAS THAT A PAIN!
Before you decide I have gone totally off my rocker in posting a picture of a silver earring in a post about cameos, stay with me for a sec...
Take a thrift store earring with no mate (which is actually sterling - score!), add an oval bead picked up in a bag of seconds, and suddenly (or actually about a week and a half later after the pouring, curing, gluing, more pouring, more curing...) you have a flower cameo! And again, since I am making these myself, I can do any color combination I want to match my jewelry design!
I am planning for my next foray into cameos to be one I actually carve myself in wax. Then I will make a mold and make lots and lots out of resin! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!
A man's face is his autobiography. A woman's face is her work of fiction. Oscar Wilde
So, I have recently become obsessed with cameos. For those of you who don't know, cameo is actually a method of carving. Specifically, it is carving a raised image into a multilayer material. I am told the opposite of cameo is intaglio. In the jewelry world, when you say cameo most of us think of a carving of a Victorian woman's head. But, it can actually be any carving - even large scale such as vases or art installations.
Now, I can't carve to save my life so when I wanted to create my own cameos I had to cheat. Step one was to borrow a cameo from a friend (strangely not a true cameo as it is all one solid material).
Loved (and love) this piece, but because it is solid black, it is very difficult to see the details. So, step two was to make a mold.
An early foray of mine into moldmaking, you can see I used way to much material - my container was too big. I have since learned better.
My next step was to use resin to fake a cameo - multilayered, but definitely NOT carved. Did you notice that I chose not to cast the frame? By leaving this out I can go with a simpler look, or I could choose to add a different frame in a new style.
I loved it so I made another - and several more since. The face on this cameo is so deep/thick that it just really stands out beautifully in the two tones. And the color possibilities are endless. I added a simple glue on bale to this one to make a minimalist pendant. Oh, and I used silver Sharpie to color the outside edge to make it look like it has a metal bezel.
Next up was a couple of commercial cameo molds. I have to admit, I was spoiled by how deep the mold I made was. Getting that first layer of resin to be just in the head area of the new molds was hard! The shoulders especially tended to spill over. The other commercial mold I got(not shown) had a pony tail - OH MY GOSH WAS THAT A PAIN!
Before you decide I have gone totally off my rocker in posting a picture of a silver earring in a post about cameos, stay with me for a sec...
Take a thrift store earring with no mate (which is actually sterling - score!), add an oval bead picked up in a bag of seconds, and suddenly (or actually about a week and a half later after the pouring, curing, gluing, more pouring, more curing...) you have a flower cameo! And again, since I am making these myself, I can do any color combination I want to match my jewelry design!
I am planning for my next foray into cameos to be one I actually carve myself in wax. Then I will make a mold and make lots and lots out of resin! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Labels:
cameo,
exploring jewelry,
mold making,
resin
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Exploring Jewelry: The forest for the trees
So, you ever hear the phrase "Can't see the forest for the trees"? It basically means that you are so focused on the individual that you can't see the whole. Today we are going to explore the opposite - combining many little things to make one big whole.
I came across this necklace laying on a friends desk. I have no idea where she got it, so I don't know if it is commercially made or hand made. I noticed right off what appeared to be links of mesh chain between the pearls. But then I looked closer.
It wasn't chain at all! It was tiny daisy spacers strung in a series. What would barely be noticed individually had a wonderful presence as a bunch! I love this as it reminds me of making ropes with seedbeads (I do love my seeds!)where unless you look close you can't tell it's individual beads.
I did find one drawback to this technique. Tiny beads are easy to get hair tangled up in.
Still, something to thing about...
I came across this necklace laying on a friends desk. I have no idea where she got it, so I don't know if it is commercially made or hand made. I noticed right off what appeared to be links of mesh chain between the pearls. But then I looked closer.
It wasn't chain at all! It was tiny daisy spacers strung in a series. What would barely be noticed individually had a wonderful presence as a bunch! I love this as it reminds me of making ropes with seedbeads (I do love my seeds!)where unless you look close you can't tell it's individual beads.
I did find one drawback to this technique. Tiny beads are easy to get hair tangled up in.
Still, something to thing about...
Labels:
exploring jewelry
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Tuesday Weigh In: 301.4
Down a whole, whopping 0.2 lbs! Though honestly, since this was a holiday weekend that involves eating mass quantities, I consider this a pretty good deal... though why do so many holidays seem to revolve around over eating? What's up with that?
On the knee front, I am now scheduled to go see an orthopedic specialist. My rheumatologist thinks I may have damaged a ligament... due to walking differently due to pain... so, another fun doctor to poke, prod, and test. I am hopeful that maybe a new perspective can help. It would be really nice to walk without pain again.
On the blogging/making cool stuff/patterns front - I have been a little remiss lately in posting much beyond the weekly update on me. I will be doing better. I have some new patterns worked up and am working on making some samples. I have some new resin molds to try and share. I also have a long post planned on my recent infatuation with cameos, but have to get it typed up. So, things are coming your way and thanks for sticking with me!
On the knee front, I am now scheduled to go see an orthopedic specialist. My rheumatologist thinks I may have damaged a ligament... due to walking differently due to pain... so, another fun doctor to poke, prod, and test. I am hopeful that maybe a new perspective can help. It would be really nice to walk without pain again.
On the blogging/making cool stuff/patterns front - I have been a little remiss lately in posting much beyond the weekly update on me. I will be doing better. I have some new patterns worked up and am working on making some samples. I have some new resin molds to try and share. I also have a long post planned on my recent infatuation with cameos, but have to get it typed up. So, things are coming your way and thanks for sticking with me!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Monday Weigh In: 301.6
Up 1.3 lbs this week and I can't say I am surprised. My right knee keeps refusing to support me, so I didn't do much walking this week. I may have also had a pity party this weekend and made some bad food choices. But, pity party is now over, and I am going to get back on track this week!
Labels:
pity party,
weigh in
Monday, May 13, 2013
Monday Weigh In: 300.3
Down 3.1 lbs! Woo!
I had a really good week. I was able to walk 5 out of 7 days and did some upper body focused weight lifting on 2 days. Also stuck to my calorie goals. Feeling really good about myself and my future right now.
Wanted to share that Iron Man 3 is, in the words of the kid behind me at the theater, AWESOME! Totally worth the money to see it in 3D. Have a good week!
I had a really good week. I was able to walk 5 out of 7 days and did some upper body focused weight lifting on 2 days. Also stuck to my calorie goals. Feeling really good about myself and my future right now.
Wanted to share that Iron Man 3 is, in the words of the kid behind me at the theater, AWESOME! Totally worth the money to see it in 3D. Have a good week!
Monday, May 6, 2013
New Ring Pattern: Star Wars Tie Fighter
Labels:
pattern ring peyote,
Star Wars
Monday Weigh In: 303.4
Down another pound! Woo!
I got kinda discouraged this week cause I really wanted to do another 30 minute walk and I just wasn't able to. I was on the verge of tears at one point. But, after a lot of thinking and reading online I have decided that I am really being too hard on myself. Everything I am reading says that with RA, if it hurts, you should stop and that it can take several months before you work your way up to longer walks. What the sites I read were recommending were lots of short walks. So, in addition to the walks I take with my sister on Tuesday and Thursday, and the walk I have been doing with the family on Saturday, I am going to try to do a ten minute walk on my own each day this week during my lunch break. Wish me luck!
I got kinda discouraged this week cause I really wanted to do another 30 minute walk and I just wasn't able to. I was on the verge of tears at one point. But, after a lot of thinking and reading online I have decided that I am really being too hard on myself. Everything I am reading says that with RA, if it hurts, you should stop and that it can take several months before you work your way up to longer walks. What the sites I read were recommending were lots of short walks. So, in addition to the walks I take with my sister on Tuesday and Thursday, and the walk I have been doing with the family on Saturday, I am going to try to do a ten minute walk on my own each day this week during my lunch break. Wish me luck!
Labels:
weigh in
Friday, May 3, 2013
New Ring Pattern: Zodiac - Taurus
"You mess with the bull, you get the horns." Or so I have heard... I love 80's movies. April 20- May 20 is Taurus - the Bull. My mother was a Taurus. That woman could hold a grudge like you would not believe!
Want to skip ahead to your (or your signifigant other's) sign? Well, you can! There is a PDF that includes all 12 designs and some tips on creation and care available in my main etsy shop for the low low LOW price of $5.00. Or, you can just wait a year and collect all 12 for free... you know, which ever. Of note, the PDF for the Signs of the Zodiac rings does NOT include instructions on how to do peyote stitch. Tips only. So, if you don't know peyote stitch, follow the link at the top of the page to the How to Make Peyote Rings post. |
Labels:
pattern ring peyote,
Zodiac
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday Weigh In: 304.5
Down 0.2! Doesn't seem like much, but I was on vacation this past week - thus the lack of posting - and I was having trouble with my knees. This means much less walking than in the previous 2 weeks, and while I stayed within my calorie limits, I was not as low as I could have been. So, holding even is ok by me.
I have gotten another cortisone shot in the left knee and will be getting a second in the right knee as well. This should help with the walking - would also help if the weather would stop being stupid, but that may be too much to ask for in Kansas. Back at work this week, so will be able to get back to regularly scheduled meals and snacks. Looking forward to next weeks weigh in!
Thanks to those who comment on this weekly baring of my soul. Your encouragement and support really does mean the world to me!
I have gotten another cortisone shot in the left knee and will be getting a second in the right knee as well. This should help with the walking - would also help if the weather would stop being stupid, but that may be too much to ask for in Kansas. Back at work this week, so will be able to get back to regularly scheduled meals and snacks. Looking forward to next weeks weigh in!
Thanks to those who comment on this weekly baring of my soul. Your encouragement and support really does mean the world to me!
Labels:
weigh in
Monday, April 22, 2013
Monday Weigh In: 304.7
I am down 3 lbs! Woo! I had a really good week. Long walk of nearly 30 minutes on Tuesday and a shorter walk on Wednesday. Kept to my calorie goals all days but one. And it has paid off! Woo!
On the down side, the Salonpas patches that I was loving are now causing a rash. Not sure if it is the medication or the adhesive that I am having problems with, but I will have to stop using them... boo! I will not let this deter me though! I will keep going!
On the down side, the Salonpas patches that I was loving are now causing a rash. Not sure if it is the medication or the adhesive that I am having problems with, but I will have to stop using them... boo! I will not let this deter me though! I will keep going!
Labels:
weigh in
Friday, April 19, 2013
New Ring Pattern: Recycle!
Monday is Earth Day in the US. Last year I featured a ring with a picture of the earth. This year I am giving you a ring that encourages recycling! To support this theme, if you make this ring try using recycled beads that were salvaged or left over from a previous project!
If you are looking for more recycled goodness, you can check out my recycled tile pendants! Happy Earth Day! |
Labels:
Earth Day,
pattern ring peyote
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
What I have been working on
So, I haven't really shared lately things that I have been working on... and I have been working on things. Today I will share two of those things with you.
First up is the case for the Kindle Fire I got for Christmas. It started life as a plain black leather case, but I knew from the beginning that I wanted something more geeky. After looking at different ones online, I decided I could paint mine the way I wanted it and ordered some leather paints for this purpose. Then I didn't paint. I was afraid... cause once you put the leather paint on, you can't really take it off, and what if I screwed up royally? Well, this weekend I said "screw it" and went for it. So very glad that I did cause I love it!
For those of you wondering what on earth this is... first, go watch Doctor Who! Start with the 2005 season on Netflix and move forward. You will love it! Second, it is the diary of River Song (BCC printable dust cover version). Basically, a prop from Doctor Who... but a really cool prop!
Next, I made a necklace this week. Oddly, it is a strung necklace - I almost never do strung jewelry. But this design just popped into my head one day and demanded I make it. The original concept in my head was for black beads, but I didn't have any. So I used some dark purple beads instead. I have decided after careful consideration that I am glad I did. The color is wonderful!
Sorry for inflicting the really crappy mirror picture on you, but I wanted to show what it looked like on. The back is chain... and some chain extender as I need it really long to go under the collar of this shirt. Do you ever dress up a little just so you can wear a particular piece of jewelry?
So, this is not by any means all I have been working on (cameos anyone?) but it is all I currently have pictures of. More to come in the future!
First up is the case for the Kindle Fire I got for Christmas. It started life as a plain black leather case, but I knew from the beginning that I wanted something more geeky. After looking at different ones online, I decided I could paint mine the way I wanted it and ordered some leather paints for this purpose. Then I didn't paint. I was afraid... cause once you put the leather paint on, you can't really take it off, and what if I screwed up royally? Well, this weekend I said "screw it" and went for it. So very glad that I did cause I love it!
For those of you wondering what on earth this is... first, go watch Doctor Who! Start with the 2005 season on Netflix and move forward. You will love it! Second, it is the diary of River Song (BCC printable dust cover version). Basically, a prop from Doctor Who... but a really cool prop!
Next, I made a necklace this week. Oddly, it is a strung necklace - I almost never do strung jewelry. But this design just popped into my head one day and demanded I make it. The original concept in my head was for black beads, but I didn't have any. So I used some dark purple beads instead. I have decided after careful consideration that I am glad I did. The color is wonderful!
Sorry for inflicting the really crappy mirror picture on you, but I wanted to show what it looked like on. The back is chain... and some chain extender as I need it really long to go under the collar of this shirt. Do you ever dress up a little just so you can wear a particular piece of jewelry?
So, this is not by any means all I have been working on (cameos anyone?) but it is all I currently have pictures of. More to come in the future!
Labels:
Kindle cover,
necklace
Monday, April 15, 2013
Monday Weigh In: 307.8
Hey look! An actual number!
So, this past week I started meeting with my sister 2 nights a week. We go for a walk - short right now - and are talking about nutrition and general health. Since my sister has managed to loose 48 lbs over the last six months while dealing with back issues and knee issues she is a good person to help me with this.
Tuesday's walk was 10 minutes, Thursday's was a whopping 17 minutes! I also took a walk on my own on Saturday. It was short, only ten minutes, but was followed by a trip to the grocery store which I am counting as another 10 minutes of walking.
Speaking of grocery shopping, my sister has me making some alternative food choices as well. A lot more low calorie options, and a focus on portion sizes... have you noticed that healthy food is kinda expensive? Yeesh! I am now tracking my food and excorsize through MyFitnessPal.com. I am liking it because it has a phone app that will actually scan the barcodes of things and then give you the nutrition info. AND, you can also download Runtastic which will track how far you walk and then automatically update MyFitnessPal. I can be lazy even while I am being more active! Woo!
So, all in all, I am feeling much more positive about things this week than I have in a while. And that is good.
So, this past week I started meeting with my sister 2 nights a week. We go for a walk - short right now - and are talking about nutrition and general health. Since my sister has managed to loose 48 lbs over the last six months while dealing with back issues and knee issues she is a good person to help me with this.
Tuesday's walk was 10 minutes, Thursday's was a whopping 17 minutes! I also took a walk on my own on Saturday. It was short, only ten minutes, but was followed by a trip to the grocery store which I am counting as another 10 minutes of walking.
Speaking of grocery shopping, my sister has me making some alternative food choices as well. A lot more low calorie options, and a focus on portion sizes... have you noticed that healthy food is kinda expensive? Yeesh! I am now tracking my food and excorsize through MyFitnessPal.com. I am liking it because it has a phone app that will actually scan the barcodes of things and then give you the nutrition info. AND, you can also download Runtastic which will track how far you walk and then automatically update MyFitnessPal. I can be lazy even while I am being more active! Woo!
So, all in all, I am feeling much more positive about things this week than I have in a while. And that is good.
Labels:
weigh in
Saturday, April 13, 2013
BSBP - Ronxanne's Creation
My partner in the 7th BSBP was able to post this weekend. I love what she made - such an innovative use of some of the things I sent! Go visit her site - now! GO!
Oh, and while you are there, be sure to click the link to the rest of the second reveal!
Oh, and while you are there, be sure to click the link to the rest of the second reveal!
Labels:
BSBP7
Monday, April 8, 2013
Monday Weigh In: ????
So, the Wii (which I use with the Balance Board to weigh myself) was hidden behind a large stack of boxes today. This means we have no number for today. Which is ok, cause I am sure it was up. BUT! I have a new plan. I spent some time with my sister this weekend and she has agreed to be my new weight loss buddy. So starting this week, we will be walking twice a week and she will be supporting me in my weight loss mission. She suggested that we walk outside, her theory being that you can always get off the treadmill, but if you walk out side you are required to walk back home - thus you will walk more, even when it hurts.
She also introduced me to the Salonpas pain patches... and boy am I loving those! Pop one on either knee and for a couple of hours I feel almost like a real girl.
So, that is what is up with me. Hope you are all doing well.
She also introduced me to the Salonpas pain patches... and boy am I loving those! Pop one on either knee and for a couple of hours I feel almost like a real girl.
So, that is what is up with me. Hope you are all doing well.
Labels:
weigh in
Friday, April 5, 2013
New Ring Pattern: Zodiac - Aries
This month we get a ring pattern for Aries - March 21 to April 19. Apparentley, Aries is actually the FIRST astrological sign... figures I would start in the wrong place. Some famous Aries include: Lady GaGa, Jackie Chan, Robert Downey Jr, Eddie Murphy, Mark "The Undertaker" Callaway, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Jim Parsons.
Want to skip ahead to your (or your signifigant other's) sign? Well, you can! There is a PDF that includes all 12 designs and some tips on creation and care available in my main etsy shop for the low low LOW price of $5.00. Or, you can just wait a year and collect all 12 for free... you know, which ever. Of note, the PDF for the Signs of the Zodiac rings does NOT include instructions on how to do peyote stitch. Tips only. So, if you don't know peyote stitch, follow the link at the top of the page to the How to Make Peyote Rings post. |
Labels:
pattern ring peyote,
Zodiac
Monday, April 1, 2013
Monday Weigh In: Postponed
1) There is no way in hell I am stepping on a scale on April Fool's Day.
2) There is no way in hell I am stepping on a scale the day after a food holiday weekend.
3) Hope you all had a great Easter and that your pranks today are playful and not hurtful!
2) There is no way in hell I am stepping on a scale the day after a food holiday weekend.
3) Hope you all had a great Easter and that your pranks today are playful and not hurtful!
Labels:
April Fool's Day,
Easter,
weigh in
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Bead Soup Blog Party 1: First Reveal!
Hey all! So, today is the first reveal for the Bead Soup Blog Party v7.0! Woo!
You might remember that my partner is Roxanne from Strikes My Fancy. Unfortunately, she had some real life stuff come up and had to postpone her reveal. Don't worry, I will be sure to post when she does!
Here is a reminder of the awesome beads Roxanne sent me:
I was able to make two items from this wonderful soup (so far!). The first is a ring... yeah I know, with me it is always rings. But I love this one SOOOOOOOOOOOO much! I used some of the small gold faceted beads she sent, mixed with some of my own size 8 seed beads in black.
Such a fun funky look!
So the second piece I created is a necklace. And boy did I have trouble with it! From the beginning I knew exactly what I wanted to make... take the focal and make a lariat style necklace using macrame. However, the macrame did not like me. I could not for the life of me seem to keep my knots even... some were really really tight while others were way too loose... so adjustments were made... and made... and made... and finally about an hour ago I gave up and changed the design just so I could get it done. I attached the clasps I was sent with some simple knots. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the back... and at this point I am not going back down the stairs to take another picture so... I think what I will do is keep working on the necklace. Then once Roxanne is ready to post hers, I will post the reworked necklace! Yes, that is what I will do!
So, that is what I got done... not nearly enough. I still have plans for some earrings with the heart beads... and maybe another ring...
To visit the rest of the party, please visit the official site for the full list! Have a "Hoppy" Easter! (get it? We will all be hopping from blog to blog!)
You might remember that my partner is Roxanne from Strikes My Fancy. Unfortunately, she had some real life stuff come up and had to postpone her reveal. Don't worry, I will be sure to post when she does!
Here is a reminder of the awesome beads Roxanne sent me:
I was able to make two items from this wonderful soup (so far!). The first is a ring... yeah I know, with me it is always rings. But I love this one SOOOOOOOOOOOO much! I used some of the small gold faceted beads she sent, mixed with some of my own size 8 seed beads in black.
Such a fun funky look!
So the second piece I created is a necklace. And boy did I have trouble with it! From the beginning I knew exactly what I wanted to make... take the focal and make a lariat style necklace using macrame. However, the macrame did not like me. I could not for the life of me seem to keep my knots even... some were really really tight while others were way too loose... so adjustments were made... and made... and made... and finally about an hour ago I gave up and changed the design just so I could get it done. I attached the clasps I was sent with some simple knots. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the back... and at this point I am not going back down the stairs to take another picture so... I think what I will do is keep working on the necklace. Then once Roxanne is ready to post hers, I will post the reworked necklace! Yes, that is what I will do!
So, that is what I got done... not nearly enough. I still have plans for some earrings with the heart beads... and maybe another ring...
To visit the rest of the party, please visit the official site for the full list! Have a "Hoppy" Easter! (get it? We will all be hopping from blog to blog!)
Labels:
BSBP7
Friday, March 29, 2013
New Ring Pattern: He Loves Me
Or maybe not... only the flowers know for sure. Not that we have seen any flowers around here, what with how it keeps snowing every other week and all... stupid spring. |
Labels:
pattern ring peyote,
Spring
Thursday, March 28, 2013
I finally created a logo!
So, you may notice that the blog (and the shop) look a little different today. I finally decided to just go ahead and make my own logo. I had wanted one for a while, and have a friend who is good with graphic design that I had asked to help me. But he never quite got around to it and I kept putting it off. So, today I took the bull by the horns and made one myself!
I used Gimp and a spirograph plugin to make the outline and then filled it in to get an ombre effect. Here it is without the color:
Once I actually sat down to do it, the whole process wasn't that bad. I started at a stock logo site, just looking through to get an idea of what logos I liked. I was looking at one that was a sort of circular tribal tatoo logo, when I suddenly thought of the old spirograph I used to play with as a kid. A quick google let me know that my favorite editing program could do that, and the rest was easy breezy!
So, please let me know what you think of the new logo, as I am dying for some feedback! Thanks!
I used Gimp and a spirograph plugin to make the outline and then filled it in to get an ombre effect. Here it is without the color:
Once I actually sat down to do it, the whole process wasn't that bad. I started at a stock logo site, just looking through to get an idea of what logos I liked. I was looking at one that was a sort of circular tribal tatoo logo, when I suddenly thought of the old spirograph I used to play with as a kid. A quick google let me know that my favorite editing program could do that, and the rest was easy breezy!
So, please let me know what you think of the new logo, as I am dying for some feedback! Thanks!
Labels:
news
Monday, March 25, 2013
Monday Weigh In: 308.6
Honesty sucks. I really would rather lie about today's weigh in, or even just not post it. But, the whole point of all this was to be accountable, to face up to my short falls, and not hide in a dark room eating ice cream. Honesty sucks.
Labels:
weigh in
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Leather Jewelry Design Contest: Voting now open!
Voting is now open for the Nina Designs Leather Jewelry Design Contest on Facebook. My entry is a leather and chain cuff made from a recycled belt. I ran it through my embossing machine to get the gear design and then stained it slightly darker with a leather stain.
Please feel free to vote for the entry you like best. Thanks!
Please feel free to vote for the entry you like best. Thanks!
Labels:
begging for votes
Monday, March 18, 2013
Monday Weigh In: 306.6
Source: my.blackmores.com.au.html viaMyBlackmores on Pinterest
So, essentially no change. That is ok. I know that I went to a birthday party this weekend and had cake... and then leftover cake... and party food... so no change is actually good.
On the exercise front, I am up to seven minutes a night on the treadmill! It doesn't sound like much, but with the pain in my knees from RA (stupid doctor said it has been going on so long that he no longer things it is reactive arthritis but is instead the beginnings of rheumatoid arthritis. Blah...) I consider 7 minutes to be a big deal!
On the upcoming challenges front, only two more weeks till Easter. Must be strong and resist cheap after-holidays candy!
Labels:
weigh in
Friday, March 15, 2013
Inspiration in the round
Source: theawesomer.com viaSarah on Pinterest
A spinner ring with a function! To roll or not to roll, that is the question... and if you roll the dice it will answer it!
Source: thinkgeek.com viaSarah on Pinterest
A secret docoder ring! You know you want one... you are so totally humming the Mission: Impossible theme song right now!
Source: unicorniopasion.blogspot.ca viaSarah on Pinterest
I love this. I keep trying to work with these beads, but nothing I do turns out this pretty...
Source: nerd-princess-crafts.tumblr.com viaSarah on Pinterest
I love the whimsy of this. Love.
Source: zappos.com viaSarah on Pinterest
This resin ring is so very cool... and imposing... and cool.
Source: fusionbeads.com viaSarah on Pinterest
I love filigree... so delicate looking.
Source: beyondbeyond.co.uk viaSarah on Pinterest
The use of string is so very unexpected, but so very well done!
If you would like to see more of the rings that inspire me, visit my new Pinterest board Ring Inspiration. Thanks!
Labels:
inspiration,
pinterest,
rings
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Stuff to do, stuff to do...
So, looking for stuff to do? Try these things!
Beadwork Magazine is currently accepting submissions for a Fall 2013 special issue on quick and easy projects. Submissions open through 3/25/2013.
Vintaj Blog is currently having a give a way of some of the beads and findings used in their Morning Mists inspiration pieces. Enter on their blog through 3/15/2013.
The Seedbeadersters Yahoo Group March bead along is making a beaded bezel. Lots of support and instructions for those who have never done this before. You do have to join the group.
Fusion Beads is having a 30 Bead Challenge to help celebrate March Craft Month.
Nina Designs is having a contest through their Facebook page. Focus is on leather and entries are due by 3/18/2013.
You could also try doing some Spring Cleaning... but I don't really recommend it.
Personally, I am still working on my Bead Soup - reveal is at the end of the month! My niece wants the two of us to have a private bead soup swap in April. Working on my niece's birthday party this weekend. Plan to enter the Nina Designs contest with a recycled belt project I have been working on. Want to submit to Beadwork, but they don't take designs that have been posted online and since I post most of my ring designs here... well, I will see if I can come up with something new. All in all, looks like a busy Spring!
Labels:
news
Monday, March 11, 2013
Monday Weigh in: 308.2
Blah, up again.
So some things went wrong this week - a couple of days of crappy eating.... really got to get the emotional eating in hand. But, some things did go right. I am trying to make walking on my treadmill a part of my daily routine, and I only missed 1 day this week! Now, I only walked for 2-3 minutes each day, but I walked! My goal this week is 5 minutes each day. Strangely, walking on the treadmill is not as hard on my knees as walking on the ground is. I think this is because the moving deck helps reduce the hit each time I put a foot down... if that makes sense. Anyway, the goal for right now is to make walking part of the routine, and then to slowly increase the amount. Wish me luck!
So some things went wrong this week - a couple of days of crappy eating.... really got to get the emotional eating in hand. But, some things did go right. I am trying to make walking on my treadmill a part of my daily routine, and I only missed 1 day this week! Now, I only walked for 2-3 minutes each day, but I walked! My goal this week is 5 minutes each day. Strangely, walking on the treadmill is not as hard on my knees as walking on the ground is. I think this is because the moving deck helps reduce the hit each time I put a foot down... if that makes sense. Anyway, the goal for right now is to make walking part of the routine, and then to slowly increase the amount. Wish me luck!
Labels:
weigh in
Friday, March 8, 2013
Ring Pattern: Pinwheel Flower
Labels:
brick stitch,
pattern ring peyote,
Spring
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Recycled Tile Cabochons
One of my favorite places to shop for supplies is my local Habitat for Humanity Resale Store (otherwise known as the Habitat ReStore). They sell used items that have been donated to them, mostly construction and remodeling leftovers. My local store gets stuff from the local college, so they tend to have some great furniture as well.
On a recent trip, I found a tennis ball container full of small white tiles. They were each about one inch square with curved corners. I loved them! And I picked up the whole container for $2.50! Once I got my find home, I decided to stamp them, in some cases color them, and then seal them. I can add a glue on bail and have an instant pendant, or I can do a beaded bezel, a wire wrapped setting, or they could even be used in bead embroidery! (though not by me, cause I suck at that) So, here are a few of the favorite ones I have done so far. All of these, and some others, are available in my Etsy shop for $5 a piece.
On a recent trip, I found a tennis ball container full of small white tiles. They were each about one inch square with curved corners. I loved them! And I picked up the whole container for $2.50! Once I got my find home, I decided to stamp them, in some cases color them, and then seal them. I can add a glue on bail and have an instant pendant, or I can do a beaded bezel, a wire wrapped setting, or they could even be used in bead embroidery! (though not by me, cause I suck at that) So, here are a few of the favorite ones I have done so far. All of these, and some others, are available in my Etsy shop for $5 a piece.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Monday Weigh In: 306.4
Down .2 lbs.
This weekend, I did something I had been thinking about for the last three months or so. I got a tattoo. This is my second one. I got the first when I turned 30, as I felt this was a right of passage. It was a point of much change in my life, and was the first point at which I really felt like an adult.
In December, I turned 38. Doesn't seem like a milestone, and to most it probably wouldn't be. However, 38 is the age at which my mother died. She had lung cancer. So for me to turn 38, made me somewhat introspective. It doesn't help that I am facing some serious health issues right now - Rheumatoid Arthritis, ongoing asthma, obesity. So for me, this was... daunting. But I am not ready to give up.
So, this weekend I got a tattoo that will hopefully remind me not only that I need to live each day - and not just hide away - but that I need to live each day in such a way that I live to get more days. I just need to live.
I thought a lot about where to place this one - my other tat is at the small of my back, as that was the one piece of skin I was pretty sure wasn't gonna migrate over time, and IT WASN'T A THING YET! - but I wanted this one to be someplace I could easily see it. I considered a collar bone, but I wanted to be able to read it in a mirror and live backward is evil... so um, yeah, no. I really liked the idea of the wrist, as it is easy for me to see or touch and is fairly discrete, but I was leary of what message having "live" tattooed across a place famous for suicide attempts would give. I was talking about it with a friend, and they finally said "do you really care what other people think?" and I realized... I didn't. So, there it is, and I LOVE it. They were actually able to make it in my own handwriting.
Quote: Live long, and prosper. - Vulcan greeting - Star Trek
In December, I turned 38. Doesn't seem like a milestone, and to most it probably wouldn't be. However, 38 is the age at which my mother died. She had lung cancer. So for me to turn 38, made me somewhat introspective. It doesn't help that I am facing some serious health issues right now - Rheumatoid Arthritis, ongoing asthma, obesity. So for me, this was... daunting. But I am not ready to give up.
So, this weekend I got a tattoo that will hopefully remind me not only that I need to live each day - and not just hide away - but that I need to live each day in such a way that I live to get more days. I just need to live.
I thought a lot about where to place this one - my other tat is at the small of my back, as that was the one piece of skin I was pretty sure wasn't gonna migrate over time, and IT WASN'T A THING YET! - but I wanted this one to be someplace I could easily see it. I considered a collar bone, but I wanted to be able to read it in a mirror and live backward is evil... so um, yeah, no. I really liked the idea of the wrist, as it is easy for me to see or touch and is fairly discrete, but I was leary of what message having "live" tattooed across a place famous for suicide attempts would give. I was talking about it with a friend, and they finally said "do you really care what other people think?" and I realized... I didn't. So, there it is, and I LOVE it. They were actually able to make it in my own handwriting.
Quote: Live long, and prosper. - Vulcan greeting - Star Trek
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