Expect the Unexpected

The weather has turned bitter cold at my house.
I'm staying inside where it's cozy and warm !
Most of my flower inspiration has been coming from photos and my memory.But, I did venture outside to enjoy my yard with a sparkling dusting of snow. I'm so glad I did!
I discovered a tiny treasure,a frozen rose bud made more beautiful with a coating of frost !

I was hoping to find some winter white inspiration in my snowy garden. But, I found something unexpected ! I love the mulberry tones of the frozen rose bud. And I love the special sparkle the frost gives it . In the summer these roses are pink and velvety.
I never expected to find one lone bud in my winter garden.
It's unique look really inspired me . All week I've been working in a mulberry palette . I've been adding metallic inks and glass micro beads to add that frosty feeling.
The color seems a bit Victorian to me . Nice for last minute Christmas designs!Perfect for some old fashioned Valentines Day creations ! Funny how beaders are always looking ahead to the next holiday!

Holidays are a time for tradition .They are a time to celebrate cherished rituals .
This is the time of the year I want to enjoy all the expected holiday treats and trimmings!
But , in the midst of your celebration
don't forget to keep an eye out for the unexpected
and be sure to
Bead Happy !
m.e.

Holiday Romance

For me Christmas is a time for spiritual reflection . It is a time to celebrate the magic of childhood. It is a time to celebrate the joy of good friends and family .
It is also the season of shopping ,decorating and cookie baking !!!

But, I've been thinking that to me " Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more "

This week my dear hubby patiently helped hang the lights,greens and other various "have to have up for the holidays" decor. I am a confessed Holiday Over Decorator.I have HOD!Helping me is no small feat.My hubby is patient as the gift buying $$$ go flying out of our budget every time I hit "pay now " . Most of all ,he is patient with my holiday excitement and high stress level.

When I was younger I measured "how much does he love me " by things like dates ,dollars ,gifts and flowers! . Now I'm much older and I hope wiser.I realize love is better measured by the being there,the patience and the support.
For me love=laughter,especially the ability to laugh together at life's little trials and tribulations.
I did have to kiss my share of frogs . But, I did find my prince!

So I've been thinking, that Christmas is a time for Romance.
Maybe it's the wine and flowers romance of a new love.
Maybe it's patient pleasures of many years together.
But, it is a season of Romance all the same.
this week it's time to hang the mistletoe
hug your honey
and
bead happy!
m.e.

Thankful

I had a wonderful, warm and restful trip. This post is a bit late.That's because ,I returned home to find my computer had gone wonky!
How can something break when it's not even being used?
My son mumbled and grumbled.But, he finally has it working !!! whewww...that's one thing I'm thankful for ! Of course, I have many more important things to be thankful for as well . I won't bore you with my list.Suffice it to say, I am healthy,happy and so is my family !

While I was a way, I visited the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.The place is a true treasure chest of tropical flora and fauna.The garden also has a collection of Cuban "chug's".These boats were ingenuously crafted from whatever was at hand and used to flee Cuba. One could imagine these packed tight with people, willing to risk so much, just hoping to find a life with more freedom and opportunity.It was a very humbling experience. A reminder not to take my Thanksgiving Day for granted.

The weather in Key West was amazing !!! PERFECT!!! I really relaxed and soaked up the sun! I brought home some great holiday gifts and some not so great Extra pounds ! Key West has so many fabulous restaurants! I also returned home with heart and head full of tropical bright,romantic night and sea-ational inspirations.
I'll have to keep my ideas on hold for now . There is turkey to eat ,and then more shopping to do! One of the joys (or maybe hazards )of selling on ETSY & Artfire is that, while I tend my own shop, I find the most wonderful handmade gifts in the other stores !! I'll be shopping at my key board this year .I know I can find a gift that is unique and very special for everyone on my list.! And I won't even have to get out my PJ's !!!
Provided my computer keeps working ,I'll be back on Dec .4 to visit with you .Until then,
Have a Wonderful Holiday,
Enjoy an extra piece of the pie
Count your blessings
and
Bead Happy !
m.e.

A Frosty Focus

Brrrrrrr....Morning Frost on my garden this week! The bright annual plants are gone.The frost creates a sparkling fairyland in the early morning hours. My garden is now clothed only in shades of green . I have been enjoying working with this palette. Green florals have been popping up all over my work table !
I love the change of seasons . The crisp morning air and frosty foliage do inspire me.
This season has a more subtle beauty than it's flamboyant sister Summer. Late Autumn seems to invite me to slow down . It says to me relax ,rest , restore .
As winter approaches I like to get comfy, cozy and create . I make most of my holiday items in late summer and early autumn. By this time of year I am usually able to kick back a bit .
This year I need to recuperate and recover.This fall both my husband and myself had surgeries.Last week a good friend died very suddenly and unexpectedly.
Most years I welcome frosty mornings and the promise of snowy days ahead.Normally I relish time to work with the colors of the season...deep jewel tones , bright whites, subtle muted blends. But, this year I need a quick dose and Sunshine and Bright color !
I just need enough to perk me up after a difficult Autumn. Tomorrow My hubby and I are flying off to the Florida Keys for a Week of Warmness !!! We go there yearly to scuba dive. But, I'm still not 100% after my surgery .This visit I'm just going to soak up Sun and Fun.I hope to take my Muse along to capture a bit of the colorful Keys.I 'll be wanting to use it after the holidays.That's when my bead creations will need to jump into Spring /Summer mode !
I'll be back here next Sunday to share the inspiration I find .
If you're still in Holiday overdrive
this week take a moment to relax
enjoy the signs of the season
and
Bead Happy, m.e.


PS: my shops will stay open while I'm away .I'll be able to answer any inquires and I will be listing new items. I will be mailing any purchases on Monday 11/22.

Seasonal Sensations

Time for PCAGOE'S monthly challenge! This month's the theme is "Seasonal"
Members have created Awesome Autumn and Wonderful Winter creations !
Check them out! Voting starts November 1
http://www.pcagoechallenge.blogspot.com/
Don't forget you can win GREAT prizes just for voting !!!

My entry is a tribute to Winter's special beauty.I made a Winter Wonderland Bib pendant in a Poinsettia design.I chose a Snowy day pallet of white and silver highlighted with lot's of Icy Swarkie crystals.Amazing how colorful and bright these neutral tones can seem!Simply strung on a lovey ribbon or enhanced with lot's of beads and bling,I think this would be a perfect necklace for the Holidays !!!

I usually have a finished design in my mind when I am making beads and pendants. When they go to new homes, I wonder if their final use will be anything like I imagined. For me that's part of the special magic of creating jewelry components. I give each piece a start and someone else gives it life! Unfortunately I don't often get to see the buyer's finished designs . I am always extremely thrilled when someone shares pictures of a finished piece with me ! I am so happy when I see that my bead babies have good homes !

Make someone smile,
take a moment to share some of your creations this week !
and
Bead Happy ,
m.e.

Amusing Muse

I always love working with polymer clay. I find the creation process FUN . But,there are times I seem to be especially amused by the process. I have really been enjoying making my new"Bib "style pendants.These larger pendants give me more space to"play in the garden "

Outside my window,my summer garden is fading into lovely muted hues . As the garden prepares for a long winters rest , it has a special subtle beauty . I thought this week I would create a sort of "understated statement" piece . I was imagining a pendant inspired by my changing garden. I started out by arranging some clay blends in the colors I was finding in my garden .I sorted out shades of red from lipstick red to deep maroon . Greens from dark forest to a black pearl .My intention was to combine some of these shades for a pleasant muted palette .

But, my muse was looking over my shoulder . Sometimes she gets in a VERY mischievous mood !
While I was trying to pick warm restful shades ,she was whispering about wild and romantic !!!
As usual Ms. Muse got her way! I put the muted colors back on the shelf .
I kept out the lipstick red and pearl black . My design idea morphed from subtle to sensational !
I ended up with a Midnight Rose Romantic design.Not at all what I originally imagined.But, a fun and fanciful creation none the less!!!
I 'm not sure if it's always wise. But, I do always listen to my muse .
Do you ?
Does your muse ever lead you astray ?
This week let your muse lead you to the unexpected
and
Bead Happy , m.e. :)

Time for Some Changes

My apologies to those of you who read this little blog .I try to post something new each Saturday. But, last week I was just too exhausted. I discovered I had been suffering from pneumonia as a result of my surgery 5 weeks ago!I'm on a round of antibiotics and feeling much better now !

Autumn has arrived in Maryland .I can't get enough of the beautiful foliage .The photo above is a view from the back door of my work place . Almost makes it worth going to work... LOL!!!!
I'm looking forward to a trip to my favorite orchard. Time for fresh cider and all the wonderful apple varies the grocery stores just don't carry. Pumpkins in all sizes and colorful mums are everywhere. Time for cozy sweaters and soon a warm fire in the fireplace at night .

Bead and jewelry designers do have to stay ahead of the market. I've been making Fall Fashion creations for weeks . I was working on autumn leaves when the temperature was 99 degrees!
Now that The air is crisp and cool ,I suddenly have desired for some summer memories.
I've been working on a new style , large collar style pendants . I love them !I can fit a entire garden on one pendant ! I am really having fun with these !
They look lovely strung on simple ribbon or cording . I know there are some jewelry designers who will add beads and bling for fabulous BIG fashion statements !

This week I also opened a new shop at "Artfire " . Click the icon on the right to visit me there . I'm still tweaking and trying to figure out all the features.
Artfire has lots of terrific shops and I 'm excited to be a part of it .

This week take time to check out some new vendors
You might find some very special items for the Holidays !
and be sure to ...
Bead Happy ! m.e. :)