Whirlwind weekend

Well, we are off to NC to finally have Christmas with my mom's side of the family. This was the first weekend we could fit it in.  And, I'm meeting a dear friend from TN along the way, for some serious girl time. So, I've been baking bread like crazy for my girlfriend and my mom.  And making a few last minute gifts.  Here is some extreme eye candy for you on your way to the weekend.  Oh, and my Margie and Me Challenge pics, since I won't have access to the computer for the weekend.
Blessings!
Shirley

Sweet little netted bracelet for my sis-in-law.

Looks like flowers with seeds, doesn't it?

 Colors of the Rainforest, from Margie & Me challenge.

 Twisted Herringbone in big honking 6's with little green 11's carried in the twist.

 This is also Margie and Me. The inspiration was a pic of Marcie's from her travels. I love how the blues, corals, and greens played off of each other.

 My 6 yr old niece requested some stretchy rings from her aunt. And of course I had to throw in a little necklace too.

Simple and fun for a kid to play with.

.Have bread, will travel.

 A lot of bread. Really.

I'm a Winner!

Oh. My. Word. I'm so excited!!! Jumping up and down excited. I just received an email from the awesome Karen Williams over at Skunk Hills Studio, that I have won a copy of her book, Freeform Peyote Beading.   I have been interested in freeform for a while, but haven't had the nerve to get started in it.
A few months ago, I entered a contest with the phenomenal Carol Dean Sharpe over at SandFibers, and won a gift certificate from her, which I promptly redeemed for the tutorial on her fabulous Blooming Bead.  That was such an intense project. I loved every minute of it.  After my 4th try (and ripping out) with size 11's, I emailed her and asked if she had ever made it with size 8's. She hadn't, but encouraged me to go for it.  It was much easier to learn odd count peyote when I could see where I was going. :)
As you can see, it's an irresistible pattern. The blue and yellow below is mine, the awesome turquoise and copper is Carol's. Hop on over to her etsy store and get yours!

And one last picture, because this was definitely a winner today....Oregano Parmesan Braided Loaf, and Garlic Knots. Can you say yum?

New and Old

Had an absolutely lovely time today. Got to see lots of old friends as we signed up for homeschool co-op classes. The kids were thrilled with fun classes like guitar, dance, and "Dangerous Things for Boys" You know my son is gonna have a blast with that one!

Then I come home to find an awesome giveaway on Lori Anderson's blog, Pretty Things. It is a fantastic metal stamp set from PJ Tools. I have not had the opportunity to use metal stamps yet, so I would be over-the-top thrilled to win it! Check out the cool heart earrings she made with them.

Math & Beads

Ok, that's not really as weird as it sounds. There is quite a lot of math in beadwork. If I had suspected just how much, I may not have been so enthusiastic about jumping into jewelry.

I am extremely frustrated a lot of times, trying to see how to incorporate the math equation into a pattern. If you need an example, go see the awesome beaded beads over at GwenBeads. They will seriously blow your mind.

I have two boys, a 6th grader and a 3rd grader. As it worked out, I was working on new math lessons with both of them this morning. Since it is all new material for us both, I always watch the math video with the 6th grader. (He's working on decimals) As I suspected, he is breezing right through it. The third grade lesson was on multiplying double digits to double digits. I was mentally cringing inside, because my 5th grade daughter didn't like this lesson either. He kept pausing the video in frustration. So, I don't normally sit with them as they work the lesson, but that's what was needed today.

Have you ever just needed that extra hand? Today helped me to remember that no matter how young or old we are, sometimes it just gives you more confidence in yourself to have someone hang out with you while you learn. Even if it just for 5 minutes.

So, I will show you tomorrow what I am going to try today for the first time. There is so much to learn in beadweaving, and one of the things I have yet to do is a bezel. I have a beautiful stone that I'd like to use for the Margie and Me challenge. Here is the color palette:

Isn't it beautiful? Wish me luck, and I'll show you the results tomorrow!

Beads & Bread!

Weird title, huh? Well, youknow, I'm a multi-talented kinda girl. I've been having a blast, making lots of bread with my new dough mixer. There's nothing like the smell of fresh bread!

I'm also ultra excited to announce my partner for the Bead Soup Party is....Tara Plote of "The Newbie Beader's Blog. She is mainly a stringer, while I'm mainly a beadweaver. So, it should be interesting what we come up with!!

I'm also working on a Margie and Me challenge with Marcie over at LaBellaJoya. I have had so much fun participating in her challenges. We'll have the reveal on the 28th, but until then, here's a sneak peek of the project for this month.

And yes, I know the title of the post said "bread" so here's some pics of yumminess!

Excited beyond belief!

Ok, I just have no words to describe how excited I am! Why, you ask? Because excitement feeds on other excitement! I've just finished reading Lori Anderson's post about the Bead Soup Party that I am participating in for the first time. Making jewelry is a hobby for me at this point, but I am thrilled it is something God has put into my life to enrich me and others. Like most women, I love shiny, pretty things. I am constantly amazed as I work a pattern, at the beauty of the beads and colors that shine forth. I feel so blessed to be able to play with such cool stuff! Who needs to be a kid again, when you can have this much fun!

Seriously, I am praying that this post touches your heart; not really about beads, but about enjoying the wonder and excitement that God provides for His children. For you, it may be hanging out with the grandkids. It might be a cup of herbal tea and a good book. It might be jogging on the beach with your dog. Whatever it is, just feel the love of our Lord.....and smile.

Blessings,

Shirley