I Don't Feel Bad About it Either

It happens.

And I don't feel bad about it either.

My husband walks into my studio and shakes his head. He just doesn't get it.

Yes. I do know where everything is.

Yes. I do like a neat studio too.

Yes. I can actually get work done in chaos.

Yes. I will take neatening up under consideration.

No. I do not promise to do it :)

New tools!

Both from Jim Moore......love them!

One is for off mandrel work and the other takes beads off the mandrel for you.

I really didn't want to buy the bead remover one but it really does help with my tendonitis. 

Well worth the money for both of these!

March Lion

With the arrival of show applications and other signs of spring, its time I do some studio clean up and bead making. I am not a slave to cleaning so I will keep my organizing to a minimum and really spend most of my time bead making. I typically gather some things to sell so be watching.....I generally sell my orphan beads, glass rods and other goodies at great prices!

Last week I was in NYC for an art educator conference and made a stop at MOMA. This image by Rousseau is one of my favorites........really I have lots of favorites :) It made me think of March as a Lion and I've been the sleeping Gypsie........I've got to wake up and get busy! I'm just starting to think of jewelry ideas and display ideas too for upcoming shows.  I'm also dreaming up my next Open Studio event........Gosh, I do have lots to do.

As many of you know, I'm an art educator by day in a local school district. I'm going into my 17th year and have seen many changes.......Districts across the country are under hard times and ours is no different. The school I work at will consolidate with another school making our building next year a k-5th grade. I say GREAT! I look forward to teaching the older students. However, this consolidation means jobs cut, teacher shifting and room changes........needless to say, this atmosphere brings out the worst in people.  Paranoia to the extreme.

To keep mindful of all the wonderful things in life and to keep everything in perspective I feel the need to focus on what I am grateful for. So for the next week, my posts will be on the beautiful things in my life.

Today's beautiful things:
:: Waking up and hearing the birds chirping. I love listening to the birds and know that spring will be here soon.
:: Our warm comfortable home. Time spent at home is so relaxing and restful to me....filled with art and art making materials, my home is where my heart is.
:: Two loving little dogs that no matter what, will always love us. Kisses in the morning, tail wags, and snuggling.
:: A great cup of coffee and watching the sun rise. No matter what happens, the sun will rise each day!

Studio Monday

These few pictures are'nt the best since they were taken with my phone...but here is a look at my messy work bench. Yes, its messy but I do know where everything is....I love my studio haven. Been contemplating having my studio off site rather then at home. Hmmmm..... there are so many great reasons to have it at home I wonder why I'm thinking of moving off site? The one major plus for having an off site studio would be seeing/chatting with other artists in the building and First Friday events. I really have no problem focusing on my work so that would not be a reason to get an off site studio...........still don't know.......still wondering. Seems like there has been this big thing to get a studio. I have several friends who now have them away from home and I guess love it. Still weighing it out for myself to see if it really makes good sense. Not in any hurry since I have a wonderful studio at home base.

Another photo from my phone....making some great spring inspired beads.

 And this photo is probably the worst of the 3.....but, here are my Lollipop Headpins.