A Beadiful Mess

Happy Birthday Kileigh Lynn

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

4 years ago today, our family was blessed by a beautiful little girl joining our family. Kileigh has been such a bright spot in our lives. She is sweet, energetic, full of life and beautiful inside and out. I cant remember my life before her, nor can I imagine it now without her in it. You are such a fun little sweetheart Kileigh. I love your silly faces, our sleepovers and little games like Miss Spider, Miss Dragon and all the games we play on the kindle at night when you are here. Never change, stay innocent and please don't grow up too quickly! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE!!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 1-29-12

2012-01-28T23:01:00.000-06:00

Hi and welcome! I cant believe it is Sunday already, and time for another Scavenger Hunt. The prompts for the hunt this week are:
1. Smile
2. Stand Alone
3. Rusty or Something Old
4. Artificial
5. Repeating Pattern
I needed some new pictures for some of the prompts, so I went out Thursday alone for some picture time. I then went out on Friday with Kim for yet more photo time. We went on a road trip Friday and also to a local park for a Nature walk. We had such a good time and got some really nice photos too. We even made it to a bar for lunch and had a nice greasy bar-burger instead of our usual healthier soup and sandwich meal. A girl just has to live dangerously once in awhile. Have a wonderful week, and thank you for looking.

SMILE

It was meant to be that I would see this billboard while on my way home.

STAND ALONE

Lonely Goose in a cornfield all by itself. My favorite shot of the week.

RUSTY OR SOMETHING OLD

Old water pump/drinking fountain

ARTIFICIAL

Artificial Berries at the coffee shop

REPEATING PATTERN

Cool top of a fence we found while on our road trip. I have a thing for fences and railings.

Please dont tell anyone.....haha!

I Heart Macro 1-29-12

2012-01-28T19:51:00.000-06:00

I have to say, the weeks are just flying by! Seems like it was just Sunday and here we are it's Sunday again! Even though it was a little snowy and chilly, I still made some time for some macro shooting. Kim and I went for a nature walk Friday at a local park out in the country that is on the river and has an attached wooded area too. We found a lot of deer tracks and some other unidentified tracks as well. Saw some woodpeckers, geese and some other birds. It was quite peaceful and relaxing and it's always a good time when I spend it with Kim. Enjoy my pictures! See you next week.

Snowy Grass

No idea what this is!

Almost looks like a mirror image

Moss

Underside of fungus

Natures Barbed Wire

Leaf

More Grass

P52 Photo Challenge 1-27-12 "Self Portrait"

2012-01-26T23:10:00.000-06:00

So when I saw this week's P52 Photo Challenge topic, I let out an audible groan. Are you kidding me? A self-portrait?? I absolutely HATE pictures of myself. I would much rather be behind the camera than in front of it. One of my New Years Resolutions was to be completely committed to the Photo Challenges I take place in each week, so I knew I had to bite the bullet and just take a darn picture of myself. I am so critical of every photo I take, that I find all kinds of excuses not to post them. I am who I am, and I need to just accept that! I will never be thin enough, pretty enough, photogenic enough, my hair and make-up will never be perfect, but people love me anyway for who I am. Like my Sister-in-law Kim told me last week, "You need to learn to love yourself". I know she is right, but wait, let me go check my hair and make-up, haha! In all their glory, here are the 2 of 30 pictures I took that are "ok". Don't laugh too hard.

Yes, I am a Canon girl!

Maddux and I

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 1-22-12

2012-01-21T22:30:00.000-06:00

What a week! This one absolutely flew by! We finally got dumped on by Mother Nature, something I knew was bound to happen sooner or later! Kim, Jess, Ethan and I all met for Tea/Breakfast/Lunch on Friday at our favorite hangout Mocha Moment. It snowed the whole time we were there, but we didn't let the weather intimidate us. All-in-all I think we ended up with around 6 inches of snow. It sure is pretty and makes the cold worthwhile with the pretty scenery. These conditions do not make for great photo opportunities, however! I took a few of some birds in the snow, but wasn't able to get much for macro shots. Anyway, here are the photo prompts for this weeks Scavenger Hunt Sunday:
1. Sunset
2. Black and White
3. A Day in my Life
4. Four
5. Colorful

I was excited about some of these prompts! Off I went in my truck to snap some new pictures to fullfill these prompts. Here are my picture, sit back and I hope you enjoy the hunt with me!

SUNSET

Sunsets in the winter just arent as stunning as in the Fall.

BLACK AND WHITE

My absolute hands down favorite shot of the week, heck, maybe even the year so far! This one is going on canvas. I love how you can hardly tell where the ground ends and the sky begins.

A DAY IN MY LIFE

A good cup of tea, and a good book make up a slice of "A day in my Life" I usually begin and end each day with both!

FOUR

4 Beautiful Horses we found on our travels

COLORFUL

My quilting needles in Macro :)

I Heart Macro 1-22-12

2012-01-21T21:19:00.000-06:00

I have to say, it is getting more and more challenging to find Macro subjects to photograph! I am finding it harder each week. Especially this week when we got around 6 inches of ice and snow! It seems like everything I do find is a shade of gray. Well, personally, I like gray! Here are my photos for this weeks "I Heart Macro" challenge. I hope you have a wonderful week. I hope the weather is nicer wherever you are too!

Buds?!

Japanese Lantern

Cocoon

Icy Leaves

Jack Frost visited my truck

Wild Lavender

Tiny leaves

Woodpecker holes

I Dreamed A Dream P52

2012-01-20T14:34:00.002-06:00

It is week 3 of the 52 week photo challenge named "P52". This weeks theme was in honor of Martin Luther King day, and was aptly titled "I Dreamed a Dream". I didnt have any photos of myself (surprise, surprise) so I decided to use a picture of Grandbaby Kileigh (3) I took this week. She is so deep in thought a lot of times. I wonder what she daydreams about, where her thoughts take her, what her hopes and dreams for the future are. I wish I knew. It could be she is thinking about her Mommy when I watch her, or her toys, her favorite cartoons, or maybe its more deep like about when she grows up, what she wants to be, where she wants to go in life. Maybe she just thinks about what she wants to eat or play next. I hope that the latter is the case. Kids grow up much to quickly these days. I hope her dreams are all about happy thoughts and simple pleasures. She will have to face the rest soon enough, just be little Kileigh. Growing up isn't always what its cracked up to be. I Love you!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 1-15-12

2012-01-14T23:55:00.000-06:00

Another week has come and gone. The older I get, the faster time goes it seems. The weather here finally matches the season we are in. We got some snow and the highs are in the teens right now. Not the same weather we had on Wednesday when Kim and I went on a nature walk. It was 50 degrees and absolutely beautiful, especially in January in Wisconsin. We took advantage of that for a photo shoot. We are finding less and less interesting subjects to snap, but if we look deep enough and walk far enough, we can still find a couple of "gems" to snap. Sit back and enjoy my nature walk with me. I so enjoy your visit! Here are the photo prompts for this weeks hunt:
1. Stacked Up
2. Winter Wonderland
3. Sweet
4. Hole
5. Frozen
A couple of the prompts worried us a bit considering the weather, like Winter Wonderland, and Frozen. Mother Nature cooperated with us and on Thursday we had a decent snowstorm, so we could finish the Scavenger Hunt with frest photos!

Stacked Up

A stack of fungi on a downed tree.

Winter Wonderland

Delicate little Snowflake

Another one!

Sick of them yet??

Sweet

Oreo Balls, yummy and oh so rich! Made by Jess!

Hole

Perfect hole in a rock.

Frozen

Icicles on my truck

Have a wonderful week and thank you so much for visiting my blog!

I Heart Macro 1-14-12

2012-01-14T20:28:00.000-06:00

Hi! Welcome to my "I Heart Macro" post for this week. We had wonderful weather for half of this week, so Kim and I decided to get together for tea/breakfast/lunch then take a nature walk on Wednesday while the weather was so nice. When it is January in Wisconsin, you can blink and the weather will go from 50's to 10 below zero, so if it hits the 50's, you need to take advantage of it as soon as possible. thats exactly what we did. Here are some of the many photos I took that day. Thanks for stopping by!

Birds nest in a birdhouse

Grass

Little leaf only about 1/2" tall

Branch with a sun spot.

Leaves and berries

Maddux's fur makes a great snowflake catcher! This is a new one, much better than the older one I posted!

Project 52 Photo Challenge 1-13-12

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

Week two of the year-long photo challenge nicknamed P52 is here. The theme for this week is:
Made with Love.

Jeez, my creative energies have been flowing, but not in a crafting way, in a photography way lately. I haven't actually MADE anything with my photography other than some canvas prints. What to do? Then I remembered one of the gifts I received from my daughter, well, technically my 2 year old Grandson Ethan. He "made" me a coffee mug, actually more aptly a "Tea" mug. He decorated it beautifully, I am sure with a little help from his Mommy. I loved it when I opened it. Later when I was home and washed it, I noticed a TINY little heart on the handle I had missed earlier upon opening my gift. I talked to Jess later in the day and said, "How cute, I missed the little heart you made on the handle". She said "I didn't make a heart on the handle, Ethan must have made it"! Now keep in mind that Ethan just turned 2 in November. Here it is "MADE WITH LOVE". Have a wonderful weekend.

My Tea Mug

Ethans tiny little heart

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 1-8-2012

2012-01-08T10:54:00.001-06:00

Hi! Happy Sunday and welcome to my Scavenger Hunt Sunday post! I have so much fun doing these Scavenger Hunts. I hope you enjoy looking at my photos too. I usually post Saturday night, but had a little unexpected visitor overnight last night, which delayed my post. So worth it though! I love the time I spend with my little Kileigh Lynn. With no further delay, I present my takes on the prompts for Scavenger Hunt Sunday.
This is the list of items I needed to find a photo of:
1. One Color
2. Laundry
3. Empty
4. One Dozen
5. Soft

ONE COLOR

Have I said lately how much I LOVE my Macro Lens?

LAUNDRY

Little laundry helper!

EMPTY

Love this gorgeous "Empty Nest"

ONE DOZEN

A dozen heart beads waiting to be used in a creation

SOFT

Puffy fluffy Milkweed from Fridays nature walk

I Heart Macro 1-8-12

2012-01-07T21:53:00.001-06:00

Wow, January is already flying by! I can't believe it is the 8th already. and time for another "I Heart Macro". Kim, Jess (daughter) Ethan, Kileigh (grandson, granddaughter) and I all met at the coffee shop for some Breakfast/lunch and hot tea Friday. Kim and I were going on a photo shoot in the afternoon since our weather in Wisconsin is unseasonably warm. We almost hit 50 Friday! Here are some of my favorite macro shots for the day. Have a wonderful Sunday, and the rest of the week too.

Milkweed, looks like a flower!

Gorgeous Berries

Center of a flower

Unknown Flowers Remnants

Pinecone

Cedar Berries

Project 52 - Weekly Photo Challenge

2012-01-06T16:42:00.001-06:00

Ok, I like a challenge! I came across Project 52 while on my daily journey around the blogosphere and thought to myself, just what I need! Something to give me a kick in the pants so to speak, something to get me out there taking pictures. As many of you know, I already participate in "I Heart Macro" as well as "Scavenger Hunt Sunday". I wanted a challenge where I would be told what the subject matter is, a subject matter that would send me out into the world to find a shot that fit the theme of the week. Viola! There it was, Project 52. The theme this week is RESOLUTION.
In visiting many blogs, I was struck by how many people use a word of the year as their New Years Resolution. I have never been much of a resolution making kinda girl, but as many of you know, "the Times, they are a changin"! I decided to pick a word that would represent something that is lacking in my life. I found it in the word SERENITY. 2011 was a great, but stress-filled year for me. I lost my Mother, had some personal set-backs and some challenges in my personal life. I won't bore you to tears with details, but I have my word now. The definition of Serenity is:

\Se*ren"i*ty\, n. [L. serenuas: cf. F.
s['e]r['e]nit['e].]
1. The quality or state of being serene; clearness and
   calmness; quietness; stillness; peace.

         A general peace and serenity newly succeeded a
         general trouble.                      --Sir W.
                                               Temple.

2. Calmness of mind; eveness of temper; undisturbed state;
   coolness; composure.

         I can not see how any men should ever transgress
         those moral rules with confidence and serenity.
                                               --Locke.

Note: Serenity is given as a title to the members of certain
      princely families in Europe; as, Your Serenity.


Now, the use of Serenity as a title to address members of princely families doesn't apply, 

but boy the rest sure does.I decided to combine the first of the Project 52 Challenge with 

my word for 2012 and present to you my first photo!

"SERENITY"

I Heart Macro 1-1-12

2011-12-31T21:10:00.002-06:00

First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I am happy to leave 2011 behind. I feel a renewed hope for good health, happiness, security and a very exciting year to come. Sit back and enjoy a few of the macro shots I took this week. Some of them were taken around the house, and some are from a badly needed nature walk with the Hutchinson family. Even though there isn't a lot of nature to photograph and the colors are pretty muted, there is still so much beauty around if you look for it! Have a wonderful Holiday!

Tree bark

Red Berries - not sure what kind!

Berries still looking pretty good for the end of December.

Dried flower husks of some kind

Sticker Burr

Remnants of a flower

Seeds

Memories, Dreams and Reflections 2011

2011-12-31T14:46:00.008-06:00

I decided to participate in Ashley Sisk's Memories, Dreams and Reflections this year. What a great way to look back on the past year, and realize where I have been and where I want to go. It was a great year, challenging in many ways, and rewarding in many ways too. It was a year of personal growth, personal loss and great change. I am hoping 2012 will be kinder to me. I have so much to look forward too, but find myself being pulled back to the familiar and comfortable too. I need to break free of negativity and fear, and appreciate what I DO have, not what I don't. I need to balance "wants" with "needs". I am so appreciative of my friends and family, and all of you too! I hope you enjoy my photographs, it was tough to pick just 1 photo to describe each category. I wanted to add many!

Me!

I hate getting my picture taken, so I was very limited in pictures of myself.

I Love You

I thought this picture was just too sweet not to use. Ethan and Kileigh

Still Laughing

Kim and I went to a local park, where we knew waterfowl congregated. We came across a large flock of geese and decided we wanted to make the Geese fly to try to get a bird in flight photo. I went running into a flock of geese flapping my arms and cawing like a crow. We were laughing so hard at the thought someone may be watching us, we though we may wet our pants! Still makes me smile thinking about that day.

Winter Wonderland

We haven't had any snow to speak of yet this winter. We did have a heavy frost today, and I snapped this picture this morning. I thought it was sweet and simple.

Birthday

Ethan's hands at his 2 year Birthday 11-26-11

Friends

This photo is priceless. Christmas morning 2011
I love the looks on both of their faces.

I was Inspired

This photo inspired me to learn how to use my camera in more than "Automatic" mode.
I plan on learning it inside and out, to use my camera to the best of my ability.

Spring Fever

Yellow Paperwasp, one of the few photos I have edited with texture, etc. I love my pics straight out of the camera. This picture makes me ache for spring, all the colors, the warmth and being outside.

Travel or Vacation

Son Aaron, just after he came back home to Wisconsin to live after living in Texas for 6 years. I hope we have many many more fishing trips like this one.

Summer Days

This picture was one of the pictures that made me want to get much more serious with photography. It is simple, yet powerful to me. I took it with a "point and shoot" camera before I got my Canon 60D. The day I took it, it was indeed a perfect summer day, 80 and sunny.

A Day in my Life

I start and end each day with a cup of tea. The favorite at the moment is called "Ginger Peach" although I do drink a cup of Chamomile before bed each night. I love the message on this cup too. I need to "Believe" in myself, in others and in a higher being.

All Smiles

One of my absolute favorite pictures of the year. It brings a smile to my face every time I see it. Grandson Ethan, being Ethan. I don't know why he decided to put the Milkweed fuzz on his face, I am just glad I had the camera ready when he did. I even like that the picture isn't centered. I am usually a very symmetric person, but in this case it works that it is asymmetrical.

Autumn Harvest

A picture from one of the many trips out Kim and I made this year. I would love to live here. Looks like heaven to me. I loved the colors left, even though it was a bit far into the leaf changing.

Family or Home

I wanted to use a picture of myself, my kids and Grand babies, but couldnt find a single shot with all of us in it! Instead of leaving someone out, I decided to use a picture of the view out my patio door. I spend a lot of time looking out while the dogs are outside, during storms and just when the sky is pretty. This view does represent "Home" to me, although I do think Home is where my loved ones are, wherever that may be.

Celebrate

I have used this picture before, but it does represent "Celebrate" to me. It was our Thanksgiving toast this year, wishing us all a happy, healthy, year and acknowledging our families first Thanksgiving without my Mother who passed away in May of 2011. She always wanted us to celebrate her life, instead of mourning her death. This one is for you Mom, I love you.

Let's Do It Again

Another of one of Kim's and my many nature walks. We walked the local Iceage trail, imagine our surprise to end up on a local golf course! We were laughing pretty hard about it. This is what we first saw rounding the corner. It was a complete accident that the sun was streaming through the power lines in the back, almost making it look like it was lit by the sun! I thought it was kind of cool. Cant wait to spend much more time on walks with you Kim! We just never know where we will go or what we will see.

I Miss You

As some of you know, my Daughter Courtney and Granddaughter Kileigh lived with me for almost 2 1/2 years. They recently moved out and I have a huge hole in my life and heart without them here. I got used to seeing them every day. I do miss them terribly. I love you girls.

Beautiful

I am completely in love with Hawks. This one has been hanging around my house for a couple of weeks now. I feel it is my animal totem. I even named him "AJ" Green Bay Packer fans will get a chuckle out of that one. This particular day I was sewing at the kitchen table, looked up and out the patio door to see AJ on my patio! Mind you, I live in the middle of the city, so it's not a common sight. I ran for my camera and was able to get this shot of him flying away. This is beautiful to me.

Dress Up

Trying to get a picture of this little nut without her tongue sticking out or a forced fake smile is almost impossible. I had to settle for a goofy pose instead. Kileigh in her Christmas dress.

Macro

I can't say this is my absolute favorite macro shot. It is one of many favorites. I couldn't nail it down and wanted to include my dear sweet Maddux. He is the best dog in the world, my best friend, my confidant, my shoulder to cry on and one of my biggest fans. I see nothing but love in his eyes. He follows me everywhere. He can make me smile even when my world is crumbling around me. We have been together for 7 years now. He is in Renal failure and I dont know how much more time I have with him. I Love you buddy.

Holidays

Not a good quality picture, but to me its a perfect representation of what Christmas is all about, which is the children. The look on her face of anticipation is priceless. This is just before we opened presents, when Kileigh was told to go sit by the tree and get ready to open her presents. She almost is beside herself with excitement.

My Favorite

I picked this one as my favorite (its one of my favorites) because it is one of the first shots I really took my time with, paid attention to the placement and composition, and really was pleased with the end result. It was taken before I got my Canon, with a Fujifilm camera. I thought it turned out nicely with a pretty mediocre camera, but showed my growth as a photographer.

Don't Ever Change

My Son-in-law Michael and Daughter Jessica. They are so in love, expecting baby #2, genuine lovely, caring people. They always open their home and hearts to our family. They are supportive and generous. They are both hard working and honest. I hope they never change. I love you guys.

Just Because....so there!

I find this photo so peaceful, calm and beautiful. One of my favorites of the last year. I was so excited when I first saw it on my pc, and find myself drawn to it time and time again. Straight out of the camera, just the way I like it!

Hopes and Dreams

Wishing you nothing but the best in 2012. Thank you for joining me on my creative journey. I appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T10:57:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I am hoping your day is filled with love, good food, good company and most of all Family! Thank you for all of the support and love you have show me throughout the year(s)! I had to share the best Christmas present I have ever gotten. Grandangel #3 will be joining our family in around August. Thank you Mike and Jess for making my Christmas such a memorable one! Isn't this a sweet way of making the announcement? I sure do love my family, each and every one of you!

I Heart Macro 12-18-11

2011-12-17T21:31:00.000-06:00

Icy Berries

Frozen Christmas Lights

"Be cheerful and pass it on"

Snowflake Ornament - thanks Jess!

End of an evergreen - looks like a star

Dried Sedum at the coffee shop (outside)

Tiny snowflake on Maddux's fur!

HI! I am so happy you decided to stop in to see my macro pictures this week. It's been a crazy week for me for sure. I was super busy, which didnt leave me much "me" time, but I was able to get a few decent pictures for I Heart Macro. My SIL Kim and I, along with daughter Jess and Grandbaby Ethan got together for some coffee and breakfast/lunch at one of our local coffee shops. We had a nice time as always, did a little shopping and even snapped some pictures too. Here are my entries. I hope you have a wonderful week. I still have some shopping to do this week. Wish me luck!!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 12-18-11

2011-12-17T15:13:00.012-06:00

WHAT IS IT?

A bowl of tiny ornaments

SLEEPING CHILDREN OR FURBABIES

Sleeping beauty - Kileigh Lynn

My sweet Maddux

JOY

Joy sign hanging behind ornaments

WINDOW

Some of the many snowflakes I have hanging in my window

HALF

Half of a wreath hanging on the wall

Welcome back everyone! Its time for another scavenger hunt! You may see the other entries at Ashley Sisk's Rambling's and Photos. I skipped last week due to some family drama. Things aren't any better today, but I am learning to cope with some serious changes in my life. As the saying goes, "Life goes on" and so it does. This weeks prompts are interesting to me. I haven't had much time for photo opportunities, so I may be stretching them a little bit. I hope you enjoy my pictures. The prompts this week are:
What is it?
Children/Fur Babies Sleeping
Joy
Window
Half

It's almost Christmas, I hope everyone is happy, healthy and safe this time of year.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 12-4-11

2011-12-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

Portrait - Kileigh dirty face and all.
Portrait - Ethan
Nostalgic - My Mom, Grandmothers jewelry and my Brother, Sister and I (in the middle)
Time - thanks Aaron
Full of light - Granddaughter Kileigh (3) called me and told me the sky was beautiful and I needed to take a picture of it. I think it's fitting because she is full of light and so is the picture.

Motion my favorite shot of the day

I can't believe its December already! I am participating in Ashley Sisk's Scavenger Hunt Sunday again this week. The prompts are: Portrait, Nostalgic, Time, Full of Light and Motion. Kim and I set out Friday to find photos that fit these prompts, as well as take pictures for Macro Sunday which we also participate in each week. We started the day at Mocha Moment, where we took several photos and had tea and chatted. We decided to try something new and go to another of our local parks where we knew Geese, duck and other water fowl congregated. It was a beautiful day, in the 40's with bright sunny skies, so perfect for a photo shoot. I hope you enjoy the scavenger hunt as much as I enjoyed taking the shots!

I Heart Macro 12-3-11

2011-12-03T20:00:00.001-06:00

One of my first shots with the new lens. My sweet Maddux's eye.

Lunch - Taco Soup and a strawberry smoothie.....yummy!

Even though the berries are artificial, they are still pretty with the ice on them.

Frozen droplet on Evergreens.

Frost on the deck.

It almost looks like a snowflake trapped in the frozen droplet!

Brrrr....sure is getting chilly here in Wisconsin. Not so wonderful being outside, but yesterday the temperature hit 40, so Kim and I decided to spend some time outside. We started out at the coffee shop (of course) where we had tea and breakfast/lunch. There is a deck off of the coffee shop and it is decorated for Christmas with greens and artificial berries and the like. My sweet hubby got me an early Christmas/Birthday gift. It is a 100mm Macro lens, and I wanted to try it out. here are some of the shots I took. So much fun! Thanks Honey!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 11-27-11

2011-11-26T22:09:00.013-06:00

WAITING stoplight and brakelights through a rainy windshield

FOLIAGE speaks for itself

CANDID the Birthday Boy

KNIFE, FORK OR SPOON yummy!
RULE OF THIRDS

Hi! I was a bit worried when I saw the list of prompts for this week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday. I didn't get much photo time this week, so I was a couple of pictures short for the categories. I went to my Grand-baby Ethan's Birthday party Saturday night and Kim and I were discussing the prompts. This week they are: Waiting, Foliage, Candid, Knife, Fork or Spoon and Rule of Thirds. I knew I had Foliage, and didn't think Candid would be hard, but Waiting? As we were discussing this, my brilliant (favorite) Son Aaron said "Take a picture of some brake lights on your way home waiting at a stoplight" So I did, so easy and such a fun picture too. I took a picture of Kim's piece of cake with her fork and then came Rule of Thirds. Wouldn't you know Aaron once again helped me out. He went outside and saw the streetlight with the rain and trees and told me I had to snap a picture because it was so amazing. he was right! Thanks for all the help Aaron, I couldn't have done it without you.

I Heart Macro 11-26-11

2011-11-26T21:30:00.010-06:00

OK - do you see it?

Pretty leaf at Rotary Gardens

Bare Branches

Railing

Thanksgiving Toast

It was a rough week photo wise. Between the Thanksgiving holiday, the weather and Grand-angel Ethan's 2nd Birthday, time spent outdoors was sparse. Kim and I managed to sneak a little time in on Friday to get together and have some coffee before heading out to our local Rotary Gardens and then to the bead shop. I hope your week was as great as mine was!

Look Who is 2!

2011-11-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

Ethan Michael is 2 years old today! It is so hard to believe, this 2 years have flown by.
Ethan, you are such a sweet boy and a joy to us all. I don't know what we ever did without you all these years. You are always such a ham, and love when you have an audience to show off all your dance moves and charming ways to. You also have such a sweet and caring way about you. I love you little man, more than you could possibly know. Happy Birthday, Grandma loves you very much.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T22:25:00.003-06:00

I have so much in my life to be thankful for. My Family, my Friends, my hobbies and all of my blog friends too. I hope your day was even half as wonderful as mine was. I leave this short post with a picture I took today of a flock of wild turkey's I came across today while on my way to my Daughter's home for Thanksgiving dinner. If only they knew.....

Sweet Shot Tuesday 11-22-11

2011-11-22T00:01:00.002-06:00

I decided to use this picture for "Sweet Shot Tuesday" as well as "World Bird Wednesday". I snapped this one at our local Coffee Shop. This is a Goldfinch in flight. I am sure loving my camera, I especially love getting these birds in flight shots. I wish I could find some larger birds, I would especially love a hawk or an owl. Wish I know where to find one. These little guys are hard to get! Have a wonderful week and thank you for stopping by!

Shadow Shot Sunday

2011-11-19T18:57:00.008-06:00

I am finding more and more photo challenges that I want to participate in. I just stumbled across this one and decided to give it a try. I love taking pictures full of shadows and light play. Sounds right up my alley! For this week, I am posting a shot I took of a staircase in our downtown area. I loved the colors and the way the shadows became such an important part of the photo.

I Heart Macro 11-20-11

2011-11-18T17:30:00.017-06:00

Last of the Leaves

Chilly Mourning Dove
Downed Tree
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Mossy Oak

Tree Fungus

Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books. John Lubbock

I cannot believe how quickly the weeks are flying! Seems like I just posted "I Heart Macro" yesterday. I went for a Nature walk with SIL Kim and her 2 boys last Saturday. We had a blast, it is so fun to see things through a child's eyes. We went to a small wooded area right in the middle of town. I was surprised to see Whitetail Deer droppings and tracks. No, I did NOT take a picture of the droppings for proof. You will just have to take my word for it....haha!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 11-20-11

2011-11-18T16:20:00.039-06:00

Mainly One Color #1 Staircase

Mainly One Color #2 Railing around Rock River Downtown Janesville
Around the Home House Finch I shot in our tree
Reflection tree reflected in a buildings window
Writing on a statue in the Courthouse square
Water Rock River in Riverside Park

I am once again participating in Ashley Sisk's Scavenger Hunt Sunday. I am really enjoying this challenge because it makes me think outside the box! I am usually more of a nature photographer, but some of the prompts wouldn't be as effective using strictly nature shots. I really had fun with all the beautiful architecture around my home town.

This weeks prompts are as follows: 1. Mainly one color 2. Around the Home 3. Reflection 4. Writing 5. Water. My SIL Kim and I met yet again at our local coffee shop for breakfast/lunch on Friday. We were joined by Jess (daughter) and Ethan (grandson)and even Son in law Mike made an appearance! We needed to figure out where we wanted to go for our weekly photo shoot. Kim suggested downtown Janesville, I was game, so off we went! What a great day we had even though it was in the upper 20's early in the day, and super windy. Most of the photos I am posting today are from that trip. Enjoy!

I Heart Macro 11-13-11

2011-11-12T16:57:00.011-06:00

My love affair with Queen Ann's Lace continues.

Seeds

Leaf Puppet

Weird fungus

Crabapples

What a beautiful week we had here is Wisconsin! The weather is beautiful, a bit chilly, but the air is crisp and fresh. Perfect weather for spending time outside with a camera! SIL Kim and I went for a hike on a local Ice Age Trail in one of our many parks. Of course, we took our cameras. I hope you enjoy some of the many pictures I captured on our walk. Check out her blog for more!

Please excuse my mess....

2011-11-10T17:35:00.001-06:00

My blog is under construction! I want a much cleaner, simpler look with larger pictures and less "stuff". I will continue posting, but it won't be pretty.

Sweet Shot Tuesday 11-8-11

2011-11-08T13:58:00.018-06:00

My SIL Kim and I went for a long nature walk yesterday. We went to a local park and found an Ice Age Trail. I think we walked about 5 miles, and even got a little lost and ended up on the golf Course! The walk was a tough one, uphill and trecherous footing, but it was so worth it for the shots we got! The river water was so calm, it looked like glass. I loved the reflective quality of it. Here are some of my favorite shots, posted for Sweet Shot Tuesday.

WBW Downy Woodpecker

2011-11-08T13:22:00.006-06:00

Hi everyone, it is World Bird Wednesday, and time for another bird picture. I went to our local coffee shop with SIL Kim. While we sat on the deck drinking our Chai and eating scones, I saw this beautiful little woodpecker in the trees. I was able to snap several shots of him. I think woodpeckers are my favorite type of bird. They are so pretty, and there are so many varieties, from large to small. I believe this is a Downy Woodpecker. Have a wonderful day!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday 11-6-11

2011-11-05T23:02:00.022-05:00

Food
Purple
In disguise
Shapes

Photographers Choice

My goodness, 2 posts in 1 day!? What is going on? I am having fun, that is what's going on! I decided to participate in another photo challenge this week. It is called Scavenger Hunt Sunday. This weeks prompts sounded enticing, so I thought I would give it a try. I hope you like my takes on the subject matters. Have a wonderful week, I know I will!

I Heart Macro 11-6-11

2011-11-05T18:54:00.012-05:00

Lonely little pinecone on the end of a branch

I was within 2 feet of this Mourning Dove.

Some flowers in surprising condition for November.

Branches

Nuthatch so close I could almost touch him!

Fungus

Moss on a down tree

This week was a pretty busy week for me. My hubby was out of town deer-hunting all week, so I took advantage of it and spent a lot of time outside. We had some gorgeous weather for November, upper 50's to low 60's and a lot of sun. Kim (Jumbled Hutch) and I got together a few times during the week for coffee and breakfast/lunch followed by some time with nature. We always have the best time and share wonderment with our discoveries. It is so nice to have so much in common with someone, from art to nature. Both my girls and my grandbabies get in on the fun as well. The little ones have such a good time outside. Kileigh has really gotten in to photography as well. I will have to post a couple of her pictures one of these weeks. She has a great eye for 3!

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2011-11-01T19:34:00.008-05:00

Chickadee in Flight

I decided to participate in "Sweet Shot Tuesday" for the first time today. My SIL Kim and I and Granddaughter Kileigh went to our local coffee shop today for some yummy Dirty Chai and a White Chocolate Raspberry Muffin. While we were there, I got this "Sweet" shot! Check out the other entries HERE.

I have also shared this photo at "World Bird Wednesday". Thank you Nancy for sending me to this wonderful site! Be sure to click on the link to see the other entries.

Birds!

2011-10-31T21:48:00.008-05:00

Female Cardinal
Tufted Titmouse
Junco
House Sparrow
Goldfinch

Something different! I have a true love for anything in nature, and birds are no exception. Here are some of the shots I have gotten recently of our feathered friends.

I Heart Macro 10-25-11

2011-10-29T14:47:00.020-05:00

Love how the sun is streaming through the leaves.
Spider web, if you look closely there is a teenie little spider!
Ladybug?
Birch Bark is so pretty!
Love the Bokeh in this one.
I love how everything is a brown tone, then there is the pop of green in the bug!

Hi! Its time for another installment of I Heart Macro. I wasn't able to get out too much this week. Its been a bit chilly and we have had some rain and lots of wind. Kim (Jumbled Hutch) and I were able to get together for some coffee at our wonderful local coffee shop last Monday, and the took a nice long walk at our favorite place in town. We affectionately call it "The Spot" because it is one of the few places in town where we can walk and spend time in nature. We always have such a great time, and we never run out of things to talk about or things to see. I hope we continue to be able to spend time outside even with nasty Winter coming soon. I hope you enjoy this weeks pictures.

I Heart Macro 10-23-11

2011-10-22T11:37:00.016-05:00

Grandson Ethan with Milk Weed fuzz on his face.
One of the last little Butterflies left.
Goldenrod is full of wasps and other flying insects
Love the little fly on the golden leaves
Pretty leaf with sun spots
Queen Ann's Lace with fall colors in the background

Hello! Thank you for taking a look at my post today. Be sure to click each photo for a larger view, and click the "I Heart Macro" button to the right to see the other entries.

It is absolutely gorgeous here in Wisconsin . Looks like a wonderful weekend weather wise. The sun is shining and we are at about 60 degrees today. I took a nice Nature Walk Friday with my Sis-in-law Kim (Jumbled Hutch) we started out the day at our local coffee shop for lattes and lunch. My daughter Jess and Grandson Ethan joined us for lunch, then Granddaughter Kileigh and daughter Courtney came too! Kim, Kileigh and I all spent the afternoon walking through our favorite spot. We had fun and got some nice pictures too. I hope this weather continues for awhile. Have a great week!

I heart Macro 10-16-11

2011-10-15T17:33:00.012-05:00

Katydid
Fungus
Monarch Butterfly
Stinkbug
Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend! Once again, I spent some time outdoors with Kim (Jumbled Hutch) enjoying the beautiful Fall weather. I feel like I am living on borrowed time as far as the weather goes. Who knows how many nice days are left this year. I can feel the chill in the air, and the winds are picking up too. Lots of rain in the forecast makes for poor photography conditions. We still managed to find some nice subjects to snap pictures of, even in these tough conditions. I hope you enjoy my captures.

I Heart Macro 10-9-11

2011-10-08T13:47:00.014-05:00

Hi everyone! It's time for this weeks installment of "I Heart Macro". First off I have to tell you that my hubby surprised me this week by buying me a new camera! He got me a Canon 60D and some other accessories. I went out to practice a couple hours with Kim (Jumbled Hutch) who also participates in I Heart Macro, along with my daughter Courtney and Grandbaby Kileigh. I found myself completely overwhelmed and wondering if I was in over my head. The next day, I decided to go back out by myself and just play around. The pictures I am posting today are from my play session all by myself! I know I have lots to learn and need more practice, but to be honest I am surprised that I even got any I felt comfortable posting. I think I am going to love this camera!

I Heart Macro 10-2-11

2011-10-01T21:24:00.005-05:00

Funky Mushroom growing on the side of a tree.

Siamese Milkweeds?

Yellow Paper Wasp
Monarch Butterfly
Hi Everyone! It's time for another installment of I Heart Macro. Be sure to click each picture for a bigger view. My Sister-in-law Kim (be sure to check out her photos too - she got some beauties) and I made another trip to my favorite spot for a nature walk. The weather was cooler than it has been for awhile, and we had a wonderful time walking around snapping pics and talking for a few hours. Every time I go to this spot, I see new things. New animals, new plants new bugs. I find myself almost giddy with excitement driving home to see what I shot on the computer. I wasn't disappointed! Hope you have a wonderful week. We are supposed to have beautiful sunny weather in the low 70's several days this week, so you can probably guess where I will be as much as possible.

Looking for my Bead Soup post?

2011-09-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

Click HERE

I Heart Macro 9-25-11

2011-09-24T23:37:00.007-05:00

Cicada Killer - Luckily Kim knew what this was cause I sure didn't.

Thistle gone to seed

My goodness! Another week has come and gone. The weather has been perfect for me, cool and dry. I got to spend a beautiful day in nature with my Sister-in-law Kim on Tuesday. We started the day at our local coffee shop and ended up taking a nature walk at one of my favorite places in the world. I was able to get some pretty fun shots and had a wonderful time chatting and relaxing with Kim. I hope this weather holds out for awhile so we can do it again! Check out the other entries by clicking the "I Heart Macro" button on the right -------->

I Heart Macro 9-18-11

2011-09-18T02:33:00.003-05:00

Dandelion
Yarrow against a gorgeous blue sky
Sweet little flower with a slug of some sort
Love this yellow flower
Same flower blowing in the wind

Oh my goodness, it's already Sunday and time for the I Heart Macro posting! I have several pictures to show you today. They are all from a Nature Walk I took last week. I almost had a theme this week, but couldn't resist adding the dandelion shot. Kileigh and I were out in the yard when she spotted a single dandelion. I told her to wait to blow the seeds away so I could snap a shot. I loved it when I saw it. I hope you like them!!

Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal!

2011-09-17T00:01:00.006-05:00

Bead Soup from Theresa
"Winding Road" Bracelet
Close-up view of "Winding Road"
"Chips, Marshmallows and Bubblegum" Bracelet
"Butterfly Garden" necklace
Finally, today is the day I can reveal my pieces for the blog party! The first picture is the Bead Soup I received from my partner Theresa Fosdick of the blog Thoughtful Notions. She sent cream wood beads, adventurine rondelles, a porcelain butterfly pendant, chip beads and some pink glass rounds, along with a sterling and green toggle clasp. I split up most of the beads and made a necklace, and 2 bracelets. I was really stumped with my mix. I have never worked with either chip beads or wood beads before. I found myself having a complete creative block! That is when I decided to make a few pieces and also add more beads to the mix. I hope you like what I have created! Please take a look at what others participating in the Bead Soup Blog Party have created by following the links below:

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps
13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel
19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel
20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz
30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier
35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

41. Cherrie Fickand Cathie Carroll
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk
55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young
56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher
115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks
124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron
125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven

141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
144. Missy Rappaport and Norma Agron
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haight and Mary McGraw
155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Sheryl Stephen
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad ----You are here

I Heart Macro 9-11-11

2011-09-10T19:29:00.008-05:00

Daddy Long Legs, love the shadows of his legs!

Weed Silhouette

Weed that looks like a large Morning Glory

I dont know what kind of flower it is, but I love it!

Wild Grapes

Some sort of wild Grass

How fitting that on a day that has such significance to our country, we are able to post pictures of the beauty that still exists today, even in the wake of such tragedy. I am thinking of all of those who lost their lives 10 years ago today, as well as the families who are left to go on without their loved-ones.

For this weeks entries in the "I Heart Macro" series, I present a group of photos I took this past week on a nature walk with my Sister-in-law Kim of "Jumbled Hutch" as well as others I took while off on my own. Kim will be presenting some of her photos this week as well, so be sure to check her blog out as well as all the other participants this week by clicking on the "I Heart Macro" button to the right! Thanks for looking! I appreciate everyone that takes the time to comment.

I Heart Macro 9-4-11

2011-09-04T11:39:00.003-05:00

Wow! Another week has come and gone! Time sure is flying by. This is getting to be my favorite time of year. The weather is cool and absolutely beautiful. Great time to be spending lots of time outdoors. I have a mixed assortment of pictures for this weeks "I Heart Macro" post. Enjoy!

I Heart macro 8-28-11

2011-08-27T19:19:00.004-05:00

Wow! Another week has come and gone already! Time for another edition of "I Heart Macro". This week, I found a few more caterpillars that wanted their photos taken, along with a Buckeye Butterfly and a tangle of some sort of foliage. Don't you love how I include the proper name for everything I capture on my camera :) I still need to identify them, but haven't found time for that yet. I will though! Enjoy!

I Heart Macro 8-20-11

2011-08-20T19:18:00.005-05:00

It's that time of the week again! Time for the latest I Heart macro post. My favorite day of the week just for this reason! Got out and about with nature again this week. Be sure and click on each image to make it bigger. The yellow caterpillar was a shot I got when my daughter Courtney came home and said "Mom, there's a yellow fuzzy caterpillar on the house outside, I thought you might want to get some pictures of it". So nice of my daughter's to find photo subject's for me isn't it? He was a pretty cool looking caterpillar if I do say so myself! Thanks Co! Love you. The sunflower I played around a bit with. I knew when I saw it, that I wanted to make it black and white, and wanted to do something special with that 1 wonky little petal. I am really happy with how it turned out. The dragonfly I shot while on a walk with Jess and Ethan at my favorite place to go right near home. Its full of wild plants and flowers and has a bubbling creek running through it. He just kept posing for me. That is also where I snapped the sweet little butterfly on the cone flower. Enjoy your week, I know I will!

Is it Soup yet?

2011-08-19T11:28:00.003-05:00

It is indeed soup! This is the mix my partner sent me. A lovely Porcelain (I think) butterfly pendant with shades of green, pink, black, and cream, gemstones chips, cream wooden beads, pink 8mm beads and green rondelles. I love the toggle she sent with its green stone on it. I will be going shopping tomorrow for a few things to add to this mixture. I'm not sure what I will add, but I have a couple ideas floating in my brain. Stay tuned....

Bead Soup I sent my Partner!

2011-08-16T10:21:00.008-05:00

I heard from Theresa, my BSBP partner that her package has arrived already! So, here is what I sent to her. I was a bad girl and didn't remember to write down the name of the stones. I already shipped it out to my partner, so couldn't take it back to identify it. If anyone knows what its called, please do let me know. I know it was the last of it's kind at the bead shop so I can't even go back and try to figure it out. All I know is, I loved it and really wanted to keep it for myself.

I Heart Macro 8-14-11

2011-08-13T11:56:00.016-05:00

The one Kileigh knocked off the tree R.I.P.

Just emerging from its shell!

Stubby little wings, not yet unfurled.

Almost there, just a little more!

And it's all the way out.

My love of the underside still there.

Cool view from below.

An even better one from above.

Side by side, hard to believe this guy fit in that little shell.

Wings unfolded even more.

Glorious! I never knew they were so pretty.

Warning: Very picture intensive post! Thursday am, my daughter Jess called and told me she was watching the strangest thing in her front yard. She thought I might want to get some pictures of it. She thought she was watching a Cicada hatch out of its shell. She said it looked cool almost like a frog. Well. I'm sure not going to turn down a photo opportunity like that! Off I headed, camera in hand. My grand-daughter Kileigh was along for the ride. As soon as we got there, Jess showed me the Cicada and Kileigh promptly knocked it off the tree before I could even snap a picture. I did take several of the bug laying on the ground though. Sadly, this one didn't make it. Not sure if being knocked off the tree had something to do with it or not. Sad. Meantime, Jess's hubby Mike came home and pointed out another on the same tree in process of coming out. I got there just in time to witness most of it. Here are the pictures I took. It was amazing! Thanks for thinking of me Jess. I love you!

Bead Soup is on it's way!

2011-08-13T11:38:00.002-05:00

Here is my soup all packaged up and on its way to Theresa of Thoughtful Notions. I sure hope she likes it....

Bead Soup Blog Party

2011-08-10T15:19:00.005-05:00

Well, I did it! I finally bit the bullet and joined the Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things. I have looked at the entries every year since it started, and wondered if I could do it, I wanted to, but I was afraid! I felt out of my comfort zone even thinking about joining, so I didn't. Then my Sister-in-law Kim of Jumbled Hutch sent me an e-mail telling me how she joined up last year and really liked being a part of the process. She urged me to join. So, I went to Lori's site, and filled out the registration form and even though I had that funny feeling in my stomach, before I changed my mind, I just hit send. Done. Joined. Committed. This morning Kim and I headed out to our only local Bead Shop, Meant to Bead and did our soup shopping together. After a few false starts and some trepidation, both our soups came together. We were both more excited than when we started! We went out for Breakfast after shopping and sat and admired our soups. I came home and packaged mine up for my Partner Theresa Fosdick of Thoughtful Notions. I am so excited for her to get it! I will post some teaser pictures in a couple days of what I sent her. So far, I have to admit its been fun. I am sure once I get my package, I will have some more nervous emotions but I will work through it. I felt the same way the first year I joined the Bead Journal Project. Now I have participated for 3 years and have enjoyed it immensely. I have met so many wonderful people and wouldn't trade it for anything. I am hoping I will feel the same about the BSBP! Watch for more soon!

Tropical Blonde Photo Challenge

2011-08-08T18:11:00.005-05:00

I just posted my Photo for the tropical Blonde Photo Challenge. The theme for this weeks challenge is "Food" check out the entries HERE This photo is my entry. You can see the others and vote for your favorite by clicking the button above. Have a great week!

I Heart Macro 8-6-11

2011-08-07T12:10:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope you are enjoying your Sunday. I sure am, the weather here is gorgeous, warm and sunny. For today's I Heart Macro entries I present a series of photos I call "The underside of life". Since I started participating in the I Heart Macro challenge, I have been taking lots more pictures than I usually did. I discovered a love of taking a picture of the undersides of things. Some of my favorite pictures were taken this way. Above, I have included some I took this past week. Sure, the subjects are pretty in their own right, but somehow with the blue sky silhouetting the subject matter they just look amazing. Don't you agree with me? Have a wonderful and blessed week.
*Added the Dragonfly in just because he was cute! Sorry no underside for him :)

I Heart Macro 7-31-11

2011-07-31T09:48:00.011-05:00

Wow! Almost the 1st of August already, where has the month gone? I was able to get out and about a little this past week. My Hubby and I went for a long walk down by the Rock River near home. There was lots to see, we had some fun even though the temperatures were in the upper 90's. Most of the pictures I am posting were from that walk. To view the other entries, click on the "I Heart Macro" button on the sidebar of my blog.
On a personal note: This past week has been a very hard one for me. I learned my beloved Maddux is in Renal Failure and was given between 3-6 months to live. I am going to keep him here with me as long as I can, until his quality of life is not what it should be. Many of you know the struggles he has had with Shar Pei Fever Syndrome, which has led to this point. He will be 7 August 11th. To say my heart is broken is an understatement. He is absolutely my best friend.

I Heart Macro 7-24-11

2011-07-26T09:16:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday! I have a few photos for today's I Heart Macro post. I went on a bit of a Nature walk this week and found some pretty neat things to take pictures of. I actually had a hard time deciding which pictures to post! I have gone walking 3 times this week all by myself despite the 90+ degree weather. I am really enjoying the time outside and by myself. Time just flies when I am out and about with nature. I love the sounds of the birds singing, the buzzing of insects and the warm sun. I think I will be spending much more time this way. I found my way to a little creek and the sounds of all the birds and the rushing water were music to my ears. Have a fantastic week, I know I will!
*Question - I tried to rotate the picture of the Queen Anns Lace and saved it the correct way, but when I uploaded it to my blog it didnt stay rotated! Anyone know how I can post it the correct way?
** Well, I managed to get the photo turned the correct way (Thanks Kimmer) BUT, it deleted the whole post! Then the photo was added to the post before. SO all my comments are no longer here on this post :( So frustrating!

I Heart Macro 7-17-11

2011-07-17T14:38:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday everyone! Its once again time for another I Heart Macro post. I wasn't able to get out and about much this week, so I decided to take some pictures at home as well as my Daughter Jessica's house. Her house backs up to a Greenbelt, so there are some pretty wildflowers growing there. I took some pictures of the lillies growing there, but didn't notice I had a smudge on my lens until I got home and looked at the pictures on my computer. I did get the hornet nest picture there though! The Hosta picture was taken at home along with the purple wildflower that I think is Chicory. I hope you like my photos! Have a wonderful week.

Actually a Bead Post!

2011-07-12T11:00:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's true! I am finally posting a bead-related post on my blog. I have finished my February (GULP) Bead Journal Piece. As some of you know, this years bead Journal Project pieces are honoring an important person(s) in my life. I chose to do this one in honor of my husband, Chuck. We have been married for almost 15 years. My husband is an avid deer hunter, I am an animal lover. We are opposites in many ways. This picture was taken of him by his sister Kim, and of course, he is climbing a tree to hang a deer he just shot. It is an older picture of him, but it represents him in a way no other photo could. He looks so happy and excited, so even though it represents something unpleasant to me, I had to use it!
For this piece, I used a new bead backing, called Nicoles BeadBacking. I have to tell you, I am in LOVE with this product. It is nice and stiff, but the needle goes through it like butter! No shredding, distorting or fuzzing. I love that it comes in some really pretty colors too. This one is called "Hawk Wing" but to me it looks like Buckskin. I thought it made a great background color for a deer hunting inspired piece. I found it was nice to have a background color that compliments the beads I was using, because I didn't like it when I would have white showing between my beads when I was using my other bead backing. I used a bead mix for the background (once again added 1 bead at a time) along with some diamond shaped glass beads, 3mm aqua colored druks, and some turquoise picasso seed beads. I also used letters to spell out "Husband". I am having a lot of fun using some new colors for me, like the turquoise and many shades of brown in the seed bead mix. WHEW! On to the next one!

I Heart Macro 7-10-11

2011-07-10T10:55:00.000-05:00

Another picture in the I Heart Macro series! I couldn't think of anything that represents Summer for my Granddaughter better than bubbles! We were out in the yard and I thought I would try to snap a picture of a bubble. I didn't have any luck with the bubbles in the air, but when Kileigh captured one on her wand, I took a picture and this is what I saw! I love how you can see all the iridescent colors in the bubble. Thanks for looking!

*Click on the "I heart macro" button on the right to see the other entries!

I Heart Macro 7-3-11

2011-07-03T16:01:00.000-05:00

My second entry in the I heart Macro series. I found this Japanese Beetle on my Geraniums, and even thought I am aware it is a pest, I think the iridescent colors of the bug are beautiful! I think the detail on the bug is incredible, something I didn't notice with my naked eye. I am loving my new camera. I believe I took this picture from around an inch away. Look at the detail on the leaf itself. Head on over to Studio Waterstone to see the other entries. While you are there, take a peek at all the lovely things Lori creates.

I Heart Macro

2011-06-30T18:34:00.000-05:00

Since I have been in a dry spell for progress on my BJP pieces, I have decided to add some pictures I have been taking with my new camera. I am really enjoying the macro/super macro function. Here is my first posting! This picture is of one of the many flowers on my cactus.

Nothing....

2011-06-19T10:06:00.000-05:00

Nothing bead-wise to post about! Ive been too busy caring for a sick dog. Maddux has started fevering again, poor sweet boy! Its been a rough time with losing my Mom, Maddux being sick, and my camera getting broken! I have been working on my BJP pieces, slowly but surely. Hopefully I will be posting the finished piece this week sometime. The crochet bug has bitten me and I have been making the cutest mug cozies! They take about an hour each and are so darn cute. I think they would make nice Christmas gifts, just add a couple mugs and some coffee or tea and put them in a basket! The color combos are endless, you can customize them to your color scheme in your kitchen. I am a very beginner crocheter (is that even a word)? but I found the pattern easy to do. If you want to check it out, the pattern is free HERE. I leave you with a picture of one of my mug cozies, and my most handsome Maddux!

Whats Old is New Again Artbeads Challenge

2011-05-28T12:51:00.000-05:00

When Duchess of Artbeads contacted me about the latest blogging challenge, I was perplexed! I looked through my stash and just didn't find anything that inspired me. Then I remembered a tin of goodies I inherited from my Grandmother. I searched through it and found a little pin. The pin back was broken, and the bezel was dented, but in my eyes, it was perfect! I remember this pin from when I was a little girl. I have no history for it. I don't really know anything about it, except its really sweet and I like it! So here it is, I have entitled my piece "Something Blue".

In this piece, I used Swarovski White Pearls in both 3mm and 4mm sizes, 2mm and 4mm Swarovski Round crystals in the color Indigo, Antique Brass chain, bronze size 15 seed beads, an Antique brass trigger clasp, Antique brass Headppin, and an Antique Brass Pearl Swarovski Pear shaped bead. I love Swarovski pearls and find myself using them quite frequently in my designs. I loved the Antique brass chain, but I thought it needed something extra, so I stitched the pearls and swarovski rounds to it. I love the combination of crystal and pearls. The Indigo color is a deep rich blue. It is almost black it is so dark. I love it. I used a large antique brass trigger clasp to finish the necklace off. I am so happy with the end result. As always, Artbeads is my favorite place to shop!

*I received the above mentioned items free of charge from Artbeads for my honest opinion of them. I have not been compensated in any other way for my review.

The Call...

2011-05-28T10:28:00.001-05:00

On Friday, May 20th, we got the call that everyone dreads. My Mothers health had deteriorated and we needed to get there. When my daughter Jess and I arrived, she was at home in her bed. She was unresponsive, but looked comfortable. Hospice had been called in just the night before. The Hospice nurses thought she would come around with some medications. It was not to be. Jess and I had arrived at my parents house at 3:30pm. At 7:30 pm, Mom drew her last breath, surrounded by much of her family. She had been in frail health for several years. There were no serious problems, just a lot of non life threatening problems. We are all still in shock. She would have been 72 on May 24th. Rest in Peace Mom. We all love you and will miss you terribly until the day we all are together again.

2011 BJP Revealed......finally!

2011-04-30T15:07:00.000-05:00

As the saying goes, better late than never! In keeping with that theme, I reveal my first piece in my 2011 Bead Journal Project. I have decided to name this series "Pieces of Me" Each month I will do a 4 inch heart shaped piece in bead embroidery to journal special people or things that have a piece of my heart. For my first page, I decided to honor my Grandchildren. I used recent pictures of Kileigh and Ethan. The picture of Kileigh was taken by family friend Catherine

Massoglia of Catherine Massoglia Photography. Kileigh was a little over 3 in this picture. The picture of Ethan was taken by my Daughter Jess after his little dude haircut! He was around 16 months in that picture. I may be biased, but aren't they just too cute?

I love the colors in this piece. I used a soft matte brown seed bead, turquoise blue seed beads, a lovely mix of seed beads, some glass rectangles in turquoise blue and some brown rectangle beads along with some soft turquoise 6mm firepolish beads. I laminated the 2 pictures and hand sewed them onto my pellon. I then edged them in beads right through the plastic of the laminate. The mix of beads I used has several shades of gold, cream, brown, purple, maroon, steel blue, soft brown, and some size 15s mixed in as well. I threw together whatever I thought would work. I think it all works well together. I added the bead mix one bead at a time. This is a very tedious and time consuming technique, but it has to be one of my favorites. I love the random look of it! Oh so worth the time it takes to me. In the very top of the piece, you will see 2 very inconspicuous flower shaped grommets. My plan is to sew the completed heart onto ultra suede and thread ribbon through the grommets to hang them.

In search of inspiration.

2011-04-20T16:02:00.000-05:00

As some of my dedicated followers know, I have been having some trouble finding inspiration lately. I think the drought is over! I made a trip to a local bead store, and found some really nice beads that got my creative juices flowing. I have finally even gotten a start on my 2011 BJP piece for January (glup, yes January) I will post about that at a later date. For now, here are some of the beads I purchased at Meant to Bead. They have me itching to create, now to find the time. My youngest daughter and grand daughter were involved in a car accident yesterday, and Courtneys car was totaled in the accident. Kileigh has some seat belt burn on her neck, and Courtney's back neck and knee are hurting today, but all in all, they are fine. Looks Mom's taxi service is back open for business for awhile until this insurance mess is taken care of. Look for some updates soon, I have been a busy girl stitching on my January Piece and I think its about half done now, so it wont be much longer. I am anxious to show it to you all and explain my ideas for this year!

Lovely Giveaway!

2011-04-02T14:10:00.000-05:00

Lisa at Indigo Beads is giving away one of her beautiful cuff bracelets HERE! While there, check out her other beautiful works of art.

Yes, I am still alive!

2011-04-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

I got an e-mail from a concerned friend about my lack of postings lately. I am still here, I am still a part of the 2011 Bead Journal Project. I just havent picked p needle and thread as of yet! I will get to it, I promise. I seem to be lacking a sense of direction, time and creativity right now. No, I am not depressed. I am just uninspired. I am hoping when the creativity bug hits, It will slam me right upside the head with such force it will knock me off my feet and onto the couch to bead....lol. Until then friends, know all is well and I will be back soon!

And the winner is....

2011-03-24T16:16:00.000-05:00

The winner of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Beadbox is -
Marianna - www.stargirlshop.blogspot.com stargirl@stargirljewelry.com !! I will be notifying her by e-mail today. Congratulations Marianna!
PS. I will post pictures of the goodies I kept at a later date. This was so much fun!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Bead Box Giveaway!

2011-03-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

If you are tracking the Sisterhood around the country, here is the path she has taken so far:

1.Heather Powers of Humble Beads- San Antonio, Texas

2.Mikki Ferrugiaro of MFD Beadwork Originals- Utah

3.Nancy Dale of NED Beads- Vermont

4.Hannah Rosner of Good River Gallery- New Mexico

5.Chris Neit of Good Quill Hunting- Maine

6.Sandy Spivey of Sandy's Treasure- California

7.Katie Nelson of Katie's Creations- Texas

8.Kristie Roeder of Artisan Clay- Pennsylvania

9.Lorelei Eurto of Lorelei Eurto Jewelry- New York State

10.Becky Caldwell of The Gritty Bird- North carolina

11.Cindy Wimmer of Sweet Bead Studio- Virginia

12.Cindy Gambrone of Lampwork Diva- New York State

13.Paige Maxim of Paige Maxim Designs- Maine

14.Cristi Baxter Clothier of 2 if by Sea- Florida

15.Tracey Nanstad of A Beadiful Mess- Wisconsin

The giveaway: The entire box of goodies, WELL over $400 worth of beads.

The stipulations: Must have an online forum to host the next giveaway. Must be living within the United States to enter and be willing to pay for shipping: $15.00 for flat rate priority mail billed via Paypal.

The rules: You'll take what you want from the box, add in items of equal value from your own bead stash to replace the items you took and then do the same giveaway on your blog. We'll keep the beads traveling for as long as we can.

All you have to do now is leave me a comment with your blog link and e-mail address. Post on facebook, I will give you another entry. Just leave a seperate comment telling me you did so.

I will be doing a drawing Wednesday March 23, 2011 approx. 6pm. GOOD LUCK!

ArtBeads Winter Enchantment

2011-02-08T17:15:00.000-06:00

When Duchess from ArtBeads contacted me about the next Beads for Bloggers challenge, I was intending to make a Winter themed bracelet. To me, Winter is all about snow, ice and sparkle. Keeping this in mind, I ordered some gorgeous 8mm Crystal AB Swarovski Graphic Cube beads, 6mm crackled druk beads, 8mm S cut Sterling Silver Stardust beads, 3mm Sterling Silver Stardust rondell beads, Sterling Silver Earwires, and a beautiful Sterling Silver Snowflake Toggle clasp. When my order arrived, I took a close look at the Snowflake Clasp and knew it was far too pretty to be used as a closure at the back of the neck where no one would see it! I decided the clasp wouldn't be a clasp at all, but would become the focal piece of a necklace instead! I added in some aqua fire polish beads in 2 different sizes and finishes from my bead stash, some white AB seed beads, as well as some Sterling Silver wire to create a wire wrapped necklace and earring set. I am completely in love with the Swarovski Graphic Cube beads with all their sparkling facets. This is the first time I have used them in a design, and will not be my last! They are perfection. The S-Cut Stardust beads are some of the prettiest beads I have ever seen. They are so sparkly and the S cut adds a lovely touch to the bead. They remind me of a pattern Jack Frost would leave on your window! The little Stardust rondell beads add a nice look to the graphic cubes. They are really uniform and pretty. The snowflake clasp is my favorite part of the necklace. If used as an actual clasp, the toggle bar is a little ski pole! So adorable, it is stamped .925 on the back. All in all, I am extremely happy with everything I ordered from ArtBeads.

*Please note, I have received the Swarovski Graphic cube beads, the 3mm and 6mm Stardust beads, Sterling Snowflake clasp, sterling Earwires free of charge for my honest opinion of these products. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to these products.

2011 BJP

2011-01-25T14:38:00.000-06:00

Well, things haven't exactly gone as planned! Since Christmas, my family and I have been passing illnesses back and forth. Some colds, a little flu and even pink eye have found a place here! Kileigh has also had some serious problems lately, that I hope are going to turn around now. Its not a pleasant subject, so I wont go into it here! I haven't been able to squeeze in much beading. Just last night I found the time to bezel my Sapphire Rivoli for my 2010 BJP Birthstone circle. Hopefully as the week goes on I will find more time to work on that. This all being said, I have had to rethink my plans for the 2011 Bead Journal Project. I had a plan to make another frameable piece similar in size to my Birthstone Circle. I am not going to go into detail, because I am planning to use that for next years BJP, providing there is one that is. I really want to get the Birthstone Circle completed soon, so I decided to pare down my ambitious plans for 2011. My theme for this year is to honor important people in my life. I will be doing separate pieces each month, devoted to honoring a specific person or group of people who have had an impact on my life. I also plan to use some new (for me) stitch techniques and colors. Possibly may use some mementos as well on each piece. Time will tell! I hope to get a start on January soon, since this month is flying by. I don't want to be buried before I even begin. In between the 2011 BJP's, I will continue working on 2010. Whew! Wish me luck.

At Last!

2011-01-10T16:36:00.000-06:00

I am finally done with my latest Bead Journal piece. This one seemed to take forever! I guess that shouldnt really be a surprise since Christmas and New Years were both in the middle of my work time! This is the month of August on my Birthstone Wheel. The Birthstone for the month of August is the Peridot. I had some challenges with finding my materials for this one. I started off with a Peridot Swarovski Rivoli, and my usual half-moon beads in both matte and shiny finishes. I decided to make the Rivoli the center of a flower, I also used the half-moon beads as petals and leaves of the flower. I searched my stash of size 11 and 15 seed beads and found I was really short on colors that would work. I contacted Cindy of Cindy's Crafts and she so sweetly put together some colors of 11's and 15's and some Charlottes for me that perfectly coordinated with my Rivoli. You just don't find such outstanding service as she provides everyday! I also had trouble finding the correct shade of bugle beads for this one. I had to make do with a green I had on hand, I guess it works. If I could do it over, I would have used some of the darker green in maybe a size 15 to tie the bugles in a little better. Live and learn! All in all, I am happy to be done and quite pleased with the finished product! I still have not started on the 2011 BJP, but hope to reveal my plans early next week. I am looking for a specific component for that project, and once I have that, I will post what my plans are. Meantime, on to September and the beautiful Sapphire!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Bead Box Information

2010-12-14T17:29:00.000-06:00

WOW! For anyone who is interested in beads, you should check out the story of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Bead Box HERE on Cindys blog. I cannot believe how beautiful the contents of the box are. You can read the story as well as get some sneak peeks on some of the contents of the box there too. Anyone who works with beads would be lucky to get a chance to snag some of the beauties in there for themselves. What a great Christmas gift that would be. I know I would have to curl up for hours (maybe days) and just drool over the contents...lol. Wet beads wouldnt ship well would they? Check it out for yourself and prepare to be amazed. While you are there, look at Cindys creations, she is a lovely, talented woman!

July is done!

2010-11-21T10:23:00.000-06:00

Whew! I was hoping this one wouldn't take the whole month, and it didn't. I was able to get it done in 19 days! This has to be a record for me. Anyway, for the month of July, Ruby is the birthstone. I found this color to be extremely difficult to capture with my camera. On my screen, it looks almost fuchsia, but trust me, it is all red! I used a ruby Swarovski Rivoli, 5 shades of red size 11 and size 15 seed beads in matte, transparent and silver-lined finishes. I used my usual 6mm hearts and half-moon beads. I am sad to say that Artbeads has clearanced the half-moon beads out. I think the are a great bead and I have enjoyed their versatility in my project. I am happy to say that I do have all I need to finish my piece though! Luckily I ordered them all in the very beginning. I can see using the flower motif pictured here with black in the center to make a poppy. I continued on with my meandering bugle bead path as I continue my journey, as well as using some pretty red peacock beads in this one. I have all my colors of Peridot picked out for the next wedge in my Birthstone Wheel. On to August! Wish me luck, I have to finish this one before the end of the year to be able to have my pieces featured on the Bead Journal Homepage Gallery. Gotta get beading! Thanks for looking!

PS. ARTBEADS is offering a 20% off coupon to myself and any of my blog followers or blog readers! Here is the message I received: This sneak peek "After Thanksgiving Day Sale" coupon can be used now to get a jump start on great savings before your favorite items sell out. This coupon expires on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. Use coupon Code: ZZ-THANKSGIVING-SALE at checkout. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

2011 BJP

2010-11-09T14:07:00.000-06:00

It is that time of year again, when registration for the 2011 Bead Journal Project is underway. It is set to begin January 1, 2011. Registration runs from November 8 - December 8. If you want to know more, or want to register, you can find the form HERE. Look for the registration button at the bottom of the page. I am doing registrations this year, so I look forward to seeing your information coming through! Happy Beading!

June BJP finished!

2010-10-23T14:58:00.000-05:00

I said in my last BJP update, that I hoped it wouldn't take me a month to complete the next segment. Well, it did indeed take me a month, but here it is finished! This is the month of June on my Birthstone Wheel. The June Birthstone is Alexandrite. For this piece I used various colors of light purple seed beads in matte and shiny finishes, in both size 15 and size 11. I used the usual Rivoli and half moon beads as well as 6mm heart beads and 1 lonely little peacock bead. I really am happy with this color combination, and will be glad to move on to July, which is the Ruby! I am so happy to be able to find more time for working on my project with the cooler weather and more at home time. I hope the next time will take me less than a month. My goal is to finish 2 more segments before Christmas! Wish me luck. I will need it....

And the winner is....

2010-10-15T18:39:00.000-05:00

I numbered the entries I received for the Ghostly Halloween Pin drawing. The entries are:

1. Marty S.

2. Carol

3. Robbie

4. Barbara

5. Heather

6. Robin

I had Kileigh do the drawing and she pulled out #3! Congratulations Robbie, please send me your snail mail address and I will send it right out! Thanks for entering!

Artbeads Colors of Fall

2010-10-14T14:57:00.000-05:00

When I was contacted by Artbeads about their blogging program using the colors of Fall, I knew exactly what I wanted to make! This was unusual for me, as each time I have participated in this program, I have had a challenge to figure out not only what to make, but in choosing my supplies. For awhile now, I have been tossing around an idea in my head about using a gemstone donut as a focal piece in a necklace. That was my jumping off point in choosing this beautiful 35mm Leopard Skin Jasper Donut. I wasn't sure what the colors would be so I wanted 2 so I would be able to pick the one with the best fall coloring. I was not disappointed in either of the donuts I received. One was the one pictured here in deep hues of chocolate, rust tones and cream colors. I love it! I then made a selection of several different colors and sizes of Swarovski crystals. I chose 8mm crystals in Xillion Bicone Crystal Golden Shadow and Indian Red. If you haven't seen these colors up close, let me tell you they are gorgeous. I wasn't sure what to expect with the Indian Red, but it is one of the prettiest colors I have ever seen. I also chose several 4mm bicones in colors Indian red, Crystal Golden Shadow, Fire Opal, Sun, Crystal Copper. I was in love with each and every one of them! I want to accent with antique copper to compliment the donut, so I picked out 3mm Antiqued Copper Rounds, Antique Copper crimps and the most beautiful Antique Copper- Plated Pewter leaf clasp. I love the detail of this toggle clasp and thought it was perfect for an Autumn design. I also chose a lovely 3.5-4mm Potato Pearl mix called "Nostalgia" There were lots of cream, gold, copper, steel gray and light gray toned pearls in this mix. They are potato pearls, but each pearl was very nicely shaped and they are very uniform in size. I was very impressed by this mix. Next I bezeled the donut since it wasn't an actual bead. I glued it to some Lacy's stiff stuff and bezeled it using Delica #0015, bronze size 15 seed beads, size 11 seed beads in cream. After I cut out the pendant, I sewed on some Antique Copper split rings and attached the floating necklace I made using Beadalon stringing wire in a color called Satin Copper, as well as the swarovski crystals, potato pearls, antique copper rounds and some seed beads. I made the necklace a 22" length so I can wear it over a sweater or turtleneck this fall/winter. I found I liked the Beadalon wire, it was easy to work with and has a nice drape to it. All in all, I am thrilled with each and every component I chose in this necklace. I think it represents the theme "Colors of Fall" what do you think?

*Please note: I have received the Swarovski Crystals, Antique Copper clasp, beads, split rings, Beadalon Wire, Potato pearls and gemstone donut free of charge from Artbeads for my honest opinion of these products. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to these products.

Freebie Friday?

2010-10-09T12:19:00.000-05:00

Lets just pretend its Friday! I had good intentions on posting this yesterday, but that is as far as it went! Anyhoo, here is what should have been posted yesterday! This is a little pin to get you in the mood for Halloween! It is my own pattern, stitched by myself. All you have to do is leave a comment to get an entry. I will pull a name out of the hat (more likely a bowl) next Friday October 15th. Thats it! Good luck....

Can you believe it?

2010-09-19T14:36:00.000-05:00

A post finally! I have been busy, been sick, Maddux has been sick, and my Son Aaron and his girlfriend came for a visit from Texas. All in all, its been a super busy time for me. Unfortunately, my beadwork had to wait until I had time to do it! I am hoping things will settle down now. I have lots of catching up to do, not only on my Bead Journaling, but on blog hopping too. I must say, I miss everyone!

At long last, here is my completed May BJP. Yikes! I did say May. That only puts me almost 4 behind. I have a little bit done on June too, so maybe that one wont take me almost 2 months to complete. For my May piece, Emerald is the Birthstone color. I used my usual half moon beads in both matte and shiny emerald. Size 15 transparent emerald color, gold size 15's, 6mm emerald hearts, an emerald 14mm Swarovski rivoli, emerald AB size 11's, as well as 2 un-marked shades of emerald size 11's. If anyone remembers, I will be using the half-moon and 6mm heart beads in each piece. I like the colors for this month. I think the deep green color added some life to my piece. Next month is Alexandrite! I like that I am being forced to work out of my color comfort zone and also that I dont even have to think what colors to use since it is all dictated by the Swarovski Birthstone chart! I hope it wont be another 6 weeks before I can post again. I am planning on doing a Freebie Friday in the near future, so please watch for that! Sorry I have neglected both my blog, and my blogging friends!

Giveaway!

2010-08-09T02:03:00.001-05:00

Nancy Peterson is doing a beautiful Giveaway to celebrate one of her designs being published in Beadwork Magazine. She is giving away a gorgeous cranberry necklace which is one of the designs featured in the magazine article! You can see the Giveaway HERE!

No Updates yet!

2010-08-05T16:11:00.000-05:00

It has been a difficult couple of weeks here at home. As many of my older followers know, my furbaby Maddux has had some severe health issues. We thought we had them figured out, but in the last 4 weeks he has relapsed. He had been running quite high fevers(106+) and having complications with his fevers over a year ago. It was suggested to me that I put him on a low dose antibiotic, which I did. This prevented him from having any more fevers for 18 months! Well, about a month ago, the fevers started up again and he has since fevered at least once a week. I don't know why, but the antibiotics have stopped working. Now what? I don't know but I am trying to figure out. I will do anything to try to save this beautiful boy. Meantime, I haven't had much time to bead, since I am either doing research, cooking for Maddy or taking care of him. He is worth it though! Stay tuned....

Who says.....

2010-07-12T16:51:00.000-05:00

That jewelry has to be worn on your body? Why cant you wear it on your purse, a beach bag, your beltloop on your pants, or on a keychain? I don't know about you, but I hate wearing a watch in the summer. Your arm is sweaty under the watchband, they leave ugly tan lines and with all the water activities in summer, you can ruin a watch easily. That's why I came up with this handy little piece of jewelry. I don't have a fancy name for it, I just call it a time clip! In my last post, I described the items I chose for my Summertime themed glass beads, charms and glass pearls from Artbeads design partner program. I decided to make a summer time clip. I used sterling headpins and a chain maille base to attach the glass pearls, crystals and charms to the clip and to the geneva watchface. I also like to use my clip as a zipper pull. Its always within reach and easy to read. Thanks for looking! Your comments always make me smile!

*Please note: I have received the Charms, Pendant Beads, Swarovski Crystals and glass pearls free of charge from Artbeads for my honest opinion of these products. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to these products.