"Together" Basket 2011

Have set the beadwork aside for this week while we work on the Burning Basket Project. This is Basket number 8. This one is titled "Together". It is already looking beautiful and we've just started. The kids from the Fireweed Academy came and worked on tassels, and twig bows that will be added on the last day. The weather is normal, rain, fog, wind, and occasional sunshine. Today wasn't too bad. No rain and no wind. Tomorrow may be another matter.

New Hair Barrettes

I had a request for more hair barrettes, so here they are. They requested the 4" clasps on the backs of some, so they are bigger than the others, anyway they are done and I am off to other projects now. Since the show is over at the Gallery now, I can't decide what beadwork I want to move on too. Maybe another beaded handbag or two, we'll see what happens. I really liked how the Raven bag turned out, and I hope that Mary will be pleased when Tom surprises her with it.
I brought the Raven Dancer home with me and will be mailing it off to Jeanette in a couple of weeks when she has finished with her last Cruise. She seems to enjoy being the Cruise Director and I know she does a super job. Such a nice Lady and Awesome beader. (Just a note: the top three barrettes are the ones with the 4" clasp on the back. The other two are 3" clasps.)

August Fireweed BJP

I have been busy finishing up my August BJP. This one celebrates the beautiful and bountiful fireweed that we had here this year. It was so beautiful, considering some people consider it a noxious weed. It certainly made the hillside glow with its beautiful pink color. Unfortunately, the blossoms are all done now, so that means its only 6 weeks until that OTHER season. It was a beautiful summer at times and not so much at times, but just enough to make it ok for the season to wind down...sort of. I am never ready for Winter any more.

Beautiful Butterfly

While we were down on the Oregon Coast, I went in to a nice little bead store called "Roots". Found some great pieces which I used to make myself a necklace. I just love how it turned out. And NO it is not Turquoise, its Magnasite....ok so it looks like Turquoise, BUT IT'S NOT!
I used the Magnasite because it complimented the the green on the Butterfly. I also used Autumn Jasper as the second color. I just can't help my love of the color Turquoise. The Cabachon I've had for so many years that I don't remember what the stone is but I think it really works with the other stones.
I think that I will make a couple more small handbags, and since the Raven seems to be my Spirit Bird, I'm thinking he will play into the designs once again. He certainly made a hit with the beadwork I made for the show. Anyway, off to beadland once again.

Gallery Show 2011

Well, I am pleased to say that the show in the Gallery is going well. On the other hand, I will never see my beadwork pieces again..sob, sob. However I did take photos of each of them. I am very pleased that Jeanette Shanigan, author of several beading books,( my favorite one is Beaded Adornment) stopped in and bought the Raven Dancer. She did feel that I had underpriced my work, but over the last few years I've come to the realization that in this small town, the higher prices mean no sales. The joy for me is seeing how pleased and happy a piece of my work can make someone feel, that's the best. Anyway, all the pieces so far have gone to really great people so I am pleased about that.
Today was just a beautiful day, my friend from Sterling came down with her friend from Minnesota and we played on the beach and wandered through all the Touristy shops and of course we went through all the Galleries. We have such nice Galleries here, The Fireweed Gallery is the best of course, and not just because I work there. Well, time to get ready to end the day and get ready for tomorrow, God willing.

July BJP

Finally I have finished my July BJP. A little late, but not too bad. It represents our golden week that we spent with our Children and Grandchildren at the Oregon Coast. What great fun, food and company. All the beautiful flowers that were blooming out while we were there, walking on the beach and sharing the warm sand with all the seals and not having to wear shoes. Ahh, what bliss. The time just goes too fast. Wonder what next year will bring?

The month of July was very very busy. First we went down to Oregon to link up with our Children , Grandchildren and my Sister and Mother from Newport, and yougest Sister and her Husband, Son and his family and the rest of their Grandchildren in Waldport for a week. What a wonderful time we had. We met our newest little Great-Granddaughter, what a beauty. She has eyes like the old ads for the Gerber Baby. She already has a great start on her own wonderful personality. While we were there, we went to Yahats and had a great time at their La De Da Parade. Funny hats, costumes and groups. Beautiful day, and where we were standing we had the Beautiful Ocean right in front of us. There was 33 of us in our family group. The weather was a little windier than last year, but the temperature was great.

Then we came home and I jumped in to finish up a couple of pieces for the show which is due to open tomorrow. Spent today getting it all set up. I am doing Beadwork, Sandy does Stained Glass, Maria and her Son Christian do watercolors and pottery. Made for a unique show.

Now I am trying to finish up my July Bead Journal page and finish some pieces to re-stock my work in the Gallery. There's always something to do (thank goodness).