The New Year and Then Some

So, the last time I posted was back in OCTOBER!? Way back in 2009? Wow. I really AM boring I guess. Maybe boring but never bored. It's important to me that I shouldn't be bored. EVER. Always have something to do. With four kids, a husband, a cat and a business to run, it's not hard to find something to do. Just in case though, I always make sure I have paper and pencil, a good book and some beads with me--almost wherever I go.
ANYWAY.... I don't know where all of THAT came from!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! A little bit late but I mean it. :-) I do have some shows coming up. ----------> Check over there for event listings.
The Fire Divas are always good about posting on the Fire Divas' Blog:

There you can find all kinds of good stuff including Bead of the Day and info on things like the 4th Annual "One World One Heart" global blog event!! Pretty cool stuff--you should go check it out!

I'll have to get back with more updates soon (yeah I know, so don't hold your breath!) it's already past my bedtime tonight. Who's reading this anyway?
I'll leave you with some pictures from Narnia. Well ok, not REALLY Narnia--it's my yard. And they're from last week. Only 6 inches of snow to show THIS week. Not too very exciting--only 6 inches. :-)

Breast Cancer Awareness Challenge

I am a new member of the Fire Divas! A group of lampwork bead artisans promoting the use of artisan made glass beads. The belief is that, by promoting one another's work, we all benefit. :-) What an organized, talented bunch! I'm proud to be a part.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Fire Divas are having a Breast Cancer Awareness Challenge! Several of our members have made wonderful pieces for YOU to vote on. First, you can feast your eyes on these beauties in big, clear pictures. When you're done savoring them, please vote for your favorite in bite-sized images on the right side of the Fire Divas Blog . The voting will stay open for one week - then the winner will receive a really cool prize!

You can also find us on Facebook at the
Fire Divas Fanpage

It's all new to me so I have yet to get myself completely emergered, but I really look forward to being in the group.

And for other news...my fall shows are over. It's usually kind of sad, but I did four in a row (and one I helped at in between!) so I was kinda of ready to get home and CLEAN the house I guess! ha. No really, I did clean the house. I don't remember the last time I did that! No more shows coming up until Feruary--which will be here soon enough.
Well, off to get the kids ready for school. Have a great day and don't forget to vote in the Fire Divas Challenge!

I love My Customers!

Two of the latest installments of works by my talented customers!

These wonderful works above were done by Linda Jones of Wild Wicked Beads. Her Etsy shop is definately a treat for the eyes! I have admired her work for quite a while and was so honored to have her work with my beads!

These super-fun pieces were done by Gergana Todorova of Geri Jewel Art. Check out her Etsy shop for wonderful, wearbale art!

Birthday Sale

It was 20 years ago today...
In honor of my daughter's 20th birthday (No, I am NOT old enough to have a child that old! ha) everthing in my Etsy shop is 20% off today! That includes the sale stuff and everything! :-)
Here's my shop ------------------------------------------------------->>>

It's Almost the End of July!

I haven't posted for such a long time! I guess my life is just really BORING! Wow.
I guess we HAVE been painting the house. What a long drawn out process THAT has turned out to be! Can you say "vinyl siding"? My husband says we'll never paint again. We'll see. Here's a preview--we started with the shed:


No shows this summer--kind of depressing. Can't wait for the fall shows to start. The weather is making it FEEL like fall, however!

I've been listing as much as I can in my etsy shop, you can find new things there. I also donated some "swag" for an event call the Des Moines Swap-O-Rama .
Swap-O-Rama-Rama is "a clothing swap and series of do-it-yourself workshops in which a community explores creative reuse through the recycling of used clothing." Sounds cool huh? August 1st. You should check out the website. I'm also working on some things for the Iowa Shakespeare Experience . That should be a good time for all!
Well, that's about all the new news that I have for now. Hope summer is going well for everyone. It's going FAST, that's for sure!