news flash

The Rings & Things 2009 Your Designs Rock Contest deadline has been extended!

In the current economy who could not use some additions to their stash? What better way to accomplish that than to win a fun competition, get some great exposure AND use products from a very nice company?

Rings & Things was the first email company I found for beading supplies many years ago. They continue to carry some items I can find nowhere else. I shop at various online retailers. Rio and the amazing FMG also get a good bite of my yearly income. I have in the last year ‘found’ Artbeads, Empyrean, 501Beads, and a few others. Some carry vintage and very limited selections. Being small does not always mean expensive.

I digress. The contest. I entered as soon as the doors opened! I made a piece specially for this competition. I have a second one, alas my camera and photo paraphernalia have been packed in preparation for my move.

It is easy. Take a picture. Fill the form. And enter. No stamps!

Waiting to see your creations…
Valerie

 

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How to Pamper Oneself

I have been boxing my apartment for the last few weeks. Last week I took a moment to peruse Etsy. Nicole Campanella of  Beadwright had a sale! And as with all who are attracted to bright shiny things…I just had to have some of the offerings!

Imagine my surprise to learn I was Nicole’s 500th customer (way to go Nicole!).
Along with the honor was a gift. Some fabulous firm felt backing in delicious colors.

A Beadwright tote ,

and

 

a galaxy necklace kit! 

 

 

I purchased a warm exciting set of orange/tangerine/pink/peach seed beads with a beautiful matching glass cab. I am longing to sit down with them. And the backing materials are whispering….
Thanks Nicole. The perfect package to arrive in the midst of my chaos.

Valerie

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Downsizing

As many know, I have lost my apartment and must move. I live in the most expensive part of our country and rents have doubled since I came to Brooklyn. We are downsizing. I will no longer have a room to call a studio. Last week I started packing my studio and a large portion of it went into plastic bags never to see the light of day again.

One good thing I did discover… Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick . With the era of digital TV and I like to catch the local news, I did not want to get a converter. I also have one of those old bulky TVs that does double as a VCR (I know, outdated) and DVD player. So I looked into this PCTV thingie, it was offered as a refurb and cheap. Tried it. And it is wonderful. I can now use my computer for everything! This little stick, the size of a usb flash drive, is the TV receiver and your computer monitor becomes a TV screen. The reception in my area is horrid. This doodad has better reception than anything I have tried over the years!

Anyone in the market for a 20” TV/VCR/DVD combo set?

I do lose the VCR player. Oh well. Guess I will have to do something with all those polymer clay videos I have!

Valerie

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bloopers

Last fall the editor of Bead Star (Interweave) asked me for some photos. Not having any a  photography session with a very talented local artist, MeganGreenleePhotography, was arranged. Over 600 times that camera put my image into pixels! There were more wasted electrons.....

I have been and will be a bit scarce. I am in the process of moving. I have a lot to move.

March 11th is Bead Fest Santa Fe!

Valerie

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PCAGOE February challenge

The polymer clay guild of Etsy, PCAGOE, has posted the February challenge. This month it is the ACEO challenge I mentioned in a previous post. Your vote enters you into a drawing for some fabulous prizes.

For March the challenge is canes. It is open to all! Think about entering for a stress free, and no cost bit of spreading the word about you and your work!

ummmmmm . . . might want to cast your ballot and notice I entered...

Valerie

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