Wedding Daze....

Yes, I got up at 4 am on Friday to watch the Royal Wedding !
I spent several hours in the fairy tale world of British pomp and circumstance .
I will admit, I completely enjoyed the break from my normal daily routine .
I eagerly  waited to see THE dress and THE kiss!
I thought both worth my wait .
I really enjoyed the fashion show of hats both lovely and not so lovely !
I was mesmerized by the ceremony, the music and the splendor of the setting .

For just a while the stark realities of  other world news and the hum drum chores of daily life were forgotten.
When I went to work in the afternoon, I found the morning shift had created their own "fascinator" using vet-wrap,gauze,cotton-balls and other veterinary supplies!
I should have taken a picture for you ! It was splendid !!!
We all took turns wearing it! We spent much of the afternoon perusing the inter-net critiquing the wedding guest's choice of outfits .The clients  eagerly joined in ! We had our own little post wedding party ! LOL!!!

Working with sick animals has it's own burden of stress .
This was a nice break for the staff .
It gave the client's just a moment to wonder at someone's choice of hat instead of worrying about their pet .
Today I have hustle to catch up with the laundry.
I'm really behind on my bead production schedule .
But, I don't regret my time spent "at the Wedding ".
Once in while I think an escape from daily routine is a good  for us. 
Our lives are filled with so much we feel  must be accomplished.
The world is full of serious issues and events  to be dealt with .
A little mini vacation from everyday life can't help but refresh us and make us better able to face the realities of our existence.
This week take your own mini vacation
and
Bead Happy ,

m.e.

Hyacinths

One of my mother's favorite quotes' was this
“If, of thy mortal goods, thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left, 
Sell one and from the dole,
Buy Hyacinths to feed the soul”    Muslih-uddin Sadi
She taught us to remember to give ourselves a "Hyacinth" now and then 
She wasn't referring to the flower ,but rather to those special things in life we need to nourish our minds,our hearts...
our souls 
In the busy work a day world, we rush from place to place,
from  one task to anther .
Often we forget to take a moment for ourselves,a moment to read a good book,view a piece of art, feel the sunshine on our face....
In today's economy  most of us are watching every penny .
We feel guilty to use even the smallest part of our budget for anything but the essential "bread "of life.
We forget we also need to the feed our soul .

Times in my life when I was really feeling down ,my mother would remind me ..."you need a little hyacinth "
She would somehow find the money for the smallest treasure...maybe just a  bottle of  pretty nail polish or a new lipstick . And those things did make me feel better !
They reminded me to find some joy in every little thing and to remember tomorrow would be a new day. 

These days my  "hyacinths " are often moments spent connecting with my beadie  friends . I love seeing their latest creations! 
I might buy just one really special  bead to hold and admire. 

On Easter Sunday my children will give me a real hyacinth flower to remember their Grandmother and her wisdom . They do this every year .
I hope her descendants will always value the importance of feeding both the body and the soul .

this week 
take a moment 
treat yourself to a special "hyacinth"
and 
Bead Happy,
  m.e.

 

       

7000 Bracelets of Hope

     If you have visited my blog before, you know that I often marvel at the wonderful  connections our beads bring us .
Because of our interest in beads, we make friends the world over !

This week my  beads are bringing me a chance to connect with a very important cause.The Global Genes Project has organized  7000 Bracelets of Hope  http://www.globalgenesproject.org/
Beaders are coming together to make bracelets for people whose lives have been touched by rare diseases . It's a wonderful opportunity to reach out to a stranger with a message of hope and caring. I am very grateful  to be able to make this connection .

I feel that my bracelet design was just meant to be a part of this. When Lori Anderson announced she would hold a blog hop in connection with this project I immediately signed up .Yes I know , I 'm at the very bottom of the list ...that's due an e-mail mess up !
I joined... but, I had no idea what kind of  bracelet design I could make ???
I  don't make bracelets very often.But,the rules for this project were few ,just make a  jeans inspired bracelet  from mostly  blue components.Did I have anything that would work???
I'll admit I often buy things with no purpose in mind.
I buy them because they are good deal, or better yet on $ale!

I remembered I did have some lovey sodalite ovals in nice jean blue shades!Searching through my stash,I found the perfect thing to add....a "Green Girls" pewter  link that said "SEEK WISDOM"
and I had one of their toggles that matched !!!
 All of these were impulse buys from Lima Beads
"Big Green Bead Machine "Crazy Deals feature!
http://www.limabeads.com/?ad=700&gclid=CL-EspOnnqgCFUvd4Aod5nqmHw
I think  these  components were just waiting for this project!
The message is just right for my bracelet !
The hope for better understanding and treatment of rare diseases certainly  depends on a quest for wisdom and knowledge. 
I hope that my bracelet will let someone know that  there are people who care very much about them and about this cause .
The  quest for wisdom  and knowledge  takes many, many  dollars .
Our  donations  large or small can help .
this week consider ways you can help
Global Genes or your favorite charity
and Bead Happy,

m.e.

Visit these blogs to see more wonderful bracelets created for this cause !!!
Bracelet Blog Hop
 1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle
3.  Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym
4.  Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365
5.  Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
6.  Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
7.  Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry
8.  Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
9.  Amy Severino, Amy's Beads
10.  Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride

11.  Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions
12.  Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio
13.  Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading
14.   Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl
15.  Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
16.  Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae
17.  Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
18.  Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
19.  Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!
20.  Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef

21.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
23.  Carrie Tahquechi,  Carrie T
24.  Deci Worland, Gem Trails
25.  Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium 
26.  Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
27.  Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio 
28.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
29.  Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady 
30.  Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs 


31.  Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux  
32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads 
33.  Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread 
34.  Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde 
35.  Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre 
36.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me 
37.  Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co. 
38.  Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie 
39.  CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations 
40.  Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash 

41.  Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box 
42.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs 
43.  Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn 
44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle 
45.  Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio 
46.  Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
47.  Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads
48.  Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral
49.  Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel
50.  Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry


52.  Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
53.  Andrea Robinson,  Madame Magpie's Shiny Things
54.  John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry
55.  Breana Fry, Vault 31
56.  Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
57.  Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie
59.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
60.  Heather Pyle, Aquariart

61.  Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs
62.  Dee Gordon, Runako Designs
63.  Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
64.  Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings
65.  Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
66.  Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
67.  Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
68.  Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
69.  Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
70.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman


71.  Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
72.  Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads
73.  Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
74.  Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
75.  Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
76.  Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee
77.  Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
78.  Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design
79.  Sally Russick, WireWorked
80.  Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter 


81.  KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads
82.  Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana
83.  Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love 
84.  Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy 
85.  Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
86.  Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures
87.  Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats
88.  Deb Beechy, Beetique
89.  Marian Hertzog, M's Place
90.  Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts


91.  Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
92.  Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio
 93.  Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields
94.  Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
95.  Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
96.  Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations
97.  Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter
98.  Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
99.  Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio
100.  Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores 

101.  Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets 
102.  Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
103.  Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
104.  Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof
105.  Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals
106.  Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
107.  Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
108.  Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks
109.  Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading
110.  Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne


 111.  Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra
112.  Mary Ellen Parker,  BeeTree by m.e. you are here !!!

Form and Function

Plum  Blossoms Necklace

This month's ABS inspiration painting is  "Finches and Bamboo" by Emperor Huisong .
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-monthly-challenge.html
The moment I saw it ,I knew I wanted to create a design with  flowing  branches.The ABS challenge always gives me an opportunity for a mini art lesson . I did a bit of  "Google-ing"  for Chinese art  to see what I could learn .I decided the recuring Plum Blossom theme would give me chance to make my beloved flowers and to grab some of  the wonderful red from the painting .
So I had my idea  ...graceful  swags  of  leaves and deep red  flowers. But, how to transform  that idea into a wearable piece of jewelry ???
Admittedly some museum  or Paris runway  designs  don't seem influenced by any practical  applications at all!!!
However, most artists who design jewelry  try to balance art form with practical  function.
It's not enough to create something wonderful to look at.
We try to  create something that is actually wearable!
Sometimes that's a problem ! Your muse comes up with a truely  wondrous idea. But ,how the heck can it become a usable  piece of jewelry ???

There are times when construction skills and tecniques are good to know . There are times when it might be better not to realize something isn't possible . Often if you don't realize that a thing can't be done ,you will find a way to do it it ...somehow !!!
That was the case with my design . I had no idea how to make  my vision come to life.I just started laying out components, wrapping and bending wire .Many  hours and much wasted wire latter "Plum Blossoms " was born!

But, now for the final test . Since I work at a veterinary hospital,
I don't often test things by wearing them to work ! Instead I wore my new necklace around the house for several hours .Turned out it is very light weight and hangs quite nicely ....even if you are loading a dishwasher .LOL! A reasonably successful attempt at balance of form and function !Yeah!!!  I will be wearing it to my daughter's College Graduation in May !

this week think about  ways to create function  without compromising form 
and
Bead Happy ,

m.e.

Pot of Gold

 I began selling my polymer clay creations because I was running out of friends and relatives to give them too!!!
If you feel compelled to keep making  stuff , at some point you may need to find an outlet for your work . On -line selling seemed to be a perfect fit for me . I could run my "shop " however I liked, whenever I liked .My market place would be the Whole World !!! Best of all, I could do all  this at home in my comfy clothes ...coffee cup in hand !!!
Somewhere along the line, I realized I might even make a profit !!!
Perhaps there was a pot of gold at the end of the inter-net rainbow!

I suppose I do work hard at my little  bead  business. I  devote many hours to making and merchandising.

But, it never really feels like work ! I  Loved the making  part before I started selling .The merchandising part  turns out to be more like a series of "executive lunches" ...lots great time spent chatting and sharing with other Beadie people. I also spend  a  lot of time checking out other shops ,web sites and blogs.

Wonder of wonders , I DO make sales and I DO make some money  

But , Profit ????  

I guess I could make a little profit . But ,while I'm checking out the competition or searching for inspiration,I keep seeing wonderful things I "need"! 

Paypal puts some Gold in the pot, I hit "buy now" and out it goes !!!

So is my pot at the end of the Rainbow  empty ???

Not at all !!! It is filled with friendships and fun !

Countless Golden hours spent learning ,sharing and creating !

I believe there  is a true pot of Gold at the end of my inter-net Rainbow !!!

What's at the end of your personal Rainbow ?

this week take a moment to count your ''Gold "

and

Bead Happy,

m.e.