I've been *Working*

I know that it's hard to believe, but, really, I've made a few things. I've even got pics! (Though I don't think they do much justice for the pieces.)

One of my all time favorite suppliers, for beading and blogging, Artbeads.com, offered up the theme "Winter Enchantment"... and I took hold. I didn't "go crazy" but I found a few things in my bead stash (check these out, I went with the bicone 6301) and ordered some "glitz", in the form of silver stardust beads, and my first piece became a necklace. I am particularly fond of the toggle clasp closure being a "ski-pole"!! (found here)









And then I really had some fun... I went from 'snow', to 'fireplace' pretty quickly... and needed to actually FIND some 'fire' looking STUFF! I went, of course, directly to the Swarovski Beads to browse some color combinations. I found my "go-to" bead, 4mm bicone in fire opal, and knew that I couldn't do "the same old thing"... so I kept browsing. I found these, Graphic Cubes. They are available in a plethora of size and color options! Some colors struck me... I was seeing roaring cabin fires, and cozied-up-with-loved-ones-on-the-beach fires, and feeling overall in the spirit of 'Winter Enchantment'... With all that energy, I (re)created FIRE in a bracelet, (check out this TOGGLE CLASP!) and put together some matching earrings. For those rare occasions when a necklace won't do.

I am hoping to get some better pictures... these are so spectacular in the light; the way the colors dance and look like flames, was everything I had hoped for!


I gave a valiant attempt at getting them together in a pic... on my wrist, here;

I did put together another bracelet... though, I do believe that I will save it's debut for another time. Between the Snowflake and the Fire, I think I have put enough eye candy up here for now.

I have not listed these in any of my shops... leave me a comment, with an email address to reach you, if you'd like more information on anything here.

** And to make the FTC happy... I did receive many of these products free of charge from Artbeads.com, so that I could review them honestly. I was not paid by any financial means for my opinions. **

2011 - A New Direction

My statistics page says that 21 of you follow my blog... I hope you're all still here!

This new year I am embarking on a radical new journey... and it will definitely affect this blog.

I am about to start an online class for certification in Energy Healing. As an already certified Kundalini Reiki master, I am truly looking forward to this class and all that I will learn in the next nine months.

If you want details on this class, check out the blog: Reiki Awakening or visit the website: Reiki Awakening If you would like to help me with tuition for the class, please look here: Distance Reiki Session Reiki is for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance, and benefits everyone, even those that "don't believe in it".

For those of you that follow my blog for my jewelry, do not despair, I will continue to make shiny, sparkly baubles with beads. I will, however, be "charging" new pieces with Reiki energy, and positive intent. I may change some of the materials that I work with, and the overall "tone" of what I create, but I am certain this is a direction that will be acceptable to all. (Especially to my *favorite* suppliers; they won't change.) And I will still post pieces I create.

I am looking forward to bringing all 21 of you along on my new adventure... and perhaps picking up some new folks along the way... Thanks for checking out my page today!!

Love and light, always,
AlsoMrsB

Brick and Mortar - The Alabaster Jar

Tra-La!! It been less than six months and here I am writing again!! I am proud of myself.

I unpacked most of my bead box... it seems that some things must have been put into another box, though, it looked a little "empty". I know that I have a ton earrings that haven't been listed in either of my shops, and some cell phone charms that I have made, too. My search has some oomph behind it, because I have been offered by a brick and mortar shop, here in Astoria, OR to have some of my work carried in the shop.

My "discovery" of The Alabaster Jar has been a blessing in so many ways... It is part art gallery, part bookstore, with offerings of spiritual healing and physical well being through Reiki and massage. All of which is resonate with me. A multitude of classes are offered, as well... belly dancing, drum circle, mask making/painting, and more!

If you are in the area, stop in and check it out at 1184 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR... if you're not in the area, check it out online. The website is still under construction, though it is completely functional... just not all of the offers are listed in the links, yet.

I will blog more about this brick and mortar shop as I make more "discoveries" from within it... Meanwhile, check out my ArtFire Studio and my friend's shop WickedSoaps for sinfully wicked bath and body!!

The Next Random Post

It's been months... life has been in full swing, and I've been up to here with stuff to do and stuff to procrastinate. Stuff to do; moving from CA to OR, unpacking, registering the kids for school, and trying to find my beading supplies. Stuff to procrastinate; unpacking, writing a blog, making anything from my beading supplies.

Now don't take that the wrong way... I LOVE to make my pretties. Somehow not everything got packed into the same boxes... and there is so much still to find, like findings and wire and such. I have some of the crystals out and have been staring at them for the better part of three weeks. Perhaps something awesome will come of that. I will keep you up to speed, and post pics, as soon as I have something to show you!

In my life outside of beading, I have been reading, and watching movies, and making new friends in our new neighborhood. I am learning that this area is pretty historic, even if it is still very small town... On the weekends we go hiking and to the beach.

And on that easy note... until next time. Perhaps less than six months from now!!

Not Lazy... Just Busy

It would seem as though my poor blog has been neglected, yet again, for a month! Some good news, though; I have received more blogging beads from Artbeads.com. These beautiful Swarovski Crystal Heart Pendants are blue, as a tongue-in-cheek, anti-Valentine's Day theme. I know too many military wives whose husbands are on deployment, that I just couldn't stand the thought of happy and pink this year. Sorry. I will be making a necklace and earrings set from these, as time permits... (these pics are directly from Artbeads.com)



The clasp that I have chosen is quite unique, and the design I have drawn out uses it as an "inverse"... so that it will be the focal of the necklace. This clasp can be found in the Sterling Silver Clasps section, by following the "Toggle" and "Heart" links. Though you may want to wander through the entire section, just to admire the vast selection of clasps!!
I am posting these pics to show you where my creations start... just from the sight of these fantastic items. As I have not yet completed my design, you will need to wait to see my finished pieces... Ah, the joy of something to look forward to! You know I'll blog again!!

** And to make the FTC happy... I did receive these products free of charge from Artbeads.com, so that I could review them honestly; and I was not paid in any way for my opinions. **