Dogwoods at Sunset

One of the great things about having my computer situated so I can see out the large picture window in my living room is witnessing the light changing in dramatic ways.

Earlier this week, after a day of rain, and sunshine, and clouds, the setting sun put on quite the display. The dogwood tree at the edge of my front deck was backlit with the most amazing golden light. Below are four of the 55 pictures I managed to take in the little window when it all came together so divinely.

Pink and orange... just puts a smile on my face!

It's Trunk Show Time

You'd think, after all the beads, and all the years I've been surrounded by them my enthusiasm for a bead shopping opportunity would be somewhat lukewarm. Nothing could be further from reality.

I love beads, and I get just as excited by them now as I did when I first started beading. Ask anyone who's experienced me hovering while they're sorting through the India Glass beads... you'd think I'd never seen a bead before from my reactions.

...and on Saturday, I get to oogle loads of new beads!

Bob, the owner of Nature's Crafts, is a very kind, and patient guy. He'll be here for our first trunk show of the year. He really enjoys talking with everyone, sharing his knowledge, and helping make good choices. He goes out of his way to bring the best selection from his warehouse!

For this show, he's bringing what I've dubbed "Bob's Bargain Box." It's full of strands priced at $2.00 each! He tells me there are some real deals to be found, and that was all I would let him tell me because I want to be surprised, too!

We'll be setting up tomorrow evening, and opening promptly at 11:00 on Saturday. Come early for the best selection!

See you Saturday... and I promise... I won't shop early!

Video of Completed Expansion

At long last our expansion is done! From start to finished front window, I've stitched together a series of videos and still shots. The background music is "Neanderthal" by Kaki King.

I hope you can stop by one day soon to see the transformation in person.

A Little Help

On a recent twirl around the interwebz I came across a picture tutorial for a braided bracelet that I thought was wonderful! I remembered that somewhere in my jewelry box I had the main ingredient for the project... and old curb linked bracelet.

Fast forward to later in the day. I'd chosen my material. I had my computer open to the picture, and was all set to go, but there was one little problem. I couldn't remember how to do a french braid! I struggled. I started over. I confess, I swore a couple of times, but I wasn't going to give up.

My friend Beckie came to my rescue!

When she came in I was just about to toss the project aside. I'd been taking pictures, and my starts were fine, it was just the braiding that had me stuck.

"Hey, Beckie! You have hair!" I declared.

She laughed at me, and agreed, she does indeed have hair. I asked her if she knew how to braid. My hair has been short for such a long time, I've forgotten.

With me holding onto the bracelet while she braided it, it began to take shape. Beckie's deft fingers made a project I'd struggled over for nearly an hour come together very quickly.

At one point I asked her, "So, how many redheads does it take to make a bracelet?"

We had a good chuckle, and I've been enjoying the results of our labors ever since.




Ingredients::

• 1 Curb link bracelet
• Ribbon, or cording of your choice (I used satin cord in four colors)
• Two pieces of wire to act as needles
• Scissors
• Wire cutters

How to do it::

• Cut cording into eight equal lengths of 18" each. (better too much than not enough)
• Tie all pieces together in a single overhand knot.
• Separate colors into two groups.
• Place one section of strings under the first link then take it to the left.
• Bring second section over the top of the first section, then through the link from the bottom.
• Repeat with all links in the chain.
• Finish by adjusting all the threads, and chain to be smooth, and the first knot is firmly against the chain.
• Tie an overhand knot with all the threads on the last link.
• Trim ends to desired length.
• ... give the friend that helps you a big hug!

Thanks for the assistance Beckie! I think I might be able to make the next one by myself.