A Travel Hiatus Among Other Things

Bacharach, Germany

Can you imagine waking up to this view? Swinging open your window, getting a faint valley breeze up from the Rhine River and slipping into your clogs to warm the kettle. 

Yeah, I certainly could get used to it. 

Check out the vineyard over there on the hill. We went by several and saw a few stout Germans traversing those vertical fields. I think you might need to be part mountain goat to tend these vines? The wine, and the beer from this region ... oh who am I kidding ... from all over the country is delicious. And we spent a week sampling our way down the Rhine and along the Romantic Road of Germany.

And then we spent a second week traveling through Vienna, on to Bratislava (that's Slovakia's capital city), then Prague and finished up in Karlovy Vary (the original spa town - it's what Calistoga wishes they were). We had a fantastic trip and I can't wait to tell you all about it. But for now, I'm still sorting through pictures and laundry. Piles of it since we also picked up one of the girls from summer camp. 

Yep, that's right. We dropped the kids at summer camp and promptly jumped on a flight to Europe. Last summer the house was just too quiet while they were away at camp, so the hubby and I decided to go away when they were away this year. Our first vacation alone in 12 years. I'll be back to blog about the travels, the stories and show you all the pictures.

The Sea :: Aegean

This is the final posting for my sea inspired series using sea glass beads from Znetshows.com. I still have a few beads left, so good chance I'll be back with more designs. But later in the summer, or maybe this fall. I've been swamped at work lately and haven't made it to my bead table at all yet this summer other than this handful of sea glass designs from early June. 

I made one last pair of sea glass earrings, this time in a beautiful sea foam green. And I included a companion pair using silver sequins. I never really thought of myself as a sequin person, but in these designs I love how it gives off just a bit of chime in your ear when you wear them. I can imagine sitting high up on the bluff of the sea with that bit of sea breeze giving everything a bit of sway.

For this series, I've given you a few places that top my bucket list to visit. This next place is featured in my inspiration board. The Aegean Sea, home to some 2,000 islands inhabited through the ages by Greeks, Turks, Phoenicians, Philistines, Egyptians and countless other travelers. If I were a time traveler and could go back in time, this would probably be my first stop. All those flowing fabrics, strappy sandals, dangling jewelry and plenty of wine. Who's with me?

The first time I can remember reading about the Mediterranean I was cracking open that enormous book of Homer's Odyssey that talked about journeys on the sea, colossal statues and sirens off the sea cliffs. Even though it is full of myth and legend, it had me dreaming of warm breezes and clear blue seas. Don't forget to check out all the other designers and the most current edition of Creative Spark.

The Sea :: Near East

This is the second post in my sea inspired series using beautiful, softly tumbled sea glass beads from Znetshows.com. I absolutely love the pale aqua blue in these beads. And normally I would just stop with blue, the color of the sea, and a touch of silver wire. Usually I gravitate to using silver with sea glass as I feel like it brings a sharp, fresh feel to the design. 

But in these, I went with gold and it brought out the touch of the exotic to each pair. The gold also paired up beautifully with this soft yellow, a color I had yet to try from the huge color choices over at Znetshows. The chain had me thinking of belly dancers, which a few of you might remember some past designs I did with a similar theme. These designs got me into a Near East state of mind for some reason, and transported me to the shores of North Africa.

The term Near East isn't used much anymore. Originally it was used to refer to the Ottoman Empire, and the countries under its control that lined the shores of the Mediterranean. The term was used in contrast to territories that would fall in the Far East, or Northeast / Southeast Asia and Far East Russia. Both terms are clearly defined through a Western lens. It described territories by the super powers of the age, the British, French and Spaniards, as they fought to gain more land and riches and outline the world by their conquests. Today, the terms are used mostly in the context of history and old empire boundaries.

There is an air of the exotic when I think of the historic region. It brings images of camels, sands, bangles, baskets and rich fabrics. Not to mention spices, tajines and tea served in glass cups. I long to shop the markets of Marrakesh or explore the romantic city of Casablanca. Not the one of Bogart and Bacall, but the ancient city called Anfa which was settled in the 7th century BC by the Berbers (the original indigenous people of North Africa). Berbers call themselves i-Mazigh-en, scholars guess the meaning to be 'free people' apart from the Romans and Greeks. The area was one of the most prosperous cities on the Atlantic coast because of its fertile land.

Anfa became a safe harbor for pirates, which was its undoing. The Portuguese attack and destroyed the town in 1468 and used the area as a military fortress. They renamed it Casablanca, meaning the White House. The old city of Casablanca is still referred to as Anfa. The beautiful Mosque in my inspiration board is called the Grande Mosquee Hassan II, and is the largest mosque in Africa, and 7th in the world. The minaret is 60 stories high and has a laser which light is directed towards Mecca. The building itself sits a rock edge looking out to the sea, and where the glass floor of the main hall shows the sea bed. The Mosque was commissioned by King Hassan II, with work starting in 1986 and finishing 7 years later. Pretty spectacular location looking out over the sea.

One more area that also sits near the top of my bucket list, right behind Croatia. Eventually I'll travel to Morocco, but probably after the kids are no longer traveling with us. Check out all the other designs and artists in this edition of Creative Spark.

The Sea :: Adriatic

A few weeks back Hope, of Crafty Hope, sent around the call for a few designers to work with that gorgeous sea glass beads from Znetshows.com. I just cannot help raising my hand every time she asks. I love pretty much everything about the sea, including all the treasures you pick up in the sand. Znetshows has some of the best shapes and sizes in their glass ... just check out those sea foam green fish!

I decided this time around that I was going to do an earring series, so over the next few days I'll show you a few designs and some sea inspired images that brought my designs to life.

For quite some time now Croatia has been at the top of my bucket list. Not only because it is stunningly beautiful but because it has that touch of history and an 'off the beaten track' appeal, at least to me. Sure plenty of Europeans have known the secret of Croatia's beauty, but not many of the masses of tourist from my neck of the woods would have it on their 'must see' lists. And frankly that works for me.

Croatia is known for its views of the Adriatic, one of the many seas that spill into the Mediterranean. It is the northern most arm of the Mediterranean with over 1,300 islands alone, most of which are located along the coast of Croatia. Anyone seen the Game of Thrones? King's Landing is filmed in Dubrovnik. One of the amazing things about watching the show is how they transport us to another time through the filming locations. Real places that I want to see. Well, some of them I've already seen, but Croatia is still on the list of places to visit. Don't forget to check out the designs from all the other artists in the latest edition of Creative Spark.

CC7A :: Soft Summer Hues

This month's CC7A challenge is hosted by Sally Russick and is inspired by these beautiful soft summer hues.

I confess that I had originally designed my cabochon #3 as my piece for this month, but I ended up posted it early. Truth be told, I posted it and then remembered several days later that I meant to reveal it for this hop. It was too late to switch it around! That is exactly how distracted I've been lately. 

Ah well, I did have a plan B. I had also made a sweet pair of earrings in the color pallet using a beautiful pair of headpins by Genea that I could not resist buying. I love the celery green color mixed with earthy colors. It just feels like summer to me. I really love her headpins, and all those silvery additions to the beads were perfect for me to add just a touch silver fringe to bring it out.

Be sure to check out everyone else's creations this month: Alicia, Christine, Therese, Sally, and Monique.

Stone Cabochon Series :: #4

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Years ago, before we had our kids, my husband and I took a road trip through the Southwestern US. What a gorgeous corner of the world, and something that continues to influence me when I sit down to create jewelry. 

The red rocks and painted desert of the area are breathtaking and remain carved into my memory along with our hike down into the grand canyon as we watched a thunder storm erupt along the opposite rim. Mother Nature's light show was spectacular.

I will absolutely never tire of the bold, but simple colors and geometric shapes from local artisans. I am inspired by the Southwestern Native American tribes of the region with Navajo, Zuni and Hopi being personal favorites. If you have time to browse, check out my Pinterest board for some of the regions beautiful inspiration.

This set of red stone cabochons gifted to me from Melinda Orr were two of the first I paired together for this series. While they are not of the same stone, they seem to depict the shifts and changes of the rock layers throughout the region. It is one of the memorable things about visiting the Southwest. I love how you can see the the layers of sediment exposed to the elements over the millennium; a rich history you can study as you hike these magnificent natural wonders. You can see more inspiration on my South by Southwest Pinterest board.

Each one of these paired cabochons has taken on its own personality, and this one seemed to need a brass chain to draw out the flecks in the sandstone. As I think about it, the first time I ever saw sandstone was in the small market as you enter Monument Valley. The cluster of vendor stalls were full of local craftsmen selling items in the traditional native Southwestern styles, including pottery, blankets, clothing, bags or jewelry. I've been in love with the stone ever since and it continues to reminds me of our trek through this region each time I pull it out to create.

Stone Cabochon Series :: #3

Haystack Rock Cannon Beach, OR

For as long as I can remember there has been one place, that when I close my eyes it is what I see. I can instantly feel the cool mist on my face, the whipping wind twisting my hair and the roar of the surf. It is the one place that can bring me peace from the moment I crest the hill, and round the corner to head down the long drive to Cannon Beach. The rock will come in and out of view as I wind my way there. 

When I looked into the pattern of the stone that Melinda Orr gifted me, all I could see was the silhouette of haystack rock that dominates the view from Cannon Beach. I see a "moody" winter sky surrounding the rock. Just as I remember it being most days. 

My childhood was spent along this coast line at the various beaches in the area, but nothing captivated me as much as this mammoth rock jutting out of the surf. I always wanted to climb it, and I would shift around to a side, dig in and begin to climb a few foot-holds up. But my mother would notice and yell to "get DOWN off that rock!" Once upon a time I was 7 and would wait until I thought my mother wasn't looking so I could sneak in a little excitement, something I was definitely not supposed to do. Yes people climbed it, and yes it was wet, slippery and dangerous. But there was a time in my life where I just wanted to see the view from up top. 

I no longer have this piece as a friend bought this one from me 2 weeks ago. She tried on almost every one of my stone cab necklaces in this series, and nearly bought the one I showed last weekend. But in the end she took this one. I knew from the beginning that this was the one for her, but it took her most of the weekend before she knew it too. She also took the cuff I posted last weekend. When she told me she wanted it, I was a bit taken aback because she exclaimed "oh, this will be perfect for the wedding I'm going to!" Totally didn't see that coming. But once she told me it was a wedding on a beach and she had a cute cotton jacket it would match, it all made sense to me. Absolutely nothing makes me happier than to think of her wearing these pieces.

ATTS 7: Bead Embroidery

I just love this hop hosted by Christine and Therese. Each one has been a challenge for me to try something new. To practice a stitch or technique. This installment had us trying our hand at bead embroidery. 

While I have been doing quite a few bead bezeling pieces lately, I wanted to try some stitching into fabric. So that is where I wanted to start this challenge. With a piece of fabric, some beads and a simple design. 

The last time that Christine and I got together for a beady weekend, I decided to get started on a piece for this hop. Christine happened to have a bit of grey cloth that matched a bead bezel focal I had just finished. She gifted me the cloth and I got started. I attached the focal and continued the design on the fabric with the same beads. I was going to fill in more beadwork, but both Christine and I agreed simple was better.

But it did just need a bit more, and so I decided to do some bead crochet for an edge. I stitched that in place and then added a suede backing to the fabric. I love the way this one feels on ... that suede backing is so comfortable! And the cuff has that bit of boho elegance that I love. So a win, win for me!

I thought I'd show you all another piece I recently finished. I've been in a bezeling mood lately and I've created a number of pieces with some small polished stones that Melinda Orr gifted me. There is a wide variety and I've had so much fun mixing and matching them. I'll come back and show you more later, but here is one of my favorites. 

I've discovered a nifty trick. If I glue a jump ring to the back of my focal, and then add the suede, I can stitch the whole piece together with a small loop for me to connect the focal. So instead of a large embroidered piece, I get a few individual pieces that connect and have a bit of swing to them. I have a growing collection to show you all that I'be been working on for months. Yes, I am just a tiny bit obsessed with this style.

Be sure to check out the rest of the hoppers today: our hosts Therese and Christine, Amy, Liz E, Kim, Janet, Bobbie, Maryanne, Karen, Becky, Shirley, Lola, Lori, Karin G, Debbie, Paula, Wendy, Jasvanti, Ginger, Alicia, Sarah, Lizzie, Samantha, Sally, and Niky

Make A Statement :: Featuring Therese Frank's Cabochon

Today's hop is hosted by Sally Russick featuring cabochons. She's left the rules a little loose so that people can create with their cabochons using metal smithing, wire wrapping, bead weaving or bead embroidery. I decided to go with a beaded bezel for my cabochon. But not just any cabochon, but one created by my beady friend Therese. 

I wanted to give a little shout out to her hop for next weekend with the ATTS crew (A Time To Stitch) for the 7th installment. Christine and Therese have been hosting this hop for the last few years now (has it really been that long?), and this upcoming hop (Saturday June 6) features bead embroidery. Therese was so sweet to share with many of us her cabochons that she personally made. Her skills seem to know no boundaries, and now she's added lapidary to them. Click here to see some of the other's she made.

The one she sent me I think is just beautiful. It is a plume agate and seems to have a landscape pattern to it. In doing a bit of homework on this type of agate I found that there are several large areas in Eastern Oregon and Idaho (the Owyhee Mountains and Graveyard Point) where they mine this type of agate. They say that plume agates are a seam agates and get their names from the plume like shapes from inclusions in the stones. Many are cloudy plumes, but you'll find brown and black mineral inclusions as well. One 'rock hound' said that when the agate is exposed to the elements it tends to make it look fractured, stained and cloudy. However these stones form, they make for some gorgeous eye candy to bead around.

For my cabochon I decided to use a mix of 'mineral' colors in gun metal grey, copper, brass and gold to highlight all those beautiful inclusions in Therese's stone. I tried (for quite some time) to add leather for the strap, but it just wasn't going to happen. I gave up and went with a simple chainmaille instead which gave this piece just the right balance and substance that I was looking for.

Please be sure to check out all the other artists and their cabochon pieces: Sally (our host), Therese, Sandi, Karin, Paula, Veralynne, Elizabeth, Niky and Terri

CC7A :: Tutti Fruiti

Today's CC7A hop is hosted by Therese Frank. Her challenge to all of us was to use the colors from this mutli-colored, tutti-frutti bloom. I think I might have mentioned this in my last post that I'm Mardi Gras challenged. Using lots of colors is a struggle for me. My mind likes uniformed patterns, so when someone throws in a bunch of colors it goes a bit haywire. 

Throwing caution to the wind I decided to use a pile of beads in a multitude of color. I dumped out what remained of my bicone crystals and used them all. Yes, every last one of them in a random order. 

I knew that I didn't have enough for a full bracelet, but I had something in mind. Originally I was going to finish off each end with a simple peyote band, but it created too much elegance. Strange I know, but it really wasn't what I was going for. I  really wanted something that was everyday wearable with a bit of fun bling. My friend Therese loves a bit of boho, biker bling ... and so I let it inspire this design.

I ripped out what I had, and instead took a strip from an old pair of jeans. I cut out a window box to nestle a sort of stained glass look inside. I stitched the outer edges of the beadwork right into the cut out window box. That first picture is capturing the light coming through the center. 

This cuff slips on like an old pair of jeans. It snaps in the back and feels so comfortable. I asked the Bead Girl to help out by wearing this around for a week or two to fray out the sides. She did a fantastic job with her part, although not exactly what I was expecting. I did see her wearing it for a few days, but when I asked for her to go grab it so I could snap a few pictures she could not find it anywhere. To the point of shouting through the tears, "I put it right here! I don't know what happened?" Fast forward an hour later and her room sifted .... I discovered it in the bottom of her bed. Sigh. 

Please make sure to check out all the other artists this month: Therese (this month's host), Alicia, Christine, Monique, Sally and Emma.

Playing Hooky with the Bead Girl

Bead Girl's picture of a door at Clinton Castle

Native American Pin

Last Friday my daughter had an optional field trip. Their school does an annual trip to view a surgery. This year was a bypass, in previous years it's been open heart. She was dreading it, and the school allows for kids who just can't take it to opt out. 

Seems a strange field trip, but the district here feels like it encourages those kids that can see themselves in the sciences, or those that might go into medicine. But for those of us that can't take the sight of our own blood (that would be me) ... the kids can opt out.

Bead Girl's picture of museum sky light

And so, the Bead Girl and I played hooky last Friday. I took the day off to run around NYC with her. We managed to get in quite a bit of the city including a trip down to Battery Park for a peek at the Statue of Liberty and a look around Clinton Castle (the battery itself). 

Native American Water Jug

Then afterwards we walked across the green there to the National Museum of the American Indian, which had free admission. I love this type of exhibit. I have seen many in multiple countries. But I will tell you that only one rivals this exhibit and that is the one in Vancouver, BC at The Museum of Anthropology. If you are ever in the area it is a must see.

The National Museum here in NYC was amazing, and completely unexpected. They had exhibits from Indian culture from all over the Americans and down into Central and South America. While not as large as the exhibit in BC, it is packed with beautiful things to see. 

Chibi polymer figures by Bead Girl

From there, we headed uptown to check out other landmarks she had never seen. I know we live close to NY, but we really don't bring the girls into the city much. And even then we usually have an engagement to meet up with someone so we don't sightsee. This trip was to tick off a few places she'd always wanted to see. We stopped into the Empire State building and then on to the Chrysler building. Not to mention Grand Central Station and the Graybar building next door. 

Cake, carrot and peas in polymer by Bead Girl

Our last stop was a store that she'd been talking about for months called Kinokuniya which is a bookstore full of all things Japanese. She's very in to anime whether it is drawing, painting or creating the little figures. She's practiced this miniature polymer art over past year. So she wanted to explore the store for new ideas. We spent 2+ hours there. Yes, 2+ hours. I can honestly say I was more than ready to leave when she said she thought she was 'done.' It was a fantastic day. And I loved every minute of spending a little one-on-one time with daughter. 

Look Up New York

Gorgeous building awning @ 5th Ave and 34th Street

Awning at 5th Ave and 40th Street

I've been having fun this past week playing with Instagram. I've had an account for, I don't know, 2 years? Probably. But have not posted a single picture. Yep. Not one. 

Then for some reason this week I decided I needed to get in there. Can't tell you exactly why, but this seems to be the week that I burst on to the scene of Instagram. Yeah, I'm a big trend setter. 

Doorway on just another side street in NYC

So why now? I stumbled across some Instagram photos that really caught my eye, and I realized that there are a lot of things that I see each day that I've grown used to and, to me, seem mundane. But may not to other people. So why not share? 

I walk to work each morning, and try to switch it up with varying routes. I duck down a street to see if I can discover some new hidden bit of architecture to admire. There are so many amazing buildings in NY that just go unnoticed. At least to the average tourism guide. 

Lord & Talyor window box

So much of the cool stuff is 'up.'  Literally. As a typical NY'er hustling off to work, your focus tends to be straight ahead, down to avoid stepping is some random piece-o-crap or up at the light to see if you need to run to cross at the next corner. That sums up walking to work.

I've decided to snap pics on the way to work. I'm still figuring out Instagram. Yes I know I'm late to the party, but I'm a quick study. It seems to be less connected than other social media, so I'm sticking to posting photos snapped on my iPhone. I guess that will limit my gallery to 'on the go' types of pics. Thus the current tour of the streets of NYC. Love to link up with you all who are already on Instagram. I've been trying to click around to find you all, but click here and link up with me! I'd love that.

One More for Mother's Day

I've been posting a lot of leather bracelets lately, and I thought I would show you one more. This one is no longer in my stash as I gave this one away as a gift to a friend. A new mom who recently had a sweet baby girl. I asked her to help me design a "Mom Gift" for herself. I know, a bit unorthodox. I brought in a box of options to the office and we played with colors and designs. In the end she went with a simple sort of black and white look with black leather and silver. It looks amazing on her. I love how excited people get when they realize that they are creating a piece of jewelry for themselves.

My girls in Savannah at one of the many squares

Summer in the Adirondacks at age 8 and 4

There is always so much excitement around newborns. Rightfully so, but sometimes we forget about the mother or the sibling. Having had two daughters of mine own, I know it takes a bit of time to feel like yourself again. That's why I usually give gifts to the mother. Something special that's just for her.

It took me a bit of time to feel like myself again after each of my daughters were born. Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love being a mother. It is one of the best things in my life, which is probably why it all seems to have gone by so quickly. I feel like my two daughters went from grade school to high school in no time flat. And now my oldest is just a year away from college. Seems like just yesterday that she was so little. I love the person that she has become, but it will be such an adjustment for me when she's off to college. I guess that is what is on my mind lately.

Bracelets :: The Collection

Lately, I have been mixing and matching all sorts of leather, beads and findings to create bracelets. Over the last year I've been hoarding, well collecting all shapes and sizes of leather along with fun focals and closures.  As you can see, the stack of bracelets is growing.

If you've visited me lately you will have already seen a few of these posted. There was the Game of Thrones hop hosted by Heather of Humblebeads where I created a Daenerys Targaryen dragon head bracelet. There was also a hop to celebrate Alenka's birthday who has a love of butterflies, so I did one in honor of her.Then there was the one from last week where I was trying to solve for keeping a gorgeous lampwork bead (by Lea Avroch) from sliding all over the place. 

But there has been more. Much more as you can see. This stack represents the ones that are finished. There are actually quite a few more in various stages of 'doneness.'  Then there are the bits and pieces mapped out on the bead table waiting their turn to make it to the mat (the bead mat of course).

I really have been loving this braided leather. It is soft and easy to work with, and well looks a bit Medieval which of course is right up my alley. This particular one with blond leather, a copper twist focal and strong copper closure was designed by the Bead Girl. She loves to paint while I bead or glue away. But the last time I had a whole mess (yes I mean mess) of leather and findings spread out across the table she grabbed this combo and ask "what about this Mom?" Yes, yes I believe that will work is the only answer for that.

The vast majority of my materials I've picked up from my friend Melinda Orr. She always brings an enormous, movable stash (on wheels) with her to Bead Fest. And Linda Younkman and I will sit literally for hours oooh-ing and aw-ing through our discoveries. She always sends us off with things to try. Which leads me to my growing love of leather. I'm sure you've all noticed it cropping up in my designs over the last year or so, and I have Melinda to thank for my obsession! I blame her entirely.

Now that the weather is warming up, and the sun is finally here, I've been able to get a few decent pictures. I have most of these listed over on my Etsy, so I can make room for new additions to my growing collection of these babies.