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Learning I’m normal

One of the great things about my job is that I get to work at home. But one of the bad things about my job is that I’m stuck at home. Usually alone and in a feedback vacuum. Logically, I know my beadwork projects and classes are good and that I have a large fan base.… Read More

Introducing…


….some unnamed necklace that I finally finished designing and beading tonight! Woo-hoo! I’m so very happy with it. As usual, it looks even a million bucks better in person than in the photo. I probably spent more time working out the details of this design than any other of my previous projects.… Read More

Winston likes class

One of Winston’s favorite things to do while we have classes going on here at the house is to pick one of the ladies’ bags to sleep on top of. Last week it was Nancy’s bags – what good taste he has!!… Read More

Stitching away

In two weeks, the big Bead & Button Show 2010 teaching proposals deadline arrives. Be there, or be absent from B&B teaching! Gulp.

I’ve already got a few things done and ready to go, but you can really never have too many proposals for them, so I’ve been working out at least one additional project this week.… Read More

Weekend wore me out!

Wow – this was one heck of a weekend, and it traces all the way back to last Tuesday when Mom so innocently said, “Why don’t we stop at Ikea before we go home?” Little did I know her master plan!!… Read More

K-9 Hunter – ATF


Many of my local students have had the honor of meeting Hunter, a very special dog who was part of Claire’s family. Hunter was an explosives dog for the ATF when he wasn’t busy attending bead classes with his mama, or playing with all the toys that Kathy so lovingly repaired, over and over.… Read More

A little peek

This is the stuff that’s been keeping my hands and mind occupied the last few days…making samples for the Kumihimo class I’m going to be teaching next weekend, and propose for the national shows for 2010. The more I make, the more ideas I have.… Read More

Wheee!

From June
I did something this week that I’ve never done before: I used one of those electric shopping cart/scooter things at Target. I’ve often envied shoppers who would whiz past me on a cart, but even in the worst throws of my arthritis pain, I resisted using one.… Read More

Naps and ice packs with a few beads thrown in

Kathryn emailed me tonight, scolding me for being well past an acceptable blog update time. She’s right, darn her.

I got Mom home around 2pm on Friday, and we’ve gradually been working out a system for everything. We planned so much for the first surgery that it was a well oiled machine.… Read More

Coming home Friday

Another quickie post tonight….I’ve been at home very little the last few days between errands, the hospital, and dinner with friends last night. Tomorrow morning, Mom gets released from the hospital and comes home – Yippee! But then I become the 24 hour nurse, too.… Read More

Second knee – DONE!

Just a quick post tonight as I’m dead tired and simply must collapse on my pillow soon or perish.

Mom’s second knee replacement surgery was today at noon, and just like before, she’s doing amazingly well. Sailed through the operation, and had the nerve to be PERKY by the time I met up with her again in her room.… Read More

My progress


I adore this bracelet. Really adore it. It’s so soft and slinky and sexy on the wrist. I still have the clasp to add, and there will be optional Czech firepolish on loops on the outside edge to match the description I have of the inspiration piece.… Read More

Progress being made

Stand back! Actual project progress is being made here. You may be in danger of getting hit by a flying crystal or an out of control needle. Use caution.

Mom has been finishing a number of necklaces lately. Is she trying to show me up?… Read More

Friday Eyecandy

I’ve been so remiss in posting this week – it’s been one of those weeks where not a lot that seems post-worthy has been going on. Mom’s been working instead of recovering from surgery – bah. I had a dermatologist appointment and now have a small hole in my forehead after the removal of a stupid spot.… Read More

Friday’s Random Bits

  • A favorite moment of last weekend’s Saturday class – Kathryn pulling out a bracelet from my display case and inquiring, “why don’t you teach this??” Um, Kath? You made that bracelet. In Rebecca’s class, and it was too big for you, so you gifted it to me.
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Best laid plans

First off, what a great weekend we had! I taught classes on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and it was one of those times when you laugh so much your face hurts. My dear sister of the heart, Kathryn, was feeling well enough to attend which made me thrilled beyond belief.… Read More

Home is where…

  • the beads are
  • the fur babies are
  • chaos reigns supreme…as evidenced by the photo!


That table is where I plan on holding two classes this weekend, and yet, as you can see, the table was covered in STUFF as of noon today.… Read More

Almost there

I had a great day’s drive Tuesday. Lots of energy, no rest stop naps required. I listened to my book on CD most of the way, and a new music CD the rest of the time. And after today’s miles, I get to love on my very own fur babies!… Read More