May 12, 20141 min read
Bittersweet...
I usually travel to Chicago once or twice a year to window-shop the seasonal fashions, visit art galleries, and enjoy the sites the city...
May 9, 20141 min read
New and improved...
I’ve just revamped one of my older tutorials . Several years ago I created the “Interlocking Rings” bracelet followed by the “Beaded...
May 6, 20141 min read
Beadwork will have to wait!
We've finally had a day filled with sunshine and accompanied by pleasantly warm temperatures, which means it was time to put down the...
May 3, 20141 min read
Have you tried Moo?
No, this isn’t one of those “Got Milk?” questions. Moo is a printing company that I have been using for several years and I think they...
May 1, 20141 min read
Why am I not surprised?
One thing that usually happens when I start designing is that the color palette I start with always expands. I’m simply compelled to add...
Apr 29, 20141 min read
What's next?
I’ve selected a delicious color palette for my upcoming project! You can tell from this collection of Delica beads that I’m definitely...
Apr 22, 20141 min read
The kiln gods have favored me...
Every time I unload the kiln, I am amazed with the shrinkage factor. For these sea-themed metal clay bead/buttons, I’ve used BronzClay,...
Apr 21, 20141 min read
Before I can fire these metal clay seashells…
I have to refine the holes and smooth edges. It’s dusty, dirty, time-consuming work, but essential to the quality of the finished...
Apr 19, 20141 min read
Wouldn't you know...
Just as I finished the tutorial and assembled kits for the “ Floral Brooch ”design, I find that a new task awaits me. I thought I’d have...
Apr 6, 20142 min read
How do you write a beading pattern?
I've been asked that question by other beading enthusiasts who aspire to design beading patterns. There are several ways one can go about...
Mar 30, 20141 min read
Grrrrrrrrrr…..
Guess what I'm doing today? I'll give you a hint...I’d much rather be beading! It’s that time of the year when I scrounge through all...
Mar 13, 20142 min read
Do you make or buy ear wires?
I personally don’t care for the majority of commercially mass-produced ear wires. Many look flimsy and/or the finish is too bright for my...
Mar 9, 20141 min read
What a great surprise!
The wonderful CGB souvenir calendar from Kate McKinnon arrived in my mailbox a few days ago! What a thrill to leaf through its pages...
Mar 4, 20141 min read
Enough already!
Enough winter and enough of the nasty bug that has knocked me flat and zapped all my energy. In the past five days, I've managed to...
Mar 1, 20141 min read
I just hate when this happens!
Intentionally creating bead soup is one thing, but several bead containers inadvertently tipping over and spilling their contents is...
Feb 27, 20141 min read
Well...nuts!
I haven't been sick in a very long time, but my luck has run out! Considering that I haven't been anywhere since I've returned home...
Feb 24, 20141 min read
A sea of Delica beads!
I dare say the Myuki Corporation should be sending Kate McKinnon a hearty thank you. Sales of Delicas must be soaring thanks to...
Feb 23, 20141 min read
My girl is so relieved we're back home!
We've recently returned from a ten-day vacation. It was not as restful as I had hoped it would be. Back home in Illinois, the weather was...
Feb 11, 20141 min read
Ooooohhhh…they're here!
My new mini business cards have arrived and I love them! This time around the cards feature my geometric beaded works. I'm always so...
Feb 8, 20141 min read
I love Tohos!
I don't know about you, but I use a lot of size 15/0 seed beads in my work. I especially like Toho seed beads. Available in loads of...
