We go from rain to glorious sunshine here in the Northwest. Above is a picture just a few days ago as I was off to the beach to pick up my daughter from her sailing lesson. Today we have beautiful sunshine. I am anxiously awaiting the listing of ArtFest classes that will be posted tomorrow. I hope to hear from some of you if you plan on attending. Also drop me a line if you will be at Art & Soul in Portland or ArtFiberFest in Port Townsend in October. I would love to meet or see you again.

If you haven't read the Somerset Blogging issue...go out and get it. A ton of eye candy and thoughtful writing on why these artists blog. I had posted on a blog of one of the writers about her comments pertaining to being photographed, and she emailed me back almost immediatley...how cool is that. Blogging makes our world so small and I love how it connects us all. If you read a blog regularly be sure and post a note to say "Hi!". I think we all wonder is anyone reading this? I believe blogging has replaced the sewing bees that used to happen years ago. A way to connect even if virtually with other artsy souls.

I met with a back specialist after my MRI and I will be on medication and physical therapy for a while and hope to get back to normal and if not...then other option is an epidural. Last option is disk replacement, but I am seriously praying that will not be necessary.

Here is hoping you are enjoying the weather in your area!

Hello again my dear friends and visitors! I have been away, but have not forgotten you. I know it has been a while, but all my trips are done until August. So I have some catching up to do.


ARTNEST
Perhaps I have been delaying my post on this since I have not found the right words to articulate how wonderful it was. Candice and Julie hosted a wonderful and personal event. They looked after every detail and it was wondeful. Four days in a cabin with truly wonderful ladies. Dinner on the deck every evening with linens and dishes it was a special. Some quick memories...Shari causing me to laugh so hard my side hurt, meeting Rebecca at the airport her warm and caring spirit shining through her wonderful smile, sitting next to Misty in Kristin's class and her graciously tolerating my silly sense of humor. Passing by the Osmond Family Studio and remembering fond childhood memories...way too much information here. Diana who was the most prepared person I have ever met. I don't know how she packed it all.Jen a fellow beader who is just starting out on her journey. Sitting by the fireside at night with such wonderful discussions. I can't even begin to describe the wonderful time I had. Pictured here is the cover to my fabric journal made in Kristin Steiner's class.


Seattle Classes with Dallas Lovett
I keep trying to love seed beads...but I am just a metal and wire girl. Dallas combines metal with seed beads and was teaching in Seattle...so I had to take his classes. Here are a couple of my projects...I may have convinced him that the patina on wire gives it a wonderful vintage feel. The third bracelet is almost done, but will have to wait for another time to share. I did change the designs a bit from class...I can be a rebel.





Classes with Teesha and Tracy Moore in LA


I met my friend Renee early and she took me on a whirlwind shopping tour of California and then on to classes with the adorable Tracy and Teesha Moore. I have always wanted to take a class with them and when this opportunity came up I had to go. I have to "thank" my understanding and wonderful husband who holds down the fort while I am away. Here is my metal journal from Tracy's class.

Puget Sound Bead Festival
Well this is local and a definite stop. Again took some seed bead classes with the darling Marcia DeCoster...I love how her pieces are components. I can't wait to finish this one...it will have a total of 5 little medalions...here are three and one I think I am going to redo.


Then on to weaving with extra fine gauge wire using a basket weaving technique to create these little pods...my oldest thinks the green one looks a little like a slug.


I am having an MRI on my back on Thursday and hope to find out what is causing my serious back pain. It all went terribly wrong when I started working again and now there are days I have a spasm and almost fall over...so wish me well. I hope to finish up a few more projects and will share them soon.