I have tons of jewelry ideas running around in my brain right now, but since I have been working I just can't find the time to get them done. I am hoping that mid June when I switch to part-time, I will have more time. I am trying to figure out how to fit it all in...work, art, kids, exercise. Right now the exercise and art are suffering, but I hope to get some kind of a system down.

In two weeks I am going to "Nest" an art retreat in Utah. I am looking forward to a few days of art with other artful ladies. Three days of classes with amazing instructors...Misty Mawn, Sallly Jean, and Kristen Steiner. I have never been to Utah, so I am really looking forward to my little adventure. I am traveling to this retreat by myself, but I am sure I will meet some lovely people.

Here is the little quote I put on the back of the tags I created for the swap. I first heard it while watching "Akila and the Bee", but later found on the web the full version. It comes from a book by Marianne Williamson. I just love it and I hope you do too.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I hope you shine!

I Love Mail!

So I have received my tags and just love love love each and every one! Take a peak...







Now I have to hang them so I can see them in my room. Each tag is beautiful.



I also got this lovely banner from the super delightful Tracie Lyn Huskamp. My friend Edina bought the last one at ArtFest, but Tracie said I could order one...so here it is. The picture doesn't do it justice, but trust me it is lovely. She has such darling things in her Etsy shop....definitely worth the stop. What did we do before the internet?



Oh...if you are doing some spring cleaning and have extra supplies, stop by Gina's blog. She is gathering up supplies to support a great cause. Here is my package.

Don't hate me because I have drawers...I just got these installed and will start trying to store some of the "stuff" I have gathered. I have rubber stamps in the guest room, ribbon in the craft closet, beads and stuff in the studio, paint in the closet. So now I am trying to gather everything in one place. Well everything except the fabric. That will have to wait. Here are some more photos of the studio.












Looks pretty neat in the old studio, but I am sharing the next photo so you can truly understand my "need" for drawers. Here is a room that very few people see...it is what we call the "craft closet". I can barely open the door and it is not pretty. The children are not allowed to go in here...frankly it's just not safe. so I hope to clean this closet and my studio this weekend.

Well I have done something I haven't done in 20 years, and now I know why. Do not under any circumstances trim your own bangs unless you are a trained professional. I got my hair cut the other day and the bangs were not quite short enough. No time to go back to the salon so I did it...I got my scissors out and before I knew it I was sporting the old "your mom cut your bangs too short" look. Not good. Anyhooo on to better news...

I finished my tag swap and will be putting them in the post tomorrow, but here is a sneak peak.

I also got some new drawers and you can see Jeff assembling them. I hope to get all my stuff organized and the old studio cleaned up SOON! I do hope it is possible, or I am going to be in big big trouble. You may be seeing some ephemera on ETSY soon...cause if it doesn't fit in the studio or my closet it has to go. I'll post pictures as soon as it is clean.


Lilacs are one of my favorites...so here is a photo of a bunch I cut from the garden. The roses and peonies are just about to bloom. So more photos to come.

ArtFest is one of my favorite retreats, and I am sorry it has taken me this long to post. So here is a brief overview of the whole shebang. The new banner is just a small piece of the big project I was working on in Anahata's class, Funky Wallpaper People. I struggle with working large and thought this would be a great opportunity to experiment. I kept wanting to cut this in half and do two instead of one, but I did continue on. So...when I get back to this, I hope to have a ton of flowers in the upper section, kind of a secret garden with a house etc. But as you can see by the first image, I can use some of it as background for my banner.


I also took adorable Misty Mawn, a sweet, quiet, soul with a smile that eludes to a secret sense of humor she only shares in small groups. She was amazing to watch and a great teacher. Now this project too is in progress. Imagine a sepia toned tree in the center panel with a bird or two and branches that stretch into each of the panels and then my other daughter on the far right. My daughter on the left still needs some arms etc.




I also took Nina on the last day...I love her southern accent and sense of humor. I am always a little tired on the last day and wanted to just have fun and chat. So jewelry is my comfort art...here is my bracelet. The beach is a pretty constant theme in my jewelry. If I can't be at the beach, at least I can wear the beach.

Vendor night is a huge event at ArtFest and here are some of the goodies I managed to get...
Box by Misty Mawn. I collect boxes...big, small, metal, wood. It doesn't matter I just love boxes. This was beautiful and a box. How could I not get it?

I bought a few of Amy Hanna's jewels. I had tried to get some of her items online, but was never quick enough. So when I heard she would be vending I knew I was going to her table first. Now I originally only planned on getting a necklace and pair of earrings, but after being at the table for 10 seconds it was swarmed and I was slowly pushed into the table. I just decided to buy what I had in my hands and leave before being trampled.




I purchased this sweet face from the delightful Katie Kendrick. It just made me smile.




Last but not least, a gift from Minnie. I met her at previous ArtFest and she made this little necklace just for me. ArtFest has always brought me new friends that are so different, but love making art. I think gathering all these creative people in one place just feels comfortable. No one questions you when you pick up that rusty bolt...they get it.

Looks like image import is working now....I will do Hawaii today and ArtFest in the next post. Notice how I didn't promise tomorrow. Trying to keep my promises and not feel the blog guilt.

So here we go...Hawaii. I am a sunshine kind of gal. I am just happy when the sun is out. Here we are the first morning off to scout out the location. Most of the time the girls were bent over picking up gifts for me. Oh...did you notice my toe ring. We were walking one day and my husband spied toe rings and thought that our oldest is a toe ring kind of gal. Now my husband is not a shopper so when he stops to shop, we all stop. So she tried it on and it was sooooo cute on those little piggies. I then thought...I need one. My husband smiled and said, "You are not a toe ring kind of gal." Hmmm, I really really want to be the toe ring kind of girl. So here you see me sporting my new toe ring. Now you may be wondering what is a toe ring kind of girl, and I am not really sure...but to me a free spirit, do what you will, jump first think second, wild kind of girl that's is what I want to be.

I spend time traveling to art retreats without my family and the event is always kind of bitter sweet. I love attending the retreats, but each night I am just missing them a little, and at the end of the retreat I am rushing to get home. This vacation was so different. Granted they are older so makes traveling so much easier, but we tried to keep it very low key and relaxing and it was. We met so many people that just vacationed in Hawaii once and then decided to move there...oh to just pick up and move without a thought. It is truly a beautiful place.

Sorry for the rambling thoughts...but now that I am working again my mind is groggy from all this computer work.




Here is the mermaid lagoon for our little collage.

I hope you enjoy the photos

Ok guys...if you are reading this, "Thanks for hanging in there with me!". I promise I will post some pictures from Hawaii sooooooon. I just sent off the instructions on the earrings for the other book, and I am feeling much better.

I will be re-entering the working world on Monday for a temporary 12 month assignment. Every year since I retired I have taken a short term assignment (3 months/part time) so this is a big step. The group sounded great and there is a possability that it will become part-time. Gotta keep those technical skills sharp in case I really need to go back to work one day. I have two kids to put through college, and now I am now dreaming of a little beach shack in Hawaii...don't think I could sell enough jewelry to fund that dream. But I am saying it, writing it, and thinking it! Oh...while I'm saying it...I want a condo in Paris too!

At ArtFest I have convinced a couple of gals that we need to go to Paris soon. I am listening to my french tapes so when it happens I'll be able to parler with the best of them.

Art & Soul Portland

I will be teaching the following classes at the Art & Soul Retreat in Portland.

• Fused Chain Charm Bracelet- Wednesday
• PMC Charms & Bracelet- Thursday
• Fused Silver Earrings- Friday Eve

Drop me a line if you have any questions about the classes.

I am packing for ArtFest and Hawaii at the same time. Call me nuts...my children's spring break starts the weekend I get back from ArtFest, and I thought no problem. I'll pack for both before ArtFest. I always forget that I have to pack for 3 people when we do a family trip. Again...I wasn't thinking clearly. I blame the lack of sunshine here for my lapse in judgement. I probably won't be posting until I return, but I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Great news today...a pair of my earrings will be appearing in another book. So I have to finish the directions for this soon. I'll be sure and post the two books that my work will be appearing in as soon as they are available. This charm necklace will be published too...can't wait to get it back.

Have you heard about synchronicity? I read the book, The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron, and she discusses the theory..."ask and you will receive". Take small steps in the direction of a dream and watch the sychronous doors flying open. You wish to teach and all of sudden someone is suggesting you submit a proposal...this happened many times before I finally took the leap and acted on the opportunity. Same with publishing some of my jewerly...just take the first steps in the direction in which you wish to go and see what happens.

I am struggling right now with the direction I wish to go, but reading and writing this is helping me. I hope it helps you too.

Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it. Goethe

Also from the book is the following excerpt from the book, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition:

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (or creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man would have believed would come his way.

Did I mention I love beads???? I went to another bead show looking for some specific silver findings and came home with these beauties...

I don't ever buy beads for specific projects, but I buy what catches my eye...these will be incorporated into my spring designs. I am thinking chunky necklaces with charms. I have not had much time to design...but after I finish the decorations for my daughters upcoming auction on Friday, I will be trying to get some projects done.


I have not forgotten about my Etsy shop...just need to get some inventory and photos. You have seen this necklace before, but I think it shows better on the display.

Oh how I love that light robins egg blue/aquamarine/blue green. Here is a small scene from my writing desk...hmmm perhaps I should call it my stacking desk. Since I tend to spend more time stacking stuff on it than writing.

If you haven't already heard about these cute little cards, you should definitely check them out at Moo. They are half the size of business cards and can be created with any digital image on one side and text on the other.

I plan on using my cards for jewelry hang tags and also attached to my trades at ArtFest. Trades at ArtFest...need to get these done soon!!!

Kids are back to school next week, and I have oodles of new work ideas I am anxious to get started next week.

This is a cute song, and I just love the very end where his little girls help sing.

I removed the link to the song...but you can find it at www.timmcgraw.com called, "
Last Dollar".

So I was cruising through some of my favorite blogs, and Stacie had this link...very interesting....

You Are 40% Left Brained, 60% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

The Mess
This is just a small corner of my desk. I am lucky to have a large workspace...but it can cause what we term in our house as "messy build up". I tend to get out a selection of beads to design new pieces and then just never get around to putting back some of the left over beads. So as I am fumbling around on my desk...uninspired by the total disaster, I came up with this little challenge.

Challenge -
I must make some jewelry with items on my desk. I hope to use most of what I have on my desk and then get serious about putting all those little bitty beads away.

So the first one was easy...I always have some of my favorite beads spilled on my desk. Here is what I came up with...

It turned out pretty cute and I have started another one for my future Etsy site.

I challenge you to use what has been stacking up on your desk to create something...be sure and let me know what you come up with.

Now here are some things hanging around in my art room that make me happy. I purchased this adorable piece from Lisa Kaus.I just love the colors and "for Me" just says it all.

This one I purchased from Misty Mawn at Art & Soul in Portland. I am "oh so excited" to take a class from her at ArtFest.

Just a brief note today....

Here is a cute little tin I covered with some vintage wallpaper from Pam. Now I have a cute little needle holder. Not sure why the photo was imported vertically...but no time to figure it out.

I have been tagged!
Now I have to tell you 6 weird things about me. Thankfully it said only six or this list could get very very long.

1. I can’t sleep in a house, hotel, or dorm unless I am certain the door is locked. Actually...I always like to have the doors locked. This drives my husband nuts. When he is outside working in the yard, and I find the door unlocked, I lock it. He has to carry his keys around anytime he is outside. The thought of a tent is unnerving. He can “thank” Oprah for that one.

2. When I am in the car I also like to have the door locked. Do you see a pattern here? When looking for a new car my husband always chuckles when the car lock button is on the passenger side...that is a huge plus in our family.

3. I must have the bed made in the morning...I can’t bear to leave the house without the bed made. The rule is last one up makes the bed. I am the only one that thinks this is the rule...so I always make the bed.

4. I am scared of snakes...yes even little gardener snakes. I just wanted to add that not all my oddities are crazy.

5. I can’t stand to hear people chewing their food...this can be problematic in a movie theatre. Yeah...I always get the guy that chews his popcorn with his mouth open behind me, and if it doesn't stop before the show starts I have to move. My other redeeming qualities must make up for this...because my husband just smiles as we move.

6. I can't work unless my desk is neat, dishes are done and the house is somewhat tidy. My next post will explain why I have not been busy working on jewelry.

This list is by no means comprehensive...

I tag anyone that wants to play.

Here are the rules: The Rules: Each player of this game starts with "6 weird things about you". Each person who gets tagged needs to write a blog post of their own 6 weird things as well as clearly state this rule. After you state your 6 weird things, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you're tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog for information as to what it means.