My Book and Bead Challenges

Moving Day

2010-02-03T14:08:00.001-05:00

I have decided to refocus my blogging to deal more with beads and beadwork. I have moved all of my beadwork related posting to a new blog, It's a beadiful creation. All future bead related postings will be there. If I do any more book reviews they will be here. Thanks for stopping by.

Beadwork - Fuchsia Flutterby Pendant

2010-02-01T20:45:00.001-05:00

I bought this wonderful resin fuchsia butterfly at Beadfx last year. I knew that I wanted to make a pendant for Elizabeth with it. As I was searching thru my beads to finds beads for her bracelets I found it. It was easy to add a fews crystals for some sparkle and wrap the end. It did take two attempts to get the wrap just right.

On its silver chain.

Beadwork - Lizzie's Trio of bracelets

2010-02-01T20:30:00.001-05:00

Elizabeth's 4th birthday is fast approaching. I went on a quest yesterday to buy some dresses for her. It took awhile but was able to finally find some that I think she will like. I stopped at the local dollar store to look for some fun and funky beads to make matching bracelets for each dress.

This one uses some red cloisonne beads.

Some green barrel shaped cloisonne mixed with pink and green fire polished beads.

Dollar store fire polished beads mixed with some little lampwork beads by Amy Waldman Smith.

Here is the trio together!

Beadwork - Crystal Elevation Bracelet

2010-01-29T19:12:00.001-05:00

Having finished Elizabeth's Purple Tempest Box I decided that maybe I should try and tidy my beading area. I sorted thru the various little baskets that I use to keep projects in. In one of the lower baskets I came across an almost finished Rypan Designs bracelet.

This is the Crystal Elevation Bracelet. It is all Swarovski crystals with a glass button closure. It was completely done (since the fall) except for finishing off the ends. I spent five minutes working the ends in and now I can wear my sparkles to work tomorrow.

I also came across my Smaug box and a number of other projects and beads purchased specifically for projects. I also have my TBS bag of beads project to figure out.

Beadwork - Purple Tempest II

2010-01-29T11:01:00.000-05:00

Back in the summer I made a purple tempest box while I was at the cottage with my family. I gave it to my eldest niece, Lauren. Elizabeth, the youngest niece, what to have one exactly like it. I am not a fan of making repeating a project in the exact same colours. In this case making her a purple box was preferable to possibly being asked to make a pink box.

Beadwork - String Quartet necklace

2010-01-15T11:45:00.004-05:00

One of the great things about making jewellry for friends and family is that you can make it to fit just right for the person. Of course this also means that you will occasionally will be ask to resize a piece. This is what happened with this piece. I made this a few years ago after taking a class with Melanie Potter. Just before the holidays I was asked to shorten the piece for my friend Susan. This meant totally remaking the piece. It was nice to do this project again as it combines Right Angle Weave and netting.

I have used 3 and 4 mm Swarovski pearsl and size 15 seed beads. Once I had shortened the necklace I took the remaining beads and created a bracelet inspired by the necklace.

The resized necklace and bracelet are back with their very happy owner!

Beadwork - Favs of 2009

2009-12-31T16:00:00.002-05:00

It is the end of the year and the end of the decade. Here are a few of my favourite pieces this year.

My own design, little snowflake

Finally finished, Phantasea Necklace

Quick and funky, Coral Chilies Necklace

Bronze Age Bracelet

Bronze Age Necklace

Maria's Chicklet Bracelet

As seen in the Toronto Bead Society Calendar, Sea Anoeme Boxes 1, 2, 3.

Lauren's Purple Tempest Box

Mackenzie's Metal Forest Star

Inspired by Elly Peters lampwork beads, Ellyloo Box.

One of a Kind

2009-12-07T21:17:00.001-05:00

On Friday Maria and I made what is becoming an annual trip to the Christmas One of a Kind Show. It is always great to see the many and varied creations of the amazing vendors.We were please to see the many different jewellry and lampwork artists. There were some very amazing glass and pottery which I resisted buying.

I purchased a few gifts for my two nieces for Christmas. I hope that they will like their one of a kind gifts. Maria and I could not leave without getting some Tinkleberry's chocolates (chocolate covered dried fruits).

I went back to the show on Saturday evening with Anna, she want to get something for her grandson. I went back to one booth that I liked on Friday. Studio Robert Wu, had the most amazing hand marbled pieces of art. I decided to get one of the beautiful peacock graphics.

from artist's website

Beadwork - Rainforest Cascade Necklace

2009-12-06T22:36:00.002-05:00

I finished the second class project from the classes with Margie Deeb last month. I realized after I was done that I had not followed the instructions. I did not have two fringes coming out of each of the anchoring beads. I also did not like the way the drop enamel beads hang. I need to redo this part of the necklace.

I have been wearing the foundation multi-strand necklace. It looks great on this own.

Beadwork - Snowflake revised

2009-11-30T14:26:00.004-05:00

I remade and rephotographed my small snowflake design. I used a blue felt background so that the white and silver-lined beads would show better. The pictures were better but could still be improved. I am reading Photographing Arts, Crafts & Collectibles by Steve Meltzer and learning many things to help improve my photos.

I now have 10 kits ready for techniques night next week at the Toronto Bead Society meeting. Each kit includes enough materials to make 6 snowflakes. They are very quick and easy to make. Techinques night is always a fun and creative evening, especially in December as we also share holiday treats!

My happy colour!

2009-11-18T17:42:00.001-05:00

At the end of one of my toddler programs this morning, one of the toddlers came up and started to talk to me about the colour I was wearing. I was wearing my finished red collar of colour and light with my favourite red top. She thought that red was a colour that made me happy. I told her she was right, it is one of my favourite colour. I asked which colour made her happy... it was pink of course. I then pointed out to her that there were some pink daggers on my necklace.

Beadwork - Red Collar of light and colour

2009-11-15T18:29:00.006-05:00

Friday's class with Margie Deeb was for the Collar of light and colour. This piece has a foundation of tubular herringbone fringed with a variety of red and pink daggers. During the class we started the foundation. Later in the afternoon we started to do the fringing. Based on the sizing of the class sample, I realized that I needed to adjust where the fringe starts. My foundation needed to be 18 inches long, so I started the fringe 2 inches from the end.

Collar in progress at the end of class

Finished collar!!

Colour Play

2009-11-11T23:45:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was a great, colourful day. I attended the Around the colour wheel in 5 hours class with Margie Deeb. We learn the properties of colour and how to create various palettes. It was fun to see how different the palettes were even when we start with type of scheme.

Here is a palette Suzanne and I create for a floral print.

To help Roxann use some interesting pink beads we did this.

Thanks Margie, it was a great day. I am ready to create colour palettes with contrast in hue, value, intensity and temperature!

Colour Guru Margie Deeb

2009-11-10T17:42:00.000-05:00

I am so looking forward to tomorrow, as I will be taking my first class with colour guru Margie Deeb. She is coming to Toronto to teach and present with the Toronto Bead Society. Wednesday's class is Around the wheel in 5 hours. On Friday I will be making the Collar of glass and light and on Saturday the Rainforest Cascade Necklace. She is also going to be presenting to the general Toronto Bead Society membership at our meeting on Wednesday November 11 @ 7 p.m.

I have enjoyed her two books about colour, The beader's guide to color and The beader's color palette. I used one of the palettes as inspiration for my Sea Aneome box series .

It is going to be an inspiring time. I will post thoughts and pictures over the next few days

Beadwork - Hobby Show Demos

2009-11-06T23:57:00.005-05:00

I spent today helping Maria of Rypan Designs at the first day of the Hobby Show. We did hourly beading demos. Here are a few pictures of the things I did.

A sample of a gothic drape.

Netting Basics

Dangle Earrings with Swarovski crystals.

A 3-D Swarovski Snowflake.

Maria will be there Saturday with other assistants as I have go to work, but I will be there with her again on Sunday. Stop by both 115 to see Maria and her designs.

Beadwork - Coral Chilies Necklace

2009-11-02T23:24:00.003-05:00

At the TBS Bead Fair last weekend, I saw these beautiful strands of coral at the Titan Beads booth. I bought two strands, each one had a length of graduated spikes of coral that looked like dried chilies. I then found some elegant matte faceted black beads at the Black Tulip Designs booth. Once at home I pulled out some vermeil spacers to complete to project.

The spikes of the coral make this an edgy looking necklace, but the addition of the matte black and the gold spacers make it elegant. I look forward to wearing this to work tomorrow.

Showing our stripes

2009-10-27T22:50:00.003-04:00

Last week I worked with Maria of Rypan Designs to put together her new Painted Stripes Collection. Inspired by some beautiful painted striped beads we created three new kits. They are very limited and will be available at two up coming shows.

Rypan Designs will be at the Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair on October 31 and November 1 and than at the Hobby Show on November 6, 7 and 8. Stop by and see the latest designs.

Beadwork - Bouquet of Calla Lilies

2009-10-25T11:11:00.004-04:00

While trying to tidy my beading desk I came across the basket with all of the materials for more of the calla lily earrings. I had made two sets earlier this month.

It the basket was enough lilies to make 4 more sets of earrings. I set up a little assembly line and quickly made up all 4.

Now I need to go back to work on the requested purple tempest box for my niece Elizabeth.

Beadwork - Pop Art Necklace

2009-10-24T22:57:00.004-04:00

Last night I went to the Toronto Gem and Mineral Show. I found this amazing strand of faceted sodalite roundelles. I knew that they wound work wonderfully with the beautiful Pop Art lampwork bead by Amy Waldman Smith.

I combined the sodalite with acid etched black quartz in a two stranded criss cross necklace.

Beadwork - Copper Swags

2009-10-22T18:15:00.003-04:00

Here is the finished, worn, and revised Refined Swag Cascade design from Rypan Designs. This piece is the copper version. It combines metallic copper seed beads with copper lined amethyst seed beads. I had finished this in order to wear at last weekend's Creativ Festival. I wore it the first day but it was just a bit too long. I was able today to remove the findings and shorten the piece. It now sits much better and I will be able to wear Halloween weekend during the Toronto Bead Society's Bead Fair.

Local Wildlife

2009-10-16T23:56:00.002-04:00

This morning as I was waiting at the local Go train station I saw the fox that lives in our neighbourhood. I saw this fox a few days ago. This morning it was in the green space between the tracks at the train station.

It was being chased around the area by a very territorial cat. Here they are watching one another.

Beadwork - Purple Crystal Column

2009-10-15T23:09:00.005-04:00

My first day at Creativ Festival is over. I started the day by help Maria start setting up her booth. In the afternoon I took my first class with Lisa Pavelka to make her crystal column. We used shades of purple crystals on a base form. Here is a closer picture.

This evening I took a cross-stitch class with Jennifer Aikman-Smith for her Castle Paper Ornament. It is a beautiful castle design stitched on perferated paper, folded into a 3-D ornament. I will post pictures when I finish it.

Creativ Festival

2009-10-14T19:37:00.005-04:00

This weekend is the Creativ Festival here in Toronto. It was at this show a number of years ago that I took a class beading class with Maria Rypan. In following years I took a few more. This year, as I have for the last few years I will be helping Maria at her booth (534) at the show. Maria is teaching a number of classes as well as offering a few Make & Take sessions. The dangle earrings we will be making at the Make & Take use some of the new opal coloured Swarovski crystals.

I am also take a few classes during the festival, including two with favourite cross-stitch designs, Jennifer Aikman-Smith and Teresa Wentzler and one beading class with Lisa Pavelka.

Beadwork - Creamsicle Dream Bracelet

2009-10-12T00:25:00.004-04:00

The second set of beads the I purchased from Elly Peters were white and orange, which would be perfect for a Halloween or pumpkin themed pieced. But once I started playing with the beads and adding beads to the bracelet it started to remind me more of a favourite childhood frozen treat, Creamsicle. So here is my Creamsicle Dream Bracelet.

I added 6mm fireopal Swarovski round crystals, 10mm white fire-polished beads and copper spacers to the lampwork beads. I have finished it with a copper toggle.

Beadwork - Caribbean Blue Necklace

2009-10-11T12:04:00.009-04:00

Here is my latest creation. I purchased this set of lampwork beads from Elly Peters at the Toronto Bead Society meeting on Wednesday. I had originally thought about using them to inspire the colours of a box, as I have done with Elly's beads before. As I was looking at them on Friday I remembered that I had some aquamarine Swarovski cubist crystals. I also noticed that there is a very small amount of purple in the lampwork beads so I add some tanzanite AB Swarovski bicones.

I played with creating a bracelet with the crystals, lampwork beads and silver spacers but decided that the lampwork would show better as a necklace. I added the needed length by using some aquamarine Swarovski bicones. With an extender chain I used the extra aquamarine cubist Swarovski crystal to create a dangle to finish the piece.

100th post!!

2009-10-10T17:52:00.000-04:00

Wow! This is post number 100. I started back in June 2008 with the setup. I have blogged numerous beaded projects and some book reviews (not as many as I would like). I have talked about a display, classes taken and taught.

Over these 100 posts I have connected with many wonderful beaders and readers. Here is to another 100 posts full of creativity.

CBC 3 - When Stella was very, very small

2009-10-08T20:57:00.000-04:00

Here is my first review for the third Canadian Book Challenge. I was thrilled to hear that Marie-Louise Gay had a new Stella book out. When Stella was very, very small is a prequel to the many Stella & Sam books, which are among my favourites.

Stella was introduced to the world in Stella, star of the sea as the all knowing wonderful older sister. In this new book we see Stella in her formative years. From being like a turtle to understanding the ants on the pages of her book, Stella see the world in her own unique way. We see Stella grow into Sam's big sister willing to share her views of the world with him.

The combination of the text and beautiful illustrations make this a story that parents and children will love.

Beadwork - Calla Lily Earrings

2009-10-04T21:09:00.003-04:00

These earrings are inspired by a bracelet in a recent beading magazine. I was able to get the lucite calla lily beads from Juicy Bead Ladies at Bead Oasis last month.

I used two sizes of Swarovski crystals to create the pistil in the center of the flower and a couple green crystals for the stem. This makes them look like the classic white calla lily.

Beadwork - Smaug progress

2009-10-04T13:14:00.005-04:00

I have finished the bottom of my Smaug dragon box. I am really pleased with the colours that I have finally selected. I have photographed the bottom on the original Tolkien illustration for comparison.

Now it is on to the sides to see the dragon really take shape.

Beadwork - Little Snowflake

2009-10-01T21:10:00.004-04:00

Winter is on the way and here is my first snowflake. I designed this snowflake using circular netting. It combines matte white and silver lined seed beads with Swarovski crystals.

I am currently writing up the instructions as I have volunteered to teach this small project at the December techniques night meeting of the Toronto Bead Society.

I photographed the steps as I made up another sample this morning. I plan to include the photos to illustrate each step.

I may try a different placement of the colours and use crystal AB Swarovskis instead of the chalk white AB.

Welcome to the Blogosphere

2009-09-25T18:03:00.003-04:00

The wonderfully talented Maria Rypan of Rypan Designs has taken her first step into the world of blogs. Welcome to the the blogosphere, Maria. I look forward to seeing and reading your reflective thoughts and images.

Beadwork - Purple Copper Necklace

2009-09-24T21:23:00.003-04:00

Here is another completed project. I have simply strung the paper beads (from Titan Beads) with crystals and copper beads and spacers.

The paper beads have shades of purple and red. I have use Swarosvki crystal coppers and padparadsha AB bicones. Originally I had Bali silver beads in place of the silver, but I was not able to find a silver clasp that I liked.

So finding this square copper clasp meant that I needed to change the silver beads. I found these great copper lantern beads at the Beadfx booth at the show last weekend.

With a little tweaking the necklace came together. It is prefect for the fall with its rich colours and copper beads.

Beadwork - Faux Tennis Bracelet

2009-09-24T09:58:00.004-04:00

This bracelet is a project from the February 2005 issue of Bead & Button. Designed by Diane Hertzler, it combines crystals and seed beads using chevon stitch.

I decided to make this piece earlier in the summer when I looked thru my binder of bracelet projects taken from various bead magazine. I had enough crystals on hand to make the bracelet. The only thing I did not have was a two strand box clasp. I was able to get one at last weekend's Bead Oasis show from Manhattan Bead Company.

Beadwork - Turquoise Paper Necklace

2009-09-23T11:50:00.004-04:00

Here is the first piece that I have made using the beads that I purchased at Bead Oasis. This necklace uses some of the Ugandan paper beads from Titan Beads. I added turquoise beads, silver disc spaces and white Swarovski crystals.

I tried different colour crystals and found that the white added just the right lightness to the piece.

Beadwork - Phantasea Necklace

2009-09-23T00:01:00.004-04:00

This necklace is a project that I started awhile back. I took a class to learn how to do it correctly at the Spring Oasis show. Using a beautiful Phantasea Shell by glass artist Susan Hood you create dangles with a selection of beads, crystals and stones. The dangles and the shell at strung with more beads, crystals and stones. I created an interwoven necklace.

I will finally be able to give this necklace to my friend Anna for her birthday... only belated by about 2 years.

Beadwork - Look at what I got

2009-09-21T17:36:00.020-04:00

First bead show of the fall is done. I worked at the Rypan Designs booth with Maria Rypan. It was not as busy as in past years, but there were some new beaders as well as some of our old favourites. There was one beader, Sandra Ammerlaan, who came all the way from Holland to attend the show. She took many classes and met many new beading friends. She collected signatures in her copy of the new Toronto Bead Society Calendar.

Here are Maria and Sandra with Maria's article in Beadwork Magazine

Here are the beads that I got to do my Smaug box.

Here are the lampwork beads that purchased.

Red hats by Amy Waldman Smith

Blue Focal Beads by Amy Waldman Smith

Pendant by Deborah Read

Blue cylinder bead by AirWynn Glass Designs

Little glass spacers by AirWynn Glass Designs

I also purchased seed beads to do the Lively links project in the October issue of Bead & Button, crystals and pearls to make the ring in the October issue of Beadwork, three strands of acid etched black quartz, cooper lanterns to finish a necklace, vintage calla lily beads and crystals to make earrings. I purchase more of the Ugandan paper beads.

Look for some completed projects later this week.

Beadwork - Shopping list

2009-09-16T17:23:00.006-04:00

First bead show of the fall, Canadian Bead Oasis, is this weekend. I am going have to make a list of the things that I need (want, desire) before I go.

I am looking for just the right colours to do a Smaug inspired dragon box. I have tried to use the various reds that I have at home but they don't seem quite right. I have put a picture for the original book on my Palm. I hope that it will help me to select the correct shades.

There are also a few projects in recent magazines that I need a few things for. I want to make more of the pearl ring that I did last month so I need to get more large pearls.

Beadwork - Siamese Eggplant Combo

2009-09-11T13:40:00.003-04:00

I was going thru some recent beading magazines and was inspired by a bracelet made with chunky wooden bicone beads and a focal lampwork bead. The wooden beads reminded me of the Ugandan paper beads that I had from Titan Beads.

I found these rice shaped, eggplant coloured ones. I combined them with a hallow lampwork bead and Swarovski crystals. I played with then layout for awhile, but soon realized that it needed another element. In my silver beads I found the silver beads which are the same shape and size as the paper beads. All I needed to do was find the layout that would work with the new silver element.

Beadwork - Calendar girl

2009-09-03T15:14:00.005-04:00

Breaking News!!!

My beadwork was selected to be in the 2010 Toronto Bead Society Calendar. My Sea Aneome Series will be in the calendar.

Beadwork - Bronze Age

2009-09-03T10:06:00.005-04:00

Mixed metal jewelry is still a trend in fashion. I have used this as a basis for the colour selection for these two pieces.

This collar uses a layered netting technique from the Xhosa tribe of South Africa. I used three different bronze seed beads, a metallic bronze, a bronze lined black diamond and a bronze lined crystal. It looks like a blending of three different metals. This design is by Kara Jacob and was in the August issue of Bead and Button.

This bracelet of bronze waves from the October of Bead and Button and is designed by Cindy Caraway. I used the same colours I used in the colour. The only differnce is that the bronze lined crystal are 8s which help to create the waves.

Beadwork - Chicklet Bracelet

2009-08-31T18:31:00.006-04:00

Here is a new colour combination of Maria's wonderful Chicklet bracelet. Using both bronze and copper metallic seed beads to accent warm brown tone beads this is a great bracelet for the fall.

I worked up this sample in about 3 hours. Maria will have kits available at Bead Oasis and Creativ Festival.

Beadwork - Pearl Ring

2009-08-30T17:14:00.003-04:00

Here is a ring with a Swarovski pearl and herringbone stitch. It is from the new issue of Beadwork, designed by Maria Teresa Ferreira.

This was an interesting piece to make. I liked how you did the different parts and then assembled them. I was able to finish this piece in an afternoon. I look forward to making others with different colour pearls or even a crystal.

Beadwork - Magazines, videos and shows

2009-08-29T10:32:00.008-04:00

The newest issue of Beadwork magazine has an article about my first beading instructor, Maria Rypan. I now help Maria by making samples of some of her pieces and working at her booth during local bead shows. The magazine includes the instructions for Maria beautiful Scythian Gold necklace. I beaded the piece that was used for the photographs in the magazine.

Here are two recent videos about Maria and her beadwork.

It almost the start of the fall bead show season. The first local show that I will be helping Maria at is Canadian Bead Oasis fall show. Maria will be teaching a number of classes including the project in Beadwork magazine. The next show is CreativFestival where will also be teaching a number of classes including a new bracelet design with Swarovski cystals. Maria and I will also be doing a number of free make and take earring sessions.

Beadwork - Sea Aneome 3

2009-08-16T17:51:00.003-04:00

I have finished the last box is my series of boxes. In this one the green is the predominate colour.

Here is the complete series. It has been interesting to see the differences in the boxes because of the colour placement.

Beadwork - Rosary

2009-08-01T11:28:00.005-04:00

Here is my latest creation... and it is not a box.

This rosary has been a challenge. Originally I had some beautiful pressed glass beads that I was going to use, but they were a very orange red. They did not work with the great lampwork beads by Amy Waldman Smith. I found the perfect fire polished red beads. I have strung them with sterling silver spacers, the lampwork beads and a few Swarovski crystals to hold the lampwork beads in place.

This is a gift for my friend Debbie's aunt, Sister Rita, who will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of taking her vows as a nun.

Beadwork - Purple Tempest & Metal Forest Star

2009-07-21T09:45:00.005-04:00

I finished the Purple Tempest box's lid and added sparkle with a Swarovski crystal finial.

This box is for Lauren, my eldest niece. An exact copy has been requested by Elizabeth, my youngest niece. Not to be left out my nephew Mackenzie select colours and a pattern from Julia Pretl's Little bead boxes book.

He started with a deep green and a glavenized gold, we then added another green and a metallic bronze. Here is his box.

Beadwork - Niece beading

2009-07-17T10:16:00.007-04:00

It is almost the end of our week up in cottage country. I have shown my eldest niece, Lauren, how to do a basic diagonal weave. She has made a ring, bracelet and is working on a bracelet.

Of course my youngest niece, Elizabeth, could not be left out. So I made her a ring, bracelet and necklace.

Elizabeth has decided that I am not allowed to photograph her new necklace.

I am working on a star box for my nephew Mackenzie, should have it finished by the end of the weekend.

Beadwork - Purple Tempest

2009-07-14T08:15:00.003-04:00

I am on vacation up in cottage country. Of course I brought some beads with me. I had four shades of purple selected to make another box. My oldest niece, Lauren said that she liked purple. So this is her Purple Tempest box. I only have the lid to finish. I photographed by the lake as an added rembrance of our vacation.

Beadwork - Sea Aneome Box 2

2009-07-08T15:43:00.004-04:00

Here is the second in my Sea Aneome box series. I still have to do the lid, but I have run out of one colour of beads. My inspiration was from Margie Deeb's Beader's Color Palette. The first box in the series had the darker fuchisa as the dominate color. Here the pale creamy yellow is. I think that this is closer to the inspiration picture regarding the ratio of colours.

Here is the bottom of the box.

Beadwork - Bracelets

2009-07-06T14:35:00.006-04:00

I have finished two bracelets using two different stitches.

This one uses right angle weave. This is my own design using Swarovski round crystals and pearls to create a ribbon like bracelet.

This bracelet is from the new Bead & Button magazine. It uses triangle weave. There were instructions to embellish, but I decide to leave it plain. I used to 8 mm Swarovski margaritas as closures. I will need to rework this part of the bracelet as it kept falling of today at work.

One year review

2009-07-02T20:13:00.003-04:00

Wow! it has been a year since I started this blog.

I have beaded many projects more have the 52 I had hoped to do. I didn't always get one done each week, but by the end of the year I have done more. Some favourites include; Iced purple flowers, Blue foxglove trio, my first dragon box, the crystal cube pendants and the first of my sea aneome boxes. I am going to continue trying to do a project a week. I am looking at doing more playing with colour this year.

I did not complete the Canadian Book Challenge. I reviewed 11 of the 13 books. I have read the other two but did not get the reviews done. I found that writing the reviews was the most challenging part of the Challenge. I am going to participate in the third edition of the Canadian Book Challenge. I will most likely read and review children's books as I read more of them than adult books.

Beadwork - Ric Rac Bracelet redux

2009-06-16T17:10:00.001-04:00

I really liked the ric rac bracelet that I did in a class at the Toronto Bead Society's Bead Fair. I made two more to give as gifts.

The first is done with bronze seed beads and hematite 4 mm Swarovski crystals.

I gave this to Maria to go with the necklace that she asked me to make for her.

The second bracelet was a gift for my sister's sister-in-law. My brother-in-law and his sister celebrated their birthdays together a few weeks ago. Here is the bracelet that I made for Liz using black seed beads and padparadscha AB swarovski crystals.

Beadwork - Trypillian Refined Swag Cascade

2009-06-12T14:11:00.005-04:00

Inspired by the Trypillian exhibit that was at the ROM earlier this year Maria Rypan created the necklace with bronze and black seed beads. I made the sample for display earlier but Maria wanted to have a piece that she could wear. She started the necklace by making the base band. I finished it for her by adding the cascading swags.

Canadian Book Challenge - On the road again

2009-06-11T19:29:00.005-04:00

It is the sequel to Travels with my family. Once again Marie-Louise Gay and David Homel tell the story of a family and next great adventure.

Charlie and Max know all about unusual vacations, but this time their parents decide that they are going to go to France for a year. Unfortunately it is not to Paris but the small village of Celeriac that they are going to.

Celeriac is no sleepy village. The boys save their father from raging bulls, learn to play soccer with the church door as the goal and go on an interesting side trip to Spain.

These boys and the other characters in the village are fun and interesting. This is another great read aloud novel for boys.

Canadian Book Challenge - Travels with my family

2009-06-11T19:14:00.005-04:00

I am a fan of Marie-Louise Gay's Stella and Sam picture books. I was pleased to see this first short novel for children co-written with her husband, David Homel.

Travels with my family is the story of two boys and the unusual vacations that their parents take them on. It is told from the point of view of the eldest boy. There are no touristy, dream vacations for these boys. They survive a huricane (named Bob), riptides, the alligators of Okefenokee swamp and many others things.

This is a great book for those boys who are looking for more that just another trip to grandma's house.

Beadwork - Galaxy Necklaces

2009-05-20T14:12:00.007-04:00

Amy Waldman Smith, an amazing glass artist and fellow member of the Toronto Bead Society, makes these amazing bead sets. They etched glass dotted with fine silver. I have a number of these sets but have done nothing with them.

I started with the set that is browns, oranges, reds and yellows. I strung them with two different Swarovski crystals and small silver beads.

I made a matching set of earrings.

My other two sets have fewer beads. So I designed a section of beading which I extended with pieces of sterling silver chain.

I wore the blue one to work yesterday and the jump ring holding the toggle opened. I am going to change them to split rings to make it more secure.

Beadwork - Padparadscha Opalite Set

2009-05-19T21:10:00.003-04:00

One of the other pieces that I finished this weekend I started weeks ago. It was draped on one of my display forms all this time because I was not sure if I was happy with the design. Looking at again this weekend I decided that the design need one small change. I added smaller crystals on either side of the opalite drops. This allowed the piece to drape better. Here is the finished necklace.

I made a matching bracelet and earring set.

Beadwork - Pink Flower Garden Set

2009-05-19T20:08:00.003-04:00

Here is more of the beadwork that I did this long weekend. I started with this beautiful lampwork bead by Kirsty Naray.

I added some coordinating Swarovski cyrstals to create a centre local.

I selected two colours of seed beads and used the 4mm round crystal to create a spiral rope.

I did a necklace and matching necklace.

And some matching earrings.

Beadwork - Restringing Necklace

2009-05-19T11:31:00.003-04:00

Every so often you have to restring a necklace. This one needed to be done because my hair kept catching in the clasp. I decided to change the design as well. I have removed the small silver spacers on either side of the Swarovski crystals.

Canadian Book Challenge - The Quilt of Belonging

2009-05-13T21:33:00.012-04:00

The Quilt of Belonging: stitching together the stories of a nation by Janice Weaver is book of children about this very amazing visual story of our nation.

I saw the quilt at last year's Canadian National Exhibition. You could spend all afternoon looking at each of the 263 blocks. Every nation of the world and all the major First Nations group are represented.

This book is a great introduction to the quilt for children. It tells about the start of the quilt and about some of the blocks and design techniques used. The blocks that are highlighted are interesting and varied. At the end children are encourage to create their own quilt block about themself.

You can see the quilt here. You can look at each block, which gives you information about the block as well as the country or Frist Nations group.

Beadwork - Midnight Pearls

2009-05-11T15:15:00.006-04:00

Aren't these Swarovski pearls beautiful. They are 6mm midnight blue pearls. I could not decide what to do with them.

I decided to go simple. I have strung 150 with a size 15 seed bead between each so that it looks like they are knotted. I used very fine Soft Touch by SoftFlex. It is so fine and flexible that you can knot it. I tied the ends together to create one long, continuous necklace.

It can be worn in a variety of different ways.

As long single strand tied in a knot.

Or as a double strand.

Beadwork - Inspiration

2009-05-09T15:57:00.008-04:00

I am rereading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (it was just issued in ebook format). On the bus this morning I read the passage where Bilbo sees Smaug for the very first time. He describes him as "a vast red-golden dragon".

I am inspired to make a third dragon box using reds and golds on a black, grey or stone coloured background.

My first dragon box was using colours similar to the ones used in the Julia Pretl's book. My second was inspired by Saphira, the dragon in Eragon by Christopher Paolini.

I will look at my delicas tonight to chose the colours. I know that I have a 24 kt gold plated delica that I can use.

Beadwork - Pink Sparkle

2009-05-09T08:59:00.007-04:00

It is First Communion time here in Toronto. I was asked to create a gift for a young girl's first communion. Using the 1 drape gothic pattern from Rypan Designs and some light rose Swarovski crystals I created this.

To make a matching bracelet and earring set I did some simple stringing.

Beadwork - Sodalite Rock Candy Necklace

2009-05-06T23:02:00.005-04:00

As I was helping pack up Rypan Designs' booth at last weekend's bead fair. I asked Maria for two of the blue Rock Candy kits. It is a basic stringing kit for a bracelet with small Sodalite donuts, other semi precious stone, and silver spacers. I have made one of the bracelets before.

I created this necklace using the two kits. I added some pillow shaped bali silver spacers and Swarovski crystals. It looks great with the bracelet.

Beadwork - Sea Aneome Box 1

2009-05-04T16:55:00.013-04:00

I was able to get the beads that I needed to finish the first of the boxes in this series at the bead fair this weekend. I had only a few rows of the hem and then the last rows of the lid to do. I did the few hem rows and started the last lid rows to finish, but noticed that I had not done the row before the hem correctly. I had to undo the four hem rows and the incorrect row. I then redid everything following the pattern. Here is the finished box.

The inspiration for it was a picture of a beauty pink tipped surf anemone in Margie Deeb's Beaders Color Palette book. Here is a similar picture.

My next box will have green as the most dominate colour.

Beadwork - Dark Sapphire Ric Rac Bracelet

2009-05-03T15:28:00.005-04:00

At yesterday's Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair I took a class with Cindy Vroom for a beaded ric rac bracelet. Her original bracelet had it done in two colours with 4 mm crystals. I decided that I wanted to do it with just one colour. I had some of the new Swarovski Dark Sapphire 4 mm crystals. I matched it with a deep blue seed beads. This bracelet it done using chevron stitch, which is a trianglar stitch. Here is the finished bracelet.

Canadian Book Challenge

2009-04-29T11:33:00.013-04:00

Wow, it is almost the end of April and I have only two months left to finish this reading challenge. I started out really great but I have not gotten into reading any of the remaining books on the list that I set for myself at the beginning of the challenge. I have read 8 of the books on my original list. I am going to choose 5 new books to complete to challenge.

The quilt of belonging by Janice Weaver

Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson

Toronto's visual legacy by Steve Mackinnon, Karen Teeple & Michele Dale

Travels with my family by Marie-Louise Gay & David Homel

On the road again! by Marie-Louise Gay & David Homel

I hope to read and review these titles within the next few weeks.

Beadwork - Fishy Box

2009-04-28T16:38:00.004-04:00

Here is a box that I started earlier this year. I put it aside to work on other projects. I decided to finish it last week.

This is an elongated hexagon box. The start is a bit different that the other boxes. Each time I had to start a new thread I had to ensure that I was still going around in the same direction, otherwise I would have had some very odd looking fish.

Inspiration - Sea Anemone

2009-04-15T14:11:00.013-04:00

This image of a pink tipped surf anemone is similar to the one in the Beader's Color Palette by Margie Deeb. It was used by Robin Atkins to create a beautiful bracelet.

I have taken the noted delica colour and started to create box with them. I have chosen to make the fuschias the dominate colours for my first box. I am planning to do a second box with the green as the dominate colour and a third with the pale yellow as the dominate colour.

Beadwork - Ellyloo box

2009-04-14T13:35:00.008-04:00

I have finished yet another of the bead boxes. The colours for this one were inspired by a set of lampwork beads I purchased from Elly Peters.

Here is the finished box.

I really liked how the finished box looks. At various points I almost stopped and thought about taking it apart. But I continued on, knowing that it would likely look good when it was finished.

Beadwork - Inspiration

2009-04-09T08:07:00.006-04:00

I have started another box. With other boxes I have often found that choosing the right finial was the challenge of the piece. This time I have taken the inspiration for the colours from a set of lampwork beads that I purchased to use as the feet and the finial. The lampwork beads are by Elly Peters.

I have other boxes planned based on colour palettes for Margie Deeb's book The Beader's Color Palette. It is a great inspirational book. Each palette list delica colour numbers.

Beadwork - Two months worth of work

2009-04-06T13:41:00.017-04:00

Wow, it has been two months since my last post. I have started and finished a number of pieces but have only just finally been able to get them photographed.

So in to particular here is most of my beadwork from the last two months.

This is a simple netted necklace kit (Textured Net) from Rypan Designs. I taught this to my friend's knitting group. They loved it. My friend called me later that day to let me know that she had finished her necklace. It was the first time she had done any beadweaving.

These two are also designs from Rypan Designs. I bought these great bronze fire polished beads and used them in the Gothic Fringe design. I played with the number of seed beads between the crystals to make it the correct length without having to buy more crystals.

Of course I have also made some more beaded boxes. The first is the Celtic Knot box. I changed to colour from red to blue and I used only one colour in the background instead of three.

The second one was a requested one. My friend Anna saw my blue pagoda that I finished earlier this year. She wanted one done in black, red and white. I just topped it with a Swarovski cystal finial.

The other two pieces that I have finished are basic stringing necklaces. The first combines lampwork beads and pearls.

The second was a request for a red necklace. I had these three rectangular resin pieces that were the starting point for this creation.

Beadwork - Vintage Ethnic Necklace

2009-02-07T11:23:00.007-05:00

My friend Maria of Rypan Designs just returned from the bead shows down in Tuscon, Arizona. She found these wonderful vintage pendants from Pakistan. She selected five blue ones for me. I have strung them with some dyed aventurine and copper spacers. It looks great. I am going to wear it today and see how it feels.

Beadwork - Lavender Pyramid

2009-02-05T22:16:00.004-05:00

I have finished yet another box. Julia calls it Egypt and uses creams and beiges. I have done it in white and purples.

I have started two other boxes. One is called New School with fish on it. The other is triangluar with a Celtic knot design. I am putting them aside for awhile to work on my Bag O Beads challenge from the Toronto Bead Society.

Beadwork - Aunt Jo-Ann's Gum Bracelet

2009-02-02T20:24:00.004-05:00

I made this bracelet on Sunday morning to go with a pendant that I had made last summer. I wore the pendant and the bracelet to my niece Elizabeth's 3rd birthday party. She thought that the beads looked like gum hence the name Aunt Jo-Ann's Gum Bracelet. I did teach Elizabeth that the beads were actually stone and not gum. It is Rhyolite (Rainforest Jasper) and copper Swarovski pearls strung with a copper toggle.

Beadwork - Boxes and Earrings

2009-01-16T15:25:00.026-05:00

It has been a long time since I have posted. Christmas and all of its stuff took over my photo studio area. I have finally been able to photography pieces that I finished and did over the holidays.

First, I got the beads that I needed to finish my second dragon box. The trip to Beadfx was a good one. Bought beads that I needed to finish my box, beads to make other boxes and other planned projects and of course those beads that were calling out to come home with me (especially a strand of lampwork beads by Amy Waldman Smith).

Here is my Saphira Box (Saphira is the dragon in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle).

I still needed to find just the right thing to use as a finial on the lid. I found a beautiful 14mm cubic zircona blue bead. Here is my Saphira with her finial attached.

As a Christmas gift I was given a kit to make a pair of earrings. It used sodolite, silver and Swarovski crystals. Here they are finished.

Have made this set I realized that making earring would be a good way to improve my skills at making loops and wraps. I have since made a number of sets. Here is a selection.

I did another of the wonderful boxes by Julia Pretl. This is a square box that looks like a pagoda. Here it is without a finial on the lid.

I found a cubic zirona drop bead to use as a finial. I think that it looks great.

I have started another beaded box and hope to finish it soon. I also have my bag of beads for the Toronto Bead Society Bag o' Beads Challenge. I just need to decide what to make with them.

Beadwork - Running out of Beads

2008-11-25T14:15:00.003-05:00

Once again I have run out of beads for a project. I have been working to finish my Saphira Dragon Box. I had to undo and replace two beads near the top of the box. I was able to complete the body of the box without breaking anymore needles or beads. I have the lid about 2/3 completed and have run out of one colour again!
I have to decide if I should put it aside until the next bead show (in March) or make the trek out to Beadfx in Scarborough this weekend. It may depend on the weather on Saturday.

Canadian Book Challenge 2 - Sindbad in the Land of Giants

2008-11-22T06:23:00.006-05:00

Sindbad in the Land of Giants, retold & illustrated by Ludmila Zeman is my 8th book for the 2nd Canadian Book Challenge. This is a retelling of one of the stories from The Tales of the thousand and one nights.

This is a beautifully illustrated story book. Ludmila Zeman’s illustrations are lush as well as detailed. They take you to ancient Baghdad and the wild Land of Giants.

This is the story of a voyage of Sindbad the sailor. He is telling Sindbad the porter of an incredible journey to foreign lands. After months at sea the wind has driven them off course, heading towards the “treacherous Mountain of Monkeys”. The ship is boarded and taken over by the monkeys. The merchants including Sindbad and the crew abandoned their ship in a small row boat. They land on the island only to be captured by a giant beast. A combination of luck and ingenuity help Sindbad the sailor to be the only survivor to make it back to Baghdad.

Of course Sindbad ends by promising to tell Sinbad the porter about his last voyage which he says “convinced me to return to Baghdad forever and never to venture on the ocean again”. This is how a single tale from the Tales of a Thousand and one nights should end, with the promise of more tales to come.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading other retelling by Ludmila Zeman.

Beadwork - Crystal Cube Pendants

2008-11-20T17:42:00.003-05:00

Having finished a number of projects I decided to start something new. In the Beading Basic: Right Angel Weave publication from Bead and Button there were these cube charms made with Swarovski crystals. The pattern was to make charms for a bracelet with 3mm crystals, but there was the suggestion to use 4mm crystals to make necklace pendants. Here are the ones that I have made so far.

This one is Siam and Fire Opal.

This one is Amthyst and Montana 2XAB

And this one is all Crystal Copper.

I have a few others that I have not yet photographed. I am getting better at my wire wrapped loops with making so many of these.

Beadwork - Finishing Unfinished Projects

2008-11-18T14:43:00.015-05:00

This past weekend I decided that it was time to try and finish some UFO (Unfinished objects). From the recent Bead and Button special Right Angle Weave magazine I had started the Edwardian Lace necklace. I had finished the necklace and had started the matching bracelet. I got to the point where I had to decide what type of finding to use. In the magazine they used an extentor chain and lobster claw. I prefer to use toggles on bracelets so that I can put them on myself. Here is my finished set.

Back in October I had started a box but I ran out of one of the colours. I was able to get the colour I needed at the bead fair a few weeks ago. I finished beading the lid and created a finial with lampwork bead and a Swarovski crystal.

At Bead Fair I took a class with Marilyn Gardiner to make a Captive Round Necklace in Copper with captive silver beads. In the class I purchased an extra kit so that I could make two bracelets as well as the necklace. I finished one of the bracelets in class. I finished the necklace later in the week. I will make up the second bracelet at a later date to give as a gift. Here are pictures of the finished necklace and bracelet.

Beadwork - Cascading Swag Refined Samples

2008-11-08T23:38:00.004-05:00

I love this design. It is a versatile necklace. The first time I did this necklace was in a class with Maria Rypan using all size 10 seed beads. I did a variation of the design with longer swags that overlapped. Maria then did a variation using sizes 8 and 6 seed beads. Now she has a new variation with size 10 and 8 seed beads.

I did this first sample a while back but Maria did not have it kitted up for sale yet. It is now available (We have it at the Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair this weekend). She then wanted a colour combination to tie into the upcoming Mysteries of Ancient Ukraine: The Remarkable Trypillian Culture (5400-2700 B.C.) exhibit at the ROM. Maria has a series of necklaces entitled the Trypillian Spirit Collection which will be sold at the ROM gift shop. The Trypillian variation use black and bronze beads.

Beadwork - A Sample and a Tuffle

2008-11-06T20:00:00.007-05:00

Maria Rypan of Rypan Designs was my first beadwork teacher. I took a class with her at the, then named, Creative Sewing and Needlework Festival. Each year I took another class or two. One year she told me about the Toronto Bead Society. Another she said she was going to be doing a series of classes about loomwork. I joined the Bead Society, I took the loomwork series and I have since been helping Maria at shows and making samples for her kit covers.

Maria designed a new piece call Triple V Jewel. Which is a beautiful netted necklace embellished with jewel-toned cathedral-cut beads. It is going to be featured in the Canadian magazine A Needle Pulling Thread, Winter/Holiday 2008 issue. She is also going to have kits available for sale at the upcoming Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair (Nov 8 & 9). She needed a new sample as the original was still with the magazine publisher, so here is the sample I stitched (I only did the centre section for display purposes).

Before the embellishment.

After the embellishment.

I also finished another box or tuffet as this one is called. The bottom again concaves in, so there is not much room to put things in this one. I have a little display of boxes started. At this rate I will need to get a display cabinet soon.

Beadwork - Snowflakes and a Box

2008-10-27T11:34:00.006-04:00

Yes, I have started another box. This time I have gone with a different shape. This square box has a different sequence for increasing on the bottom. The bottom of the box actually concaves in.

I will have to wait until after the Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair to finish as I have run out of one of the colours of beads. I will look for them at the show.

I had two new snowflakes kits from Rypan Designs to make up for display at the upcoming Bead Fair.

These snowflakes are made with beautiful twist bugles, seed beads and Swarovski crystals. They are stitched using Soft Touch beading wire which is fine enough to thread on a needle and tie knots. The larger one uses 30mm bugles and the small uses 20mm bugles.

Beadwork - Turquoise Star Box

2008-10-23T17:59:00.002-04:00

Of course, I could not go a week lately without making another box. This is the star box. It has a narrowed opening and a lid with sides. I have used colours similar to the ones Julia suggested in her book Little Beaded Box. I have gone more meticallic and shiny.

I did not have as many problems with broken needles or beads with this box. I hope that will be a growing trend for future boxes.

Beadwork - Crystal Rhapsody

2008-10-23T17:49:00.002-04:00

This is the set that I made in the second class that I attended at the Creativ Festival last week. Rypan Designs' Crystal Rhapsody is made completely with Swarovski crystals. I ended up wearing this all weekend as I worked at the Rypan Designs booth. I received many compliments on it.

The smallest crystals in this piece are the new 2mm round crystals. They are beautiful, but a challenge to work with as they don't want to go on the needle as easily as seedbeads.

Beadwork - Filigree Set

2008-10-15T23:32:00.004-04:00

Today's class with Maria Rypan was Filigree Links and Dangle Earrings. This is beautiful necklace made with Swarovski filigree components and crystals. Hanging them from the linked necklace chain with beading wire makes the a unique necklace.

We then made dangle earring with wire and Swarovski crystals. These are easy to make. The challenge in to make them sore of match. Maria and I will be doing Make and Take sessions on Friday and Saturday to make these beautiful earrings at the Creativ Feastival.

Once I had sized the necklace to fit me. I had two short pieces of the linked chain leftover. I was able to get another of the smaller filigree components from Maria. With the component and the links I was able to make a simple bracelet.

Beadwork - Kaleidoscope Box

2008-10-15T00:08:00.004-04:00

I finished the lid for this beautiful quilt like patterned box. I had a 4mm cube Jet Swarovski crystal that I used for a finial on the lid. It is neat change of shape from the triangle of the box.

I started another box, but will be posting necklaces over the next few days as I take classes at Creativ Festival.

Beadwork - Boxes

2008-10-12T16:17:00.006-04:00

I have finally been able to photograph some of these wonderful beaded boxes that I have been making. My photo area was over run with books during working being done in my apartment. But the books are back in their place and I was able to take some photos. Here is a Flower box from Julia Pretl's book Little Bead Boxes. I have changed to pinks suggested to deep rich reds. I used some little cube lampwork beads from Unicorne Beads.

I started another box from Julia's book. This is the Kaleidoscope box. I am adding a repeat of the pattern to increase the height of the box. I still have to finish the lid. It should be finish tonight.

I am not putting any feet on this box, but will see if I have an interesting bead to use on the lid.

I am looking forward to the beading classes that I am taking later in the week at the Creativ Festival at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I am taking two of Maria Rypan's classes for her projects designed exclusively for Swarovski (I love Maria's classes... it is where I started beading). I will then be helping Maria at her booth (#271) during the show.

Beadwork - Stormy Fuchsia Earrings

2008-10-11T10:03:00.004-04:00

Here is the second set of earrings that I made using these beautiful glass drop beads. These are a swirling grey with a twist of fuchsia. I have put them on head pins which I have attached to eye pins with 6mm fuchsia Swarovski crystals.

They were quick to make now that I am getting better at making loops on head and eye pins.

Mini Book Expo - Mr. Darcy presents his bride

2008-10-10T16:52:00.003-04:00

I did not read any Jane Austen books until I was in my twenties. I was given a copy of Emma for my 20th birthday, but I did not read it for a number of years. Seeing a movie adaptation encouraged me to read it. This process repeated itself for Pride and Prejudice. I saw the wonderful A&E production of the book. I have since read the book a few times, including as I waited for my latest book from Mini Book Expo for Bloggers. I claimed Mr. Darcy presents his bride by Helen Halstead, published by Ulysses Press. This is one of the many books written by various authors that continues the story of Elizabeth and Darcy.

Helen Halstead’s story starts back in the last few chapters of the original book. Mrs. Bennett is voicing her great joy at having two more daughters set to be wed. Elizabeth receives a letter for Lady de Bourgh calling her upcoming marriage to her nephew a crime and states that she is cutting off all contact. This rift between the House of de Bourgh and the Darcys is a constant problem for anyone within their social circle.

Following her wedding, Elizabeth is a triumph on the London social scene. But there are times when Elizabeth’s acclaim rubs Darcy’s sensibilities the wrong way. Elizabeth helps Kitty find her place in the world, but unfortunately Kitty joy is not long lasting.

I enjoyed this sequel to Pride and Prejudice. I did find the writing a bit choppy. There were section I had to reread to ensure that I understood it. Although it is nice to read about favourite characters again there were times that I felt that Helen Halstead had taken the characters on a path very different that I had hope that they would follow.

I would recommend this book to a fan of Pride and Prejudice, especially if you have your own thoughts about what might happen to the Darcys and the rest of the Bennett girls.

Canadian Book Challenge 2 - Some of the kinder planets

2008-09-29T18:20:00.006-04:00

This is book number 7, Some of the kinder planets by Tim Wynne-Jones. This collection of stories won the 1993 Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature.

I am a fan of Tim’s Zoom picture books, but I have only read one of his other novels (Maestro).

This is a collection of nine stories about nine children, who like the nine planets of the solar system are following their own path.

Among them are Harriet whose prepared solar system project is a mess but being able to tell her class mates about staying up an seeing Mars trumps them all. The others include Cluny and her magazine for people with weird names, Fletcher and quest to decide where in the world he will travel to and Edward George whose discovery made him famous and forgotten during the heat of August 1867.

I liked this book of short stories. I don’t often read short story collections, but maybe I will look for more like these.

I am still here

2008-09-29T18:02:00.007-04:00

Wow, it has been over two weeks since my last posting. Since then I have purchased a stack of TBS calendars to give out this holiday season.

I also have two books that I need to review and blog. I have also finished another of those wonderful boxes. They are very addictive. I am in the middle of another one and have purchased the beads for 3 or 4 more. Hope to blog my reviews and my new box or boxes by the end of the week.

On the weekend I went downtown and wander thru the Indigo at the Toronto Eaton Centre. They had a copy of Creating Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski by Laura Mccabe. I love the look of Laura's Crown Jewels. They are wonderful 3-D balls made with seed beads and Swarovski crystals. I have often thought about ordering one of her kits everytime I see the ad in a beading magazine. I am sure the book was less that the kit and I have so many other this I can make as well.

Calendar Girl

2008-09-11T14:10:00.004-04:00

I heard over the weekend that one of my pieces was chosen for the Toronto Bead Society's 2009 Calendar. This year the calendar is supporting Pegasus Community Project.
I am going to be Miss June with my loomworked Floral Garden Necklace.

This is a piece I made a few years ago. I want to do a loomwork piece with no pattern. I used a seed bead mix for the woven parts. I then embellished with pressed glass flowers. To add texture to the fringe there are branches with more of the flowers and clear leaves at the bottom.

The Toronto Bead Society will be selling calendars for $10 at the Canadian Bead Oasis show next weekend in Toronto.

I will be at the show working at the Rypan Designs booth #2231. I will be presenting some of the Rypan Designs seminars at the show.

Beadwork - Drop Earrings

2008-09-09T14:44:00.004-04:00

I was given some beautiful glass beads last Friday. There were two sets of these long drop beads. I decided that they would make great earrings. I dug through my Swarovski crystals and found 2 6mm purple bi-cones that matched the slash of colour in one of the sets of drops. Here is my first set.

The other set of drops are grey with a slash of fushia. I am going to get fushia crystals and make another set.

Beadwork - Dragon Box

2008-09-08T18:41:00.002-04:00

I finished my dragon box. I have decided not to put feet on this box. I have added a small square lampwork bead on the lid as a finial. I am pleased with the way it turned out.

I did some other beadwork this weekend. One is a piece for a kit cover for Rypan Designs, the other two were colour samples for display in the booth at shows.

Beadwork - Dragon Box update

2008-09-01T11:34:00.006-04:00

I have worked on my dragon box over the week. I took a break on Thursday to take my nephew and a friend's son to the Ex for the day.

When I worked on it again I ran into trouble with zipping together the hem and sides. It seemed as if they did not fit together. I put it aside and started a new box. This morning I decided that I needed to resolve the problem of the dragon box. I undid the last row and a half of the hem. I reread the instructions from the class and realized that I had missed a row. Once I stitched the hem correctly it zipped together with the sides quickly.

Here is a picture of the box. I now only have to stitch the lid. Will start it today.

Beadwork - Broad Collar segment

2008-08-29T11:24:00.010-04:00

In addition to the box class on Saturday, on Sunday I took the broad collar class with Julia Pretl at Bead Junction.

I have done broad collars before but I used vertical netting. Julia's are done with horizontal bands of ladder stitch.

Instead of attempting to make a full collar we made just a segment of a collar. I have finished the collar section. I am going to finish it off with a combination of chain and larger blue beads.

Beadwork - Dragon Box in progress

2008-08-26T23:43:00.004-04:00

It's official I am hooked on making these amazing boxes. I have started the dragon box from Julia Pretl's Little Bead Boxes. I have chosen a few different colours based on what I had in my delica drawer.

Here is the bottom.

I spent a good part of Tuesday finishing the bottom and getting half way up the sides.

I am planning to make another dragon box in blues in honour of my favourite dragon character, Saphira in Eragon. I have some beautiful dichronic blue Aikos that will look amazing.

Beadwork - My first box

2008-08-25T17:39:00.006-04:00

Here is the box that I made at the bead class with Julia Pretl at Bead Junction.

Stitched in peyote stitch is followed nicely from the puffy stars I did last week. The start and increasing was done the same way. It was so much fun to make that I start another Saturday evening.

I finished the second one this afternoon.

On Sunday I took Julia's broad collar class. I have got it about 3/4 finished. I hope to get it done by the end of the week.

Canadian Book Challenge 2 - Hero of Lesser Causes

2008-08-21T08:23:00.003-04:00

Ok, it is time for book 6 of 13 Hero of Lesser Causes by Julie Johnston. It won the 1992 Governor General’s Literary Award / Children’s Literature (for best English text).

Keely Connor is the heroine (sorry hero) of the story. Keely images herself as a hero on a white charger out to save her world. But reality hits and it hits hard. Her brother, Patrick is struck with polio. To Keely he seems to be slowly disappearing. In full hero mode she does everything she can to help prevent it from happening. Along the way she battles other causes headfirst most times.

On her 13th birthday, in an effort to appear more mature and sophisticated she shaves her eyebrows and ends up cutting her bangs near her scalp. But none of it matters when she gets the best gift of all from Patrick. He moves his leg on his own.

I like this book. Keely’s growth as a character is what drives the story. From an idealist dreamer to a realist young woman.