Ahead of Schedule & Things for Sale

The new year isn't even here yet and I've already begun my annual studio cleaning and reorganizing. You know what that means?? Things to sell! So, if your a jewelry nut or glass beadmaker or both, stay tuned. I will soon have some items for sale at great prices. I should have a few books, some glass, tools and even some non jewelry stuff like Stampin Up stamping things. Sometimes I'm surprized at what I find in my studios (yes, I have 2...one glass studio and one painting studio that usually ends up with all sorts of things squirred away)

Let me know if your interested in seeing what I will have up for sale....it could inspire me to pass on more things!

Looking ahead...

Look for my One World One Heart give away item in January! It will be something fun...something whimsical....something special! All you will need to do is place a comment under my One World post (coming soon) and you will be entered into my drawing.

Also, I will be hosting a very special promotion in February too so stay tuned for more information.

Fun Stuff

We had our book club meeting yesterday at my friend Sue's house. It was our Holiday meeting where we exchange gifts and eat well. One of my favorite things to do at Sue's house is to look at all her cleaver ways of displaying things. Here are just a few of my favorites...hope you like them too.





I just love her style and her sense of humor. Thats one reason she is a friend....there are lots of other reasons too but I won't go on and on :)

Being Thankful

Do you realize how lucky you are? Do you appreciate all that you have? Are you thankful for the people who surround you? Thanksgiving is about all that. Taking the day to celebrate the shelter you have, the food you have and all those who love you.

Gratitude is something that is easily dismissed or overlooked but we have lots to be thankful for. There are just so many who just don't have the basics due to poverty or natural disaster. I'm feeling the need to stop and appreciate all that I have and I hope you do too. Please know, I'm very thankful for all of you who appreciate my work, check into see what's up on my blog and all who support me by purchasing my work. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoy the time spent with family and sit back with a smile knowing you have a great life!

City Nights & Display Windows

Great display windows are a favorite of mine. I remember growing up my mother would take my sister and I to New York City a few times a year and it was always the best of times. It would be a big family thing at Thanksgiving too since we would be taken out of school to make our annual trip. NYCity is so much fun that its hard to settle on just one memorable thing but the store windows really intreged me. Here in Rochester the display window is really a thing of the past....but I think stores are making a BIG mistake when they don't spend the extra time to create a beautiful atmosphere for passers by to peek at. Especially at night.

This is just one of 4 window displays at Arena's, a local city florist. They really are much more that a florist since they carry interesting things for the home too. On dismal days in the winter I love going into Arena's to smell the dirt and flowers and to imagine spring. They make some of the best store windows too but I'll be showing you more later this month.....love the night do you?

Juggling with a bad cough

This is the time of year I seem to always get sick. I think its because of a couple of things...the change of season, the fast pace of both my jobs, being with children & their germs all day long and all the classes I teach....I admit, this illness came maybe a wee bit later but its here!.

Today I'm feeling much better but remain to have a bit of a cough. Certainly not as tired nor am I coughing as much as last week. All of this is a good thing. I looked at my November calendar yesterday while resting and panic began to take over. I just have no time to be sick any longer! Events are creeping closer and I'm barely prepared. I tend to be a work under pressure person but its going to be a wild ride to get to where I need to be.

So. I have a work schedule and plan to keep to it.....the best that I can of course. Today I want to start simple so I will be making buttons. I hope to have a few dozen. Maybe....a few starts to some other things too if my energy holds up.

How do you juggle the pressure of deadlines when your sick?? I feel like I must be missing something.

Felt & Glass Brooches

OMG! These are awesome! I have a new batch of Felt and Glass button brooches heading to Parkleigh later today. So much fun to make but loads of work to these babies. Worth every penny of a bargin price. I'm making more today and will have something up on my website and etsy shop too. Stay tuned :)

I love this fun Halloween one....I need to make one for myself!

A Whole New Look

It took some time but we finally decided to reside our 85 year old house and get a whole new look. As the old siding was removed this dark charcoal color & white trim was revealed. Not the greatest but not horrible either. It could have been much worse.

Each day I come home from work I see progress. I just can't wait for everything to be done. After this outer make over we are replacing our old furnace and getting central air! WOW! I never thought I'd see the day we would have central air! I am so happy with our home improvement projects!

I do love older homes and all their character. I have certainly grown to love this house. Hmmmm....I'm wondering if I'll get any studio improvements too?? I have been eyeing the second floor area in our garage :) Also referred to as the "man space".

Starting the School Year

Its October already but beginning a school year isn't just about the first day or first week of school. The start of the year means meetings, open houses, planning and more meetings! What does this have to do with beads??! Well, these are the things that have kept me away from blogging and some beading too. I will have some new things in my Etsy shop later today if I find the time to photograph things. I'm putting a few of my Halloween items in my shop and taking some to a local store that sells my work.

With the start of the school year there is also sickness. YUCK! No matter how much you hand wash, purell and cross your fingers, the germs can still reach you! Thats the life of a teacher. Thankfully, my immune system is pretty good but the fall and the change of season always seems to get the better of me.

Today I'm teaching a Felted Glass Button Pin class and then heading to my Dad's for dinner. Have a great Sunday and stay tuned. I promise, updates will get better!