Muse for Beaders

~Scarlett Lanson~ of The Beader’s Muse in partnership with Artbeads.com and Rainbows of Light has developed a friendly competition for beader’s. I had reservations…not my colors, time an issue.
I contacted Scarlett and asked about delivery time.

The package arrived quick. I received an interesting assortment that did not fit what I had planned. Less than 2 weeks and I leave my studio for the summer. aargh. Stitched every night after work. And ripped it out every morning before work for one week.

A bit more info…the requirement is to use the MUSE. The MUSE is one

of the items in the package. It is a secret until the package is opened. And it remains a secret. Only to be revealed to the general public on Scarlett’s site when the judging is final!

Back to my saga. I finished today

. I closed my

studio this afternoon. I am allowed to show bits of what I created…just not the MUSE!

I have made this wonderful lariat that is long enough to also be worn wrapped as choker. Supple, the colors worked! and I incorporated a Blown Polymer piece! The hidden half has the MUSE…

I do believe there is still time to get in on the fun. Here is the link USE THE MUSE II

Oh, for the inquiring minds…the MUSE told me this…

Salacia, the wife of Neptune, wore these adornments. Without them her powers faded. I embody the lost gift of Neptune (Poseidon). Then my hunt began to find the remainder of the pieces to again make Salacia’s royal jewels whole. The magnificent gift from the ruler of the ancient Romans, Jupiter (aka Zeus), was destroyed by Hera (Juno) in one of her many fits of jealousy. I created a new one…shhh.

Valerie

Read more...

Lace

A confession…

I love to sew and crochet.  When my children were small all their sweaters came from my hook. And my clothing from my basic Singer. With that simple Singer I made magic. Lined suits. Gowns for weddings (sewed for friends!). A yard of material yielded a smart little skirt with a snazzy pleated kick pleat in less than an hour.
Too busy nowadays with beads and clay!
Recently I picked up my hooks. Have to admit the idea of crochet lace has me enthralled!
In the Spring 2007 of Interweave Crochet is a design by Marty Miller, Spiderweb Cardigan. Not a true lace, more of an open weave. Delightful.
I used a worsted cotton yarn with great stitch definition and a soft hand. I modified the pattern only a bit. Added an additional pattern repeat for length and tapered the sleeves. I also reversed single crocheted the neck and cuff edge for the design element and the added strength/stability this stitch gives.
Now to finish my piece for the Use the Muse II and to send off my BEADSTAR 2009 piece.

And then I am off to the mountains with hook in tow…
Valerie

Read more...

Bead Star 2009!

The winners have been notified! I have a piece that placed 2nd! (no, I cannot reveal what)
Just immensely pleased and honored to have been voted ‘in’.

Thanks Interweave for the fabulous opportunity.
Valerie

Read more...

Fall Deadline

Soft Flex is holding a competition to promote their Trios product line.

After my recent success with Soft Flex Wire as a design element I just might try my hand. I do find their choice of color combinations a bit of a challenge…not what I would have put together on my own. I can always try in the privacy of my studio. And as so often happens…if I am not pleased…land fill.

We have the summer to play as the entry deadline is September 1.

Valerie

Read more...

More Luscious Pearls

Think I am becoming obsessed.
I have boxes and boxes of beautiful fresh water pearls I have bought over the years. Having eclectic tastes, I had trouble coming up with original designs using these wonderful mollusk irritants. I am delighted with one or three of these…

The lavender mink one has an experimental chain I made with wire. Surprisingly effective!
I wore the lariat today to test…comfortable and easy to forget (important wearability test points for me!).
These are part of my Blown Polymer line.

Valerie

Read more...

Have you..

received your copy of Step by Step Beads? The July/August issue. After reading through the articles and projects, looking at the juicy ads and generally enjoying yourself…take a gander at the back cover!

Or . . .

just look at the back cover. . .

Valerie

Read more...

Pearls

On one of the mail lists a designer posted looking for 30mm or larger pearls. Ahem…I suggested she try her hand at polymer. She asked if I would…who can ignore such a challenge!
I decided to go with the techniques used in my Blown Polymer line. I think I got it. Muted pearls, faint variegations, lovely sheen.  And big.

The added bonus is these also happen

to be hollow!

Oh the design possibilities…

Valerie

Read more...

I don’t have toddler’s

I needed a table for my living room. When I moved from Chicago to NY 10yrs ago many of my items did not make the trip. (Family packed for me…don’t ask.) Never replaced the end and sofa tables.
Today I was at the grocery. Amazing Savings is next door and I stopped by just to browse. (yep, I can do that and not walk out with the store.)

 

I saw and purchased this table and chairs set for children. As I said, my youngest is in his 20’s and 6’ 200+ lbs. This is not for him! The height of the table is wonderful. Most sofa tables are low. This one is taller, just right for my laptop. 

 

And heavy. I cannot imagine using this with children the chairs are so heavy, if they fall over when children are playing near…injuries for certain.
For my purposes the weight of the chairs is just fine. I have one chair in my entry hallway, and another in a ‘featured’ corner to pull out as an occasional table.  Or to put a large vase of fresh flowers. A wonderful find and a great bargain!
Love that rich color….

Valerie

Read more...

A tumbler!!

I’ve been waiting. I have a cheap vibratory case tumbler I use for polymer. I’ve wanted a Lortone for metals for ever. The suppliers I generally entrust with my large purchases did not carry the brand (yes, I know…Rio or Otto Frei…but shipping costs!). I wanted Artbeads or FMG…

Today in my email comes the FMG newsletter and there it is!

A Lortone Model 3A Rotary Tumbler ! It is ordered and 2 pounds of mixed shot. The best part? FMG’s standard $5 shipping…this weighs!


Oh, btw, seems I am in the news too…

Valerie

Read more...