Re-Inspired

I've been diligent at placing items in my Etsy Shop for a number of days now. And, happily. things have sold. Sometimes Etsy can be discouraging since you can go a while without sales...but, I'm happy that I am re-inspired!

I've also been trying out selling beads on Facebook. I belong to some groups that are all about selling beads. I've had some good luck there too. I am really going to keep at these forgotten selling venues since I won't be doing one of my bigger shows this year.......

No bead making or posting yet today. My eyes are dilated and are sensitive to light so I'll have to wait until tomorrow :)

Its Never Too Late

My Etsy Shop has been updated! Its been neglected too long I say and its time to get cracking and get things in there!

Oh, and check out my new Newsletter sign up....make sure you are on it for the latest news...I'm with Mail Chimp now rather than Constant Contact...so you might need to resign up!

Etsy Update

Finally. I added a few things to my Easy page. Its been sometime since I've done this....I was a little rusty but I did it. I hope you will check out what I have and know that more will be added over the next few days/weeks.

This is part of my Meditation Stones series. It was popular at my last show and I will be making more items in this series soon. Acid etched to give a nice feel.

A Dream Told Me

Yes! I had a dream the other night....a strong dream that I actually remember and it told me to make glass violin beads....it was specific........so, during my holiday break I guess I'll be giving violin beads a whirl. I don't even play an instrument so this dream is very unusual for me.

Anyone out there ever have a strong dream to make something or do something??

Holiday Kick Off

Today was the final day of the annual Holiday Bazaar. A great show as always but I'm happy to be done. I'll begin posting items in my etsy shop this week.....something I haven't done in some time. 

Looking ahead to February I'm planning an open house to begin my Hearts for Hannah fundraiser and to show new work. I  moved this event since June is getting to be too crazy for me. I'm looking forward to planning this! I haven't done a home show in sometime and will have something to work towards during the month of January. 

This week is Thanksgiving. A time for family and a time for all of use to reflect on how thankful we should be for all that we have. I wish you a wonderful holiday and hope you will check in with me later this week :) 

Yoga for Bead Makers

I am both a runner and a yogi (I think that word is funny) but this summer my running was sidelined due to a knee injury. Nothing major but something that called for resting it and working on strengthening my knee area. So, for much of my summer I did yoga....plenty of yoga......like 5 times a week! I love it and it is now a huge part of my life. It gives me stress relief and relaxation that I so need. Next year (I really wanted to do it this year) I will be doing Teacher Training to deepen my love of yoga and to hopefully teach a bit too.

What in the world does this have to do with beads?? Nothing really except that it puts you in a better mind set and it relieves all those tight neck and should muscles from repetitive use at the torch and reduces tension. If you haven't tried yoga, I would suggest you give it a try. Flexibility helps your body stay young and its great for bead makers!

Yoga Mat Cleaner Recipe
If you are a yoga practitioner already, I want to share this yoga mat cleaner I discovered while searching the web. You use white vinegar, tea tree essential oil and either peppermint, lavender or bergamont essential oil to make your own easy and inexpensive cleaner. I've been using in on my Manduka mat  and love it.

* 1/2 cup white vinegar
* 1 1/2 cup water
* 20 drops tea tree oil
* 15-20 drops of either lavender, peppermint, bergamot or an oil of your choice

Shake and spray onto your mat then wiping away or leave it to dry.

The Selfie Project

Oh, I know....its been awhile since I've been consistent here but I am challenging myself to be more diligent. To help me keep steady with my posts, I've decided to do a year long project that showcases YOU wearing or holding something you've purchased from me. It could be a necklace, bracelet, ring or even beads.....the only condition is that you have to be in the picture and you must be wearing/show something Bella Bead Jewelry.........I'm calling it :

The Selfie Project......

Starting NOW, You take a selfie (or someone can take it for you) wearing something I've created. 

A necklace, ring, bracelet or even holding beads or a bead you've purchased from me.

 Post your selfie on Instagram and include the hashtag #bellabeadselfie.

It's that easy. 

Post selfies as often as you'd like all year long....

I will be frequently (not sure exactly how frequently yet) be giving away Bella Swag

 for the images I find most eye catching or creative.

So, I sure hope you will take part in this year long project and help me stay current with my blog posts!

Juggling Act

As many of you know, I am an art teacher by day and glass bead artist by night. The last two years at my art teaching job have been ones of significant change......change is good but it can take a bit to acclimate to things. Instead of teaching 3 grade levels I now teach 6! I LOVE being busy but like I said, it takes time to acclimate.

With that being said, my annual Hearts for Hannah fundraiser failed to really take off. I just didn't have the time to dedicate to it. So, I will be offering Hearts for Hannah for the next week, beginning next Monday. I will post hearts as I typically do for this and those who want one can claim them here on my blog.

Thank you for those who have been asking....Where are the hearts? And thank you for your patience with me. I guess I'm not the best juggler :/

Hearts for Hannah Batch #1

Finally! Here is my first batch of hearts that I offer for the Hearts for Hannah fundraiser. Please review the process for acquiring a heart since it is first come, first serve.

Also, please click the above Giving link to find out more about Joining Hearts and Hands and Hannah.

Process
*  Look at hearts that are available on my blog. They will be labeled by Batch #
*  Hearts are $25.00. ALL proceeds raised go to Joining Hearts and Hands.
*  Select the heart or hearts you hope to get by commenting on the blog. Please note that you will not initially be able to see your comment. I must read them before they are made public.
*  I will note in the comment section who claimed what heart so that everyone will know.
*  I will post on Facebook when I will put up another batch to make it easier.

***Since this is a fundraiser where I donate my time, materials and talent, I can NOT take any special requests.....I hope you will understand :)

Hearts for Hannah 2014!

Its time once again for my annual Hearts for Hannah fundraiser! For the past 5 years I have been donating my materials, time, talent and profits to honor the memory of Hannah Congdon and the 5 Fairport angels by selling my glass heart pendants. All proceeds collected are then donated to Joining Hearts and Hands. At the top of my page you will see a Giving tab where you can learn more about Hannah and the Joining Hearts and Hands organization.

Today is June 1st....the first day of my fundraising. I will post here a few times each week showing new hearts that are available. I will be posting hearts either later today or tomorrow. Please stay tuned so you can see what is available. I will provide more information as to how exactly you can get a heart at that time.

Thank you everyone for your continued support and being part of this fundraiser!

What's Your Word?

At the start of every school year I select a word or phrase that is a guiding element for the work we will do throughout the year. I like doing this since I feel it centers me as the teacher but it is also grounds our lessons in a meaningful way. They are also a great connection to my "Essential Questions" for the school year.

I've also used this concept in my own personal artwork. Again, its a great way to focus and stay focused on what you feel is important to your growth as an artist. So my work this year actually sprang from a painting I did recently.

My word is Evolve.
:: flow with the evolution of the art I am being guided to create.
:: let it happen. don't try to force things or speed them up.
:: be true to myself as an artist. Acknowledge what speaks to me rather then worry what others think.
:: work to have my art reflect my sense of color, style and taste no matter what
:: learn from others. Especially the teachers I choose to take lessons from.
:: be open to new things.
:: take time to incorporate newly learned skills into my work. This is a hard one for me.
:: listen closely to my inner voice.
:: move to my own rhythm....rather than create because I have to do it for a show. Hard at times since those of us who do shows need to have product to sell.

I find that shows tend to make me antsy to get things done. This is good for the most part since I am Queen of Procrastination. But.....it is also a negative. Sometimes more is not always better. Sometimes more is less. Less thought. Less originality. Less special. Quality and personally loving each thing I make is my goal.

I will evolve into the artist I wish to be by following my heart with my hands. I will use my intuition and inner voice to guide and move me rather than the ideals of others. I will evolve into the artist I am suppose to be.

A New Year. A New Beginning. How Do You Begin?

Time really does fly by. Look, we are already on the brink of a new year! How do you like to begin your New Year? Do you make resolutions? Do you clean and organize your home? Or do you just plod on the way you've been doing?

I happen to love the thought of a new year and a new beginning. Here are a few things I like to do to start the year off. I don't call them resolutions...these are just things I always do.

1. Organize & Purge- I love to clear out the excess in our house. I sort and get rid of clothing, household items and my overflowing art supplies. (I hate parting with those but sometimes I must) I also begin that awful process of getting things together for taxes!
Last year, I organized my art space in the basement with new storage and containers for my many art/jewelry making items. So this year all I'll have to do is tidy up the art room...a big job for sur.

2. Clean- Anyone who knows me, knows that cleaning is not a fun activity for me. I LOVE a clean home but don't like to be the one cleaning. I find it a complete waste of my creative time. With that said, I typically set aside a few solid days to clan the house baseboards to windows. This year I will set aside News Years day for the start of this task....goes hand and hand with my organizing thing :)

3. Do something New- The start of the new year is a the perfect time to try something new. Last year I began running. Totally new for me. I also took a couple glass classes, one with Heather Trimlett and the other with Kim Edwards. I took a few painting class also...one with Flora Bowley, and the other with Pauline Agnew. This year I will take some more glass classes but will also take blacksmithing and welding. I'm also going to get certified to teach yoga. I enjoy begin a student and learning new things?

Gargoyles. These creepy creatures have actually been a great seller! Its fun making them since you can see their individual personalities emerge with each push or pull of the hot glass.

My sugar skulls are also a favorite of those who like the unusual. I'm actually going to make MYSELF a Days of the Dead necklace. I always end up selling things which that is what I do but I'd like something for myself.....I shall construct soon!

I've been sick this last week so I have to catch up on some house keeping today but later I'll be out at the torch melting some glass into submission!

Arts at the Gardens

This weekend is the Arts at the Gardens show at Sonnenberg. I adore this show. 22 years ago Pete and I were married their and our anniversary is tomorrow! What a great way to celebrate our 22nd year of marriage. Memories fill my mind of our special day. My mother and grandmother (Non) were there but sadly they both have passed away but are forever in my heart. Do you think it would be weird to bring photos of our wedding day tomorrow?? I'm feeling sentimental :)

For all who are local, please stop out to say hello and to see what is new. I always have something new....its goes quickly typically so make Saturday your day to shop the show!

A Class with Sharon Peters

Last week it was the Gathering and my class with Kim Edwards. This week I took a class with Sharon Peters and boy was it silly fun! Sharon is a warm, funny, giving instructor with a great sense of humor!

Sharon's work in not my usual style but I love taking classes. You just never know what you will learn. I picked up lots of great tips besides the techniques she was teaching and I WILL be making some silly style beads.......why not?

I thought I'd make some "silly" beads to give to students this year as rewards. Or, maybe I'll present them as auction items to raise money for the art room.......I'd love to get an Elmo to use in my room. Not the sesame street character, an Elmo is a document projector which can be used daily in the art room.

Sharon is the queen of silly beads. She makes dragons, goblins, chickens....all in a silly creative way. Can you see the start of Goblin eyes on the bead she is working on in the flame?

I'm waiting to pick up my beads so I have nothing really to show you of mine. 

On a side note: If you haven't, I'd recommend taking as many classes as you can. 

You just never know what cool, useful information you'll pick up!

Gathering purchases

The Double Helix I purchased yesterday. This bundle was only 140.00! Typically I spend close to 300.00. I guess I'll have to get more today!

Overall I was really conservative in my purchasing. There really wasn't too many vendors and really I do have plenty of stuff already.

Now that I'm writing this, I WILL be picking up more Double Helix today. Its such an incredible glass if you can get it to do its thing. THATS the trick! I have not yet consistently mastered that!!

I'm working the Silent Auction table later today so if you are at the Gathering, please stop by and say hello.

The Gathering

The International Society of Glass Beadmaking conference called the Gathering starts tomorrow right here in Rochester.  Hundreds of glass bead makers meet to learn the latest techniques, discover new tools, take classes and socialize.  The trade show begins later tomorrow and everyone races in there to get stocked up on glass and all the new must haves. Lots of fun. Lots of money being spent!

Today was the first day of a two day workshop I'm taking on making glass chain maille. What fun its been so far! I can really see how I might eventually use it in my work.

Here is our group of 10 crazy glass workers. Around us there were about 5 other classes going on too. Everyone was very focused!

On my lunch break I went around taking some pictures for a photography class I'm currently taking.

The class is on taking images with your phone and then apps are reviewed so you know what to expect from each. I love taking photos with my phone. So immediate and the apps you can get for manipulating your image are amazing.

I think this filter really gives a cool effect. 

If you get a chance, check out Kim Edwards work on easy. She does some amazing things with glass!

Glass + Paint = A Great Day!

I guess I'm kind of addicted to making these. Buttons or pendants??

My latest painting. It took me forever it seemed to finish this. I love all the colors....and all the places to look at. Some might say its busy but I say its rich!

Summer vacation means time to paint and make beads! I'm only a few feet from my studio and torch when I'm painting outdoors. So nice for someone with a little touch of ADD!

Something about Purple

Purple has been my color lately. 

Not necessarily a conscience choice either.

This is one of my Mandala pendants.

I really love this pendant.

Love the denim blues, the wonderful purples and the turquoise accents.

This pendant is changeable too.

Something about Purple.

Look here for some interesting facts on the color purple.

Running, Yoga and Vegan Lifestyle

Running and yoga have become my latest obsessions. Both make me feel good in different ways. Running pushes me in my endurance but is rather meditative. Yoga is stretching, balance, flexibility and very meditative! I take classes however I've recently become hooked on the Blissology dvd's that are amazing! Check out the link and explore the site.

I've been vegetarian for over 25 years and my sister very recently decided to jump on the wagon too. She has been doing more vegan recipes and then once I really thought about it, I'm considered vegan too. I don't necessarily like labels......I think people tend to flaunt them for some reason......but for those who like them, there you have it.

My sister shared one of her favorite blogs last night when we were there for the 4th. Great stuff!! Check out Food Doodle. I'm making these energy bites today.........they are awesome!

Energy Bites

makes approximately 2 dozen depending on size

• 1/2 C nut butter(almond butter, peanut butter, sunflower seed butter or any other nut or seed butter.  Anything will work here)
• 1/3 C honey(I believe brown rice syrup would also work.  I’m not sure of thinner sweeteners such as maple syrup and agave though as they may not hold together as well)
• 1 C old fashioned rolled oats(you can toast for a nuttier flavor at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes)
• 1 C shredded unsweetened coconut(you can substitute any dry ingredients for this, wheat bran or germ, oat bran, some ground flax seed(I wouldn’t recommending using an entire cup!), any kind of ground nuts or seeds.  For a cookie dough type bite try adding a few tablespoon of your favorite whole grain flour)
• 1-2 tsp vanilla
• pinch of sea salt if using a natural nut butter with no added salt
• 1-2 tsp your favorite spices or spice combinations(optional)
• 1/2 C other addins(any kind of whole or roughly chopped nuts or seeds, dried fruit, good quality chocolate chips, etc)

In a large bowl add the nut butter, honey or other sweetener, vanilla and salt if needed.  Use less vanilla if yours is very strong or more if you really enjoy the vanilla flavor and don’t buy an alcohol based kind.  If all your ingredients are room temperature you should be able to stir to combine.  If this is difficult you can warm in the microwave for a few seconds or even place the bowl in an inch or two hot water for a few minutes to soften everything.  Once this is combined add the remaining ingredients.

In this case I used almond butter and for my addins I used equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds and mini chocolate chips.  Mix well.  Once it’s all combined place in the fridge for about 30 minutes.  Then remove from the fridge, scoop out some dough and roll into a ball.  I find it’s much easier, and works better to squeeze the handful together to compact it and then roll it into a ball.

If yours are too sticky you can considering adding more dry ingredients into them or rolling them in something like ground nuts, coconut, etc so they aren’t as sticky.  Place the balls in an airtight container either in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy snacks.

Read more: http://fooddoodles.com/2011/06/28/one-bowl-all-natural-no-bake-energy-bites/#ixzz2YB5ORWhU