Adventuring through Life

Year of Jewelry Project - Week 3 - Wonderland

2012-01-22T14:30:00.001-05:00

The theme for week 3 is wonderland.
I've created a bright and happy bracelet filled with all sorts of pretty flowers.
I used both glass and lucite flowers and glass cube beads for the bracelet.
Swarovski beads add a bit of sparkle.

Elfin Lace Washcloth

2012-01-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

Just finished another washcloth today from "Kitchen Bright Dishcloths" booklet.

This stitch is called Elfin Lace. It was a fun, quick piece to make.
I love the yellow color. 100% cotton.

Week 2 - Year of Jewelry Project

2012-01-15T21:21:00.003-05:00

The theme for week 2 is "Let's do it again". Since I my first week used black, pink and white I decided to use the same colors again. This week though I made a tubular pendant and used a 30" black chain following this year's long necklace fashion.

I was surprised and pleased to find I had black chain chunky enough for the look I wanted and thin enough to go through the tube.

The black in the tube almost looks like it's part of the chain.

I am pleased with how it turned out.

Crocus Stitch Dishcloth/Washcloth

2012-01-12T16:00:00.000-05:00

I finished another dishcloth/wash cloth. again using 100% cotton yarn.
I actually didn't complete the entire pattern but finished the piece early.
I did NOT like the stitch, too much purling and cross overs. It just wasn't fun.

So here it about 2" smaller that it should be - works for me!

January - Bead Journal Project

2012-01-10T16:05:00.000-05:00

I've finished my Bead Journal for January. I considered added more, but sometimes more isn't always better. I like what I've created so far and don't want to lose the look by adding more beads.

My January theme is ice and snow, white with touches of blue. You can see snow flowers poking through drifts of snow under a blue sky.

Week 1, Year of Jewelry Project

2012-01-08T16:40:00.002-05:00

This first weeks theme is 'New Beginnings'.
Beading a stone into a pendant is something I haven't tried on my own. My only other experience with creating pendants was in a class I took. This pendant I worked on my own, a new beginning for me. My first thought was to just created a necklace for the stone, then I realized I was ready to create a pendant.

I love the white stripe across the stolid black stone. I used pink and silver to create a strong impact that the black calls for.

Knitting Bees

2012-01-03T20:18:00.003-05:00

The name of this pattern is the Bee Stitch.

This is a 100% cotton dishcloth or wash cloth. I love the colors. In person they have a bit more hint of sherbet colors.

I have a knitting book called "Kitchen Bright Dishcloths" that I'm working through that has 10 dishcloth patterns. This is the first one. It was fun to do and worked up fast.

Happy New Year 2012 - what will you do for yourself?

2012-01-01T18:01:00.001-05:00

I belong to the yahoo group Ohio Creative Women and rather than make the standard resolutions to lose weight and exercise more (things we should do whether it's Jan 1 or not) we are challenged to resolve to try something new this year, something that we have never done before.

I love this idea.

For 2012 I resolve to:

Cook at least one dish a month that I haven't tried before
Visit a city I haven't been to before
Learn how to take manual pictures using a digital SLR
Begin beading with cabachons
Knit a pair of socks
Complete the Year of Jewelry Project
Complete the Bead Journal Project

These may sound simple but are definite challenges for me.
And yes, I also have resolved to:

Eat healthier - walk away from sugar and bad carbs
Take more pictures
Blog more
Complete all my reading challenges which amounts to 100+ books

I love new beginnings. I love fresh starts.
January 1 just seems like a good place for starting again.

Joining the BJP

2011-12-17T22:37:00.001-05:00

I've just been invited to join the Bead Journal Project for 2012.
This is the badge for project - I'll be proudly displaying it on my sidebar.

This is the first time I've joined anything like this.
I'm making a commitment to create a beaded journal page every month in 2012.

2011 Reading Challenges Completed

2011-12-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

I did it! I completed all my reading challenges on time and under budget.
I read 52 books this year !
Now I have 3 weeks to look around and pick out the reading challenges I will join for 2012.

Here's is what keeps me up at night

2011-11-28T06:41:00.000-05:00

When I'm ready to wind down and relax for the day, usually around 8:30 or 9:00, I turn the TV on and knit.

We usually watch either Turner Classic Movies or the Cooking channel, but now that we're in the holiday season, I've been turning to the Hallmark channel to watch all the Christmas shows.

Here is my WIP. I'm knitting a hat in the round. It's so easy because when it's in the round, all knitted rows turn into stocking net without 1 purl row. Love it!

The beige and brown band is a wool blend and the blue yarn is a soft mohair blend.

This will turn into a cap. I want to knit a flower for it which is something I haven't tried yet, but this design is so simple, a flower will be the perfect accessory.

My clearance sale is going full steam, check out what I have left in my etsy shop. All my jewelry is marked 25% off to make room for the new year.

Completed my first cowl

2011-11-27T11:49:00.000-05:00

Cowl are very popular this year.
Here is my first cowl. It was very easy and fast to make.
It is knitted in the round, lengthwise. Some rows I knitted and some rows I purled.

I used angel hair yarn which is very soft on my neck. I love the blend of beige, white and blue.

Gift shopping ? My etsy shop jewelry is all marked 25% off!

Jewelry I've been working on

2011-11-26T11:53:00.001-05:00

I'm making some new jewelry designs that I will place into my Etsy studio soon.

I'm having an Inventory Clearance sale first.
I have marked all my jewelry 25% off.

I've been having fun with a new bracelet format that I haven't used before.
I'm working on my third color series.
The way the bracelet is worn changes the look of the bracelet.

If you keep the pretty magnetic clasp on top the bracelet becomes two toned.
If you keep the magnetic clasp on the bottom, the sparkly side sits on top and looks like a one style bangle.
if it spins on your wrist it's all fun, all changing. :)

A Bead Soup Party !

2011-11-02T07:37:00.000-04:00

Lori Anderson at Pretty Things is hosting another Bead Soup Party in January.

I hope I get picked in the lottery to join in!

During the registration dates, you'll enter your information into a registration form. When registration closes, a random number generator will pick the group of people. No more than 200 people will be able to participate.

If you want more details go HERE.

Happy Halloween 2011 !

2011-10-30T10:28:00.000-04:00

BOO!

There is so much going on here in blogland. I've been having a blast going to parties and trick or treating through the blogs.

**Frosted Petunias is having a Witches Tea Party under a Halloween Moon
Here are some favorite visits I had at the Tea Party. If you only have a short time for blog hopping, go to the starred ones first.
Beneath the Witches Moon
Blessed Bee **
Brushstrokes
FaerieMoonCreations **
Green Witch with Sprinkles
I Heart the Goddess
Incipient Wings
Life in my Studio
Magic Gypsy
Moments in an Eye **
A Fanciful Twist **
PeachyCheek
Gingerbread Crumbs & Company **
Rinni's Playground **
Hint Jewelry
Tabby's Place
The Charm of Home
House in Roses **

If you haven't met my princess before, this is my kitty Sly

Sly wants to tell everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween and be especially kind to all black cats.

Back to work

Kittens are ready

2011-10-16T13:13:00.002-04:00

Our kittens are now 7 1/2 weeks old.
I still see them nursing now and then but they eat dry crunchies and soft canned with gusto.
I think they are ready for loving homes.
Every single kitten is curious, filled with energy, playful (with each other mostly) and cute as buttons.

There are 3 black kittens, one male and two females. In this photo you can see that G. has created a full playground for them. In fact, there are even more toys that aren't even in the photo.

There are 2 black and whites, one male and one female.

Their eyes are still kitten blue but they'll turn green soon.

Inspiration Avenue Blog Party

2011-10-03T09:55:00.000-04:00

Inspiration Avenue is celebrating that they have reached 500 followers. They are having a blog party from 10/16 to 10/23.

Enter the On Wings of Inspiration creative challenge with an artwork in any medium.

Hop over to Inspiration Avenue using this link here to find out what it is all about and read the rest of the rules on how to enter the challenge.

They also have planned many freebies, artful giveaways, special blog posts.

Laura McCabe Book Giveaway

2011-09-29T16:01:00.001-04:00

Nicole at Beadwright is having a Laura McCabe Book Giveaway "Embellished Weaving".

If your like me and enjoy beading and making sparkly things, then stop by Beadwright and leave a comment to enter the giveaway!

Jewel of the Sea

2011-09-28T08:19:00.000-04:00

At the Ohio Beaders retreat we also have a gift exchange. Names are drawn and kept secret until the actual exchange.

The name I was given belongs to a woman who spent a good part of the summer on a tropical island so I wanted to make something to give her a fond memory of her delightful summer.
I tried to capture the color of sea to sand and the waves flowing into the beach.
Here is what I came up with. I've named it Jewel of the Sea.

I made her a ring to go with it - just for fun. I have no idea what her ring size is so I can only hope it fits one of her fingers.

I liked it so much I made a second one but I used different sparkly beads so they are not identical - I will be posting it on my Etsy site as soon as I get a chance.

Goodie Bag Treats

2011-09-27T08:09:00.000-04:00

I'll be going to the Beaders Retreat soon and have my treats ready for the goodie bags.

22 women that have an obsession with all things beady will join together for a weekend and have no other distractions but to eat, sleep and bead.
We will each get a goodie bag - each woman will bring a treat to add to the goodie bags. There are no expectations on cost of the treat we are to bring, just bring something to add to the bag.

Vendors have also made contributions to our goodie bags and we totally appreciate every item.

Here is my treat all wrapped up and ready for giving.

a little closer look shows I made each one a flower out of seed beads, a ceramic butterfly and a ceramic heart. Each flower was made using different color beads - no two are alike so it was as much fun to make as it will be to receive.

I am so excited for this mini vacation I am ready to burst.

One Bad Apple

2011-09-25T07:52:00.001-04:00

We went apple picking last weekend. The weather was slightly cool, the sun was at an angle that you just knew it was Autumn and perfect for the task at hand.
We started early enough in the morning that the sun had not yet dried up all the dew.

The orchard we went to is large so we had to take a wagon ride to the location where the apples were ready to pick.

Trees were bursting with apples,

of course we had to sample to make sure the apples were perfect.

but you had to pick carefully. Many of the apples already had been chosen by unwanted visitors.
If you look close enough you can see the little worm working his way in.
Can you imagine not paying attention to the little hole in your apple and taking a great big BITE. YUM

Create Your Own Clasp Challenge

2011-09-20T07:56:00.002-04:00

Every 2 - 3 months the Ohio Beaders Group I belong to have a group challenge. The July - Sept. challenge was "Create Your Own Clasp". The only guideline was

The entire clasp must be made by you. No premade parts such as buttons.

I took my inspiration from the Bead & Button Magazine Book - Creative Beading Vol. 6. The selection is called Floral Inspiration.

As you can see the flower is the clasp ! It was my first try at St. Petersburg Chain and I really like the outcome.

Our challenge winner is going to be decided by Art Beads employees.

I've got my fingers crossed, but honestly, Ohio Beaders is such a talented group of artists, I don't stand a chance. lol.

I will post the link to all the entries - and the winner - as soon as it is up.

Last Days of Summer Bracelet

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

This is a wrist lariat.
It just loops over the lampwork bead to close around your wrist.
I love the colors in this. It feels so summery - my last grab at summer's colors for this year.

Go Cart a Go Go

2011-09-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

We went on go carts the other night and had a blast!
Here is what it looks like from the drivers seat.

That is Gary up ahead of me - you can see him peeking his head around.
He kept trying to bump into me on the track so I had to keep going faster which was scary but thrilling!

New Tea Cup

2011-09-13T06:30:00.000-04:00

My sweet sis gave me a small china set of the darling pattern.

Isn't funny how tea can taste so much better when it's in a proper cup.

Cleansing Necklace

2011-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

I just listed this on my Etsy site recently but I'm not sure anyone will understand it enough to like it.
The black dots slowly fade away to the right.
My idea was of a cleaning or clearing out of the negative.
It doesn't translate as well as I expected.

Putt Putting around

2011-09-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

We played another round of putt putt and I beat Gar by 2 strokes AGAIN!
it just makes him crazy.
I love it.

Locket and Key

2011-09-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've made a few new pieces for my Etsy site.
I love the little locket in this necklace, and the big key that goes with it.

I've been working on my gift exchange bracelet for our Beaders Retreat but I don't want to show it until after the retreat since it's a surprise.

Octoberfest

2011-09-09T21:08:00.004-04:00

We went to the Octoberfest last weekend.
I have to admit, I drank one too many beers and didn't feel very well the next day.
I was having so much fun, I didn't realize I was drinking too much.

They have this human german clock that goes off every hour and the humans go around and do skits and dances. Then they throw out prizes. We got a t-shirt last year.

We were under the big tent listening to the World Famous Cleveland POPS Orchestra and it started pouring rain.

So we started chatting it up with the people around us and every once in awhile someone would run out into the rain and bring back more beer.......

We finally made it to the big hall and listened to a great band called the Stone Ponies... and it kept raining but we didn't seem to mind.

We finally had to walk to our car in the rain, but by that time, I didn't care if I was getting wet. lol. (I wasn't driving)

Gorgeous Wall Art

2011-09-02T06:23:00.000-04:00

For my daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner, we ate at Moe's.
It sounds odd, but Moe's restaurant in Cuyahoga Falls has wonderful food and great service.
Our group was put in the upstairs rooms that used to be an apartment.

There was a wall hanging there that was beautiful. It had bright colors and plenty of sparkly sequence. I would have liked to take it with me. Someday, I'll make one like this for myself.

I already posted the other photo's from the rehearsal on Monday.
I missed putting this one up on the blog.

Olmsted Falls Heritage Days

2011-09-01T06:18:00.001-04:00

The Berea Grindstone Knitters Guild that I belong to had a table at Yarn Knits by Sue for our town's Heritage Days.
We rotated 2 hour sits at our table. We sold raffle tickets for the group afghan we knitted together - 20 out of the 38 members each knitting a square.

We also encouraged everyone that knits or wants to knit to join our group.
It's a fun bunch of women. The more I knit, the more I enjoy it.

Taqueria Junction - the good, the bad and the ugly

2011-08-31T06:17:00.000-04:00

We have a new restaurant in our town. We watched and waited while the building was remodeled anxiously waiting and hoping that Taqueria had something to do with tequila.
and we were right ! This is the back wall of the bar - lighted up with tequila !

it's a beautiful thing.

The little buzz I get when drinking tequila is very different from gin or rum - a mellow kind of buzz. as long as I don't drink too much of it :)

There's just once small problem with the restaurant management.
They don't see the problem with charging $8 for a cocktail with only 1 ounce of alcohol and yet have the nerve to serve salsa and chips in a paper bag and plastic cup with a lid. There were 3 of us couples sitting at the bar - total strangers - the other couples ordered the snacks. When the paper bags were thrown in front of them, we were shocked and began discussing it together.
One of the couples called over the manager to advise them how insulting it was to be served like this. He said they want to serve at a neighborhood level and keep it casual.
One of them was having mussels and asked for a roll to go with them and was told they don't give out rolls with the mussels. He quietly kept eating, but there is one less customer.

I can tell the Taqueria Junction that from past history, if the neighborhood isn't treated nicely, we will stop showing up. Put the chips and salsa in a bowl - or drop your drink prices down to the paper bag level, otherwise, the customers willing to pay the $8 will stop coming and the customers willing to accept a paper bag will not pay $8 for a drink.

The first night we ate at Taqueria Junction, the food was delicious. So we went back the following Friday night for dinner. Our dinner came out cold - for this time, we chalked it down to an extremely busy night. We plan on giving them another chance during the week when it won't be so busy.

I sure hope they do a better job when we come back.

Putt Putt

2011-08-30T05:50:00.001-04:00

We played our annual putt putt game.
It's a summer event for us. We have to go at least once every year.

This used to be such a big family sport in our area, it's sad to see the putt putt places are frequented less and less every year. why is that? kids love to play.

Oh, and I won by 2 strokes!!!

August Slips Away

2011-08-29T09:46:00.002-04:00

July and August were a busy months for me. I didn't have a lot of work preparing for my daughter's wedding since she did the majority of the planning, but the stress of it and the hot days of summer kept me away from my blog.

I managed to take a couple photos during dress rehearsal for the wedding.
She didn't stop smiling the whole weekend.

Etsy Sales!

2011-07-14T12:25:00.001-04:00

I'm listed on TWO Etsy Treasuries this week!!!
and I'm celebrating by offering a 15% discount coupon.
Enter BNR15 in the Notes to Seller and I will refund you 15% on all your selections.
at my Etsy shop Sorelle

Treasury 1. Paradise BNS

Treasury 2. Baseball BNR

look at these and MANY more...

Not For Sale

2011-06-28T20:30:00.001-04:00

I finished my Mother of the Bride jewelry I'm going to wear at my daughters wedding in August.
I decided on pearls for my neck since I've always told my daughter "I am the Queen and this is my Universe". I figured if they're good enough for British royalty, they are good enough for the Queen of my Universe . LOL

Once I completed the necklace, I had to make earrings to go with it and my pearl clusters were born.

My bracelet is totally whimsical and fun with lots of color, sparkle and splash.

Mother of the Bride bracelet

2011-06-13T19:01:00.001-04:00

I'm going to be the Mother of the Bride in August.
I have my dress - it's lavender with a silver shimmer - it's knee length and it has rows of ruffles below an empire waist.
so it has a romantic look to it.
I created this bracelet just for this dress. G doesn't like it. He thinks I should wear pearls or something like that. He said it looks cheap. :(

I love the splash of color and sparkle. I put lots of Swarovski crystals on it. With all the time and effort and crystals I put into this, I would have to sell it for at least $60.
that's not cheap. I think the resin rose in the middle is throwing him off balance.

I love the ruffle around the edge. On the day of the wedding, I'll decide whether to go ahead and wear it or just throw on a pearl bracelet instead.

Well, here it is anyway....

Star Struck Patriotic Earrings

2011-06-02T22:10:00.000-04:00

I made myself patriotic earrings for this years 4th of July.
It was easy-peasy and fun. The stars a lightweight base metal and make a pretty jingle as they bounce against each other when I shake my head.

I like the pattern so much I've decided to make a matching bracelet :)

A Thousand Words

2011-06-02T07:46:00.001-04:00

I love this photo. I think I've shown it before. I didn't take it, don't know who did, but a picture says a thousand words.

Blooming time

2011-06-01T07:32:00.001-04:00

I took this picture before the hard rains, wind storm and hail hit us.
It's one of my favorite houses in our neighborhood. I hope they don't mind me putting their home on display.

Wouldn't it be something if everyone house was this colorful!!!

In the works

2011-05-31T07:25:00.000-04:00

This pattern is called a birds nest bag. A purse that is knitted using roving wool plus any novelty yarns that you want to throw in. Since roving wool is not strong on it's own - it rips apart very easily, another yarn must be knitted with it for the entire pattern.

I used red wool yarn when I wasn't using a novelty yarn. It's an easy circular pattern - knitted.

I'm about ready to add the shoulder straps.

Double pointed needles

2011-05-30T08:17:00.001-04:00

Another first for me.
I used double pointed needles to finish this hat I made for my mannequin.
Double pointed needle work is difficult and not much fun for me. Of course, I don't know if I used them correctly. I should have first watched a YouTube lesson on how to knit with them.

I use my mannequin to model my necklaces and earrings that I sell on etsy. I thought a hat would be nice since she doesn't have any hair.
I haven't named her yet. Fiona comes to mind, or Dahlia.

I used brown tweed wool for the hat. The pattern had a bit of lacey work to it which was another new challenge for me.

Sock Monkey

2011-05-29T07:13:00.000-04:00

I finished my first sock monkey. I crocheted him.
He may not be perfect, but he's cute, soft and lovable.
I know sock monkeys aren't supposed to have hair, but he said he wanted some.

Building an Arc

2011-05-28T10:13:00.000-04:00

I finally asked G if he would please start building me an arc.
We are water logged here in the Cleveland area. I actually admit to enjoying thunderstorms and rain, but this is ridiculous.

Expecting more rain today... again.
I guess the plants are loving it.... and the ducks.

A Lariat for My Sis

2011-05-17T09:36:00.001-04:00

My sister recently graduated from Nursing and successfully passed her boards on the first try! I'm so proud of her.

She found a job and is starting as a floor nurse at local hospital.
So I made her a lariat for her badge in her favorite colors - pink, orange and a touch of lime green :)

Ohio Beaders May Gathering

2011-05-15T09:35:00.000-04:00

I went to the May 2011 Gathering of the Ohio Beaders yesterday. We couldn't all make it but those of us that did had a wonderful time visiting and beading.
Don't you just love all the colors!

We met in Medina, OH this time at Potomac Beads. The workers at Potomac Beads were a fun bunch and added to our enjoyable visit.
Our group picture came out a bit fuzzy.

Vibram Toe Shoes

2011-05-08T16:26:00.000-04:00

I bought a new pair of shoes. Vibram makes these for running, walking, jogging etc.
If it ever stops raining here in Ohio, I'll start using them to begin my jogging program again.

I'm wearing them indoors now to get my legs, feet and toes used to them.
Yes the toes are actually separated.
If nothing else, they are a GREAT color.

Buzztime Winner

2011-05-07T17:08:00.003-04:00

We play buzztime every time we have dinner at our favorite local bar and grill.
My tag name is BEADR since I love, love, love beads.
The competition is tough, the regular guys usually beat my but I had my camera ready when I finally beat them.

Winning is so much fun!!

Another Grand... puppy

2011-05-06T17:02:00.001-04:00

I am now the proud grandmother of 2 beautiful dogs.
I brought some new toys when I went to my daughters to help write out wedding invitations.
First - me and my daughter taking care of the invitations...

Here is the newest addition - his name is Frog. his paws are HUGE. He's so lovable, friendly and smart. He already knows Sit and how to ring the bell to go outside.

And this is Rocky, the older brother.

The squeaky toys were a bit hit.

Cinco di May and Alice and her Cinco kittens

2011-05-05T14:00:00.000-04:00

We have a couple of stray cats that have adopted us. We used to feed them outside until the food started attracting other critters - possum, skunk etc. We taught the strays how to use the cat flap to come indoors to eat and they now come in every day for a meal.

Gary made cat condo's out of wood for them to use outside so they could stay warm and dry in the winter.

We named the girl Alice and she had her kittens (5 kittens!) inside one of the condo's on Tuesday.
Gary, being the 'plan ahead' guy that he is, fixed up a huge cardboard box that Alice might use. He put in bedding and towels and cut big holes in for airflow.

Yesterday, she started to bring the newborn's inside, so Gary helped her bring the rest of them in and put them in the ready to use box. The kittens are mostly black so it's hard to see them nursing.

Being an almost feral cat, Alice usually ate and left. She looks very comfortable and content right now. :)

and her babies are safe for now. Until she decides to move them. I'm hoping she keeps them indoors.

Making faces

2011-05-04T16:02:00.000-04:00

All I said was - smile at the camera G.
Here's what I got.

Ok, one more time, please.

a little better. LOL.

May Flowers

2011-05-03T16:53:00.001-04:00

We are in bloom here in Ohio.
With all the rain we've had the tree blooms are falling of faster than normal, the leaves are growing faster than normal.
I captured these pretty tree blooms at peak, but the leaves are popping out at the top of the trees already.

My tulips are popping up too, I love the colors of pink and yellow together.

Blooming with Beads

2011-05-02T16:46:00.000-04:00

I've been having a lot of fun making flowers with a pattern I found in Diane Fitzgerald's book "Shaped Beadwork".
Playing with colors is half the fun.

I'm making bookmarks with some of them and plan to make purse/zipper fobs with others. These will be my giveaway in the goodie bags we put together for the Ohio Beaders retreat.

Photo Friday - Primary Color

2011-05-01T21:44:00.000-04:00

This weeks challenge at Photo Friday is Primary Color
and my entry is Dandelions

Herringbone Silver Beaded Choker

2011-05-01T21:35:00.000-04:00

I had such a wonderful day yesterday staying in and playing with my beads.
I actually completed a choker necklace that was not only fun but turned out so pretty.
I found the pattern in Beadwork Magazine Feb/Mar 2011 issue.

It was called Cairo Choker and I made a few changes to make it my own.

Happy Easter 2011

2011-04-24T08:24:00.001-04:00

Have a wonderful day everyone!

by Cookies - The Kids Department Store

Pet Store Kitties

2011-04-21T16:51:00.000-04:00

We went to the Pet Store yesterday to get more cat food and stopped by to say hello to the cats and it nearly broke our hearts.

These friendly cats are from a local animal shelter and the pet store tries to sell them for the shelter. As you can guess, none of the kitties looked happy to be there.
These are not kittens, they're at least 1 1/2 yrs old and need a loving home.

We already have one indoor cat and 2 semi-feral strays that we feed.

Strawberry Banana Smoothies

2011-04-20T16:45:00.000-04:00

YUM.
The watermelon and avocado have nothing to do with my strawberry banana smoothie, they just happened to be on the counter and I like the colors with the pink smoothie so they were invited to sit in the photo shoot.

I mixed a quart of fresh strawberries, a cup of grapes, a banana and 2 tbls. Agave syrup with a cup of water and a bunch of ice. My Vitamix {{{hugs}}} whipped a my tasty smoothie in record time. Delicious.

Next time I'll skip the agave syrup - the grapes made it sweet enough.

Rich and Sassy

2011-04-19T16:41:00.001-04:00

This is my sister - we met for lunch over the weekend. She is neither rich nor sassy, just a sweetie.

But if we were rich, or ever get there, we will definitely make a point of being sassy - for the fun of it.

I blurred the person in the background - he wasn't invited in the photo shoot. :)

Photo Friday - Lines

2011-04-18T16:44:00.001-04:00

This is my entry for"Lines" @ Photo Friday - entries due in by Friday 4/22 12:00 am.

A Sugar Voyeur

2011-04-17T09:26:00.000-04:00

My chiropractor told me that most (not all) neck pain can be attributed to sugar. If he would notice a little tightness in my neck during adjustments he would KNOW that I had a cookie or ice cream or something sugary. ... and he would be correct. There was no fooling him or lying to him - he would know.

So with my chiropractor as my sugar conscious and summer fast approaching, the only time I have sugar is in the non-dairy creamer I put in my coffee. I still can't give up my morning coffee.

But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy sugar from the sidelines.

Just seeing a beautiful dessert creation can sometimes calm my cravings. It's true... take a look....

Easter Cookies (Vanilla-Almond Sugar Cookies) by My Kitchen Addiction

and more...
A Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte by Zoe Bakes
A Lemon Raspberry Tart by Gourmand in the Kitchen
Chocolate Covered Macaroons by Baked Brie
Strawberry Kiss Cake by Cakewalker
Pistachio Baklava with Cinnamon Honey by First Look Then Cook

well, that satisfied my sweet tooth.
Did it work for you?

Completed my beader challenge

2011-04-15T17:58:00.000-04:00

I belong to the Ohio Beaders Guild and we have monthly challenges to push our creative juices.
For our May challenge, we were each mailed a 'kit'. A set of beads. Just the beads and we were allowed to add a focal bead and any hardware.

My completed necklace turned out a lot different that what I had envisioned.
Sometimes these beads have a mind of their own, but I love the outcome.

Here is my entry for the May 'Kit' Challenge.

Yummy dinner... but

2011-04-14T16:52:00.001-04:00

I had a great dinner at one of our favorite places - The Cornerstone Brewery.

It was Stuffed Flounder with steamed veggies and rice.
The veggies were wonderful - slightly steamed - still crispy - just the way I like them.
The brown rice was perfectly cooked.
The flounder was EXCELLENT - I expected it to be layed out flat and stuffed, but it was rolled up in a pretty ball.

There is a downfall to rolling fish - the outside is cooked to perfection. When I got to the center it was still too raw for me - which kind of grossed me out. (do people even say that anymore?) so I took it home.

It cooked up very nicely for dinner anyway, I just wished I could have eaten it in one sitting - it was that good.

A new bench

2011-04-13T16:50:00.001-04:00

I finally found a bench that I liked to put into the little alcove off the foyer.
I just love it. Why did I wait so long to get one!!!

Organizing seed beads

2011-04-12T19:50:00.000-04:00

I have so many seed beads in different colors, shapes and sizes that I didn't even know what I had any more so I decided to gather them together and ORGANIZE.

phew. I found I have a lot of fun colors and can't wait to start using them all.
now the trouble is, which ones to use first.

decisions, decisions.

Studying beadwork

2011-04-10T08:34:00.000-04:00

I'm working my through Diane Fitzgerald's book 'Shaped Beadwork'.
I love the photo's and instructions in this book.
I love the projects selected and plan to work on most of them.

So far, I've started at the beginning of the book - the basic patterns - so I understand what is happening when I move into the detailed and intricate patterns.

Here is what I've accomplished so far. Let me tell you, It's not as easy as it looks. I kept my full concentration on these patterns. One missed step would through the shape totally out of wack.

The triangle shape was my first. I had to rip it out and start over 3 times. I finally understood what I needed to do and the rest became MUCH easier.

The Square:

I highly recommend ripping out and starting over with any new tutorial until you get it right. You'll end up with a better finished piece and a better understanding of the concepts.

I plan to make each one of these pairs into a set of earrings.

The Pentagon

Spring Mornings

2011-04-07T17:45:00.001-04:00

There was a bright, clear sunrise as I left for work.
It looked so peaceful. Too bad I wasn't just going for a morning stroll.

Spring Flowers

2011-04-07T17:06:00.000-04:00

Just for fun. More pretty flowers

Happy Birthday Gary

2011-04-06T17:04:00.000-04:00

Today is my guy's birthday. What am I giving him you ask?
A backwards clock. He wanted one that would hang in the bathroom and he could see the time in the mirror as he was shaving in the morning.
It works like a normal clock but the hands move in the opposite direction.

He is also getting a bucket rack that will fit on our foldup bikes that we got last year.
I think it's much easier and whole lot more fun to shop for girls. :)

And of course, I'll be taking him out to the restaurant of his choice for dinner.

Sock Monkey Challenge

2011-04-05T17:36:00.001-04:00

Sunday afternoon after we had a sandwich and 2 beers at Chipotle, my sister and I went to Joann fabrics.

We came out with identical yarn, a Paton's pattern book "Monkey Business" and a challenge.

We are each going to crochet a sock monkey. We both love them, it will be a blast to make my own. I've been knitting lately, so crocheting will be an additional challenge to remember the stitches.

She called me later Sunday night and she had already started. There I was finishing up my laundry, ironing clothes for work and getting dinner ready. UGH! She'll probably be finished before I can even get started.

Queen of the Universe

2011-04-04T17:22:00.001-04:00

When my daughter was young and I would tell her to do something, she would usually ask why. My normal response was "This is my Universe. I am the Queen."

Yesterday, I had lunch with my Sis. She had been to an estate sale and found something that made her automatically think of me. and I love it!
Someone took my sayings and made it into a gorgeous Boyd Bear.
If you can't read the base it says "The Queen of the Universe".

The detailing is gorgeous, all the way down to the pearls around her neck and the design of the fabric in her dress and the carpet with fringe.

Sunday in the Park

2011-04-03T21:22:00.000-04:00

Walked the dogs at our animal shelter again today, even though it was still cool out, the Spring sun warmed me up quickly while walking.

If I didn't take this picture myself, I'd question whether it was real or touched up.
The scene looks almost surreal, the trees in the background look almost painted in.

The lighting is very cool.

Everyone is seeing it, but I just had to photograph it. Every year I'm amazed at the new growth that shows up just in time. After a long cold winter, new buds just give me a boost of hope that summer will show up this year.

Out with Old, In with the New

2011-04-03T08:09:00.000-04:00

My favorite blender, a true workhorse, the Juiceman Blender, finally showed signs of aging after use of making daily smoothies for the last 8 months. The gasket to the bearings broke down under the strain.

But the Good News...
I bought myself a Vitamix 5200! I love it!

Here's to your health!

Garden Center

2011-03-29T16:56:00.001-04:00

We went to our local garden center. I was hoping to see rows and rows of plants, but we were too early. There was a lot of open space and just a few flowers.

I think it would be very interesting to work in a garden center. Always (or almost always) surrounded by color and the wonderful smells of fresh dirt, plants and flowers.

I'm going to try to design a peyote stitch seed bead cuff bracelet with this pretty pink flower. Anyone know what the flower name is? I should have asked the people at the garden center. duh. I don't even know what the blue ones are called.

Last Call for Chilli

2011-03-28T17:47:00.001-04:00

This is probably the last time season I'll make Chilli. We love home made chilli but only when it's chilly out :) and it looks like the thermometer is slowly creeping its way up. (yay)

Our chilli is a bit different, I add hot italian sausage along with the ground beef. I also add carrots, celery, garlic, tarragon and red or yellow sweet peppers - along with the normal ingredients. I definitely add more chilli powder than is called for in any recipe I've found. G requested potato chunks in this batch. the idea went against every thought I had about chilli, but I put them in for him anyway. {{{what a girl has to do}}}

Add a couple of warmed, crunchy whole wheat ciabatta rolls and we're warmed up for the night.

Spring Flowers

2011-03-27T06:38:00.002-04:00

My favorite Spring flowers are white. Something about the pure whiteness of the petals triggers a happy memory -but I just can't grasp it from my subconscious - something to do with Easter I think.

Maybe the excitement of searching for the Easter basket, or seeing the tasty Easter cake in the shape of a lamb covered with butter cream frosting and coconut flakes.

He Loves Me

2011-03-25T22:26:00.001-04:00

I found a beautiful bunch of flowers waiting for me when I came home from work.

My Gary is such a sweetie. No - he didn't do anything wrong and I didn't do anything especially right. He just loves me. awwww. :)

Veggie Rice Noodle Bowl

2011-03-25T06:31:00.001-04:00

YUM. This is one of my favorite veggie meals. Even Gary likes it and when it's all veggies and no meat it has to be good for him to give it a thumbs up.

It has carrots, red peppers, cucumber, celery, napa cabbage and apple. I cooked up some rice noodles, make a quick dressing with soy sauce, ginger, lemon juice, salt and pepper and some other spices. again YUM!

My Process in Creating

2011-03-24T11:25:00.000-04:00

Once I decide on what I want to make, it's a matter of choosing just the right colors, shapes, textures and sizes that will become my next piece of jewelry.

Then I make sure any that needs wire wrapping gets attention and sort them out - usually by color. If I'm making a charm bracelet, I actually lay each piece out in order along the chain to make sure I have enough bead charms. Then I resort and start in the middle.

Here is another beaded charm I just finished.

Happy St. Patrick's Day !

2011-03-16T19:50:00.001-04:00

The luck of the Irish to one and all.

Love Struck by Chantel Simmons

2011-03-16T09:06:00.000-04:00

On my book blog Adventuring Through Life Reading Books -- I'll be hosting a review for Chantel Simmon's new book Love Struck on May 28!
Got the book today !

How Do they know !

2011-03-15T17:00:00.000-04:00

We have an indoor plant that is putting out flowers.
Nature is amazing !
How does it know Spring is just around the corner ?
There is one bloom and 3 more buds getting ready to open.

Back to the Grind

2011-03-14T07:00:00.001-04:00

Here we are again.
My desk at work. Snoopy just waiting to say good morning - where's my coffee.

Maybe I should change things up at get back to gym - work out at 6:00 am before going to work. ugh. Maybe tomorrow.

Confessions of a Beadaholic

2011-03-13T17:38:00.000-04:00

I have finally decided I am not only a bead collector, I'm a bead hoarder.
I love beads in all colors, shapes, sizes, dimensions and textures.

I use the excuse that I make jewelry to keep buying more beads.

Here's my stash

It's going to take a long time to use up all these beads.

Thank goodness I don't have an obsession to collect something larger.
If I collected dolls this way, I'd have rooms filled up.
If I collected books this way, I'd have all my walls filled with overflowing bookshelves.

I guess I should start making more jewelry, so I can go buy more beads. :)

Free Redbox Box rental for newbies

2011-03-09T16:54:00.004-05:00

"Redbox is the best - you can rent DVDs for $1 a night with no membership fees! You should try it out. If you click on my Redbox link button in this post -- and it's your first time renting online, they'll give you a free one-night online rental credit.

Wag the Tail

2011-03-06T17:18:00.000-05:00

Another Sunday walking the dogs at the animal shelter.
The good news is -- the dogs I've photographed in earlier blogs and been adopted to loving families.
The bad news -- there are always more dogs found left in parking lots or just abandoned. there are always new dogs at the shelter that love to go for walks.

This is Abigail. A sweet little girl, would love a yard to romp around in and a family to love. She pulled a bit while walking but had some training. She understood hand commands for down and sit.

It was a beautiful day for a walk - even in the cold. We had a blast of snow yesterday that left a winter wonderland.

There is absolute beauty in nature.

ABC Wednesday - G is for Grapefruit

2011-03-03T20:51:00.000-05:00

yes, I know it's Thursday. G is still for Grapefruit.

I love ruby red grapefruits.
and here is my favorite way to eat them

1. Cut off both end and score lengthwise all around.

2. peel off the outer rind and open it up.

3. slide a sharp knife under the separator skin and slice it off toward the center.

4. peel the skin away from the fruit and using the knife, lift the fruit away.

5. enjoy and repeat.

Photohunt - Mostly Black and the Auto Show

2011-02-26T19:03:00.002-05:00

Yes, we now feed 3 cats. We own 1, 2 are strays that have adopted us. Mr. Chops whom we presume is the baby daddy, is a wonderful father. He makes sure this kitten is fed and warm. If we are home and don't know they are outside, he will YOWL until we hear him and let them inside to eat. Both strays now know how to use our cat-flap so we don't have to leave the door open for them.

We went to the car show today and I found my perfect match !! :)

A Mini Blizzard - no not the ice cream

2011-02-25T19:56:00.000-05:00

It snowed all day with a blustery wind to go with it.

That's Gary - he actually enjoys shoveling.

The front of our house was blasted with snow...

so Gary made a snow man - in his own way....

An Extra Day Off

2011-02-21T15:20:00.000-05:00

I love, love, love getting an extra day off. Three day weekends are the best.
I didn't do anything spectacular. Cleaned the house --

I sometimes wonder if I'm the only person who washes dishes as much as I do. Almost every night I have a pile of hand washed dishes drying in my sink. I don't like to put big things in my dishwasher, I don't believe they'll get clean enough or rinsed enough. (think I picked that little OCD from my mom). So there is always tons to wash -- bowls, plastic items or blenders or the food processor pieces, or pots and pans.

We had a loud ice storm last night, I know it's not good for the trees, but ice covered branches have such a magical look to them.

I also managed to take time to play with my beads and finished a March bracelet for my Etsy shop.

Since I started knitting, I have become fascinated with the world of stitch markers. I made of bunch of them for the tables my Knitting Guild set up to sell at our local Arts Fest. I also sold a bunch to my knitting group. So I thought, why not add some to my Etsy site. I photographed a few today and plan to post them to the shop sometime this week.

Cats and Dogs

2011-02-20T18:10:00.000-05:00

This is my cat Sly. She's trying to look adorable so I stay home. It's Sunday and she knows that I help walk the dogs at our local animal rescue center. I must come home smelling like a mixed breed.

So who was the lucky pup today that I picked for our dog walking group?

This is Smokey, he's a chocolate lab + ?? something because he has spotted toes.
He was very well behaved and didn't mind the gentle lead.

Congratulations to my 2 winners in the OWOH 2011 event

2011-02-17T19:49:00.004-05:00

Tonight I have the great pleasure of picking 2 names from 154 comments for the winners of my 2 bracelets for the One World One Heart 2011 event.
It's been a fun event, I met so many wonderful people and their wonderful blogs. I'll be busy visiting them all again soon.

And without further ado .... the winners are

For the Blue and White beaded bracelet
GALE ! from Playing with Paper
and

For the Red and Pink peyote stitch bracelet
DEBRA ! from It's All Good

Congratulations to both winners!

One World One Heart 2011 - The Final Year

2011-02-17T16:58:00.019-05:00

This is a sticky post so it will stay on top for the duration of this event. You can read my daily blogs below this post.

**You can still sign up until Feb. 12 for this event and host a giveaway and join in the fun*** Just click on this banner!

One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past 4 years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships (and even one love connection) formed along the way. Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home........going from blog to blog (in various countries) seeing the wonder each one has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus each blogger participant will offer up a "door prize or prizes"....just for dropping by, saying hello and seeing their world. It's really that easy."

This is such a fun blogger event. It's my fourth year and I've found so many wonderful blogs and met many, many great people.

Hi, my name is Diana. I live in Ohio. My passions are jewelry, photography and knitting. I took a small break from blogging this year, but I've come back and it's like coming back home after a long vacation. It feels great to be here. Stop by often to follow me in my adventures with my hobbies.

Just leave a comment to be entered into my drawing. Everyone who has a blog is eligible to enter for the drawing. Make sure I can leave a comment on your blog if you are the winner.

For this event, I'm giving away this pretty glass beaded chain bracelet.

The bracelet is only for the first drawing. For every one hundred people that leave a comment, I will add another gift to draw a name for. I will stop at 5 gifts.

In the evening, on Feb. 17, I will draw names using a random number generator.

~~I'm almost at 100 comments so I'm adding a second gift to give away.~~ I just finished this bracelet. It's 7 1/2" long and created with a peyote stitch weave.

How Many Blogs Are There?

2011-02-13T15:19:00.000-05:00

While wandering through all the bloggers that have joined in the One World One Heart Event, I became facsinated by how many bloggers there are.

Think of it. this one event drew 800+ bloggers. Each one of those bloggers knows of 10 - 100 other bloggers - of those bloggers, they know 10 - 100 other bloggers. My mind became boggled with bloggers.

Through this event I became aware of an art style I had not heard of before. Art Dolls. There is another whole world out there of Art Doll creators and their blogs and their bloggy friends. And that's just one new art style -what else is out there.

It's fascinating I tell you..... just fascinating.
here are a few new ones from my Sunday morning blog hopping

Cherry's Jubilee
Ella in da Coop
Melinda's Fabric Fancies

Sunday Cozy Day and Little Beers

2011-02-07T21:16:00.000-05:00

We went out to one of our favorite local restaurants on Sunday and got a window seat to watch the snow fall. What a cozy day it was.

On the way home we stopped at a bar close to home and had a night cap. These are called Little Beers.

I never had one before. They are made with 43 Liquor (has a vanilla taste)- it's 35% alcohol. topped with heavy cream. It's made up in a shot glass and you drink it all at once.

It doesn't taste like beer. It tasted like a vanilla milkshake!!!

Finished My Retro Hat

2011-02-04T22:22:00.000-05:00

I made my first hat for myself.
It fits!
It's a 60's style long stocking hat.

I learned to knit about 1 1/2 yrs ago. Up until now I've made some very basic pieces. Scarves and wash clothes. I tried making a sweater but it didn't turn out well. I marked it down to practice. I finally feel like a real knitter now that I've finally accomplished something that is wearable and looks like it is supposed to.

2 New Books !!

2011-02-02T20:19:00.000-05:00

I just bought 2 new books and I can't wait to dig into them.

"life is a verb" by Patti Digh -- 37 Days to wake up, be mindful and live intentionally. This book provides 37 stories that illustrate six core practices for living without regrets.

Say Yes
Be Generous
Speak Up
Love More
Trust Yourself
Slow Down

I plan journal here as I work through the book.

The second book is Blogging for Bliss - Crafting your own online Journal.
I'm hoping I can use this book to help me create and build my style in online journaling.

Paisley

2011-01-30T14:16:00.000-05:00

I volunteer to walk dogs for our local animal shelter. It's a no-kill shelter and handles a lot of foster homes for dogs without homes until they are adopted. They still need dog walkers for the dogs that they keep at the shelter.

This week I walked Paisley - she's a Great Dane, about 2yrs old, and very, very gentle.

She is well trained and walked at heel when I asked her to. She would walk faster if I sped up and slow down when I slowed down. She must have wandered away from home. She looks really homesick, but stays well behaved. She doesn't even bark in her cage. I hope her family comes looking for her soon.

Tomorrow starts the One World One Heart Blogging Event. it's always fun to go visit new blogs that I haven't seen before and meet new visitors here.

I found some wonderful spots while blog hopping this week.

A Book Bloggers Diary
Faded Charm
Wicked Waif

Photohunt: 250 - Standing

2011-01-29T14:06:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite photo's. My mother remarried last year and this is our family photo. This is the best group picture we got. The bride (my mother) is holding on tight to my daughter to keep standing she too was laughing so hard.

400 Mile Challenge Update

2011-01-29T13:35:00.004-05:00

Miles this week - 18.5 miles
Total miles in 2011 - 58.0 miles

My goal is to exercise at least 5 / days / week.

Jan. 23 - walk                    = 1.5 mi
Jan. 24 - treadmill walk / jog    = 1.5 mi
          weight machines 1/4 hr = 1 mi
Jan 26 - treadmill walk / jog     = 1.5 mi
              weights 30 min = 1 mi
yoga class 1hr.    = 4 mi
Jan 29 - water aerobics 2 hrs     = 8 mi