Bead Table Wednesday - Candles?

So technically, this is not my bead table but has to do with my bead table. I've recently begun a collection of peacock candles with the plan being that once they are all burned up, I will use the glass containers for storing beads! Probably the best thing will be to separate little projects into them. I think they are going to look great lining my desk! A couple of them have even come in matching boxes - bonus storage!

Instead of being in a container, this one is adorned with a brass peacock. Can you say instant pendant?

And here's a tip you may or may not know regarding candle wax. If you ever have a container you want to get the remaining wax out of, pop it in the freezer for a bit. The wax will shrink and it will come right out!

All candles found at Pier 1 with the exception of the one in the middle. That one was gifted to me by Erin Prais-Hintz.

New, and Blue, for the beach bride......

My hairstylist of many, many years is getting married in a few weeks on a Lake Michigan beach. When I went in for my appointment yesterday, I gifted her with this necklace. She said it would go great with her rehearsal outfit! A collection of shell charms, pearls, and blue disks. I had a few favor boxes left over from my sister-in-law's shower last year that I was even able to package it up in.

101 Bracelets, Necklaces, and Earrings

On newsstands now - 101 Bracelets, Necklaces and Earrings! I received my copy yesterday, and what a great issue packed full of inspiration! My Enchanted Forest earrings are featured (first shown in Fall 2010 Stringing). I really like the way they laid out the projects, even creating diagrams on some of them. Check it out - you won't be disappointed!

A special "thank you"...

I just wanted to take a moment to thank my parents for all they do for us, and now for Richard. They came over while I was in labor and stayed at our house, doing laundry and making meals for us. My Mom came over again a few weeks later to ride with me to Bead & Button and then came back after the show to help me out for a few more days. We recently went to WI again over the 4th of July weekend and they made some great cookouts, love pitching in to help with the baby, and overall let us "take over" their house with all of our gear (which seems to be growing as our family grows)!

Most recently, I want to thank my Mom for something jewelry related she did for me. I usually participate in my Art Center's annual art fair which is in mid-June. However, this year it was cancelled due to some extensive construction in our downtown area near the park where it is held. Even with the birth of Richard, I was still planning to do the fair. But I must say when it was cancelled I felt a little bit relieved to not have that pressure the weekend after Bead & Button. The Art Center is actually going to have a sale right on site in August that I will do so I am anxious to see how that goes. Anyway, my Mom's company (in the heart of downtown Milwaukee) had a craft fair this past Thursday. She volunteered to take all of my jewelry and have a booth there. The nice thing about it is that they supply the table and chairs so we just had to pack up a few displays (nothing extensive) and the jewelry. It was for 2 hours during the workday and she sold 2 necklaces, 2 bracelets, and 2 pairs of earrings. Not bad, hun? She did this same setup for me a few years ago and my Grandma helps as well.

So THANK YOU Mom & Dad for all you do for us!!! We really appreciate it!

Dear Richard,

You are such a good baby! Within the past week, I have taken you to an Art Center meeting (slept the entire time). My doctor's appointment (slept the whole time). We had family visit for the weekend and you were quite enjoyed. I was reluctant to try to take you to the Cars 2 movie that our nieces wanted to see but again, you slept the entire time. The next day, we went to the zoo and guess what? You slept through most of it. When you were awake, you were all smiles. You drank your bottle while peacocks wandered around you (they like to hang out around the restaurant for bits of food).
I got the best picture of a peacock that I have ever gotten! I still can't believe it! He was showing off for one of the females.

I am so glad that you like to go places and I hope it continues. Do you want to go for a walk today? How about Michael's?

Love,
Mom

Inspiration from Bead & Button

Real quick post here...... These 3 pieces were made with new findings from Bead & Button! They are listed in my Etsy shop. Sometimes, it takes getting some new things to kick start the inspiration! It's always exciting to work with new things!

Cleaning out my closet....

.... my jewelry closet that is. My clothes closet will be next. It seems a lot of designers are in the mood to clean house right now. These pieces are from my personal collection, but weren't seeing much action being worn, so I am deciding to sell them. They are all listed in my Etsy shop now, so head on over and see if there is something you can't live without. Many great bead makers are represented: Green Girl Studios, Jade Scott, Anne Choi, Diane Hawkey and Doreen Wiley.