Beaded Bracelet in Progress!

I've been working on making these beaded heart charms for a bracelet that was designed by Julie Ann Smith (http://www.angelamps.net/) who is an extremely talented lady. I was so excited to find the pattern, after having seen a woman wearing one she had made at San Gabriel Bead Co. on Wednesday. I had gone out there to get some jewelry supplies and while perusing the Swarovski crystals, a customer came up and started chatting with the lady who was helping me. We were admiring the beaded jewelry she was wearing that she had made and I especially noticed the bracelet she had on. When I got home, I googled a few search terms and actually found the bracelet! I couldn't believe it. I actually found it through a really net website called "Bead-Patterns The Magazine" (http://www.bead-patternsmag.com/catalog/) where you can purchase patterns. I then googled the artist and found her website. Wow, is she talented. She not only designs beading patterns, but makes beautiful lampwork beads, is an artist, and even designs fabric! You should check out her website.

The pattern calls for Delica beads, which I don't have too many of, so I ordered the colors I need for this bracelet. I have LOTS of seed beads, so I decided to try making up a bracelet with those, since I won't receive the Delicas until probably Tuesday or Wednesday and I didn't want to wait that long to get started! I went through my stash of seed beads and picked out the colors I liked and got my supplies together. I love the bright, happy colors of the hearts and especially the cute black and white "checkerboard" border. I started working on the beaded hearts yesterday and so far I've got 7 done and have just started working on the 8th. Seed beads are more time-consuming to work with, as they are not perfectly-shaped and sized like Delicas, however I do like the effect with them. The bracelet calls for 11 hearts in total. I should hopefully have them done by this evening, since I have the entire day free to bead (yay!!!) and then will begin working on making up the crystal charms and picking out some chain for the bracelet. I'll keep you posted with my progress. This is one bracelet that I know I will wear all the time, as I love hearts and crystals!

A Sunday Visitor

As I was doing chores this morning, I walked by the window and saw this guy visiting the birdbath. He/She is a Cooper's Hawk that I have so cleverly have nicknamed "Cooper" (I know, I'm a dork) who visits about once every week or so for a little while. The yard gets very quiet and all other birds are nowhere to be found, and for good reason! I think its eyes are so piercing - that orange color is so amazing! These pictures turned out pretty good, considering I had to take them through the blinds and the window. It stayed for about five minutes, allowing me to get some good photos, and then flew off. Just thought I'd share these photos of this amazing bird with all of you.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday.

Win a Quilt

Dana over at Old Red Barn Co. is having a quilt giveaway. Just click on the link here and it will take you to the blog post where she explains how to enter: http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/2008/07/win-this-quilt.html Good Luck!

I've been so busy with work that I haven't had a chance to do anything crafty, but I'm hoping that will change soon! Work is good, but I miss my crafting time. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.

Close Encounter of the Crafty Type

I had a very pleasant encounter of the crafty type with Cathy Filian of DIY's "Creative Juice" (http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/press/article/0,,DIY_13703_3793650,00.html) yesterday at a local JoAnns. I was on my way out of the store and saw something else that I needed, so I grabbed it and got back in line. A cute redhead standing at the checkout looked very familiar to me and as soon as she spoke, I realized who she was. Cathy is just as sweet and bubbly in "real life" as she is on "Creative Juice". I was in back of her in line and took the opportunity to tell her that I really enjoyed the show. We spoke for a few minutes about the show, the upcoming CHA show in Chicago this month, and the fact that it's never too early to be shopping for Halloween and Christmas fabric in July! She was shopping for Halloween fabric for a kid's project that she will be working on, as CHA's theme this summer is kids. As she was leaving she thanked me for watching the show and said that it was very nice to have met me. I told her that it was a pleasure for me as well, and that I will be watching for the 13 new episodes of "Creative Juice" that begin airing this September (I'm not sure if they will be on HGTV or DIY Network).

It's fun to unexpectedly encounter a "celebrity" who is really down to earth and excited about what they're doing, and is willing to take the time to talk to you. I enjoying talking to people, no matter who they are, who are passionate about their craft!

Happy Fourth of July!

This is a little early, but I wanted to wish everyone here in the U.S. a wonderful Fourth of July. I hope you enjoy the day, whatever you do.

Halloween in July!

It all started with a trip to the quilt shop for some Sulky Water Soluble Stabilizer, which I got, but when I saw these Halloween fabrics they had just gotten in, I had to have some. I love the graphics on these fabrics. The fabric in the bottom photo reminds me of vintage Halloween decorations from the 50s and 60s! I am going to cut out the motifs to sew onto the orange plastic mesh "fabric" to make a tote bag. I got the idea from one they had made up as a beach tote. I bought the novelty yarns to crochet a fun border along the top. The fact that most everything in the store is 40% off was just an added bonus! I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the fabric in the middle photo yet. I may make up some cute little fabric thumbtacks or magnets that are made with those little clear glass pebbles. I just couldn't pass it up - I especially love the little skulls! Have I mentioned that I am partial to skulls - that may seem creepy to some people, but I've always loved Day of the Dead sugar skulls and the skeletons that are dressed-up (I can't remember what they are called).

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. For those of us that live in the U.S., I can't believe the Fourth of July is this Friday already, can you?! We usually have a BBQ with my brother, sister-in-law and my two adorable nephews and then watch the fireworks from our neighbor's yard that our high school has every year. We have a great view. It's the perfect ending to a fun day spent with family.

What plans do you have to celebrate this Fourth? Whatever you do, have a safe and wonderful Fourth!