Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Order Now!

I'm late in posting this but better late than never.....

This year I am offering the option of ordering Hearts for Hannah based on some past popular sellers. I am only offering a few styles for you to choose from based on ease and past interest. I will also continue my daily posts of hearts here on my blog ....they are sold first come, first gets the heart....its rather fun for me to see who wants what and all the eager emails that await me.

For those of you who may be new to the Hearts for Hannah fundraiser, please reference my Giving link on the bar above. All of the proceeds raised are donated to Joining Hearts and Hands in memory of Hannah Congdon.

Why do I do this?
I do this to support Hannah's mission and the memory of all the Fairport angels.
I do this to honor the families and to let them know that people care.
I do this because it was so deeply sad that I wanted to know something good could come from it.
I do this because it is my small way of helping others.
I do this because it reminds me that life is short. Be kind. Care for others. Give your time to someone or a cause in need.

Here are the hearts I will create by order:


The purple heart to the right can be done with a purple, green or red background.
The heart across from the purple heart can be done with a black, red or blue background. The outlined heart will be done in either black or white.
The yellow heart at the bottom can be done in a yellow, red, black or light blue background. Inner hearts will vary in color.
The floral heart at the top is done on a black background with multi colored flowers.

Please note that although the design concept will be the same, each will vary due to the handmade nature and color availability.

This one is available just because the 4th of July is so close :)


The green background heart to the left can be made in green, purple or red.
The light green heart at the top can be made in green or turquoise. Flowers will be random.

I hope you will order a few and wait and visit my blog to watch for new styles that will be available in June!
Comment here on my blog or send me an email with your order!



Sunday, May 26, 2013

Memorial Day Cookout


Doing a little cooking out later today to celebrate Memorial Day! The menu will include carrot dogs, hot & sour cucumber salad and Thai Tofu wraps! Here is the recipe......I love these just as much as carrot dogs!
Thai Tofu Lettuce Wraps1 small Thai pepper, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/4 cup water
Juice of 1 lime (plus more for garnish)
1 Tbsp. arrowroot powder or cornstarch
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 Tbsp. basil, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
8 iceberg lettuce leaves
  • Sauté the minced pepper and garlic in the olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. Add the soy sauce, water, and lime juice, stirring until well combined. Stir in the cornstarch and simmer over low heat until the tofu is ready.
  • Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a nonstick 12-inch skillet.
  • Add the tofu and cook, stirring frequently (stir-frying), until heated through and browned on all sides, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the sauce and chopped basil, then stir-fry for 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Scoop a spoonful of tofu onto each lettuce leaf, top with basil, garnish with lime juice, if desired, and serve.
Makes 2 large or 4 small servings

Monday, May 13, 2013

Real Simple

This past weekend was a bit chilly for May and it caused me to spend more time than usual indoors. Friday night I had a small Spring Preview show and although the weather was yuckie, I had a number of visitors stop in to see my latest designs. My new work is simple. Beautiful lamp work paired with simple easy to wear designs. The bracelets were extremely popular as were the pendants and rings. I love making beads and jewelry and I want people to be able to afford to wear it. So simple is good.

Saturday I spent much of my day putting things away and cleaning. Its amazing how 2 people can clutter up a house real fast! Putting things in there place took so much time......so much time that I am still working on the cleaning part of the house cleaning duty. We always say we are going to be better at putting stuff away but I guess its harder than it looks for us.

One of my favorite things about cleaning (which I hate since it takes time away from what I really like to do) is the clean smell that fills the air. For over a year now I have gone green with my cleaning and make my own essential oil products. Everything from abrasive scrub to body wash to lip balm and allergy inhalers. So much more cost effective and none of that chemical concern. Here is a great sink scrub you can try:

Kitchen/Bathroom abrasive scrub
* 1 cup baking soda
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 3 tablespoons castile soap
* 10-20 drops your favorite essential oil such as; lemon, peppermint, white pine, lavender, lime, ylang yang.

Mix together and store in a tub. Works great!

Well, enjoy the day!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Beautiful Things

This is typically a Friday post but finding Beautiful Things in our life is really an always thing. Each day really is a gift. Sometimes things within our day can be challenging but rather than focus on the negative, see what happens when you begin to draw out the positive. Here are my 3 beautiful things for today
:: Morning walk. Its the time of day that is most quiet. The sunrise, birds chirping and just the quiet is such a wonderful thing.
:: House cleaning. Really I hate to waste time cleaning but once you get into it, cleaning is rather Zen. Total focus on cleaning the surface, smelling the scent of whatever materials your using and then the neat, uncluttered result. I've got a ways to go but boy its starting to clean up nice here!
:: Aromatherapy. Scent really is a source of memory for me. Pleasing scents are also very relaxing. Today I made house cleaning products with essential oils along with body wash and hand cleaner.
:: Spending time with my beloved dog, Winston. Winny, as we call him, is 98 in dog years and is definitely showing his age. He has a hard time with his back legs and sleeps a lot. He likes nothing better than to just be with me in the same room or just lay on my foot as I clean. I know his days are numbered and I am happy to spend as much time as I can with him doing what he loves....sunshine, naps and treats.

Enjoy your day Namaste!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Show Time ~ Day 6


On Sunday I worked for about 5 1/2 hours setting up a 4th and 5th grade art show for my students. I think its pretty cool......its at a local gallery. Students will feel what its like to be the artists of honor at their own gallery show. I'm very proud of them all! This photo shows just a sneak peak at what is on display.

The work that will be seen is based on 2 artist studies we recently completed. Romare Bearden and Dale Chihuly.....the 5th graders did a group project on Chihuly and created a chandelier using plastic....I must finish constructing it for them and it will be proudly placed in the front window.

My glass jewelry will be part of this show at the end of the week. On Friday evening I will have a display of my most current work. There will also be a chance to pre purchase a Heart for Hannah too.....hope a few of my local friends will come by!

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Solitude- Day#4

Outside of work, I've spent plenty of time alone. Peter, my husband, is working on his doctorate which means lots of study/writing time for him and lots of alone time at home for me. One would think that all this time at home might mean an impeccably kept house....but you would be wrong. I've taken advantage of this time to take classes and explore other creative interests.


 Recently I took a two day workshop with bead Diva, Heather Trimlett. It was a great experience! Sometimes you take a class to learn one thing but leave having learned something entirely different.....Her style is simple, clean and precise. What I REALLY learned (besides what was being taught) is to slow down.

Slowing down is not in my genetic make up nor is it what you necessarily need to do to prep for a show. That was my thinking anyways. This show season I am going to slow down and focus on presenting my best....not get hung up on quantity.

Interesting fact: Did you know that a number of bead/ jewelry makers hire others to make their beads? Now don't get crazy......I didn't say everyone or imply that anyone local is doing this......however, I discovered this fact (?) while doing a show.......I would get down on myself as to why my booth wasn't loaded with things (I mean I do have a regular full time job and all) and another vender clued me into this. I have no real idea if this is completely true but interesting to ponder....

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Downward Dog & Cobra~ Day #2




I've always loved yoga. In my youth I was very flexible and was doing yoga moves without knowing it. I'm no longer THAT flexible but I'm pretty good for a gal my age. Yoga is becoming a regular part of my week and I hope to make it a daily practice over the next few months.

I took an amazing painting class over the winter and the instructor was big into yoga. Along with painting techniques, she also included bits of her yoga practice. It was very inspiring. There is a relaxed, open feeling you get after doing an hour of yoga.....benefits your overall well being, strength and flexibility but also opens you up to creative possibilities.  I'm hooked. So much so that I'm thinking of getting my instructor certification......my husband just laughs. He tells me I do too much.

You might be thinking, "What in the world does this have to do with glass, beads or jewelry"?.....Its the calmness. The centeredness that I find useful to my creative endeavors. Be it painting or glass working yoga has relaxed me and centered my thinking. It loosens you up and makes you more ready for new ideas.....thats me anyways. I just love it.....Sadly, I'm missing my yoga class tonight due to prepping for the art show next week.....very focused on my students work and my work seems to be second fiddle for now.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Day 1~ Falling in Love Again

Yeap. Today is May 1st and I'm ready to begin my 30 day adventure into falling in love with blogging again. I just returned from work and am sitting down typing out my thoughts as they come. Stream of consciousness kinda.....edited down of course since I do jump topics frequently without any warning. As you've probably guessed, I did not plan ahead on this. What fun would that be.......

One thing I do every day is start with a 4 mile walk. Yes, every day rain or shine. Coffee in hand I'm out the door by 5:00am.



Most mornings I stop at this spot to take a picture of the sunrise. I started doing this in the fall so I have a nice series showing the change of season and the changing in lighting.


This morning I added another shot.....the water tower. I loved the way it was silhouetted against the rising sun and clouds.

I try to do something creative to begin my day.....photography is typically it. It makes me feel good and ready to tackle my day ahead.

Its a beautiful evening and I'm suppose to be going to my asian brush painting class but I'm being bad......I've decided to skip it and enjoy the sunshine instead! A little sun and then a little studio time!