tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16182971574652676842024-03-12T18:10:46.406-05:00Jael's Art Jewels BlogJaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.comBlogger312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-36041617504595348672018-04-12T15:26:00.000-05:002018-04-12T15:26:39.169-05:00The love of polymer clay canesI'm getting over a respiratory illness that my dad was kind enough to share with me. Thanks, dad.<br />
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Here is what's been going through my mind, though, since I have zero energy to create anything at the moment: CANES. My first love. So cool, a design that goes through a log and gets sliced off to be used a million times (or until the cane is gone).<br />
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There are so many amazing cane creators. If you never want to make a cane yourself, you can still make incredible things with canes purchased from people who make canes for a living. Ivy Niles is one of these people, and her company name is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ikandiclay" target="_blank">ikandi clay.</a> She creates intricate mandalas, flowers, leaves, and a myriad of critters as well as little bits and pieces to adorn whatever you are creating. I highly recommend a look at her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ikandiclay/items" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> and her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ikandiclay" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> if you want to see an expert caner's work!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/581773690/jumbo-polymer-clay-flower-cane-merlins?ref=shop_home_active_22" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/581773690/jumbo-polymer-clay-flower-cane-merlins?ref=shop_home_active_22" border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="570" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAj17HNqBi9g87g7b9ArEa70cIeLouKYokHW9ypwsojIaE1lOMsWPNMbOX9S5numt4chbL9AOjkSMitb3WajdoOE3Ad4OA_rGTwVJruMXLvDXkS_lEAHZ14Ebs54H5NzYZGIq-1wwnVY/s320/ikandiclaymandala.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/532431905/half-price-sale-polymer-clay-square-cane?ref=shop_home_active_67" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/532431905/half-price-sale-polymer-clay-square-cane?ref=shop_home_active_67" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1587" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBP3xrWM4zULJg7mjcrqRXYRd7YPGA-BcaSobnNL3ZBhbV1_IchRpNHLDfjDOcCjo5cgQjLtr3sry1hZxKM2M6uAUTiVOVa16vNhyi3UrPMWdkBYBEvPNqt4wqUlRr7pP-FZb3DlJl_HA/s320/ikandi+square+cane.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-1265055481189172732018-03-28T15:18:00.003-05:002018-03-28T15:18:56.514-05:00Update time...At one time, I posted to my blog fairly regularly! Really, I did! But here I am, almost 2 years after my last blog post. Where has the time gone??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsOpiTU7x-2lwzBXjXKO7gELAY8CZ0JO5B1SUy-KoWvWsGad0YatFtWNKE6My8Znt8RIljok9KXrn98k55aC1Xb4mxHWiWQRP4e5Aq1sKMFVXQa1w4LvW1iK6xfTSCCHiedVnMpj0x0s/s1600/facebook-logo-png-38369+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsOpiTU7x-2lwzBXjXKO7gELAY8CZ0JO5B1SUy-KoWvWsGad0YatFtWNKE6My8Znt8RIljok9KXrn98k55aC1Xb4mxHWiWQRP4e5Aq1sKMFVXQa1w4LvW1iK6xfTSCCHiedVnMpj0x0s/s1600/facebook-logo-png-38369+copy.png" style="cursor: move;" /></a>Since my last post, so much has happened, I suppose it makes sense that something had to give. But truthfully, I think Facebook has managed to steal some of the time I used to spend on this blog. Okay, a lot of the time Too much time. Oddly enough, I have been neglecting <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jaelsartjewels/" target="_blank">my Facebook "business page"</a> as well. So. If you want to know more, keep reading. I have a little time now, and some beads and an egg in the oven, curing.<br />
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First, I enjoyed the retreat/workshops in Indiana. It was fun meeting <a href="http://polymerclaydaily.com/" target="_blank">Cynthia Tinapple of Polymer Clay Daily fame</a> in person. as well as some of the online polymer clay people I've "seen" but never met. I found the person who blocked me on Facebook, and once we talked, we found that we enjoyed many of the same views. She did not even remember blocking me. We are now Facebook friends. I roomed with Ponsawan Sila, a truly amazing woman who does beautiful polymer clay work while caring for her disabled daughter, who was in a serious car accident about a decade ago and suffers from traumatic brain injury. (She is now living in Thailand, where she was born and raised, along with her daughter.)<br />
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In August, my grandson Ezra was born. He and his parents, my daughter and son-in-law, were living with us so I got to enjoy seeing him quite a bit. He spent a week in the NICU because of fluid in his lungs, but recovered and came home. Needless to say, it was busy around here, since I am still caring for my dad, who has Parkinson's. Six adults and one tiny baby in the house... PHEW!<br />
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I attended another Indiana retreat last year (2017) and got to meet Libby Mills. She was so cool! I stayed in a hotel off-site by myself and it was great for my introvert soul. Libby (and others!) were excited by my eggs, and bought several. I hadn't brought as many as I had the year before. That was uplifting. I am not good at dealing with compliments, so a part of me wanted hide under the table. <a href="http://polymerclaydaily.com/2013/05/17/lehockys-polymer-canvas/" target="_blank">Ron Lehocky</a> was there again, with his wonderful hearts.<br />
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My daughter and her little family moved to Carbondale in the fall of 2017, so my son-in-law could go to school. I drove the U-Haul truck when they moved. We were all a bit frazzled, but survived.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V0IRDxPtwg7YXV-ezLJ_yW57BPUhkkauEyBcc3NVvIC8zqf6OVDYqOibuOrQwO7Y8WDilX2dmDQ0EdU_rnl7Ud8qupHElMQT_LBJNmiBOIPuD-LAI706DqURpNHYp_CtX2Uerv8ekw0/s1600/parkinsons-sucks-you-say-no-kidding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V0IRDxPtwg7YXV-ezLJ_yW57BPUhkkauEyBcc3NVvIC8zqf6OVDYqOibuOrQwO7Y8WDilX2dmDQ0EdU_rnl7Ud8qupHElMQT_LBJNmiBOIPuD-LAI706DqURpNHYp_CtX2Uerv8ekw0/s200/parkinsons-sucks-you-say-no-kidding.jpg" width="200" /></a>My father has begun seeing a movement specialist in St. Louis, a three hour trek from us. We've made 3 trips down so far. I'm not sure it has been helpful, although at first I had a great deal of hope. They've added medication, and that has caused him to have <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/understanding-parkinsons/living-with-pd/topic.php?dyskinesia" target="_blank">dyskinesia</a> that he did not have before. He began falling more frequently and his speech disintegrated. To some extent, I am at odds with his doctor down there - I reduced the medication and he is somewhat better, but the doctor wants him to go back up. Parkinson's sucks, but so does the medication.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH6cMI3c2rcnTlIwGepMsK8FM_J-pFbkDRARxbj8h0c1POtOVWY23YLx4__kG2LioojnBJJp19cAaXbErINy4-qpcCO21iUh1kU4r7YwDTrrUQks6QWk31My4irkyG12NqaGuSSO7N3Q/s1600/polymer+arts+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH6cMI3c2rcnTlIwGepMsK8FM_J-pFbkDRARxbj8h0c1POtOVWY23YLx4__kG2LioojnBJJp19cAaXbErINy4-qpcCO21iUh1kU4r7YwDTrrUQks6QWk31My4irkyG12NqaGuSSO7N3Q/s1600/polymer+arts+photo.jpg" /></a>Between all of the fall busy-ness, I was asked by <a href="https://www.thepolymerarts.com/" target="_blank">The Polymer Arts magazine </a>to submit photos and information about myself for one of their issues! Freak out! So I did, after finding someone to take good photos, and my blurb was in their winter issue. They called me an "accomplished artist," imagine that. There was a misspelling of my last name in the title, but the article was well written.<br />
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My own health issues have also wreaked havoc. I suffer from depression and Fibromyalgia, so throughout this past couple of years it has been difficult to pull my muse out from her deep hole. Watching current events has not been good for my psyche either, but I guess I feel the need to keep up. I have been getting back to my clay, albeit slowly and somewhat painfully.<br />
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I think that's it! Don't hold me to it, but I hope to keep up with this blog on a weekly basis. Peace!Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-67919937940174875572016-06-18T23:28:00.001-05:002016-06-18T23:32:01.694-05:00Stepping out of my bubbleTomorrow I am travelling to Indiana to attend my very first polymer clay retreat. I've been playing with clay for a little over 15 years (some years a little less, some years a little more) and I finally signed up, took the plunge, sent my money, hoping that the stars would align and nothing would pop up to prevent it! I am excited. And a little nervous.<br />
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I'm excited! I get to meet some of the people I've met along the way on the internet! <a href="http://polymerclaydaily.com/">Polymer Clay Daily</a>'s Cynthia Tinapple is going to be there to teach us, and that is very cool. Ponsawan Sila is going to be teaching and I'll be sharing a room with her.<br />
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I'm excited! I will be driving 3 1/2 hours by myself, so I will listen to music, maybe some podcasts, maybe just have quiet and watch the flat landscape of Illinois and Indiana as it flies by my windows.<br />
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I'm a little nervous, too. I have become a bit of a hermit. I've been a caregiver for my mom and dad, and then just my dad, for about 8 years. The friends I made while my kids were growing have taken other paths, and I have not spent much time nurturing the friends that remain in my circle; I don't have very much energy. So now I'm jumping into a group of other people who are strangers, physically, even though I've seen their facebook posts and had online conversations.<br />
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I'm a little nervous because one of the attendees is a person who chose to block me on facebook. That should be interesting. I said something several years ago on a facebook group we both were part of that she found insulting, and poof! I could no longer see her posts. Anywhere on facebook. The only time I noticed was when she participated in a conversation in one of our shared groups and someone else responded to her invisible text. Very strange.<br />
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I am probably packing too much. I plan on packing my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10208292390741385.1073741845.1652208834&type=1&l=84313093e2">hearts for charity</a> in hopes that someone will be interested in buying one. Currently the money is going to a facebook polymer clay buddy whose family is in a bind because her husband has cancer and lost his job. My goal is to get to $300, and then I will choose another goal for another charity. So far we have gone to $200, and I know they can use $100 more for groceries.<br />
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So off to bed I go, to sleep I hope and wake up refreshed and ready to travel! Wish me luck!Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-46195507461138815222016-01-14T15:52:00.001-06:002016-01-14T15:52:51.688-06:00Change of plansIt looks like the Bead Soup Blog Hop is off. The organizer/creator has been dealing with a long-term chronic illness, and unfortunately life has not been kind to her lately. I hope that things improve for her. It sucks having to make decisions like this and feeling like you've disappointed people, but we have to look out for our health and not worry about what other people think.<br />
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I had my trigger-finger surgery yesterday. I am not dealing with a lot of pain, thankfully, and I can actually type! But I can't do a whole lot other than that without pain, so clay is going to have to wait. I have enough osteoarthritis and pain from fibromyalgia that one more pain...<br />
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<br />Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-65220295987149520942016-01-04T23:20:00.000-06:002016-01-04T23:20:47.290-06:00ChallengesLast year threw challenges at me that had nothing to do with polymer clay. I did not complete the polymer clay challenge I began last year. I signed up for the Polymer Clay Adventure online retreat, and only really looked at a couple of the tutorials.<br />
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Depression hit in March. My dad's health suddenly went south shortly after (I take care of him here at my house, normally not terribly overwhelming, he has Parkinson's) because of a toe infection. I would never have thought a toe infection could set someone back so badly, but that's apparently not uncommon for Parkinson's patients. He was not able to walk or talk or even feed himself properly. This setback took him months to overcome. Fortunately my husband retired at exactly the same time everything went to hell in a hand-basket.<br />
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From December of 2014 to December of 2015 we had to say goodbye to 3 out of our 4 remaining kitties. And we are now back to having a full house of people since my daughter and her husband came back to live with us (temporarily. Really, just temporarily.)<br />
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So here I am in January 2016 and I'm not promising any long-term goals at the moment. But I am going to sign up for the Bead Soup Blog Party!<br />
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<br />Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-52879182914748323722015-02-06T01:56:00.002-06:002015-02-06T01:56:26.890-06:002015 Polymer Clay Challenge Week 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yay! Another vase! Many views, one vase. As usual, I wasn't sure I liked it until it was completed... Click on the picture to enlarge. Pardon the cat fur on the background fabric!</div>
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<br />Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-40703711823517763842015-01-27T20:28:00.000-06:002015-01-27T20:28:09.780-06:002015 Polymer Clay Challenge - week 4, and a catch-up for week 1I was very busy the first week of January, bathrooms torn out and chaos everywhere. So I spent some time this past week on a smaller vase to fill that week 1 spot - keeping it simple, which is very very hard for me to do. My inclination is to keep filling the space, so I forced myself to stop!<br />
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The week 4 vase is a mixture of simplicity and doodle. I need to take some pictures that are not in front of a window, but for now... The top is sort of a skyward view, the bottom more of a ground view with a stream running through it.<br />
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Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-36332031982278244712015-01-20T19:50:00.002-06:002015-01-20T19:51:28.918-06:002015 Polymer Clay Challenge week 3A quick post before bed for week 3. An egg, but one with a neutral color scheme. It was hard not to add color, and that was definitely a challenge.<br />
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<br />Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-18724405460755801912015-01-16T19:00:00.000-06:002015-01-16T19:01:08.839-06:00Week 2 of 2015 Polymer Clay ChallengeYes, I know - I did not post a week one! I'm hoping to catch up and post an extra piece to make up for that lost week.<br />
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This piece is an extension of my doodling creations. I used a vase that I found in my stash that had an interesting shape and went to town. I photographed it from different sides - this is all one vase. I love it, and it may have a buyer.<br />
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<br />Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-11782214925268263242015-01-13T21:16:00.000-06:002015-01-13T21:18:08.169-06:002015 Polymer Clay Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://katersacres.com/polyclay/hints/2015-polymer-clay-challenge/"><img border="0" src="http://katersacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/2015PCChallenge-Header.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the end of last year, I made the decision to sign up for the <a href="http://katersacres.com/polyclay/hints/2015-polymer-clay-challenge/">2015 Polymer Clay Challenge</a>. I will be making something for this challenge each week. Here are the "rules" via Katie of <a href="http://katersacres.com/">Kater's Acres</a>:<br />
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How to Join</h1>
<ol style="background: rgb(244, 244, 244); border: 0px; color: #828282; font-family: Verdana, 'DejaVu Sans', 'Bitstream Vera Sans', Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make a decision</strong> what you will commit to making from clay during the course of 2015.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Write a blog post announcing your commitment</strong> to join the 2015 Polymer Clay Challenge.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Grab the button below & add it to your website.</strong></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Leave your name & website in the COMMENTS below linking your written statement</strong> of what you will commit to making with polymer clay in 2015.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">Throughout the year, write a blog post and tell us (the polymer clay community) how you are doing.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Share throughout social media using #2015PCchallenge</strong></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0c0c0c; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 13px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://facebook.com/groups/318924864981444/" sl-processed="1" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #66980e; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Join the FaceBook Group here.</a></li>
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This is a <em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">free endeavor</em> with <em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">no strings attached</em>! Simply challenge yourself & commit to being creative in 2015.</h3>
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I hadn't decided what I was going to challenge myself to do, but I knew I wanted to challenge myself to do something! Then, several things happened all at once. </div>
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Our little Miss Charlie kitty became very ill and was diagnosed with kidney failure at 21 years of age, and we had to make that tough decision to let her go with dignity. At the same time, demolition of our upstairs bathrooms began... a very much needed renovation, but full of noise and decision making stress. I've seen more of Menards, Lowes and Home Depot than I thought I'd see in my lifetime. And finally, my hands got progressively more painful, with my <a href="http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/trigger-finger">trigger finger</a> (middle finger, right hand, of course) really seizing up.</div>
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So. I did not get started on the first week of the challenge as I had planned.</div>
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But now, one bathroom is finished and usable. Okay, it's usable, still needs some final touches. And I was drawn to my clay table.</div>
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So, long story short, even though my hands are still a problem, I have made a decision on what I will be doing for my challenge. I want to challenge myself to create one large piece per week - larger than bead sized. Vases, bowls, frames, sculptural pieces, you name it. I have completed my first piece, which I will present in the next blog post.</div>
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Let the games begin!!</div>
Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-74985195417812961322014-08-03T00:09:00.002-05:002014-08-03T22:40:34.942-05:00Choosy Chicks Choose Chicklets Challenge: Reveal!When <a href="http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/">Toltec Jewels</a> mentioned on a facebook group that she was going to be having sign-ups for a challenge using <a href="http://www.suebead.com/">SueBeads</a>' chicklet beads, I was practically chomping at the bit. I knew right away that I wanted to make earrings from them, so I signed up as soon as I could!!<br />
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I received an orangish bead. I admit, not my favorite color... but oddly enough, one that I've been leaning toward more often subconsciously! I immediately purchased a second one from Sue. Then, of course, I procrastinated about making something with them.<br />
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Three days ago, I suddenly realized that the time was fast approaching! So, I made my earrings, and I like them. Not sure this will be the final incarnation, but for now, I will wear them proudly. The beads are accompanied by my own polymer clay round beads and some pale yellow swarovski dangles.<br />
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No doubt I will need some other colors in the not so distant future.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Guest of Honor & Featured Artist:</b><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> </span><b style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Susan Kennedy</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Sue Kennedy's blogs: </span><a href="http://suebeads.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #0a3c6a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SueBeads...A Beady Girl's blog</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> </span><a href="http://artjewelryelements.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #0a3c6a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Art Jewelry Elements</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Sue Kennedy's website </span><a href="http://www.suebead.com/" style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #0a3c6a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SueBeads</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">SueBeads Art Beads </span><a href="http://etsy.com/shop/suebeads" style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #0a3c6a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SueBeads</a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hostess:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Toltec Jewels <a href="http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.JewelSchoolFriends.com</a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Artists:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><br /></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Linda Anderson <a href="http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Jennifer Reno <a href="http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Shirley Moore <a href="http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Kristen Stevens <a href="http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Marybeth Rich <a href="http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Jael Thorp <a href="http://jaelsjewels.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://jaelsjewels.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Melissa Trudinger <a href="http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://Beadrecipes.wordpress.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Andrea Glick <a href="http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Nan Smith <a href="http://wirednan.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://wirednan.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Blanca Medina <a href="http://www.peru-medesigns.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.peru-medesigns.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Shai Williams <a href="http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Carolyn Lawson <a href="http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Rana Wilson <a href="http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://Ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Robin Reed <a href="http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://willowdragon.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Robin Showstack <a href="http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Sheila Prosterman <a href="http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Karla Morgan <a href="http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://Texaspepperjams.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Kari Asbury <a href="http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Kelly Rodgers <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeadinBlackBlue" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/BeadinBlackBlue</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Jayne Capps <a href="https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com</a>/</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Mischelle Andrade Fanucchi <a href="https://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Heather Richter <a href="http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Chris Eisenberg <a href="http://www.wanderware.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.wanderware.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Kathleen Breeding <a href="http://www.zibbet.com/99BottlesofBeadsontheWall" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.zibbet.com/99BottlesofBeadsontheWall</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Linda Landig <a href="http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://lindalandig.wordpress.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Crystal Thain <a href="http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Cheri Reed <a href="http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Heather d-Entremont <a href="http://frugalmacdougall.wordpress.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://frugalmacdougall.wordpress.com</a>/</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Dini Bruinsma <a href="http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Lori Schneider <a href="http://www.beadaddicted.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.beadaddicted.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tammy Adams <a href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog.html" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog.html</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Melinda Orr <a href="http://bandanagirl.indiemade.com/blog" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://bandanagirl.indiemade.com/blog</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Lennis Carrier <a href="http://windbent.wordpress.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://windbent.wordpress.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Cynthia Machata <a href="http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Elizabeth Hodges <a href="http://thewhisperingseas.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://thewhisperingseas.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Debbie Rasmussen <a href="http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Tanya McGuire <a href="http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com</a>/</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Charlie Jacka <a href="http://clay-space.com/blog" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://clay-space.com/blog</a>/</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ev Shelby <a href="http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sharyl McMillian-Nelson <a href="http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jasvanti Patel <a href="http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-32394541317589353572014-07-31T21:34:00.001-05:002014-07-31T21:34:08.558-05:00Choosy Chicks Choose Chicklets Design Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Coming August 3!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALgUnLjD2KfsojsQ9QD81zAjtaI-JnyHpbcBc05NTakB811gGHd0JfTIpqTpEVgAmZmKodNr2OzeAQptvdDSEVV8Izyl6sOfLfqECU-cLJQ7zjEN2fYg_dUQ_KREHkCiXnDJ6_jZab9I/s1600/cccc+design+challenge+button+orange+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALgUnLjD2KfsojsQ9QD81zAjtaI-JnyHpbcBc05NTakB811gGHd0JfTIpqTpEVgAmZmKodNr2OzeAQptvdDSEVV8Izyl6sOfLfqECU-cLJQ7zjEN2fYg_dUQ_KREHkCiXnDJ6_jZab9I/s1600/cccc+design+challenge+button+orange+frame.jpg" height="320" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-49527811974979707382014-05-09T23:05:00.000-05:002014-05-10T02:09:17.990-05:00The 8th Bead Soup Blog Party is here!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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A reminder of what I was fortunate to work with from <a href="http://www.geneabeads.blogspot.com/">Genea</a> (click on her name to visit her blog and see what she made with the soup I sent her!):</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKu85bOPkiwkmmHl_sogWIQe2Tl_ka2ppwMzS8IkYz5HH8r6HvaTN9chRkr5HxIK8o450ooqZXt2P-aEWFcN6FPQrQGAkOArWHtZCL4-YU2_J7UNXJ_GPoKOL2mgwWOsCFtBknEAQKSAI/s1600/geneasbeadsoup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKu85bOPkiwkmmHl_sogWIQe2Tl_ka2ppwMzS8IkYz5HH8r6HvaTN9chRkr5HxIK8o450ooqZXt2P-aEWFcN6FPQrQGAkOArWHtZCL4-YU2_J7UNXJ_GPoKOL2mgwWOsCFtBknEAQKSAI/s1600/geneasbeadsoup2.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packaged so neatly!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxdO4GjQoTV7ELP8ld9VrZYEShoqGZGAIMfHF_U8v5Yts01gh-iQ99XMYvikqmHbR8sk3vmlfuUxkTpSn0-ODaKQVBvx8_9aOSECiCBGIRo5Y97nuo1s9OOt70rErHaTRYdo4oI8dsXo/s1600/geneasupplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxdO4GjQoTV7ELP8ld9VrZYEShoqGZGAIMfHF_U8v5Yts01gh-iQ99XMYvikqmHbR8sk3vmlfuUxkTpSn0-ODaKQVBvx8_9aOSECiCBGIRo5Y97nuo1s9OOt70rErHaTRYdo4oI8dsXo/s1600/geneasupplies.jpg" height="158" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_iv5kim9VMkLjUXte4khTLSz9UyF1fKWEx_qb1-jBlA-YwGFJocncRbkOcZBczuXYF22aSGDMBPkNAOGv8MpBzIdSuwfMRBMpmH-_65_jTJD2T-VBLt3A-nkn5-llwW9wPHU_bcbbE0/s1600/geneasbeads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_iv5kim9VMkLjUXte4khTLSz9UyF1fKWEx_qb1-jBlA-YwGFJocncRbkOcZBczuXYF22aSGDMBPkNAOGv8MpBzIdSuwfMRBMpmH-_65_jTJD2T-VBLt3A-nkn5-llwW9wPHU_bcbbE0/s1600/geneasbeads.jpg" height="200" width="170" /></a></div>
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<b>THE NECKLACE</b><br />
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No matter how I looked at it, Genea's soup screamed "BOHO"!! So I first whipped up a herringbone tube, which I threaded a piece of wire through for stability. At each end are lampwork beads from my stash (made by Patsy Leblanc of Killer Beads). </div>
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I square stitched a golden bail and hung the "sea urchin" focal from it with a swarovski crystal and some copper spacers. I then hung a MOP leaf from it. </div>
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Wooly wire is wrapped around the tube and up past the beads. </div>
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The copper chain Genea sent me is attached to the wire threaded through the tube, and then her recycled sari silk forms the ties at the end so that it can fit any size neck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ6ZEzkBdhH6FtCm1vlv-AdNYpTnImXiZuUPF-HvUcNwP4c3WW-SfiDgOkgPBVKK7gM82-ajViqiHewgy3X-L7oJqRKJTCvnimxohxB5zz8EjcaHYyuYVv6l5zkclIgRI16CRe94TpdE/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ6ZEzkBdhH6FtCm1vlv-AdNYpTnImXiZuUPF-HvUcNwP4c3WW-SfiDgOkgPBVKK7gM82-ajViqiHewgy3X-L7oJqRKJTCvnimxohxB5zz8EjcaHYyuYVv6l5zkclIgRI16CRe94TpdE/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="640" width="368" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEFRQcKuVssR3GB-dFHrtnn0CleLFw7JJs6yO1VAe5f4RQsZCORviS5oi-6vc6Y1yuMo2EPdMw34WLqVemQ-1E-j_EbOwJnRJ6MVWlUucvO93Xgfe1HOjGDruPwuk8DslFlLI-UxVImU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEFRQcKuVssR3GB-dFHrtnn0CleLFw7JJs6yO1VAe5f4RQsZCORviS5oi-6vc6Y1yuMo2EPdMw34WLqVemQ-1E-j_EbOwJnRJ6MVWlUucvO93Xgfe1HOjGDruPwuk8DslFlLI-UxVImU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqIyHIaXO-PkcsK6pcrsmdcYIfAC3v_OEOCxgkYymKSfTiA7yf6-8L8IKd5RsludM95yEc_MzjU7kaj1zlPpqbyB1tGrfFpdWY9KRkLXIVLFE4nPXaR7H53JzdqbBRMoBeNq3SIELedk/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqIyHIaXO-PkcsK6pcrsmdcYIfAC3v_OEOCxgkYymKSfTiA7yf6-8L8IKd5RsludM95yEc_MzjU7kaj1zlPpqbyB1tGrfFpdWY9KRkLXIVLFE4nPXaR7H53JzdqbBRMoBeNq3SIELedk/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">focal by Genea</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe2gAzx0eJN-6Pnb_opihLn6k-t-cVbC19ZrnQJS3bxREucOwY9BuPlV43TdIBQp_lhWRykrmXs-skkkWBDDEXlzkHWA2dqiS47-9DVSAGBzq_hfyrhea-VF0SFUf53TsntUQNkpLpgc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe2gAzx0eJN-6Pnb_opihLn6k-t-cVbC19ZrnQJS3bxREucOwY9BuPlV43TdIBQp_lhWRykrmXs-skkkWBDDEXlzkHWA2dqiS47-9DVSAGBzq_hfyrhea-VF0SFUf53TsntUQNkpLpgc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="227" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wooly wire wrapped around my herringbone tube</td></tr>
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<b>THE BRACELET</b></div>
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Next, I created a bracelet using more of the antiqued copper chain. The sea urchin wing ding and silvered ivory spacers were joined by more of Patsy's lampwork, lampwork by Amber Ballard and flat discs, all from my stash. The button closure made by Genea is part of the clasp that holds it together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzY0IZOaYhEthZYBT3FZ4Q3p4BpHDAexOOxaccFQkGDZwaR5hfz-Kp6Fps5tJpwcmSi3YQcZLa_hVjVnWmjBS1q0SdSkGdITtHnxPHKzHP-ZpHBsvwU0umgb9OXrsvTmivvADfIFK6SZo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzY0IZOaYhEthZYBT3FZ4Q3p4BpHDAexOOxaccFQkGDZwaR5hfz-Kp6Fps5tJpwcmSi3YQcZLa_hVjVnWmjBS1q0SdSkGdITtHnxPHKzHP-ZpHBsvwU0umgb9OXrsvTmivvADfIFK6SZo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcVxwQBGm79SS_pXkBlGrCCtQbQzht1Dd3EicfDgDp3Wk8BkH31m6kyhIgAp992llZZR-tw1L5Vd-9KB6ZMUWcvUKNx-NmEQKIayGGayg75cWZW1eT-_ZtkJN5iLAQ8VmDDC3VIci1Io/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcVxwQBGm79SS_pXkBlGrCCtQbQzht1Dd3EicfDgDp3Wk8BkH31m6kyhIgAp992llZZR-tw1L5Vd-9KB6ZMUWcvUKNx-NmEQKIayGGayg75cWZW1eT-_ZtkJN5iLAQ8VmDDC3VIci1Io/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="303" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayTRqAo3nMT6kgoIvWDm9JDaTATCBpiCbW_u7DjLemfGJc1acaLUqYe3DYHhuRk_1k8AZet7ay05QHj4KjcJ93ExX3B0hlVetrSTa4JZ85_k_M4bdtcCGSFB4ETiJywvL_-xoaosbja8/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayTRqAo3nMT6kgoIvWDm9JDaTATCBpiCbW_u7DjLemfGJc1acaLUqYe3DYHhuRk_1k8AZet7ay05QHj4KjcJ93ExX3B0hlVetrSTa4JZ85_k_M4bdtcCGSFB4ETiJywvL_-xoaosbja8/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="292" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wingding by Genea</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDcOzmGuR5Opu9H9WTMoxDJQ0CCAxuSKxEEqTyROCDIkVH3uLQVhYhJc2uHwjQLTeCiboTJfB00p35LbclFJNaG7VPKeSpG-3o6Q3sKBK_oT0jVQS8_9lN3Yg2ZR-ZLmJbtzBbbhJ1VY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDcOzmGuR5Opu9H9WTMoxDJQ0CCAxuSKxEEqTyROCDIkVH3uLQVhYhJc2uHwjQLTeCiboTJfB00p35LbclFJNaG7VPKeSpG-3o6Q3sKBK_oT0jVQS8_9lN3Yg2ZR-ZLmJbtzBbbhJ1VY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_93m_tzrYoTW4hmDbwa7s_79f0sFWRW5fHW1koe2VUjgusLWMpjejqEWpWtj0cu6i_lvS_KzSz1M42lzWBKQV5KARaKuBdZsfldeCQ63J8PAsZ3UDyvBIYyhUyPlFxaBMFyTFwqdjJoc/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_93m_tzrYoTW4hmDbwa7s_79f0sFWRW5fHW1koe2VUjgusLWMpjejqEWpWtj0cu6i_lvS_KzSz1M42lzWBKQV5KARaKuBdZsfldeCQ63J8PAsZ3UDyvBIYyhUyPlFxaBMFyTFwqdjJoc/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="157" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lampwork button closure by Genea</td></tr>
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Here is a link to the other participants in the blog hop (500 links is a bit long for one post!!) <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2014/05/welcome-to-8th-bead-soup-blog-party.html" target="_blank">8th annual Bead Soup Blog Hop</a>Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com67tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-4245434367130878212014-04-06T01:13:00.000-05:002014-04-06T13:39:54.576-05:00Color of Dreams Blog HopI chose to participate in the Color of Dreams Blog Hop (click on the picture below to reach the "home blog")<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Each participating artist was given an orphan/ooak bead created by artist Patricia Handschuh of </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thecolorofdreams" style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #0a3c6a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;">The </a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thecolorofdreams" style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #0a3c6a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;">Color of Dreams Boutique</a><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> to design with. We were to create something with it and post on our blog April 6, Sunday.</span></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/2014/03/the-color-of-dreams-participant-list.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeOn3eODhhzvZ8nwj8NKucIE905RNhg6JRRnTUOd8TvdZyFAPQT4I6t5wuw920bAumy-eqLFVURzRRPxcfKlUDP_PdkXlaQsaFMfEkBOeiun4hJi8kSvzTpHwQUj3pHoAaVSIRZAauFw/s1600/The+Color+of+Dreams+Blog+Hop+4-6-14+Button.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span id="goog_234665082"></span><span id="goog_234665083"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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Today's the day!!</div>
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I received a little round polymer clay bead with floral canes. Being a polymer clay artist myself, I know what it's like to make small beads. I don't make them very often.</div>
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As for my dream? My dream is that everyone may experience beauty during their day. A garden, a smiling face, a giggling child, a piece of art... whatever makes them feel alive.</div>
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I chose to use a coppery chain and clasp, and used the clasp as part of an accent in a necklace, bringing it to the front. I hung the little bead on the clasp. Then I created my own sculpted leaf beads, and antiqued them. I used my friend Bonnie Polinski's ceramic flower beads and one of her ceramic rounds as well as some sparkly crystals and more of my leaf beads to create a dangle as the focal.</div>
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Check out the rest of the artists in the hop:</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: start;">Honorary Artist: Patricia Handschuh</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: start;">Patricia's blog: <a href="http://thecolorofdreams.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Color of Dreams</a> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: start;">Patricias Etsy: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thecolorofdreams" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Color of Dreams</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: start;">Hostess: TJ <a href="http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jewel School Friends</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-align: start;">Kay Thomerson <a href="http://kayzkreationz.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">KayzKreationz</a><br />Audrey Belanger <a href="http://esperianterra.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Toki No Hourousha</a></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #2e192a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alicia Marinache <a href="http://www.allprettythings.ca/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">All the Pretty Things</a><br />Terry Carter <a href="http://tappingflamingo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">TappingFlamingo</a><br />Lori Schneider <span id="goog_1009447606"></span><span id="goog_1009447607"></span><a href="http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bead Addict</a><br />Jenny Kyrlach <a href="http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Wonder and Whimsy</a><br />Asri Wahyuingsih <a href="http://asribeadwork.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Asri's Beadwork</a><br />Dini Bruinsma <a href="http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Angaza by Changes</a><br />Karla Morgan <a href="http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Texas Pepper Jams</a><br />Debbie Rasmussen <a href="http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Little of This, A Little of That</a><br />Veralynne Malone <a href="http://veradesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Designed by Vera</a><br />Kathy Stemke <a href="http://vintagememoriesjewelry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Vintage Memories Jewelry Design</a><br />Mowse Doyle <a href="http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Mowse Made This</a><br />Heather Richter <a href="http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Desert Jewelry Designs</a><br />Lori Poppe <a href="http://lorillijeanscreativecorner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Adventures in Creativity with LorilliJean</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jayne Capps </span><a href="http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Mama's Got To Doodle</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Andrea Glick <a href="http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Zenith Jade Creations</a><br />Kathleen Breeding <a href="http://99bobotw.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall</a><br />Becky Pancake <a href="http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Becky Pancake Bead Designs</a><br />Karin Martinez <a href="http://fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fairies Market</a><br />Miranda Ackerley <a href="http://mirandack.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Mirandack</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Penny Houghton</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <a href="http://www.smellynelly.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Smelly Nelly</a><br />Carolyn Lawson <a href="http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Carolyn's Creations</a><br />Chris Eisenberg <a href="http://wanderware.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Wanderware</a><br />Christie Murrow <a href="http://www.charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Charis Designs Jewelry</a><br />Monique Urquhart <a href="http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Half-Baked Notion</a><br />Eve Shelby <a href="http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Raindrop Creations Jewelry by Evelyn</a><br />Cryss Thain <a href="http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Here Bead Dragons</a><br />Jasvanti Patel <a href="http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jewelry By Jasvanti</a><br />Nan Smith <a href="http://wirednan.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">NanMade Handmade Jewelry</a><br />Sue Kennedy <a href="http://suebeads.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SueBeads</a><br />Jean Yates <a href="http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!</a><br />Debbie Rogers <a href="http://debbiestreasuresandgems.wordpress.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Debbies Treasures</a><br />Marybeth Rich <a href="http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Few Words From Within the Pines</a><br />Shirley Moore <a href="http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Beads and Bread</a><br />Shaia Williams <a href="http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Shaiha's Ramblings</a><br />Kathy Lindemer <a href="http://www.bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bay Moon Design</a><br />Linda Anderson <a href="http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">From the Bead Board</a><br />Judy Turner <a href="http://www.silver-rains.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Silver Rains</a><br />Gloria Allen <a href="http://gloriaallendesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Gloria Allen Designs</a><br />Regina Wood <a href="http://gina-design.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ginas-Design</a><br />Robin Reed <a href="http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Artistry HCBD</a><br />Mary Goovars <a href="http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">MLH Jewelry Designs</a><br />Marlene Cupo <a href="http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazing Designs</a><br />CJ Bauschka <a href="http://fool4jewels.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">4 His Glory Creations</a><br />Robin Showstack <a href="http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Crazy Bead Hoarder</a><br />Cynthia O'Toole <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sparkles-and-Sweets/211404598956160" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sparkles and Sweets</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jael Thorp <a href="http://jaelsjewels.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jael's Art Jewels</a></span><br />
Renetha Stanziano <a href="http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0a3c6a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Lamplight Crafts</a></div>
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Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-56163607936364061902014-03-21T00:27:00.000-05:002014-03-21T00:27:15.721-05:00More bead soup stuff!!I've been gathering potential extra ingredients for the bead soup <a href="http://www.geneabeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Genea</a> sent me, and waiting for her to receive my soup. She received my package today and says she likes it (insert smiley face here) so I'll post pictures of that tomorrow.<br />
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(My friend Bonnie and are also going to do a side swap of bead soups, since she was not able to sign up for the "official" bead soup swap. I'll post that swap separately after she and I meet.)<br />
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In case there are those who do not know what this Bead Soup Blog Party is all about... Here is some information from <a href="http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lori Anderson's blog</a>.<br />
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She says:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Basic Facts:</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></div>
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<b>::</b> I pair you with another jewelry designer<br />by February 28th. <b>::</b></div>
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<b>::</b> You send each other a <b>quality</b> package of beads<br />by March 14th. <b>::</b></div>
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<b>:: </b> You make one or more pieces of jewelry or art with those beads, </div>
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incorporating beads from your own stash as needed.<br /></div>
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<b>The focal and clasp you were sent MUST be used, </b><br /><b>but don't have to be used in the same piece.</b> <b>::</b></div>
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<b>:: </b>You post your creation on the blog hop reveal day, <b>May 3rd,</b></div>
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and you try to visit as many of the other designers' blogs. <b>::</b></div>
Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-214845343597994392014-03-15T01:35:00.001-05:002014-03-15T01:36:20.351-05:00My Bead Soup has arrived!! Ingredients revealed!My creative bead soup partner has sent me my bead soup, and it's lovely. It's going to make me think outside my comfort zone/box and that's something I love to do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgPWWbP380PMs6hvR7PvTmMVPk31F0T19ijQCUAOdJ7E2Uk2NTtnbGu9VS0F06VbT7gSVwSr_fTJiPMxf8rWFLmTyuRjJ3aulm6fkq-QjCUh5pLBogKil9whUmEQ1WjGf_3z0GkO9VVk/s1600/geneasbeadsoup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgPWWbP380PMs6hvR7PvTmMVPk31F0T19ijQCUAOdJ7E2Uk2NTtnbGu9VS0F06VbT7gSVwSr_fTJiPMxf8rWFLmTyuRjJ3aulm6fkq-QjCUh5pLBogKil9whUmEQ1WjGf_3z0GkO9VVk/s1600/geneasbeadsoup1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sorry, I put the neat little card upside down in this picture, but look at all the little numbered wrapped parcels!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwZ3phCglmI6WFBckeeJrAomUFKSQauVmN6i-jMpVGlHuK5n2kfao7GK86i5DL9eHiBr9deqsX4yOifeEt4CWQ2s9lxN3VDPB9Y2QCkL9lOMdR0Y6m6VQdOOiN-UdRMtCGxZ7BDmW_t8/s1600/geneasbeadsoupcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwZ3phCglmI6WFBckeeJrAomUFKSQauVmN6i-jMpVGlHuK5n2kfao7GK86i5DL9eHiBr9deqsX4yOifeEt4CWQ2s9lxN3VDPB9Y2QCkL9lOMdR0Y6m6VQdOOiN-UdRMtCGxZ7BDmW_t8/s1600/geneasbeadsoupcard.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clever recipe card!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6JNH4-SB6_zcUlwu9-uxqYQQPygiVC1eF-XBO1yLt_iJy4Py1zXcWGKwDYcZNmcPkq8odpONGZ6M-rTOBH_ZO5DtFRpioEHu4hSLPKgNmELliDgbX9B-SuM-bm3AmpM3dZQnhosigWY/s1600/geneasbeadsoup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6JNH4-SB6_zcUlwu9-uxqYQQPygiVC1eF-XBO1yLt_iJy4Py1zXcWGKwDYcZNmcPkq8odpONGZ6M-rTOBH_ZO5DtFRpioEHu4hSLPKgNmELliDgbX9B-SuM-bm3AmpM3dZQnhosigWY/s1600/geneasbeadsoup2.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unwrapped!!</td></tr>
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My brain is full of ideas. Let the simmering begin!<br />
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Now, if the dang clasp I ordered to send to my partner would arrive, I could send hers to her. Here is a creatively distorted picture of what I have put together for her soup (sans clasp). I have also been cleaning and sorting in my craft room, so there are things that will be included in the box that are not in the picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUgZLN7Cp38IP1kn-9OGGXJaq_9k3sGAQR_v8rXu4aUY_XH41F9Rq2zmQ9hvWFtQmOMNAmYvx2DD1B9xKgoSih7TEnwtd3y8ZeVUkPaXpH_IPNG8CdWuoFnC1pbGxxQuCAaINWdykyG0/s1600/IMG_0074distortedbeadsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUgZLN7Cp38IP1kn-9OGGXJaq_9k3sGAQR_v8rXu4aUY_XH41F9Rq2zmQ9hvWFtQmOMNAmYvx2DD1B9xKgoSih7TEnwtd3y8ZeVUkPaXpH_IPNG8CdWuoFnC1pbGxxQuCAaINWdykyG0/s1600/IMG_0074distortedbeadsoup.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-50053592833575286102014-03-08T01:43:00.000-06:002014-03-08T01:43:56.511-06:00Meet my Bead Soup Bead Party swap partner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is Genea</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5t26Pfxsyeqn3qYCQW5_L61gB7qg90MGB-iZvIOnBwlmeyxRVacvuHZ1OwyO0wlPweEJsM6V_yIkTGUNl84vJTFfpfeRBnncSwzGZx3M0UJrQ6xEL6IyNa_-Mg_aL0yr2engn2UsMM4/s366/genea112013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5t26Pfxsyeqn3qYCQW5_L61gB7qg90MGB-iZvIOnBwlmeyxRVacvuHZ1OwyO0wlPweEJsM6V_yIkTGUNl84vJTFfpfeRBnncSwzGZx3M0UJrQ6xEL6IyNa_-Mg_aL0yr2engn2UsMM4/s366/genea112013.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a></div>
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And she makes beautiful lampwork glass beads (<a href="http://www.geneabeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">check out her blog</a>)</div>
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I love the headpins. Wow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DpLFAufKRJAFzEGoODzaV3IQkafc0B2qjwdWr9MRymk8IQ5LfpfxYBnnpU9FuGt1nC-I7oYr493JpOS7dCgKqNF4F2EgusEJPX6ganmvambcU75liyeh8bRgVZcgPaG0WAKheKrvCzE/s1600/dsseriescollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DpLFAufKRJAFzEGoODzaV3IQkafc0B2qjwdWr9MRymk8IQ5LfpfxYBnnpU9FuGt1nC-I7oYr493JpOS7dCgKqNF4F2EgusEJPX6ganmvambcU75liyeh8bRgVZcgPaG0WAKheKrvCzE/s1600/dsseriescollage.jpg" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AWHfXGnpmHe_BC76Zl7lgSLAMLkmAzoUazZ7hAcKYxCGsvIJU_cZlJ0tP85KYgZeop3ZIydS7bHxXm6qIdEDknEXOouFgZp5KiSUSuDDxUFJ6v2QvrzE1LnK2fqIY-3Eh49jkSiDfhk/s1600/trayleft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AWHfXGnpmHe_BC76Zl7lgSLAMLkmAzoUazZ7hAcKYxCGsvIJU_cZlJ0tP85KYgZeop3ZIydS7bHxXm6qIdEDknEXOouFgZp5KiSUSuDDxUFJ6v2QvrzE1LnK2fqIY-3Eh49jkSiDfhk/s1600/trayleft.jpg" height="400" width="326" /></a></div>
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And she is sending me a package with beads in it so I can make jewelry and show off what I make!! I'll be sending her some, too. It's all a surprise, what's in the package. Sometimes surprises are good. I'm pretty sure this one will be.</div>
<br />Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-40558646118100770312014-03-04T02:06:00.003-06:002014-03-04T02:08:07.985-06:00I call 'em mandala style doodles.But Jeannie Havel (<a href="http://pcpolyzine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">pcPolyzine</a>) called them Balinese filigree with a twist. You say potato, I say potahto... I think what really makes me excited is that not only do I love making them and love how they turned out, other people do, too!! What more could an artist ask for? And if - <i><b>if!! </b></i>- someone else is inspired in some way by what I've made, then <b>JOY!! </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7fsqu6y_VRu22r2q0UkdCO8Qkd6PWMhPasOWzOa2O27xir0SV7ZQSjJsFAsEN05s_01zE4mv4bEf9mZ8NFbQjEstTUVRm7WbSKlbURXaSMU4lpFpsaTg6KinsTLqa3YzvzAcnWA_kHk/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7fsqu6y_VRu22r2q0UkdCO8Qkd6PWMhPasOWzOa2O27xir0SV7ZQSjJsFAsEN05s_01zE4mv4bEf9mZ8NFbQjEstTUVRm7WbSKlbURXaSMU4lpFpsaTg6KinsTLqa3YzvzAcnWA_kHk/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearts side one</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kOYikoEV9RJmECpKdifqNDTtyF_MPvGZfouUSVhRfs_-UX9ZRhsaCk-Jb_McsF7SJ8kWeNqxKpO2Sc94vGwWzUUJpfKyAceiu7jc0bmV8u7TG8YgosBmBBaQMZNYYK8DSORxz4QOGro/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kOYikoEV9RJmECpKdifqNDTtyF_MPvGZfouUSVhRfs_-UX9ZRhsaCk-Jb_McsF7SJ8kWeNqxKpO2Sc94vGwWzUUJpfKyAceiu7jc0bmV8u7TG8YgosBmBBaQMZNYYK8DSORxz4QOGro/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearts side two</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtoh4mNy20ktqpLsyY4z-bL3FJ4x4zfWYrzSIeOah0PI0-XxU3cn47cIq24rYKFm3BRXbzNzXsjQhcwLR4CNfnRd5VG2joF2sDCm3IZd6MT5_NbmfJe6fVF5EWuWs5I8KXwXJh9HqSlo/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtoh4mNy20ktqpLsyY4z-bL3FJ4x4zfWYrzSIeOah0PI0-XxU3cn47cIq24rYKFm3BRXbzNzXsjQhcwLR4CNfnRd5VG2joF2sDCm3IZd6MT5_NbmfJe6fVF5EWuWs5I8KXwXJh9HqSlo/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat-backed cabs</td></tr>
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Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-51443837350884805542014-02-11T21:19:00.000-06:002014-02-11T21:21:00.798-06:00Clay Doodling away<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-ky-cqzGU5h5qhvMss56umR6f3RuLmGctNRiWHEgWIc6DPVNxbn3WvqHZ49dmOkIt4ykSQzrc_0TCze_4oAZ8V10NAK6hi45PReRmAvWleqrx93v7zYnkvW5OPitjQIC_Ju-YOBJHCY/s1600/colorfulinchies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-ky-cqzGU5h5qhvMss56umR6f3RuLmGctNRiWHEgWIc6DPVNxbn3WvqHZ49dmOkIt4ykSQzrc_0TCze_4oAZ8V10NAK6hi45PReRmAvWleqrx93v7zYnkvW5OPitjQIC_Ju-YOBJHCY/s1600/colorfulinchies1.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First inch swap doodle</td></tr>
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Yes, I've been doodling with clay. It started when I was making inchies for a swap. I used cane slices and sculpted bits and pieces. I also had fun with mica powders.</div>
Then, for my second swap, I did one inchie set with the cane slice mix, and one with just sculpted components, and of course the mica powders (they are addictive).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsIflM6nuixjC98jieHPNyptl0VfDPw6aQ8HZ8Jh08H79xa4galYHEDcUAalBhuD0HNGMm4OKpY5PgSLMmgh5pfsp1-vqZvcLQfSxjEqO-VqieNS87O6xZIpy8uPTEWo89mexb3ZUAXI/s1600/Jael2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsIflM6nuixjC98jieHPNyptl0VfDPw6aQ8HZ8Jh08H79xa4galYHEDcUAalBhuD0HNGMm4OKpY5PgSLMmgh5pfsp1-vqZvcLQfSxjEqO-VqieNS87O6xZIpy8uPTEWo89mexb3ZUAXI/s1600/Jael2.JPG" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second inchie swap doodle (with cane slices)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM0mUDMBL_H_ojURzKvNYicren_8aPDMrp8kqzWcGOMOboz_hyiXXDlnGvawxPd7XLGLqH0rcGvouRfTQ1-1MpET4ufOd3M8dnM5Jd_37r_gSX-NJlwwZ-cFIl5cr9IfiA0g5ppLVyQs/s1600/Jael1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM0mUDMBL_H_ojURzKvNYicren_8aPDMrp8kqzWcGOMOboz_hyiXXDlnGvawxPd7XLGLqH0rcGvouRfTQ1-1MpET4ufOd3M8dnM5Jd_37r_gSX-NJlwwZ-cFIl5cr9IfiA0g5ppLVyQs/s1600/Jael1.JPG" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second inchie swap doodle (sculpted)</td></tr>
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From there, I just went crazy. The following photo is a doodle created on a 4x6 inch ceramic tile. I'll probably mount it and frame it for my own enjoyment.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-Btvw-asamjDpxqXNxjDf4qtALg2_3qcbs5cgNttmP2xr4CvZaCMj9G7B8m1LEXtmNi6u8dfSiI61teUsGQNxmpzSBV3Cvw8Tti3XHg2G7c5LZHhYiosCEIUzdiwXvDDSXj8YBAvOy0/s1600/claydoodlefrontorig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-Btvw-asamjDpxqXNxjDf4qtALg2_3qcbs5cgNttmP2xr4CvZaCMj9G7B8m1LEXtmNi6u8dfSiI61teUsGQNxmpzSBV3Cvw8Tti3XHg2G7c5LZHhYiosCEIUzdiwXvDDSXj8YBAvOy0/s1600/claydoodlefrontorig.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">larger doodle 4x6 inch</td></tr>
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Then came cabochons... And after that, pendants created in store-bought metal bezels. I never would have guessed that sculpting would be so much fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGUqCvUx81rLjGR5FSDmbjtBja8N352T1cbZ9_EtsZHQnIaiu3EN-pJuxMHhYlMkEwaJWuPgk3pgcXe98oiQk8yzmo1xhgBYaefF7XhP22LcLKN3zfs9C8B1bEaqQirwPVVzleAc8cEo/s1600/3cabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGUqCvUx81rLjGR5FSDmbjtBja8N352T1cbZ9_EtsZHQnIaiu3EN-pJuxMHhYlMkEwaJWuPgk3pgcXe98oiQk8yzmo1xhgBYaefF7XhP22LcLKN3zfs9C8B1bEaqQirwPVVzleAc8cEo/s1600/3cabs.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cabochon doodles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPpkh_nOhK7tkgv8XzIXeJ9jsnjHSyWjoKQRuQOhCwj7Fg9nhpfTLlYNFNVH3xVNjnbQI7I8kHAz-3aPZlq0BextgEB5ehJ6LJPHiDxZfzfqXYQRlvlZc2eFiV0KR4yMLrB6oMcMVPvg/s1600/pendantdoodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPpkh_nOhK7tkgv8XzIXeJ9jsnjHSyWjoKQRuQOhCwj7Fg9nhpfTLlYNFNVH3xVNjnbQI7I8kHAz-3aPZlq0BextgEB5ehJ6LJPHiDxZfzfqXYQRlvlZc2eFiV0KR4yMLrB6oMcMVPvg/s1600/pendantdoodles.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bezel doodles</td></tr>
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<br />Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-931631545885948952013-11-04T20:37:00.000-06:002013-11-04T20:41:48.801-06:00"The Rose" Urn/Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGZ-9M8JRWnqansG8RZDjAv_KUJSFtcjEzb8pOGoE9lG20bpn8ORvfhC5o6sm7Rk_QwPlHQVpSeLlegfw8muBLjV2f2tDiL69QqrsLSHWsqYoarr20uyA2Nwiw-1v2ErGSYre5BJTKVY/s1600/Urn+side2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGZ-9M8JRWnqansG8RZDjAv_KUJSFtcjEzb8pOGoE9lG20bpn8ORvfhC5o6sm7Rk_QwPlHQVpSeLlegfw8muBLjV2f2tDiL69QqrsLSHWsqYoarr20uyA2Nwiw-1v2ErGSYre5BJTKVY/s320/Urn+side2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here is the final, finished box for my mom's ashes. Needless to say, the transfer idea did not work out. It will reside in a columbarium at St. Paul's Cathedral in Peoria, IL. I suppose there might be those who think it's kind of silly to put work into something that will then be buried, but for me it was therapeutic. It gave me a chance to imagine what it would be like to create something for my mom one last time. I know she would have loved it, because she loved her children and was proud of their accomplishments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3QeFmSMulhEOvrNNXfc3TT7VfVG9Xub-45KCvY1yDTGTVAIZhcHYYE-H9q57bhPVrtI40Tz4ZJMlQ5imZcL_Q2NLtoJH159TGKX1zHDDsXQTNKbMB5dv1SNCjIVn3SJ9dFIak6Uu4w8/s1600/Urn+side3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3QeFmSMulhEOvrNNXfc3TT7VfVG9Xub-45KCvY1yDTGTVAIZhcHYYE-H9q57bhPVrtI40Tz4ZJMlQ5imZcL_Q2NLtoJH159TGKX1zHDDsXQTNKbMB5dv1SNCjIVn3SJ9dFIak6Uu4w8/s320/Urn+side3.jpg" width="320" /></a>I have a whimsical notion that some day in the distant future, an archeologist will find the box and have to work out the details of it: what it was made of and why. Perhaps I should laminate a photo of my mom along with the words to the song and place it in the box... Maybe her obituary, too. Make it a time capsule of sorts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG5cbwgIQlp6n6ZW6XbLvNQOLEKO7ylsxp_fgLKB3n-YnKRResl9Yy0WJwvYiDjhCKSobQOUYJl4vhdELhLqOZDOKeDjDhR68KhgIg0bKi7Gk0Y0JhzbM5yrR8gc6aUwuaXza2rnCfzQ/s1600/Urn+side4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG5cbwgIQlp6n6ZW6XbLvNQOLEKO7ylsxp_fgLKB3n-YnKRResl9Yy0WJwvYiDjhCKSobQOUYJl4vhdELhLqOZDOKeDjDhR68KhgIg0bKi7Gk0Y0JhzbM5yrR8gc6aUwuaXza2rnCfzQ/s320/Urn+side4.jpg" width="316" /></a>Next on the agenda: finishing the slide show for the memorial. One of my brothers and his wife have been working hard on getting some other presentations together, and arranging for a family dinner after the memorial.</div>
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Love.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRZlvcbW27kZY5xPzP9FygtILrbC9y1n_-gsZidHqt9YfKlpLHhxQJ4iZHZldj8SpC9CnyvEV2AzpvxjaeITfKA8rTGaJvlcEJwodnQZdZbTRceWVNW4m7lahuzxti651S_zLy3JuEp0/s1600/Urn+side+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRZlvcbW27kZY5xPzP9FygtILrbC9y1n_-gsZidHqt9YfKlpLHhxQJ4iZHZldj8SpC9CnyvEV2AzpvxjaeITfKA8rTGaJvlcEJwodnQZdZbTRceWVNW4m7lahuzxti651S_zLy3JuEp0/s320/Urn+side+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-29568373500713191192013-10-11T23:36:00.000-05:002013-10-11T23:36:28.827-05:00AshesMy next project is to make a polymer clay box to go around the cardboard box my mom's ashes came in. I have never made a large box, and I'm pretty sure I could not make it sturdy enough to hold the ashes without the sturdy cardboard as a structure.<br />
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My plan is to make it very simple, and transfer the lyrics to <a href="http://www.amcbroom.com/rose.html" target="_blank">"The Rose" by Amanda McBroom</a>, which my mom wanted to be sung at her funeral, onto the top:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Some say love, it is a river</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">That drowns the tender reed</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Some say love, it is a razor</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">That leaves your soul to bleed</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Some say love, it is a hunger</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">An endless aching need</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I say love, it is a flower</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And you, its only seed</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /><br />It's the heart, afraid of breaking<br />That never learns to dance<br />It's the dream, afraid of waking<br />That never takes the chance<br />It's the one who won't be taken<br />Who cannot seem to give<br />And the soul, afraid of dying<br />That never learns to live<br /><br />When the night has been too lonely<br />And the road has been too long<br />And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong<br />Just remember in the winter<br />Far beneath the bitter snow<br />Lies the seed<br />That with the sun's love, in the spring<br />Becomes the rose</span></blockquote>
Transfers are another thing I am not proficient at, so I'm thinking I'll need to go to a copy shop and have a lazer print made... or, if I can find my t-shirt transfer paper in the mess downstairs, I'll use my ink-jet printer. If it works, I may transfer a photo of her as well.<br />
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The box will be going into a columbarium in St. Paul's Cathedral in Peoria, IL.Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-81902110890630214002013-10-08T21:21:00.000-05:002013-10-08T21:21:07.501-05:00Inchies Swap!In August I participated in a polymer clay inchie swap. What is an inchie? Well, it's kind of like a little bitty artist trading card (ATC) which can be made of just about anything as long as it's one inch by one inch. You'd be surprised what can be fit into a little square inch of space!<br />
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The results from this swap are in <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/100122588237252936117/albums/5921512524907352225" target="_blank">an album that Tonja Lenderman (the swap host) assembled.</a>
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Here are the inchies I made:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIFOaLzAHxWsQQprjqswtm8s5CaHO-95DBwbzKm8mTpJffRDv-BpwjBYH3aVht1FE8yuwmgMXBMQXbAse5jUxxd6ue4QjtWWKdpiE5Xyhdy4tPuqLNxyzH1me9wmvSw9mU1nYGZi6eGI/s1600/atthebeach+inchie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIFOaLzAHxWsQQprjqswtm8s5CaHO-95DBwbzKm8mTpJffRDv-BpwjBYH3aVht1FE8yuwmgMXBMQXbAse5jUxxd6ue4QjtWWKdpiE5Xyhdy4tPuqLNxyzH1me9wmvSw9mU1nYGZi6eGI/s320/atthebeach+inchie2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"At the beach"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftH_CY9i2cEnbDOeA37r5MayxoYNxyyLCcdxRyhv_4GQ7uRoGq3Ek4w6Lx1YjqeJHTgqE5oM7AVc44jHp3ALj7gNS09KLEBMnQ8pjfxfxqT2afHZpv1g5RDix3NPIloDDkZqU_chdSU8/s1600/flowerfaceinchie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftH_CY9i2cEnbDOeA37r5MayxoYNxyyLCcdxRyhv_4GQ7uRoGq3Ek4w6Lx1YjqeJHTgqE5oM7AVc44jHp3ALj7gNS09KLEBMnQ8pjfxfxqT2afHZpv1g5RDix3NPIloDDkZqU_chdSU8/s320/flowerfaceinchie1.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Face</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GZfEGNf7ag632dnDbjuc3qZ-xiIJQxSHIWuTbPMVbTMNST99VZLC8axxTfAvq2cngEkKvPNEQXrp2qG4E2jDzBr5ZrAOBceqyUl0e2ALQJCi6yjR7d6fd1gSPQbo-trqHkK3GqMtanM/s1600/colorfulinchies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GZfEGNf7ag632dnDbjuc3qZ-xiIJQxSHIWuTbPMVbTMNST99VZLC8axxTfAvq2cngEkKvPNEQXrp2qG4E2jDzBr5ZrAOBceqyUl0e2ALQJCi6yjR7d6fd1gSPQbo-trqHkK3GqMtanM/s320/colorfulinchies2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful Doodles</td></tr>
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And here is what I received (36 inchies, 3 of them my own)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGleNCnuYbSEgjznUMhwBgPAm8GmxYb4Lg_5pz7IV4S7gu0ULdkCsXwSEUdNeOn2R2cCajgMTkO7kiHdYRscstlpl1ZSDhpchNZimEsHw0TRUI3-AI781FfiyCwLCQfxi0r00pfwhmv2s/s1600/inchiesnumbered_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGleNCnuYbSEgjznUMhwBgPAm8GmxYb4Lg_5pz7IV4S7gu0ULdkCsXwSEUdNeOn2R2cCajgMTkO7kiHdYRscstlpl1ZSDhpchNZimEsHw0TRUI3-AI781FfiyCwLCQfxi0r00pfwhmv2s/s400/inchiesnumbered_edited-1.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Alenka 2 Amanda 31 Aniko 4 Arlene 7, 15 Betty Jo 26, 34 Byrd 32 Chris 27 Christine 10 Consuelo 5 Diana 20 Donna 22 Elsie 9 Eva 30 Evelyn Charlene 33 Heather 11, 14, 28 Jael 6, 12, 18 Janet 13 Jasmina 16, 35 Kathryn 17 Kimba 3 Linda 1, 8, 23 Lynne 23 Maria 36 Patti 19 Rosanna 29 Tonja 24, 21</span></span><span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="fcg" style="color: #898f9c;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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I'm hosting an inchies swap that will end on November 30, which is full, and one that will end sometime at the end of January or beginning of February. Should be a lot of fun. Do you like inchies?</div>
Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-8934065739249843252013-10-07T22:51:00.001-05:002013-10-07T22:55:21.165-05:00The Storage UnitToday was a rough day. My brother has the week off, so he and his wife offered to help dad and I clear out my parents' storage unit. My brother borrowed a trailer from their son, and we went at it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFyoRZGSr-0IXvZFXE2aMNHMZmVybMMcqsCLkW5Szhzkh4sA8LrjAmECmwntmvE5TlF5MYDQdXvV5MTClo-fk0DcWOoPOKOwMQJekKI45HgPpyr5wcyH6sNwNv_dvzRzPv9lqhIYJLew/s1600/denisthemenacehoarding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFyoRZGSr-0IXvZFXE2aMNHMZmVybMMcqsCLkW5Szhzkh4sA8LrjAmECmwntmvE5TlF5MYDQdXvV5MTClo-fk0DcWOoPOKOwMQJekKI45HgPpyr5wcyH6sNwNv_dvzRzPv9lqhIYJLew/s320/denisthemenacehoarding.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
I'm a hoarder by nature. I can see potential in things that other people might see as trash. I'm not so bad that I save old wrappers or food or moth-eaten sweaters (okay, I can still see potential in moth eaten sweaters....) but it can take me a very long time to clear out a space because I tend to want to make the most of what I'm looking through, and not send useful items to the dump/landfill. I come by this trait genetically. My dad has the same tendencies.<br />
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My sister in law is... not a hoarder. She gets going on a job and moves right through it. Dish chipped? Trash. Dirty? Trash. Not used in a long time? Donate. A box you haven't looked at in years? (It makes me panic not to open that box and look into it) So she and my brother are the perfect people for this job. They are "git 'er done!" people. I appreciate them. People like me need people like them.<br />
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The thing is, we were going through what's left of my parents' household items. Mom's clothes. Linens. Knick-knacks. Tons of collector's plates (mom believed the hype that they would only increase in value over the years... unfortunately I've seen collector plates in Goodwill for $5-10) some of which my father didn't even know mom purchased. China - some painted, some partially painted, lots of it unpainted - that mom was working on when she started to go downhill. There is a lot of emotional baggage when you are sorting through this kind of detritus. Part of me wants to hold on to it forever, the other part wants to let go.<br />
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Did I mention the mice? Yeah, the mice found the storage unit quite cozy and comfortable. Some things had to be tossed, because you can never ever get mouse smell out of stuff.<br />
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In the end, we got an unbelievable amount of stuff sorted, tossed and donated. At the end of the day, however, I found myself sobbing uncontrollably. My mother really is dead. I will never see her wear those clothes or paint that china. That mom has been leaving us for a long time, but now that she is really and truly dead, gone in every sense of the word, cleaning out the storage unit makes it final.<br />
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So hard to let go. Go forward.Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-14851268006362102342013-10-04T23:39:00.001-05:002013-10-04T23:39:26.804-05:00Mom. I'll love you forever.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD-PscWaErJ3oagWLd1430w_Ot9BH268FvBQjnAVh2PJUD9fPIvFptf5dehtzvOir9P1jQ4zG9bD5chozTycSI972118WqW0BJ59jtxoqd5GKr9w2jk2X77aDUCLlysBFMw8_qaNObPo/s1600/card+for+hearts_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD-PscWaErJ3oagWLd1430w_Ot9BH268FvBQjnAVh2PJUD9fPIvFptf5dehtzvOir9P1jQ4zG9bD5chozTycSI972118WqW0BJ59jtxoqd5GKr9w2jk2X77aDUCLlysBFMw8_qaNObPo/s320/card+for+hearts_edited-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart Insert</td></tr>
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Last Saturday, my mother passed away. She had a long, slow disease called dementia. It's a terrible disease that takes a person away in pieces. I took care of her for almost 3 years, but she spent the last 2 years in a very good nursing home, with caring nurses and nurse's aides. They did not have an easy job - mom was combative, anxious, angry and frightened. I wanted to do something to express my gratitude to her caregivers.<br />
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So I made polymer clay hearts, of course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn33xt-ukINAtEnyzrk6nulVURI_HOXTfuPmQ3PlSb0pTWyyXuiAraNE1jJs4_ZwzThiqPgFwphgGm4HN-ama8J2sRvujLFCy_9djHwgwJeN1TT-1oxtiM-ruRUJFGuKpYQnOyZajvjI/s1600/heartsfornursinghome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn33xt-ukINAtEnyzrk6nulVURI_HOXTfuPmQ3PlSb0pTWyyXuiAraNE1jJs4_ZwzThiqPgFwphgGm4HN-ama8J2sRvujLFCy_9djHwgwJeN1TT-1oxtiM-ruRUJFGuKpYQnOyZajvjI/s400/heartsfornursinghome.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank-you hearts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAENp0A2Rta_beDS4KrNTUjYn3bcHEXW7S_bZy0v24I_BID2D11zqZi2sz1oQXyLu8Hp8_kjgqGn7Wa70647h86s6MwIYWaRHFFCudzd1CaFIgDvf1-NtKM3DjG-QfRtzz1cJyrQbj9Mw/s1600/momhappy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAENp0A2Rta_beDS4KrNTUjYn3bcHEXW7S_bZy0v24I_BID2D11zqZi2sz1oQXyLu8Hp8_kjgqGn7Wa70647h86s6MwIYWaRHFFCudzd1CaFIgDvf1-NtKM3DjG-QfRtzz1cJyrQbj9Mw/s320/momhappy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther Cronk, circa 1970?</td></tr>
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This is how I like to remember her. This photo is from when she was in her 40's. She looks so happy. This is the picture I'm keeping in my head forever. I love you mom.<br />
<a href="http://www.renner-wikoffchapel.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2265276&fh_id=10562#.Uk-VfU1W6NQ.blogger">Obituary For: Esther R. Cronk | Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory</a><br />
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Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618297157465267684.post-50028611987256146622013-05-23T00:22:00.000-05:002013-05-23T00:22:00.674-05:00Flickr WOES (whoa, flickr!!!)Flickr rolled out a brand-spanking-new layout on Monday. And boy oh boy has it not been a welcome change. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/help/forum/en-us/72157633547442506/">The forum for feedback on the new design</a> has been flooded with unhappy customers. I have a feeling that these changes will not be going away any time soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFY2WpYlG1DyRQVZVckSALYBfKM3O2kO4Kdr0yBEiV4K0YzWOqBaKJBFZldM_0fyFdNboQEkzw3JGZqbYK0PARQIHP3ei1GIkloF6v1BIOvpwCIf2laXG7PlFeRnFfcfjU3cjyAfMkuY/s1600/newflickr.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFY2WpYlG1DyRQVZVckSALYBfKM3O2kO4Kdr0yBEiV4K0YzWOqBaKJBFZldM_0fyFdNboQEkzw3JGZqbYK0PARQIHP3ei1GIkloF6v1BIOvpwCIf2laXG7PlFeRnFfcfjU3cjyAfMkuY/s320/newflickr.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
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In some ways, I like the new design. In fact, I like looking at my photostream. I like the new design until I need to navigate and actually use it. Then... well, I'm just as unhappy as the rest of the people responding on the forum.<br />
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Its cluttered. For those of us whose life is already a cluttered mess, this is an unwelcome addition. It's hard to find things and it's apparently a little buggy.<br />
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So, as I read through the forum (okay, just a couple of pages at the end - it's gone to over 180 pages) I found mention of a photo hosting site that looks very much like the old flickr: <a href="http://www.ipernity.com/" target="_blank">ipernity</a> and decided to check it out. It looks a lot like the old flickr, so <a href="http://www.ipernity.com/home/296953" target="_blank">I opened a free account</a>. Feel free to take a look. I have transferred some of my photos from flickr to see how it looks, and so far it's okay. If you try it out, let me know what you think.Jaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625285502273180913noreply@blogger.com0