Book Giveaway

Wow, visit mixed-media-artist blog and enter a comment for a book giveaway for "Scraps" an inspirational guide to collage art.  Who doesn't need a little inspiration now and then?  Hurry, you must comment by February 23, 2011 to enter for a copy of the book.  http://www.mixed-media-artist.com/2011/02/book-review-and-giveaway-scraps.html

Happy Valentines Day

Here is a lovely little money saving idea for you.  I just received my order from Jason and Jet Beads.  I didn't need a lot...just some ear wires and I really wanted to use those cool new Sterling Silver filled ones at Fire Mountain Gems.  I took a chance on Jason and Jet Beads and found, YES!  this isn't too good to be true.  You can order Fire Mountain items at the 50 plus item rate through Jason no matter how small your order.  The ordering method is easy and work like a charm.  Details on his website.  Although I try to use our local shops whenever possible, there are times when Fire Mountain just makes financial sense. Jason drop ships from FM directly to you.  Feel free to contact me to verify my comments. Happy Beading!
http://www.jetbeads.com/

Flawed Beginnings

I was busy in the Fall through Christmas and into January 2011 learning stitches and creating the beaded pieces above. Each piece was a challenge to put together and has significant mistakes, some were creatively incorporated into the existing designs and some are just hanging out for all to see. This bothers the little perfectionist in Pam. It's as if the errors are sticking their little beaded tongues out at me. Still, I am quite proud of each piece for different reasons.

The Zebra Bracelet is completely my own design and my very first attempt at 2-drop peyote. I was inspired by the name tag project we did at the January Oklahoma Bead Society meeting. The Farfalle bracelet is my first to use those crazy little peanut beads. It feels really silky and yet substantial on my arm but even though I measured 5 times, it is still a little too big. Too big is a recurrent theme in the pieces I made for my daughter, Heather, for Christmas. An example is the pink and black necklace and earrings. Obviously, experience is going to be a great teacher. Sadly, I forgot to photograph several gifted pieces at Christmas time.  Oh well, I'll do better next year.

This winter I loved finding new websites including Deborah Roberti's "Around The Beading Table." She has a talent not only for creating beautiful jewelry patterns but also clear and easy to follow instructions. Another great blog is Mandi Ainsworth's "Bead Circle".  I enjoy my membership in the Oklahoma Bead Society.  I am learning from these beaders.  Can't wait to see what 2011 has to offer!