Beadaholic

Doggy Treats

2012-02-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

from the kitchen of my dear friend Helju, and heartily approved by my two pups! You can visit her Etsy shop through this link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WelcomeWaggin?ref=seller_info

Wind damage, Tugs escape and return in style....

2012-01-30T00:19:00.000-08:00

after he figured out that the tree that fell from one end of the fenced back yard to the other did damage the gate and leave an opening for someone to have an adventure early Saturday morning...

Snow inspired changes...

2012-01-30T00:10:00.000-08:00

to a white background for my jewelry!

Snow, at last!

2012-01-30T00:06:00.000-08:00

We finally got some winter weather here in Seattle, it was the perfect snow....

Bazaar...

2011-12-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

Just up the street at Oak Heights Elementary School on Saturday, gosh lots of work for not as much return as I'd hoped, but it is good to be out there to see what people like, and awfully good to meet some wonderful people, including my neighbor Lindsay who sells delightful and useful baby and children's items, also online at: www.facebook.com/lipglossandlittleladies --check her shop out!

Down time on Turkey Day..

2011-11-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

leads to walking the dogs in the pouring down rain (Chelsea loves to chase a ball regardless of conditions, Tug is a little smarter), building this little cutie bird's nest, and knitting a scarf with this amazing yarn.....

Vintage Rhinestone Earrings

2011-11-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

Love these amazing vintage rhinestones! Here are a couple pair of earrings I made. Wouldn't these be great for this time of year?

Tweet!

2011-11-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

and oh, so wearable!

The Wedding

2011-11-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

My nephew's wedding was wonderful, my photo's awful. The reception was at the amazing Hotel Deca in the University District, and this was one photo that turned out okay of the amazing chandelier above our heads. Note to self: use a flash...

Earrings for my sister!

2011-11-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

My nephew is getting married tomorrow and I built these earrings for my sister Heidi!

Bird Nest Necklace is baaacckkk!

2011-11-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

I'm ready to build some of these little cuties again, here's the latest!

more autumn

2011-11-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, Autumn....

2011-11-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

Featured on the Front Page of Craftsy!

2011-09-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

My Italian Onyx necklace was featured on the front page of Craftsy this past week-woo hoo!! It is a fun site with lots of tutorials for a variety of crafts, check it out at: http://www.craftsy.com/

Another pretty picture....

2011-08-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

with my not quite so fancy Canon..but great light....

More Onyx..

2011-08-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

I thought this photo was rather amazing.....my old workhorse Canon died and I am left with one that doesn't have as many whistles and bells but sometimes the light still cooperates!

Sometimes the light.........

2011-07-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

helps to create amazing photos...

Nicole's Wedding

2011-07-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a piece I created for the very beautiful bride Nicole, it was unlike anything I had created before and finished front and back...

Keishi Pearls and Black Onyx Necklace

2011-07-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'm trying out different backgrounds again on my Etsy site and this one really popped against the dark shell background I used to use.

Roses

2011-07-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

Tiny Bird's Nest Necklace

2011-07-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

One of my signature pieces, this time in oxidized sterling silver on that cool saturn sterling silver chain...

Keishi Pearl Cluster Necklace

2011-07-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

This necklace is the result of a request from a customer that sent me off on this lovely tangent....

Thanks, Annie!

Baby Shoes!

2011-07-12T00:41:00.000-07:00

My project this weekend was two pairs of baby shoes for a dear new mom to be at work, and I was tickled with how they turned out....hmmm, what other fabric can I make them out of? I used a pattern from Precious Patterns on Etsy, here's a link to her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/preciouspatterns

Hair combs

2011-07-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

I love wire wrapping anything to anything apparently...watch out!

A new favorite

2010-08-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

Love how this turned out!

Perfect for our Weather

2010-05-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

and a necessary addition to one's wardrobe this weekend...

Rainy Day Remedy

2010-05-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

It's a wet and rainy and downright cold Memorial Day weekend here in Seattle, so here is my remedy: an oh so bright and cheerful beaded necklace!

Sweet Petite Leaf Necklace

2010-03-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

I love how this necklace turned out, and I love how the evening sky reflected on the plate I was using underneath the necklace for the photograph....

Flower Top Necklace

2010-03-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

Here's the piece that made it to the front page!

Sunshine!

2010-03-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

These are a little different direction for me but I couldn't resist when I saw these beads....as usual.....hmmmm

I'm baaaccckkkk....!

2010-01-24T21:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, I feel like I am not the only one abandoning their blog in the midst of the busy holidays and awesome sales on Etsy in the month of December! But life has calmed down a bit so I am back to post one of my latest pieces...

Sparrow's Return to the Bird's Nest Brass Necklace

2009-10-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Ohh, I love how this turned out!

Issaquah Salmon Days

2009-10-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

If I'm a beadaholic my husband is certainly a fishaholic, so the Issaquah Salmon Days are a perfect festival for us to attend. There are lots of lovelies for me to look at and he can stare at those fish ladders for hours. One booth we both fell in love with was Clark Mundy's Copper Salmon stall. His work is amazing, his website is http://www.coppersalmon.com/, and here is a photo of his booth with his lovely wife, and a work in progress.

Gold Filled Nest

2009-10-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I 've used gold filled wire for one of my nests. The wire was lovely to work with, but the nests use so much wire this version is pricey! However, this one flew the coop this last week, the day I had to items on the front page of Etsy at different times-wow, what a rush that was. Interestingly, a lovely Etsian from the east coast bought it, and when I peeked at her shop one of her two photos she had listed was a lighthouse from the state I live in, Washington. Here 's a link to her site: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=8010516

Amazing Swaroski Rivolis and Pearls

2009-09-22T19:57:00.001-07:00

this is so lovely....

and another...

2009-09-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

this time a necklace with a brass cross I've had for years, utilizing the turquoise colored magnesite beads with the striations that are picked up by the brass beautifully!

Two more creations....

2009-09-14T20:04:00.001-07:00

that were the result of the Northwest Bead Society show....very seasonal now that fall approaches...

Pink Blush Earrings

2009-09-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, the Northwest Bead Society had a show at a location waaayyy too close to home, and unfortunately (or fortunately) I was only able to attend one day....here is the first result of some of my purchases...

Langley!

2009-08-31T22:14:00.001-07:00

Sister Weekend

2009-08-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

in Langley on Whidbey Island, at the wonderful BoatYard Inn...and a very good time was had by all...

Nestaholicism

2009-08-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

strikes again! This one seems to be pretty popular....

A fun custom order for a brooch!

2009-08-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased with how this one turned out--and Cecilia has given me permission to make more and use her name.....stay tuned!

New props, new earrings....

2009-08-17T20:51:00.003-07:00

I started using a different background, what do you think?

Well, for those of you who know me well....

2009-08-11T18:52:00.001-07:00

the perfect necklace!

New Earrings...

2009-08-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

I love these new earrings--the matte silver and white pearls glow!

A couple of days at the coast.....

2009-07-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

to help celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. We took along both dogs, and my poor car will never be the same again, what with the sand and the drool....but a very good time was had by all!

Fireworks

2009-07-05T23:42:00.000-07:00

one more spectacular show from last night:

4th of July 2009

2009-07-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful 4th of July, spent with friends in Kingston at the end of the dock. We went over twice, the first time in a borrowed Donzi which is able to hit 60 mph...and almost did. We made it there in under 15 minutes and the second time we went via the ferry which took about a half hour. The weather was amazing, hitting at least the mid 80's. A very good time was had by all, thanks everyone!!

Tug's been here.....

2009-07-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

As evidenced by the lack of appendages on this ball that appears a bit more intact a few photos down.

Chelsea really doesn't care as long as you can still throw it for her...

Undersea Starfish Necklace

2009-06-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

Perfect for the coast....

New Rose

2009-06-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

Emery's, the nursery near us, is having a 30% off sale and I couldn't resist this rose:

Meanwhile,

2009-06-26T23:13:00.000-07:00

miss Chelsea is a bit puzzled why anyone would want to add some competition into the mix, and is trying to do her best to be cute!

Meet "TUG"!

2009-06-26T23:05:00.000-07:00

We've decided to name the new pup "Tug" (thanks, Heidi!) it suits him perfectly since he almost pulls you over while you're attempting to walk him , plus we wanted something nautical;)....his main vice is very sharp teeth which he wields well while performing appendage-ectomys on all of Chelsea's toys...

Peacock Pearls

2009-06-25T23:10:00.001-07:00

and an oxidized cross, along with a Swarovksi Baroque Crystal comprise my new favorite necklace....

Chelsea...

2009-06-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

thinks we're crazy, and notes that he doesn't like to chase things as much as she does....

New dog...

2009-06-21T07:40:00.001-07:00

We "adopted" a beautiful male chocolate lab yesterday from friends upon who's doorstep he showed up a couple of weeks ago. After searching for his owner, and determining he didn't have a microchip they decided to find a good home for him. He's mellow, and big, and Chelsea thinks he's okay too as long as there isn't any food involved...any suggestions on names?

Sunshine in an Earring....

2009-06-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

These Swarovski crystals have a special finish on them that makes them glow--what a nice addition to one's earlobes!

Silk Ribbon Bracelet

2009-06-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

I got these luscious hand dyed silk ribbons, and made this bracelet with them....

Wave, a Natural Apatite Silver Ring

2009-06-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased with the way this turned out--it's so organic!!

Knotty, knotty, knotty.....

2009-06-08T22:56:00.001-07:00

I've started making knotted necklaces again--hah, did I fool you? Sorry these are only pretty, not sexy....

Today's Creations!

2009-06-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

It's really, really nice weather outside and all I want to do is create more jewelry....so sad....but here they are!!

Radiant Ribbons...and Bird's Nests...

2009-06-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

I got an assortment of hand dyed ribbons in and have enjoyed dangling bird's nests from them--here's a particulary colorful one!

Sumptuous crystals.....

2009-05-25T00:33:00.001-07:00

I found these amazing rock crystals at Fusionbeads in Seattle--and just had to have them....

Lovely Leaf

2009-05-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, I love those little "a hah" moments when you remember something you already have that would be perfect--like this faceted green amethyst that matched the ribbon perfectly on this new necklace...and three sets of photos later I was satisfied...

Perfect Sunday

2009-05-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

Take a day with perfect weather, mix with one happy dog too tired to keep chasing a very slimey ball, gorgeous flowers in bloom, and some creating accomplished...doesn't get much better than this!

Nestaholic

2009-05-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

It's so true, can't stop making them, and I am especially charmed by these little feather additions....

Oxidized Bird's Nest Necklace

2009-05-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest version of the bird's nest necklace..

Shrimp

2009-05-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

We went shrimping today, and of course the weather really didn't cooperate, and then there was the little issue of getting the line (rocket proof!!) caught in the prop right after the first toss of the trap and floats...but my hubby probably wouldn't like me mentioning this to the world so you didn't hear it here....

but I should mention he cleans them, and then cooks them....I am one lucky duck!

Latest little nest ring...

2009-05-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

This one is a size 7.5, and much fun to make. We are going out for opening of shrimping today, I'm going to see if I can make nests while afloat...stay tuned!

Spring!

2009-05-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

It was a glorious day in the Pacific Northwest today--too bad today wasn't opening day of boating season and shrimping as the weather is supposed to change tomorrow. Here are a few photos I took in my yard today. I did some pruning afterwards and I am having a little trouble using my arms for anything away from my body---

Nested Turquoise Ring

2009-04-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well, at least I've branched out (ha, ha, get it?!?) a bit with this ring and used a piece of turquoise, with no resemblance to eggs whatsoever......

Yes, more nests......

2009-04-29T09:58:00.001-07:00

but the wonderful news is my latest is being featured in the "Woodland and Feathers" gift guide on Etsy, and it spent a day cycling to the front page! I sold three items when it first hit, and have gotten well over 200 hits on it since it was listed there. I liked this photo so much it became my avatar too. There's nothing better than getting those little notices of an Etsy transaction....here's the nest...

Long time since I last posted...

2009-04-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

It's been eons since I last posted--happily it's because I've been busy making little nests, and I finally got our taxes done--and we get a 30 dollar refund--woo hoo...

Here's my lastest offering, I found this cool rock to photograph things on...

New background color....

2009-03-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am changing my background on Etsy to this beautiful aqua blue, which is nice and light and bright for spring. I love the raku, but sometimes I felt like it was too much for the jewelry I had pictured on it. Here's a couple of new shots from today, let me know what you think!

Another bird's nest ring......

2009-03-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am nest obsessed....this little nest became a ring, this time made with silver non tarnish parawire and Swarovski pearls. They are amazingly sturdy, and comfortable!

Green Amethyst

2009-03-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

I bought some gorgeous prasiolite and aquamarine rondelles from Beadalicioussupplies on Etsy, and I was very impressed with the quality-that has not always been the case for me, photos sometimes are much more impressive than the actual product. Here are a couple of necklaces I put together using some of them.

Bird's Nest Ring

2009-03-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Ah, the continuing saga of these bird's nests....Wendy Gibson of Craft Dinner created a ring, so I just had to try my hand at it too, and here is my result. It is so cute, and comfortable too! I made it with 24 gauge half hard sterling wire that was already oxidized, and it seems very sturdy. Those bird's know something, now don't they!

Bird Catches Pearl Necklace

2009-03-19T22:41:00.001-07:00

Here's a little bird that could use a nest.....

Bird's Nest Obsession....

2009-03-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Okay, until I get some brass wire in the right size this should be the last of these little guys for a while...but I love how this turned out with the contrast from these perfect little pearls....

Copper Bird's Nest Necklace

2009-03-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

Well, couldn't resist making a bird's nest in copper, and I especially love how the photography gods smiled down on me for this one....

Bird's Nest Necklace

2009-03-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to make this after reading Cathe Holden's tutorial I stayed up past midnight to do so. I think it turned out great, and love how the silk ribbon sets it off! Here's her blog, and her shop is worth a visit too!

http://justsomethingimade.blogspot.com/2009/03/little-wire-bird-nests.html

Honey Drop Necklace

2009-02-25T17:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why I'm so drawn to yellow--I can't wear it, because I just turn yellow--but I love it anyhow, and hope someone will buy it and enjoy it for me!

Aventurine Knotted Necklace

2009-02-21T12:17:00.001-08:00

I find the process of knotting necklaces very soothing to the soul, and we can all use a little of that right now. It certainly is more time consuming than simply stringing, but I think there are some definite advantages to the finished necklace, such as wonderful drape. Here's my latest!

Crystal Clear Necklace

2009-02-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

I thought this necklace turned out beautifully! I love this saturn chain, and the rock crystal has a spectacular cut to it. I handforged the funky fine silver link. What a perfect gift!

Copper!

2009-02-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to make a custom necklace for a customer who hasn't liked anything I've come up with, so I'm selling them on Etsy! I think they turned out great, this is one of my favorite pieces so far. What do you think?

A little bit of sunshine necklace...

2009-02-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

This piece is intended to brighten your day--something we can all use in mass quantities these days......

Blood Drop Necklace

2009-01-28T16:51:00.000-08:00

I love this dichroic dewdrop, it has such depth and wondrous stuff going on....the Swarovski crystals accent it beautifully...

Magnesite Bracelet

2009-01-25T23:44:00.000-08:00

Oh, there are such wonderful colors in these gemstones.... and they made a beautiful bracelet!

Pearl and Crystal Necklace

2009-01-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

These shell pearls are beautiful--they have the weight of a real pearl, and they just glow. Oxidized sterling silver and gunmetal keep this necklace fresh!

Picasso Jasper Necklace

2009-01-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

This jasper is just gorgeous! I oxidized the sterling silver components so they wouldn't compete with the jasper, and love how this turned out!

Rays of Sunshine Necklace

2009-01-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

What a fun color combination this was to put together!

Caribbean Drop Necklace

2009-01-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

This necklace reminds me of warmer climates--though I shouldn't complain as we are experiencing brilliant sunshine here today...

Rustic Cross Necklace

2009-01-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

I love the colors in this necklace--and foggy overcast skies are the best for outdoor photography!

Beading again....

2009-01-15T22:58:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed finding just the right combination for this delightful pendant from Green Girl Studio....

Ohhh Necklace

2009-01-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

The grey in this necklace reminds me of the dark skies that brought the flooding to Washington, causing so much misery...

Snowy weather creations...

2008-12-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

Since we were homebound a bit more than usual I created a few new things--here's one of them!

Caught the light.....

2008-12-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

But one late afternoon while I was awaiting my ride home from work the sun was setting and I captured some pretty amazing shots....

here's one!

Snow....

2008-12-27T18:08:00.001-08:00

Well, the snow came and came and came and is finally now trying to depart-amazing! It was quite an interesting week, and I am ever so grateful we have a 4 wheel drive truck and someone who knows how to maneuver it in the snow! Thanks, Mike! It was a very quiet Christmas because of it...

Snow!

2008-12-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

We finally got some snow here, and it was so considerate of it to come on the weekend! I was able to get some really wonderful photos with it in the background of the beautiful new Swarovski pendant!

Turquoise and Smokey Quartz Earrings

2008-12-06T17:55:00.001-08:00

I love this color combination!