Saturday, March 3, 2012

Day 3: Learning a New Technique

Day 3. "Learning a New Technique" but not feeling really creative. I chose to use a rustic pottery bead and make a wire wrapped bail.
I actually like it! I may pair it with the stone beads (adventurine? Nothing expensive in any case.)
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Day 2

So, here is was, still Day 2, and I'd just finished Day 1. But pressing on, I figured that "using leftover beads", the Day 2 Challenge, was
right down my alley. I pulled out a chicken bead and the start of a pendant, a tube of red size seed beads, and some leftover beads that were on top of my pile of "unfiled beads". But in my hurry (I finished this at 11:45 pm) I put the half the clasp on backwards. But it was DONE. I staggered off to bed at midnight after posting this somewhat fuzzy picture.
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Fusion Beads Challenge Begins

Well, wanting to get back on the horse with my beading, I decided to
participate in the Fusion Beads Challenge. But it started March 1 and I made the decision March 2. Bad sign.
Day 1 was "make earrings" and Laura needed a pair replaced, so I found similar beads and made her a new pair (and a third earring
as a spare!).
Since I'd done these before, they didn't take too long. I actually spent more time finding my beading stuff (which had been moved UPSTAIRS for the kitchen redo, then back DOWNSTAIRS, and I still haven't found a few things).
Oh yes, another part of this challenge involved posting the pictures. Not inconsequential for me.
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Sunday, February 12, 2012

Valentine's Day Jewelry: Suitable for a matching flannel shirt and jeans!






My Tractor Supply clearance sale flannel shirt and henley go with this set! I doubt my Valentine's Day will get any dressier than that. I used crystals left over from Christmas projects, a package of mixed red Czech glass, and a heart charm and clasp from my stash. That makes it practically free!
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

February and Pinterist is still interesting!

So, it's February and the kitchen is still not done. The holdup is the quartz countertop, which in turn is delaying the dishwasher and stove installation. Hoping for good news on that soon!
Meanwhile, 2 batches of chicks are out and another is in the incubator. It's been an odd January because the temperatures have veered up and down, so keeping temperatures constant is a challenge. Still, it's been nice to have breaks in the cold. Catching up on the outside work is a lot easier when you can feel your fingers!
I'm still exploring the Pinterist idea; working on building a set of boards that helps me keep track of ideas.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Pinterist and January 2012

I think Pinterest is a good idea. I don't have that much time for exploring around on blogs, but it's nice to be able to save some of the good ideas I see.
This January has been consumed by the big Redo the Kitchen project. Even though we hired people to do the work, it's been complicated and required lots of my time as far as running around and buying pieces. I now understand more of the difference between hiring handymen and hiring a contractor. I wonder if I'll ever get some of the details straightened out. Meanwhile, we've had lots of family visit and the contents of the kitchen are still scattered around the house. Partly because I haven't figured out how to reorganize with the new cabinets. It's like a mini-move (i.e., painful).
I did keep hatching chicks but I may have tried too early, since neither of the first two hatches were outstanding. Still, I am getting enough of the blue eggers (for myself) and favarolles (for Esther to show at the fair). Later I'll probably order a few more kinds.