One last trip for the year

We’re all safe and sound, back in the paws of our fur babies, much to their relief! Kelly C. does a lovely job taking care of them while we’re away, but there’s no Mama like your real Mama(s) and the dogs and cats are equally appreciative of our return in their own ways.… Read More

Las Vegas Living

Hello! Fear not – we haven’t forgotten about you! Mom and I are in Las Vegas on vacation, and having ourselves a grand old time.

We flew out here on Thursday – barely surviving the plane trip. Not because the plane was the problem.… Read More

Crazy Cat(s)

From June: I recently painted my bedroom. I’ve only lived for 2 years with the hideous intense mustardy yellow color that the previous owners had in my room. So I finally got the painting done. Art for the wall is on order.… Read More

Ah, Thanksgiving

From June: Okay, I think we’re ready for the food orgy here. Of course, since when do we need an excuse to eat? Jill and I team-tagged the shopping. I went to the grocery store around the corner from work on my lunch hour and bought everything that didn’t require refrigeration.… Read More

New Night at the Opera photo


Ohmigosh! I just realized I never shared my new professional photos with you guys here on the blog! I’ll do them one at a time…the first is Night at the Opera…all glammed up! I’m teaching it at Bead Fest Santa Fe in March, Bead & Button in June, and Bead Fest Philadelphia in August.… Read More

Catching Up

As per usual, time is flying by at warp speeds. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do with you guys!

The BABE show in Oakland was a true delight. Not only did I get to have polymer class artist, Christi Friesen, as a neighbor, but her sister, Stacy, was helping her out in the booth too and we all had a blast!… Read More

I made it!

I knew there was a very good reason that I started flying in to show locations a day earlier than I really needed. Part of it is just being able to slow down a little bit – not trying to rush so fast that I end up frazzled and get caught not fully set up or ready when the show starts.… Read More

Last show of the year

2am. I’m surrounded by boxes and kits and suitcases. And potato chips, or what’s left of them anyway. Winston on my lap because he’s trying to keep me from leaving again. I have some more packing to do, and I need to get some orders ready for shipping, but honestly I’m not sure I have the energy in me right now to finish up.… Read More

Last week of schedule insanity

The only thing that’s getting me through this week is the beautiful vista I see ahead on my calendar. Pretty little blank spaces which equal catching up and peace and harmony and organization to me. I’m dreaming of making headway on The List.… Read More

Progress report

I’m pedaling fast and trying to remember to stop and breathe and eat occasionally. And sleep. Can’t forget about my beloved sleep. I used to joke about wanting to grow up and be a mattress tester. I’m not joking any longer!… Read More

Overload: 95% complete

Let’s review, shall we?

Bead kits are going over so well at Fusion Beads that they have placed TWO reorders this week. Massive kit making production line around here the next couple of weeks.

Bead Fest Philadelphia has made their class selections, and I’ll be teaching three classes there next August.… Read More

And yet more riches…

Mick & Adam McNulty had a healthy baby girl at 5:15 pm today. What a relief and joy! No name or details yet. I’m so happy for them, I want to cry.

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An abundance of riches

And I don’t mean the monetary kind.

The last few days have been full of the kind of events that can leave you breathless and pinching yourself to make sure it’s all real.

First off, our kits are now available at Fusion Beads, and they’re being featured on the home page.… Read More

Thank You stamp

I admit to a pretty big crush on Etsy. I love supporting other artists. I love the inspiration I get from viewing a wide variety of craft and art. And I love making the world a prettier place.

To that end, I have ordered an adorable new Thank You stamp to use on all our web orders.… Read More

Southwest Airlines, I <3 you!

For all those Austin area Bead & Button Show fanatics, guess what? Our annual trek northward just got easier. Southwest Airlines now flies from Austin to Milwaukee. Yippee! So airfares are more reasonable, which means MORE money for the important stuff – beads and classes!… Read More

Slow motion

This weekend has been completely different than planned, that’s for sure. I was supposed to be in Dallas all weekend with the lovely and talented ladies of the Dallas Bead Society, along with the amazing Marcia DeCoster, but alas, my body had other plans for me.… Read More

Teaching in San Antonio

Did ya’ll know that I’m teaching a few classes at The Bead Renaissance Show in San Antonio in a few weeks? You can send an email to Class Program Co-coordinator Sue Charette-Hood, San Antonio Bead & Ornament Society at charette-hood@juno.com or call 210-381-4167 to register.… Read More