Well, the snow is creeping down the mountains, then it rains and takes some away, then it snows and brings it back, and on and on it goes. The only thing good about winter is not feeling guilty about not being outside during the day, and staying in my work room. I have finished piecing a quilt that will be gifted this Christmas, and finally finished my little painting to use on my thank you notes to the family for the great time at the Beach this summer. I decided to use the photo of our Great Granddaughter in her Fairy dress on the beach. She wasn't much into the dress, I think its because we fussed at her about putting it on and she just stuck her chin out and said NO! Her Mama finally talked her into putting it on just for a photo. Actually her little pout turned into a really cute picture. This evening I used a pattern from Bead and Button and made a cute pair of earrings and a necklace. Small and dainty, not really what I usually do, but they turned out really cute. I will have to take a photo of them tomorrow. Well, its work tomorrow, so best bring this evening to a close.

The week is over, and the basket has burned. The weather turned off beautiful today for the final day of the basket. The event was attended by at least 200 people. It was so beautiful on the beach all day, however, when the sun went down it was very chilly and windy. The basket was well covered with wishes and memory notes, and burned quite fast. Then the fire dancers preformed as did the drummers all through the event. Well, we shall see what next year brings our way. I thought it was very fitting that a flock of cranes flew over the basket before it burned. They will be heading south very soon. I was surprised to see them as I thought they had already left us. I was visiting with two ladies that had driven up to see the basket, one was from Georgia and the other from Tennessee. They work at the Princess Lodge up in Coopers Landing all summer, and they told me that they had "termination" dust on the mountains there this morning. Wow, I hate to hear that. Summer is so short and winter so long.Well, back to the bead table.

"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.