Names, anyone?

I'm definitely in a blue period.  As affirmation, I've just finished this . . .

I've been told by several members of the family that it's a bit too glitzy for me, so of course, I should give it to them.  There's lots of bling -- it's a new 36 or 38mm rivoli (I can't remember; am I really too old to wear it?)   The base of the piece is a wonderfully soft royal blue leather that's splattered with metallic paint.  I've no idea what to call it.  Names, anyone?

The Blue Period

For those of you that know me and my beading habits, you know I tend to metallics and earth tones in my beadwork.  I can think of one thing -- a bracelet -- that I've beaded in blue beads.  Historically, blue just isn't my color.  Maybe this is due to the fact that I grew up in a home decorated in the 1960's with blue moire wallpaper throughout.  The memory gives me the shivers.  However, as my mother used to say, the function of the mind is to change.  Following that train of thought, I discovered a cabochon (Gary Wilson of course) that peaked my interest when paired with some new fire polish that came in this week, and one thing led to another . . .

I may be entering my blue period!

Dad's Hanukkah gift

As many of you may know, I have the MOST wonderful father in the world.  He turned 80 this year, and I wish I had the energy at my age (you notice I don't say) that he has at 80.  He works full time, works out every day,  and never stops pushing me to be the best that I can be.  I can honestly say I think both of us are having fun with this bead thing.

Hanukkah is this week, and dad is not the kind of guy for whom you can make jewelry.  For all the years my mom and dad were married  (47 before she passed away) he never wore a wedding band, and to this day he wears a pocket watch rather than anything on his wrist.  Buying a gift for him is IMPOSSIBLE; he has everything he wants, and what he doesn't have, he buys for himself.  With that in mind, as a tribute to him and all he's done for his family and community, I just completed this

which I will give to him this evening at our family Hanukkah gathering.  It is one of Julia Pretl's Little Beaded Boxes, this one entitled "Tree of Life."  Here's to you, dad, the man who's planted the deep roots of our family from which strong branches abound, and for many more healthy and happy Hanukkahs together!

Where does your creative energy come from?

While I did not prepare a full Thanksgiving dinner (the kids and I were invited out) I don't think I want to look at turkey for a while.  Why, you may ask?  Well, the store has been busy, there is yet another shipment of czech glass due in the next few days, and I seem to be in the midst of a creative surge -- knit, bead, knit, bead -- whatever shall I do?  New fire polish . . .

and rondelles . . .

 and the ever hard to find 15/0 czech charlottes . . .

and the MOST wonderful new clasps!

To top that off, maybe a buying trip to the Big Apple, a visit to a gem warehouse in L.A. over winter vacation (if I can bribe the kids to tear themselves away from their vacation) and my dear friend NanC Meinhardt was featured in the craft guild newsletter (you can read it here -- just scroll down to teacher interviews).  Life is good!