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Monday, November 21, 2011

Oh, yes please. Any of the pendents. Thanks. 50 OFF SALE | ColtPixy ArtFire Shop http://ping.fm/nCtGm

Monday, November 14, 2011

HUGE CHRISTMAS SALE AT: WillowWalkerDesigns on Artfire.com http://ping.fm/fXaG2

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Custom Ordered Square Red & White Buttons http://ping.fm/dYLbd

Monday, August 29, 2011

My friend Athena makes the PRETTIEST Handmade Stretch Bracelets - Twisted Tangle Designs http://ping.fm/l4eTb

Monday, June 13, 2011

This is the COOOLEST necklace... afstalkers http://ping.fm/Rw8RR

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Rock out with this cool Rock Duct Tape Ring! afstalkers http://ping.fm/nOrKU

Monday, April 25, 2011

C is for Community What an AWESOME Eagle Scout Project!!!!! http://ping.fm/icxTZ

Monday, February 21, 2011

Doors Open When Doors Close

 Years ago, while playing around with some crafting supplies, I hit upon a technique that I really enjoyed.  It was fun, unique, and all my own.  I played around with it for years, on and off, until I finally fully developed my Present Past Treasure line of pendants.  I adored making them, seeing the embossing powder swirl around and mix, discovering what colors were going to peep through the brass filigrees, matching leather backings and ribbon around the edges.  I adored it all.  It was too bad they never really seemed to "take off" as it were. 

They were described in many ways, beautiful, unique, delicate.... I guess the time wasn't right for them. Within the past year, they became less fun to make.  They became pure work.  Hauling out all the supplies, cutting out the cardstock, trying to keep the kids out of the embossing powders and away from the electric skillet became a real chore.  Continually burning my fingers and hands was no longer suffering for my art, it was just plain suffering.  Storing the supplies until the next day became a hassle, too, since I had to work on the kitchen table.   It was just getting to be too much.  And they weren't really selling, so, I began to see less and less of a point in making them.  

However, when I realized these pieces were on their way out in my life, I was also realizing that I wasn't going to have to look very far for something to take their place.  When I had been working on my Present Past Treasure, I played around with different mediums, trying to find the perfect one.  I did splurge at one point and buy an epoxy resin kit, and some dyes to go along with it.  They weren't what I was looking for at the time, but they have certainly come into play now.  

And I have found my new love.  (Good thing my darling hubby isn't too jealous!)  I did some reading, I did a little research, I asked around, and applied my own common sense/imagination.  WAH LAH!  (Voila! for the spelling purists...)   As I have been discovering just how versatile this stuff is, it grown more and more and more addictive.  I can't wait for the days when I can play and explore just how far this stuff will go.  





I'm going to be using it to really expand out my pieces, add new lines, and who knows where it will lead me. 

So, just remember, when something ends, look around, because something is probably beginning too.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Additions to my shops...

Here are some new additions to my stores!  I've been a little busy lately, because this my list of everything that has been going on lately:

  1. Housework, because we know this is unending, but I'm really trying to stay more on top of it this year.
  2. Getting new pieces made and priced and ready for the Fluvanna Farmers Market which opens in April.  It's right around the corner!!!
  3. Getting new pieces made and ready to go up the Palmyra Country Store, because I need to switch stuff out there.
  4. Trying to figure out some other venues to get my pieces into.  One looks promising, I'm just trying to figure out how to swing the initial rental fees.  Once my work is in there, I'm sure it will be GREAT!
  5. Getting new pieces photographed and listed on my ArtFire sites.  Another goal for this year?  Have around 200 things in each store.  I'm a long way away in one.  Just under 50 away in another.  
  6. Oh, yeah, did I mention that while doing all this my twins were down with a cold, hubby had the flu, and so did my mom.  So I was having to take care of EVERYONE!  Whew!  I'm glad everyone is on the road to recovery!
 So, while dealing with the chaos and anarchy that is my life, I did manage to get a couple of things done.  Okay, blogging wasn't one of them, but something had to give.  And really, the kids did need to be fed.  Right?

In my destash/supply shop on ArtFire, I added a couple of supplies:


KEYS ANYONE??? TBBCompostPile - ArtFire Found Objects http://ping.fm/6gDUi





And I've also added a couple of new pieces in my main store, The Beaded Branch.



BRAND NEW!! Amethyst & Pearls Make Lavender Necklace : TheBeadedBranch artfire http://ping.fm/bpMnq


Handmade Gold Dot Resin Pierced Post Earrings : TheBeadedBranch artfire Jewelry http://ping.fm/kOmeQ

NEW! Jade Dream Necklace : TheBeadedBranch artfire Jewelry http://ping.fm/ssbQH


Monday, January 31, 2011

YEAR OF THE RABBIT SALE! Find a cute little bunny butt just for you! ColtPixy Artisan Studio ArtFire Buy & Sell Handmade http://ping.fm/ciQEO

I'm Curious.....

I have a question for those read my blog---  Even though many of keep trying new mediums, or work with a variety of mediums, there always seems to be one that we go back to.  For me, it's beads.  I always seem to go back to basic glass beads when I go back to making jewelry.  There's just something about them that I find completely alluring.

So, what is your favorite thing that you keep going back to, even though there are times when you swear you never will again?

Friday, January 28, 2011

35% OFF EVERYTHING! TheBeadedBranch Artisan Studio ArtFire Buy & Sell Handmade http://www.artfire.com/users/TheBeadedBranch

Monday, January 24, 2011

Why Dream a Little Dream?


I often ask myself why I should dream a little dream, when I can dream a BIG dream?

I have a hugely inspirational group of friends on my different social networks, but mostly on my favorite, Plurk.com  These wonderfully talented artisans hail from all around the world, and specialize in sooooo many different art forms, it really makes my head spin.  I spend half my time looking at their shops, wondering how on EARTH they made these gorgeous pieces.  Glass work, polymer clay, scrapbooking, jewelry, metal work, sewing, book making, you name it, I probably have a friend who has a least dabbled in it.  And it was this fabulous group of people that made me want to try all these different art forms.

And then I started looking into the prices of tools, the space requirements, and realized that my tiny little 1100 square foot home would never hold all the equipment I would need to start any one of these art forms.  I was pretty sad at the thought.  But it started me along the whole "What if..." line of thought.

"What if there was a place I could learn this particular art form?  What if there was a place I could go to try my hand at some of this stuff?"

Then, another thought crossed my mind, and that was that I have no immediate neighbors who are interested in the things I am interested in.  After talking with a lot of my friends online, I realized that this was a common problem.  And this also started my "What if..." line of thought.

"What if there was a place I could go and craft, and talk to people who are like me?  What if there was a place I could go, work on projects and leave them there, so no little fingers could get into them?"

And then, since my boys were still really little at the time, I started wondering what I would do with them, while I went to this Crafting Nirvana.  And, yep, it started my "What if..." line of thinking once again.

"What if there was a place where I could go, craft, leave my stuff there, talk to people who share my interests, bounce ideas off of, AND have reliable care for my children?"  

And with that, my dream was born.  I know that my dream will be a long time in coming.  It will be expensive to start.   I will need a lot of land.  I will need a lot inside room.  I will probably need a lot of insurance.  BUT I think it is do-able.  A place where people can meet.  A place where people can learn.  I already have a pool of people that I can hopefully convince to teach classes.  I want space for a gallery, where artisans can sell their work.  I want a little craft store that sells at least basic supplies.  I have picked an area to do this, that is convenient to hotels, and major highways.  Now, to make my Dream come true.  And if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!!!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

30% OFF Still going on! TheBeadedBranch afplurkies artfire afstalkers sale jewelry http://www.artfire.com/users/TheBeadedBranch

Monday, January 17, 2011

Lost in Time


One of the biggest issues I face in my journey of rediscovery of the artist in me is the total lack of time I have on a daily basis.

Now, you would think that someone who is normally upright by 5 AM, and doesn't go to bed until around 10 PM would have more than enough hours in the day to get everything done that needs to get done.
I so wish this was true.  Because along with my rediscovering myself as an artist, I'm also having to catch up from several years of depression, and letting so much slide.  Keeping up with all the fun stuff, like laundry, dishes, and basic cleaning had kind of fallen by the wayside.   So now, I'm having to figure out the whole balance thing.  Kids, house, cooking, family, and, of course, creating. 

And it's not easy. 

I keep thinking when I'm sitting at my work desk, sketching and coming up with ideas, I think "There are so many other things I need to be doing."  And when I'm doing housework, the ideas for new pieces keep coming, but I cannot bring myself to stop what I'm what doing (say, mopping the floor, or something equally exciting) to do even a quick sketch.  And, of course, the idea gets lost into the sands of time, and there goes another artistic idea down the window. 

My goal this year on this is to try to come up with a decent schedule that will work for everyone in my family.  Not always the easiest thing in the world to do, since my hubby never has the same day off any given week.  And I never know what my children are going to be getting into that day.  They are two very creative, imaginative, curious, smart, and fast little boys.  They are a complete joy and terror all rolled into one, so I'm having to learn to build time into my schedule that I label "Extra Emergency Time", because I never know when I'm going to have immediately drop what I'm doing to go clean up apple juice from all over the kitchen, pretzels from their bedroom, paint from the dining room walls. Of course, the list is endless. 

I have started to use my crock pots more.  (Yes, I have two of the little dudes, and I love them.  Maybe more than my husband, but don't tell him)  There are days when I will put that night's dinner in one, and the next night's dinner in the other one.   Or, if it's a good recipe that freezes well, I make up two batches.  One for dinner and one to freeze.  It's nice to have my own frozen food stash in the freezer.  And it's a time saver, too.  Oh, sure, one day I have to spend getting everything into the crock pots, but once it's in, and cooking, I'm good.

Laundry is another thing that I've reduced the time I spend on it.  My big hint for that is my hubby has taken over the folding and putting away.  I still have to sort, wash, dry, and iron whatever needs to be ironed, but not having to worry about folding and putting away has taken some of the load off my shoulders.  Plus, I figure, I work as much as he does, and he dirties more laundry than I do, so he can help get it cleaned up.

I'm still trying to figure out the rest of it.  I still don't always have the time I need or want.  However, slowly but surely, everything is falling into line, and I'm gaining a little bit of time each day.  And every day that I gain some time, I feel that I have accomplished something.

Keep your sand blue.

Friday, January 14, 2011

30% OFF SALE STILL GOING ON! TheBeadedBranch Studio http://www.artfire.com/users/TheBeadedBranch

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe

I mentioned on Plurk this morning that I was going to make turkey noodle bake for dinner tonight.  Someone requested the recipe, so here it is!  Now, I know, I titled this "Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake", but I've discovered over the years that the two can be pretty much interchangeable, which is great for our family, since my hubby is a butcher, and we seem to go on "runs" of different kinds of meat.  Basically, it's whatever is on sale, discontinued, or being gotten rid of for whatever reason.

8 oz egg noodles uncooked
4 C hot water
4 chicken bullion cubes
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
6 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
pinch pepper
4 C diced, cooked chicken or turkey
3 tablespoons parsley flakes
2 C shredded cheese (I use cheddar, or whatever is onhand)

Preheat oven to 350 deg F.  Prepare noodles according to package directions, drain.  Dissolve bullion cubes in hot water and reserve.  In saucepan, melt butter or margarine; stir in flour and seasonings.  Slowly add reserved chicken bullion water.  Cook and stir over low heat until thickened.  Add all ingredients but cheese, tossing gently to mix.  Pour into a greased 13"x9"x2" pan.  Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.  Refrigerate any leftovers.  Makes 6-8 servings.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

New Year, New Products!!!!

This year, I am determined to expand my lines of jewelry, and have taken the first steps to do it!

Gift giving season always means trying new things for me, and this Christmas was no different.  I wanted to come up with something unique to give to Da Boys teachers this year, and so I came up with these charming pendents:

"Forever in my Heart" Pendent #1

"Forever in my Heart" Pendent #2




They were so very well received by the teachers, that I have decided to make this a permanent part of my jewelry line.  Hand crafted polymer clay pendents, filled with resin, and at this point, tiny polymer clay crosses sunk into the resin.  I'm planning on playing with a lot more different styles.


I'm really excited about the new ideas that are coming to me!  I hope you continue to follow, and see where I'm letting my crazy imagination take me!
Here's a question for you, that I'd love to see some answers to:  What do YOU hold "Forever in your Heart"?  What would YOU like to see  encapsulated into a heart?  And what color hearts would you like to see?

Remember to keep your sand blue!

Monday, January 10, 2011

30% OFF EVERYTHING! TheBeadedBranch Artisan Studio ArtFire Buy & Sell Handmade http://www.artfire.com/users/TheBeadedBranch

Saturday, January 8, 2011

I have some of the MOST TALENTED friends! Wire crochet cross w/ blue/clear Swarovski crystals - Light : CatsWire - ArtFire Jewelry http://ping.fm/sLDIt

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Yee Haw Happy New Year Yall!! Its our Contest time!!!!

Looking for a great contest to enter to ring in the New Year?  How about one that celebrates the glorious state of Texas!  Check out this link to find out how to enter: http://ping.fm/rwlnA


And have fun finding the flags!!!!

Monday, January 3, 2011

New Year, New Life, New Goals

Awhile back, I posted my "Sand is Always Blue" piece here on my blog.  That the very first step on a creative journey that met with several pitfalls in 2010.  Financial troubles, losing my darling dad, and general depression took over, and I lost the path. 
After floundering a lot, and stumbling through the underbrush of my own mind, I think I've found the path back.
So, I start this year with this statement:
This is my year.  My year to fly.  My year to try new things.  My year to say "Good or bad, I'm trying!"  I'm going to attempt new mediums, new ideas.  I might hit dead ends, I might succeed.  Who knows?  BUT I will NOT let fear, of failure or success, be my guide any longer!
I welcome you to walk beside me as I travel.  I welcome your comments and critiques.  I welcome you to share new things you are trying.
With that in mind, here is my new mission statement for the coming year:
The Beaded Branch Blog encompasses my journey back to creativity as I re-learn to think outside the box, and create many new Beaded Branches of jewelry, and other pieces of art.  I also hope, that as I travel, reports from my "journey" will inspire you to try new things, and explore the world of art around you!

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