eclectic Avenue

Soups On!!

2012-02-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day!! I received my bead soup!!! From my wonderful partner!! Cynthia at http://www.seaofglassbeads.blogspot.com
The funny thing, I was expecting an order, and thought this was it, so I tossed it onto the couch, thinking I will get to it later, Then almost did a full twist when I recalled the return name!! It was so exciting.
She did such a good job of challenging me.. She knows I am not a big fan of blue, so she choose a shade of blue for me to work with.. Little does she know this IS my favorite shade of blue!! Still my mind is going over what will I make?!?!
Ready for some pictures!!

This first Picture is what came out of the envelope!! And she even re-used the purple tissue I sent hers in. Great bead soup.. great lamp-work, a surprise and a recycler on top of it all!!!

Look at this silver and great lampwork focal!! I really think I can work with this!!

Are you ready for the surprise!!

Cynthia sent me ORANGE!!!!!!! My most favorite color!! some awesome lapwork, and the Most awesome Lamp-work on a skeleton key! I will have to force myself to save this till the soup is done!
Thanks so much I will be starting on this Sunday.... For now I am off to Lubbock to see the grandson!!

Bead soup party!!

2012-01-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

After being chosen to play in this awesome party, I was really nervous.. Could I send anything to make my partner excited, did I want to send something in her style or out of her box? I asked a few friends for their opinion, and Then I started hunting!! Now mind you I have access to a few bead stores, but have to drive one and a half hours to get to them. So most of this is from my own stash!! (all bought at Beads and More, Odessa, TX of course!) All we can post is a teaser, and since I am not to good at going funky things with pictures... I will just share the bow!
Enjoy Cynthia!!

Bead Soup Blog Party

2012-01-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

I have been chosen!! ( It was random!!) to be a part of the Bead Soup Blog Party. I am excited, and a bit nervous, as this is my first time to participate. I have visited my partners blog Cynthia Tucker http://www.seaofglassbeads.blogspot.com/ and love her stuff!! I am sure my blog is no where nearly as informing, since I can never seem to keep it up to date!! Maybe this is the way to do it !! Dive in head first!!
My mind has been going over what will I send.... Many things come to mind. Always a work in progress. Today as I am going through some beads and finished Jewelry, getting ready for a large donation to Beads of Courage. http://www.beadsofcourage.org/ Maybe I will come up with some great ideas.

Still catching up.

2011-11-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

Wow I am really seeing a dent in the stuff in my life. We have de-cluttered so much. The studio a while back (yes still needs more), the garage, (fall clean up and pick up by the city pushed that one!) and the "man Cave" where my torch is located. So be on the look out for some enameling coming soon!
I have also been working on getting the piles, boxes and bowls of unfinished jewelry finished. It seems like I will never hit the bottom, but that's OK I am trying!! I have found, that if a new idea pops up I will squeeze one or two in between working on the other items and it seems to satisfy my needs and not get to overwhelmed! Here are the latest in finished items! Really lovin working with the silk Ribbon!

2011-10-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a productive couple of days!! I am working hard on getting started projects finished. When I don't feel like working on anything, I tend to just make components. Now I am finishing some of them, I will have so much more room! I finished several pieces of jewelry, spiral bound a stack of journals, and filled up several more drawers on my sweet cabinet.

My newest addition.

2011-10-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

I have finally found me a typeset cabinet. We found it at this lovely new store here in Hobbs America, for a price my hubby and I felt like was a steal! I have looked at these and for one of these for years! Now I own one!! I may want to refinish this, or paint it, but for now I am just filling it up with goodies and loving it. I am hoping with all my heart this will make all those boxes of treasures easier to go through and use. So be on the lookout for some hopefully awesome designs coming. Or maybe I am just a hoarder! :)

Still Here

2011-07-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

I have had a full summer, its been go go go but I think about mid August it should slow down. I Just Was part of a GREAT class, Torn Paper Collage, in Plains Texas. Taught by Suzy Powell. These pictures are the results. The cupcake is already on the wall of the studio, and the "atar" picture still has a little work it is for Ryley. I know he is only 2 but hopefully years down the line he will love it!! I have plans on adding wires and brads to make it look real, and be a little more dimensional. This is something I think I could do more of. I just wish I could tie the jewelry in with it.
During the class I learned a little about keeping up on blogs, so I really hop I can do it. Might take some prodding but I have the best intentions!!

So Far Behind . .

2011-06-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well I am so far behind I could never catch up, so I will just have to start over!! Things around here never seem to slow down enough to get done what needs to be done, let alone do what I want to do. After a frustrating look for something in the studio, I realized I had way to many started projects. So with that in mind I did some "re-organizing" I took a good look at the UFOs (UN finished objects) and made some decisions. I took some apart, the ones I knew were there because I really did not like them. Finished some and took the rest and bagged each one together with all components to finish them. When I was finished, it was not so overwhelming!! Thinking I would finish all them before starting new ones... well that flew out the window!

I have intentions on setting a website up but I seem to be a bit slacking in that area too! So I am sharing some photos of what is done. Hope you enjoy!

Treasures

2011-03-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have been working on some new projects, along with finding some new stuff! These are my newest treasures.
the little doll and pencils were found at an antique mall / flea market. Unfortunately this was the best things I could find. Not sure what they will be ( the pencils) but the little doll, she has become my studio buddy! Now the fork...Well it was found in the Parking lot at Hastings. It has been totally flattened, and has great texture. Not sure what I am going to do with it, but I know I could not just leave it there, lonely in that parking lot. Any suggestions?
I will have more pics of some new stuff, they are on my camera, and its at my daughters.

Jewelry Making Classes Online at Beaducation: The Blog: National Craft Month Contest Week 3

2011-03-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

Jewelry Making Classes Online at Beaducation: The Blog: National Craft Month Contest Week 3: " I am loving this month of giveaways. What better way to celebrate National Craft Month? The weekly giveaways continue. Our Class..."

life

2010-11-10T17:08:00.001-08:00

Its been forever since I have been on here, I so want to keep up with this, but it just gets past me. I did have a lot of fun with my umbrella, and it sold in silent auction for $100.00 I would have loved to keep it, but I guess I will just have to make me another one. Yea I know.. Like that will ever happen.
I don't have any new pictures to share, I have not really made anything, I think I am in technique mode. I want to try something, so I try it, realize i can do it, then put it away. I have been playing a lot with seed beads and loving that. But it really takes a lot more time, something I tend to keep losing.
There is lots of things I want to do, but the creativity is not there, or maybe it is the drive. I have tons of found art stuff, you know all the old stuff and that is really the way I want to go, but sometimes I get overwhelmed trying to figure out what items to use. I love all my little containers and drawers, but I hate going through every thing just to find the right thing. Anyone have any suggestions for me?? well back to cleaning up the stack of plates I just broke!
One extra note I have been moving some of my knotted stuff and my "10" necklace. for those of you who don't remember it I added a picture.

Progress on the umbrella....

2010-08-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

So many have asked about my newest project the umbrella. It really is one of my favorite things I have done in a long time next to jewelry of course. It just is taking more time than I thought it would. My arms get really tired drawing, with nothing to support them. Here are the newest pics of my project so far. I still have a problem... It needs, or I want it to have a name. It is all in black and white, has words and quotes, flowers and tons of swirls!! It will have clear sparkly crystals all along the spines too. Any suggestions??? PLEASE !!

30 Years

2010-08-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

Been back home now about a week, Spent several days in Ruidoso NM. We went for our 30Th anniversary. All of our special anniversaries seem to end up in small quiet places. This one was no exception! It was a fun little town with tons of little shops, good food, and some great entertainment. Even a couple of casino, but we never even ventured into those. Did go see Inn of The Mountain Gods Casino... Very pretty, But the lake it is on is a way better view. I had no idea I could be in the mountains and see such pretty stuff in less than 5 hours from home. I forgot the camera, so all I have are phone pictures. Now mind you, It rained most of the time we were there, but that never hampered anyone, just seen lots of umbrellas every where.

Stolen moments.

2010-07-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

It seems to have been a busy week, yet, I can not point out any one reason for it, or thing I accomplished. Been going a lot, I drive about 400 miles a week, but that is a great time for ideas to come to mind. Not sure if it is because my mind is more open, or an evil plan, since I can not jot them down real quick. The first half of this week has been spent with my Mr. Ryley, he stayed at grandma and grandpas so he could go to his heart Dr. appt. He is doing GREAT!! growing and is where he should be for an almost 1 year old! Not much art done this week since I have had my little helper and believe me he can and will help with everything!!

I have been able to steal a few moments here and there to work on my umbrella project. You can only work for so long then your arms get tired, there is no way to rest them, when you are doodling on this surface. I am having a real blast with this, it has been a while since I doodle this much and this big. I am needing a name for this, so if anyone has any suggestions, I am all ears!I do have some things in mind, mostly key words, but All input is appreciated, naming is not my thing!

to the point of finish

2010-07-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Still working on getting all those UFO's (un finished objects) caught up, some have not made it into the finished pile, they have been dismantled. Sometimes I wonder what was I thinking when I started that or why did I think those even remotely worked together. maybe that is why they were never finished. I think there are a couple still lurking in a drawer but I am fairly sure I have finished up what I want to finish. I kind of wonder if I am trying to avoid any "new" designs by doing this. I do get inspired while working on a project, but only to the point of sketching it down. I think I am still trying to figure out what to do with me!!
This is another one of the knotting I have been doing, this one is mine. It is made in blues and creams, with some special dangles given to me by a very dear person. I finally made me something in Blue, guess its because I bought a blue shirt.

This is one of the last UFO's I think I have or at least the last one I want to work on.This one a lot of parts, I know the picture isn't all that great, but it is a really pretty piece.

This really don't look like much now, but I am working on a project for the LCCA grand opening. (center for the arts) They are having area artists decorate umbrellas. Kind of cool I think. These 2 pictures are of the progress so far... got a long way to go yet, I am doodling the entire thing, then I have a TON of sparkly crystals to sew all over it. I hope it works as well in real life as it does in my head!

2010-07-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a safe 4Th of July. Here in my part of the world things were really quiet and I really liked it, rain and all despite my plentiful comments about my fish swimming away. I spent most of the weekend in the studio, still working on odds and ends, but I think that is my need for now. Seems like I can't start much that doesn't turn into cleaning out or organizing some other stash of beads, box of broken vintage jewelry or just plain stuff. I did get some new pictures taken of my "bits and Pieces" a lot of my component's have finally made their way into some finished designs. I am really working towards something more than stringing, I like to play/experiment so the component concept allows me the freedom of playing. I have made several really unique things just with my bowl of misfits.

2010-06-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

WOW Its been a while, I have been busy. I think my family is all settled in and theirs and my life's are starting a "routine". First on my mind is my Little Ryley, he is doing great! There were a lot of rough times to start with, but now we get to enjoy all the accomplishments. The crawling' the walking, The teeth and the getting into everything, etc.
I have spent a lot of time just setting in the studio, trying to find/decide just what I want to do, The first came a major overhaul of the studio. Including getting rid of a lot of stuff that was only being "stored". I think that while I was cleaning my muse took it as a sign to go on vacation. She was spotted in Jamaica with some fruity drinks and cabana boys. But she has made it home, She is being a little stubborn, not sure she like the changes in "her" room, but she is getting there. For the past couple of weeks, I have mostly worked on finishing started projects, some got finished, some tore apart. But I have been really playing and enjoying my cleaner and slightly better organized studio. I have a few designs I want to share, some more Knotting with pearls and semi-precious stones, but adding some found elements to them. Sometimes when I am not sure what to do, I make components , that's what I have done all this week, I have hammered, dapped, hammered, drilled, wired, cut holes and then hammered some more.

2010-04-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Wow It has been awhile since i posted. I have been working at making my life mine again. I think I am just about there. My grandson, Ryley, is doing great Has had his 2nd surgery , growing like a weed and doing everything a baby should be. I have started back into playing with my stuff again. I call it stuff, as I am not sure which direction I am going with it. I am going to have a booth at the antique mall here again. I hope to have that ready next week. I went through a lot of my finished pieces, and have made a mind boggling decision. I am going to tear apart about 90 % of it. I am so tired of it, and I really am not out much by doing so. I am sure I got joy out of making them. Now I will get joy out of deconstructing them and finding new treasures in the materials.
I have been teaching at Beads and More again, and I am working on some new designs. Its a mix of all different stuff, some metalwork, knotting and seed beads . Also a lot of "components" When I have no idea what I want to do, or too many to start, I do "components" and eventually they get worked into something.

2009-09-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here is picture of the newest member of our family, the reason for my lack of time for creativity

2009-08-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have been a little slack in posting, been a lot going on in life, and have not had the time or desire to post or create. But it is coming back. I have been doing a lot of teaching lately, and have included some pics of the freeform class I worked so hard preparing for!! ( way worth it tho) Also a picture of my newest project with peyote. I have always thought there must be some way to do the wire and stitching together, and I think I got it!! No new "vintage stuff" It's still here, just can not apply myself to it right now. I did get this really large basket full of mohair sample and have played around with adding that to beads. Way cool!!! So things are getting back into the swing of things, Just in time for our new addition to take up my time. So stay tuned to my profile, Soon it will read..... Grandma to Ryley!! (monday)

2009-07-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

This necklace was not made by me, But by dear friends Lisa and Dedri, with a little input from me. Is it not awesome. many treasures and cool beads make this a keepsake for them to share forever. We have had many good times during our "Play Days" With more to follow, just a little more work to get the play dates set up now!! :)

This is another one of my earlier designs, I Have been inspired by many artists in my designs, and always try to take off on my own doing the things that fill my mind and eventually my journal pages. This was a Birthday gift, for Lisa, Designed with her in mind. I used many things that I felt about her. I know she loves it and wears it proudly.

2009-07-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Wow 2 great mail days in a row. Good for me, sad for my check book! Lots of new fun things to add to my ever growing stash. I am not sure why I think I need to order more things, I could / should use up some of my many things hiding in drawers, boxes, baskets, bottles, and bags. But where is the fun in that. Those things I know I have, these other items are new treasures. And I have been in the need for some new fun things going on.
This new photo is my newest design. Not finished quite yet I have a few more items I want to add, along with some, I have yet to find. Told Gary tonight I am due for a good junk day, I have started a list of things I need to find just to finish the designs I have started.
Back to this photo, I have another one in this style sketched out, some on paper, some in my mind. Do you not think this would make the most unusual and awesome rosary. Guess it would have to be for the right person, I am not very knowledgeable about rosarys, just in the making of this design that is the direction my mind was going. Just really need to find more items to fit the theme. Any suggestions welcome.

2009-07-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today I mixed several art forms, I did collage, Paper art, wire working and beads! These are a few of the pieces I did today. The necklace has many components in it lace, silk, brass wire, vintage jewelry and old watch parts. Also there is all the cutting, gluing, drilling and wrapping. Despite all the fun, I learned several lessons...
Metal gets hot while drilling..
Wire can poke you..
Exacto Knifes have sharp blades !!
Now these are not lessons thatI didn't already know, just was not prepared to be reminded all in one day. I have tons of these cool components made up and now I get to start putting things together. It seems the more parts I make the more ideas I get. I keep my journal near me most times while working to jot down the many ideas. If not for my journal, I would never remember them all. Now my journal is a whole other entry!!

2009-07-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

I found these great little muslin bags, and have decorated them to go with the fun new jewelry I am working on. So every piece of jewelry can have its own little happy bag. Guess this goes along with my thinking that every necklace needs a companion necklace and every bracelet needs its own companion too. This all comes from the girl who played with ALL her barbies at once so none of their feelings would be hurt. You would think at some point in my life I would stop this thinking.. But Nope... Who ever said less is more, Never met me!

2009-07-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

My bug Pins. Several of these bugs have flown away from home and this is the only one I have left. I have more wings drying right now, But they still have a ways to go before being complete. Some of the new ones are done with dictionary pages, I was gifted a worn out, yellow, falling apart dictionary and have been using it lovingly. I did get a chance to do a little junking this weekend, here and the internet. I have lots of fun new things, I just need top get the brain caught up with the buying. Hope to spend the next few days working up some new components. Seems just making different components helps me see things working together.

2009-07-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

I have a few more pictures to share. I will be getting them up slowly so stay tuned! Yesterdays picture has already been sold. This is one of a kind but others could be made in the same style. Just remember, its found STUFF so there may never be another item like the one you fell in love with.
I have a lot of new found STUFF, just picked up a new piece today. Cute little mess purse pendant.

2009-06-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

2009-06-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

2009-06-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

With the prodding of a few friends, I am giving a try at blogging. I am working on a new line of jewelry that I have been doing for sometime, but only for friends and myself. After many requests of where can I get it I have decided to do more.