Spiral Fire Bead Notes

Luck and Ducks

2009-11-12T07:14:00.003-05:00

It's Duck weather today!! We have had a cold rain for the last few days and I have to admit it's starting to wear. I look forward to this weekend when it will clear up and the sun will return.

So am I ready for my show? HA HA. Working on it but I still have a ways to go. I have decided not to stress myself tooo much. I have alot to sell so I am not going to push myself to finish all the projects I have going. I probably have more than I can put out at one time so I think I'll be good. I am going for a mix of fun and low cost and handmade glass, funky and a little pricier. This is my first show in Warrenton so it will be interesting to see what goes. Fredericksburg was always a little conservative, Leesburg and Northern Va were a mix with a little more interested in the unique. It's always an adventure.

Wish me luck!!!

Beckie

Working away

2009-11-10T06:39:00.003-05:00

Still getting ready. The show is less than a week a way and I have been very busy trying to get everything finished up, tagged and ready to go. My idea for tags that didn't worked morphed into a very fun new tag thanks to Richards inspiration. I am interested to see if the different tags have any effect on sales. I have learned not to underestimate the power of packaging. Think about it. How many things have we bought simply beacause it was package cute, fun, interesting. Not that we didn't like the item but if the item alone just sat on a shelf would we pick it up?

Except for the small show at the Visual Arts Center, this is the first "real" craft show I have done in years. I am excited and a bit nervous. Richard was going to go and help me set up but now it looks as he will be camping with James so I am on my own. I have done them for years so all should be fine, it's just since my accident I am not the girl I used to be. I am so forgetful and I tend to bounce around like a pin ball trying to get things done. Once your at the show you can't run home to get something if you forgot. All good thoughts and prayer are welcome. :-)

Enjoy your Tuesday.

Beckie

2009-11-06T07:16:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday!!! I hope everyone is ready for the weekend.

Don't tell anyone, lest it changes but I have a blissfully unscheduled Saturday!! I don't have to get up early, I don't have to be anywhere, I don't have to do anything. Well, Ok I do have stuff to do. I need to work on getting ready for my show next weekend and the house always needs cleaning and I have to finish getting my fall decorations out but at least I can do it on my schedule. LOL

My original idea for new tags for earrings are not going to work, :::sniff:::sniff::: but I can use elements of the design to punch up my usual tags so it's not a total loss. I hope to have all my jewelry tagged and read this weekend, next week is going to be busy.

Tuesday I am going to a veiwing for Pammy. Pammy was someone who I knew and yet really had no way of knowing. Back in the 80's she was dumped from a mental institution and landed at a group home in Leesburg, Va. were my sister worked.

With downs syndrome and a variety of other health issues, my first introduction to Pammy was at a family dinner where she sat in a chair and screamed most of the time. With a hole in the top of her mouth her food had to be blended and usually ran out her nose when she was fed. With no one to speak for her my sister became Pammy's legal gaurdian. She saw something in Pammy that most people probably would not have taken the time to even look for.

It's amazing what time, love and care can accomplish. Over the years Pammy was able to hold a very simple job, would pick out her own clothes and when you tried to suggest a better match of clothes she would get very mad. She knew what she liked, and one thing she liked was her occasional glass of beer. When new staff came to the group home, Pammy would pretend to be helpless so they would wait on her hand and foot.

Pammy came to this earth to live a life in a body and brain the didn't work like everyone elses. We will never know all the challenges she faced everyday but if you took the time she was a person worth knowing and maybe that's a lesson for all of us. Some people are easier to know than others but we are all Heavenly Fathers children. There is value in each of us and sometimes you just need to take the time to find it.

Pammy passed away on Wednesday at 58 years old. she will leave a hole in many people hearts.

2009-11-04T22:00:00.002-05:00

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...ok maybe a cold day in the neighborhood. I am typing this wrapped in a blanket trying to keep warm. The body's not to cold but my hands are freezing. Why is that?

I spent a large part of this evening working on some new earring cards. I loved the design I came up with but :::sigh:::they are not going to work. I do not exactly understand the whole mechanics of design, why paper folded one way will support weight but not folded another way. It's a mystery but I am sad about my design.

I am trying to come up with more creative cards and jewelry tags. It is a true yet sometimes sad fact that how an item is packaged can have a huge impact on sales. I would love to think my jewelry would stand on it's own merit but I have discover, watching jewelry sales over the years that interesting packaging can boost sales of an item. Which has now given me an idea for cards to hold my lapel pins. So I am off to create some more.

Keep Warm.

Creative day

2009-11-03T06:12:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday Morning!!

I think it's going to be a creative day, I feel the juices flowing. I only have a few weeks left until my next craft show so I need to get busy. I have lots of jewelry made and several to finish up. I also have to work on the "unfun" side, pricing and tagging and working on displays. I am anxious to debut some of my new pieces. With the shop closed I don't have the opportunity to discuss current projects and share ideas on how to complete them. We used to joke about making jewelry by " committee". I have to tell you I really miss that.

A friend recently said that BeadL*Jewlz was like a barbershop. everyone hung out there to talk and relax. I like that image, we all need that kind of space in our lives.

Well I best be off, a tone of stuff to do this morning before I walk with Lissa.

Enjoy the day and keep warm. It's cold out there.

7 days?

2009-11-01T20:47:00.002-05:00

Yikes, my last post was exactly 7 days ago. Did anyone see this past week, cause it seems to have disappeared on me. It might not be so bad if I could say I did something mind-blowingly fantastic, but alas, cognitive therapy was the most exciting thing I did this past week.

Well I don't know if I blogged about this but a few weeks ago I created these pendants that I really loved. I have been so excited about how they came out, unfortunately I was really struggling with how to string them onto a necklace. Well Friday inspiration hit and I came up with an idea for one of the pendants. The beads and stitched elements I am using really set off the pendant. Why these eureka ideas always seem to require bead stitching is a mystery to me but it is creating a very beautiful necklace. Now hopefully someone else will be as thrilled as I am and want to buy it.

I am off, if all goes well and the planets alighn I will blog again tomorrow. Have a great evening.

Juggling belief?

2009-10-25T14:17:00.003-04:00

Ahh Sunday, a day of rest.... Well, kinda, sorta, maybe. I love the idea, a day of rest and reflection, a day to put aside chores and duties.
I really get the whole principle, belief, commandment behind it.
But, you knew there would be a but, how do you live it?
When you work full time, commuting two hours everyday and your Saturdays are full of household chores, cleaning, searching for the thousandth time for things you've lost, making time to play with your kids, catching up on all the undone stuff from the week, and needing to make beads and fused glass how do you rest and ignore all the things that STILL didn't get done.
Wow that is an amazing run on sentence.

Anyway as I ponder the ways I can make all this happen or should I say not happen on Sunday, I am day dreaming about beads. As I probably mentioned I have been in a bead funk lately. Nothing seems to be happening at the torch. I haven't even wanted to attempt it lately because it is soo depressing. So I am drawing ideas, thinking of things to do, trying to find ways to capture the beauty of fall in a bead. I see all these beautiful trees in glorious color as I drive down the road and I feel there must be some way to capture this amazing fall show in a bead. How do you miniaturize magnificence?

Perhaps a day of rest will clear my head and inspire my hands. LOL

I hope all of you are getting a chance to rest and reflect today.

Beckie

Walking Inspiration or I found the library

2009-10-21T06:46:00.003-04:00

Sooo, no I did not get near a bead yesterday, paperwork is still breeding more paperwork but I did fuse some glass last night.

It started with a walk and the library. Richard and I took a walk up to the Post Office to check his PO Box. As we strolled about town enjoying the beautiful evening and some time together we went by the library.

Now I have lived up here for a couple of years now and I have never been to the library, I actually have been very few places here in Warrenton. I still do most of my shopping etc. in Fredericksburg. We were going to keep walking when Richard asked if I wanted to go in. In we went and 4 books later I was very excited. Besides the newest Cat Who book, I picked up a church book, a really big cookbook and....A glass fusing book. It was the only bead/glass book I found. I'm hoping that means they were all checked out and not that they only have one.
Anyway, it did light a fire of inspiration. I came home, grabbed some glass and hit the kiln. I see a new creative path unfolding before me. I like the ideas I saw they sparked some creative ideas to explore.

I like unexpected inspiration, I like it when something hits and I can take off in new directions, I like to explore new paths. You just never know where you will go.

Beckie

Where's the bead?

2009-10-19T22:13:00.002-04:00

So what's with all this paperwork? My binder must be breeding papers for me to work on. Sheesh, I haven't been able to get near a bead all day.

I did get on the torch this weekend and made a luscious black and purple bead with a hint of green. I can't wait to see what I can do with it, I can't wait to see what beads I have to design with. Maybe tomorrow, if the paperwork orgy ends.

Tonight is a short post but it is late and my bed is calling.

Talk tomorrow.
Beckie, the perennially tired.

Wonderful Saturday

2009-10-17T19:33:00.002-04:00

The recipe for a wonderful Saturday, clean house. I know it sounds weird but I'm home so little that when I get the chance to get things under control I feel so much better.
Anyway back to my recipe.
Clean house.
Spend time with stepson and stepdaughter.
Talk to son on the phone.
Hear about homecoming plans from son and stepdaughter.
Talk to friends.
Watch Movies and eat very unhealthy but tasty foods.
Work on laundry while watching Meerkat movie.
Tease husband.
Blog while fixing dinner.
And add a little relaxation at the end of the day.

Yep combine all those ingredients and you get a great day. A day when you feel blessed for what you have.

Hope whatever was in your recipe today it combined to give you a great day too.

Beckie

Making lemonaide or the best laid plans...

2009-10-14T11:23:00.003-04:00

Ahhh, it all started out so well. Got up early, got stuff done around the house, showered blah, blah, blah, headed to the burg early to walk with Richard's Lissa when BAM the car goes haywire. OK that's an exaggeration but a seasonal problem, like my car overheats only in cold weather?!?, reared it's ugly head.

My Lisa thinks Roady, that's my vans name, is just going through menopause. It's mearly a hot flash.

Soo now I am at home, Roady, is off to the repair shop and I have this gift of a day. A day I can clean, work on jewelry, put pics of my jewelry on Etsy, work on a postcard to mail to prospective shops. WOW!!! I'm thinking if I write it all here maybe I will get more done. Like I now have witnesses.

That being said I better get going. I have alot to do and maybe a few people watching me.

Beckie

Tuesday into Wednesday

2009-10-13T23:22:00.004-04:00

Happy Tuesday!! Today was a mixed day of number crunching and creative pursuits. The numbers are still fighting me but I think I'm winning, at least I'm nearing the end of the war. One of the most surprising things was looking at my jewelry sales in the past few years. The economy took their tole but when I look at what I was doing just a few years ago it has really inspired me to get back to that level. The pursuit of my dream.

Tomorrow I am hoping to hit the bead mat again. The holiday's are coming along with the show I'm doing in Warrenton. I hope to have a great variety of items to sell. I'm going to mix it up a bit. I want to include my artsy pieces along with some more tradition styles that might appeal to working women. I don't have a real handle on Warrenton but it strikes me as a bit conservative.

Well Tuesday has morphed into Wednesday. When did I start becoming a night person? Sheesh that husband of mine is a BAD influence. LOL

Sweet Dreams,
Beckie

2009-10-12T21:12:00.002-04:00

A new week. I wonder what it will have in store for me. Something good I hope.

Today I have been crunching numbers. Numbers hate me, they always have. They simply do not make sense to me. I envy my best friend, numbers always make sense to her. Even when things are at their worse and she's under a ton of stress she can calculate numbers like a wild women. Me, I don't know. I probably should avoid numbers whenever possible, the calculator and I never agree. I always have to check and recheck and still it's like number roulette. Ya just never know what number is going to come up.

On the bright side I should escape number hell tomorrow and I can go back to what I truly love...dropping beads everywhere.

Beckie

Changes

2009-10-09T20:12:00.003-04:00

It's Friday!! Not sure why but I have been looking forward to Friday all week. Today they started working on the shop. It was a bit tough, now BeadL*jewlz is totally gone, erased from site. The funny thing is while the change was hard accept I realized something wonderful has happened. Since the shop closed and alot of the associated stresses are gone and now that I have time to work on jewelry I have been amazed at the artistic idea's I have had. Amazed at how much I have gotten done. Amazed at the direction my work is going.

Once again I marvel at how when one door closes another can open. Even when changes in life are difficult and not what you were hoping for those changes can offer marvelous opportunities for growth.

So on this now Saturday morning, I wish for all my friends to embrace the changes in your life, you never know where the path will lead.

Beckie

Fires of Inspiration

2009-10-08T08:03:00.003-04:00

It's a beautiful Thursday morning and the fires of inspiration are upon me.
Last night I went by AC Moore, mainly to kill time before a meeting, and I found some really cool beads. Yes I do shop local craft stores, cool beads can be found all sorts of places and even when I had the shop and spent time on the Internet searching you could never find everything.

Anyway I digress, so last night I fused two black and Dichro focal pieces to go with these new beads, when I pulled them from the kiln this morning I was so excited. I can wait to put this all together. I think it will be amazing. I also found some soft etched tubes in pastel colors that look like they will be fun and summery so we will see what inspiration comes from those.

I love being inspired, it excites me, motivates me, and makes me feel alive.

I hope you find something to inspire you today.

Beckie

Laugh Tracks

2009-10-07T05:37:00.003-04:00

It's o'dark 30 in the morning and I am up trying to get something done around the house. This is one of those mornings when you wonder where the laugh track to your life is. Ever have one of those days? You stumble around dropping things, every mix up mess up possible has happened and you feel like your in an episode of I Love Lucy. My cats are helping or not depending on your perspective. They have read the script and I haven't but they are in charge of the physical comedy, Who knew cats could find so many ways to make you stumble and dance to avoid falling over, all the while looking cute and innocent.

Well I guess I best get back to work. I wish you a fun, laugh filled day. May all you do go the way you plan and if not I hope you find laughter in the disasters.

Beckie

Simple Pleasures

2009-10-06T11:02:00.003-04:00

It's beginning to look alot like halloween... Oh the things that can make you happy!! Halloween decorations are up, glass is in the kiln, car is somewhat cleaned out and the Buckland Farm Market is open till 7pm. What is it abuot getting things done around my house that brings me such joy. I really need to be a stay at home wife, or at least have a stay at home career. I do stay at home so well, really, I am great at it, cleaning, decorating, yard work, cooking, I excel. I'm not so great a juggling a full time job and a house. I enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

I am finishing up the cleaning end, No, don't think wonderful things of me, it is sooo not done but I am finished for today. I need to work on some glass if the muse is hanging with me and my sweet wonderful husband is taking me out to dinner to the place he proposed to me, (thanks mom for the gift card). We are also going by the Buckland Farm Market, they have finally re-opened after their move and while we can only afford to window shop that's OK. Anytime spent with my husband is a great time, simple pleasures.

I am off, the bat bunting needs to be hung on the front rail and glass is calling me.

Happy days,
Beckie

Busy, Busy

2009-10-05T23:18:00.002-04:00

Well, things have been fairly busy in my life these last few days. I went to my 30th high school reunion, my sweet wonderful husband celebrated his 50th birthday, and we celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary. One wild, interesting, fun, fabulous, loving, challenging, wonderful year.

Time is interesting in how we conceptualize it's flow. I feel like I was just in high school last year not 30 year ago and I feel like I have been with Richard all my life not just a few years. Age is a number and while our bodies may weaken how many of us really feel our age inside. I admit to often being surprised that I'm 48, I barely feel like 20. OK, I act like I'm 20!!

Work is going well although the gallery is not yet up and running. I spent part of today cutting glass rods until I cut myself for the second time and decided to take a break. Burns I don't mind but I hate cut fingers.
The ideas keep flowing for jewelry and I am really excited with the direction things are going but I really need some new focal pieces. When you move to a new studio it can take time to re-adjust. I was so used to the studio at the shop and now with the new studio I am trying to get used to the lighting, the atmosphere, the table position. I haven't had muck luck with beads but I think if I just keep at it I will get comfortable again and the beads will come. If not? I add a bunch more beads to my bowl of rejects or I mulch another planter with ugly beads.

Well it's time to sleep, morning comes too soon and I have miles to go tomorrow.

Beckie aka Bead Beckie

Brain Jewelry & Birthdays

2009-10-01T16:39:00.003-04:00

Yikes, where did the last week go? I have tried to be so good about blogging every day but it's been almost a week. Shame on me. Oh well I have blogged way more in the last month than I have in the last 2 years so hey, that's something.

OK so in my last blog I was whining, yes I admit it, whining about having to repeatedly make the same beads or stitched tubes over and over. I was being a giant baby and then...what do I see on TV? A report on talent and how practice, repetitively performing the same tasks over and over can help build myelin in the brain.

To keep this simple, you can google it yourself, but myelin is like insulation of the brain pathways. The thicker the myelin on the connections the faster your brain cells can fire. It's like going from dial up to a high speed connection. I found this fascinating and if I were a better person I would say I will never again complain about repetitive tasks but hey, that's probably not going to happen. But I will remind myself when I feel crabby about it that I am increasing my brain function and my talent.

Sooo, today is my sweet husbands 50th birthday. It's a wonderful thing to celebrate but he is not taking it well. I wish I could convince him that age is just a number but he is feeling his mortality.
I have made up cards, 50 of them, with 50 different reasons to love being 50. I will scatter them about the house, tuck them in his lunch and tape them on the bathroom mirror. Hopefully something in there will help him see that life is not over and the best is yet to be.

I personally have loved every one of my 48 years. They haven't all been easy but believe it or not there are only 2 things in my whole life I would change. I firmly believe the past is what makes you who you are so I have no regrets, I have learned and grown from all I have been through and will continue until I leave this earth and head to the next adventure.

Don't you just love new adventures? As long as I am able I will continue to experience everything I can. For when I am old and drooling, wetting my diapers and confused as to who everyone is I want to spend my days reliving all my great adventures instead of regretting the things that I never tried or wishing I had done this or that.

They say only the good die young so I think I will be here a long, long time. :-)

18, Minions and Creativity

2009-09-25T19:15:00.004-04:00

Eighteen, my sweet baby boy turned 18 today. Of all the cliche's I was told when my son arrived was"they grow so fast". After weeks of no sleep and nighttime feedings I remember thinking "oh yeah, this is going fast!!" That was yesterday. REALLY, I remember, it was just yesterday and now, today, he's eighteen.

So today, as I ponder my son's first step into adulthood I continued to work on jewelry. I wish I would get out of this stitched tube phase. I really like the look but I don't like stitching. How come time stitching doesn't speed by?!? Is it only time with things/people that you love go fast?

I need a minion, an apprentice, someone that can help make the 100's of candy corn beads I need each fall, someone to put away the 1000's of beads I pull out for projects and then stuff randomly in bags, someone to make the remaining beads I need after I design one I really like but don't want to make more matching ones for the project. Someone to stitch tubes.

Ok, so maybe I need NOT be so lazy. Creativity can be repetitive but the repetitiveness does help you learn and perfect and define your style. By repeatedly stitching tubes I have discovered different ways to use them and design them. By making 100's of candy corn beads I have learned to make really good candy corn beads and out of boredom one day experimented with candy corn ghosts. By constantly putting away unused beads I have learned better organizations methods and the value in trying to take only what I need.

And much to my son's chagrin I have learned that no matter how old he gets he will always be my baby.

Beckie

Christmas?

2009-09-24T05:49:00.002-04:00

It's beginning to look alot like...Christmas? Yep that's right. It's Christmas time at my studio. No I haven't lost my mind and yes I know we just had the first day of fall but if you do fall craft shows now is the time to get your Christmas inventory together. For me it's Crystal Christmas tree earrings, dozens of them. I also want to work on holiday lampwork beads, and fun zipper pulls. The holidays are always fun to play with new ideas and components that bring sparkle to your work. So that is my plan for today. I still have several necklaces to put together and more earrings to make. I'm love, love, love this gift of time.

Enjoy your day,
Beckie

Life

2009-09-23T18:39:00.003-04:00

So my mind is a blank again, or maybe it's too full and I can't get anything out. I don't know. I really want to keep up with the blog but should I just blather for the sake of keeping it up? I don't think so.

Sooo happy Wednesday. I hope it has been a fun, creative, loving, joyful day.
Beckie

A New Week

2009-09-21T06:11:00.002-04:00

Good Monday Morning! A new week, a new oportunity. I never thought I would say that going back to work would be the day to relax but... after taking my mom to her baby shower took most of Saturday and then Stake conference and the Bizarre Market took most of Sunday, Monday will be a nice quiet day.

I have made jewelry almost non stop for the last few weeks and I have loved it. I know I have said it repeatedly but having this time to reconnect with my creative spirit has been a gift to me. I will always treasure having this time to transition into a new stage of my life. Now I have to find the time to make some beads and fused pendants so I have something to work with.

I hope to get back on the torch this weekend and maybe find some time to have a torch playdate. Getting together with other lampworkers, creating, talking sharing ideas is always fun and inspiring. Have you ever beaded by "committee"? Once I see how the new teaching space works, another good reason for a playdate, I plan on getting a class schedule posted. It will feel good to teach again.

Have a fabulous Monday!! Remember, it's the only one you'll have this week!!!

Beckie

The Good Dooby Daughter

2009-09-19T08:20:00.003-04:00

It's Saturday morning!!! A beautiful thing. Now that the shop has closed I have come to treasure Saturdays. Maybe it's a hold ever from childhood. The school/work week is over and you have time that is yours...well sorta. There are still a million things to do but at least you have some control over them.

Today I being good dooby daughter and taking my mom to a baby shower. Now what's the big deal you say? Well it's an hours drive to my moms and then another hours drive to the shower and then I hang out somewhere for 2 hours while she "showers" and thenIi do the whole driving thing over again. NOT my idea of how to spend a Saturday but it is important to her to go to this particular shower sooooo I shall put on my good dooby daughter cape, paste a smile on my face and go.

In the mean time I am doing dishes, cleaning house and continuing to get ready for the show tomorrow. It's the million little things that always get you.

Enjoy your Saturday!! Find a moment just for you.

Beckie

Nothing can be everything

2009-09-18T07:44:00.004-04:00

So I woke up this morning, late again, I was all ready to blog and YIKES, I have no thoughts. Nothing, Nada, Zip, Zilch. Not a clue as what to write about.

I suppose I could write about my trip to the Workhouse in Lorton and how cool that was. I could write about the show I am doing this weekend and my slight angst about it. I could write about how wonderful it was to talk to two dear friends yesterday and how much that meant to me. I could even write about one of the thousand questions that flit through my mind everyday. But I don't know what I would say about any of those things, soooo, I am left with nothing.

And nothing is ok, it's like an empty space in our lives, a blank page. A space were we can discover. Discover what? New ideas, old ideas, solutions, goals, connections, our creative source, plans, and nothing. Like a pitcher that is filled there is but one flavor and no room for more. But and empty pitcher has so much room and can hold endless possibilities

So today I write about nothing and yet in that nothing I have discovered everything. So the next time you awake with no thoughts and no ideas, celebrate that nothing because who know what you might find inside.

Happy Friday,
Beckie

2009-09-16T07:39:00.002-04:00

So I packed up some different beads, grabbed some new colors and hoped for inspiration. I moved into it slowly , I read a bit first, walked around the shop, made a few calls, finally I sat down to bead. YES my muse seemed to be back. I worked on a couple of pieces, trying some things I had never done before and I LIKE IT!!
Today it's field trip day. I am going to the Workhouse Art Center in Lorton. YES!!! If you are not familiar with the Workhouse it is set in the historic Lorton reformatory. It is a visual and performing arts studio and exhibition space. I have heard their glass studio is amazing and they offer some really great classes.

Who knows maybe one day I can have my work in their gallery. A girl can dream.

Beckie

Here and Gone

2009-09-15T07:22:00.002-04:00

Morning,
I am back in town after a nice relaxing weekend. I spent the first part just kicking back, watching movies and working on jewelry. I even took a few hikes to check on my letterboxes. It was nice.
Then it happened, my muse decided to take it's own hike and left me behind. Don't you hate it when that happens. Both Sunday and Monday have been awful!!! . I dislike everything I put together, nothing seems to work, I feel as though I have no creative ideas. Worse yet I have a show coming up this weekend. WAHHHHHH!!!
Well let's see what happens today. I grabed some different beads and silver, it's a new day maybe my muse shall return and I will find inspiration.

Gotta go, as usual, I'M LATE.
Beckie ( the girl who used to pride herself on promtness)

A weekend away

2009-09-11T06:48:00.002-04:00

I'm off...or at least I will be after work today. I'm taking my mom to her timeshare in the mountains. A very nice way to spend time and relax. I am taking jewelry to work on, which can be both productive and relaxing for me.

I have really had fun these last few day, I'm getting quite a bit done and I find I treasure the quiet. How often do we have such quiet time in our often hectic lives?

My friend Judy did drop by for a bit yesterday. She brought me a a wonderful gift of beeswax candles in the shape of pinecones. They are so delicate and the smell!! I have a serious beeswax sniffing habit.

Well I am off, I won't be posting for a few days. Have a great weekend.

Sitting Quietly

2009-09-10T06:14:00.002-04:00

Its quiet right now, my job. I like it. It gives me time with my thoughts, something we don't often get in this loud and hectic life. And while I think...I create. My most creative moments have come when life is quiet, when the distraction of everyday existance are temporarily put on hold.

I have been working lately with elements I have created. There is something very satisfying about working with beads and fused glass pendants that were formed and fired by me. It really sparks my creative juices, perhaps because there is a life and thought in each bead and pendant. My life, my thoughts, when I work on the piece I know it, I remember its birth, something you don't feel in a bought piece no matter how beautiful it is.

So I am off to start my day. First i'll walking with a friend and then I will sit quietly my thoughts and see what creative paths I follow today.

Day 2

2009-09-09T07:36:00.003-04:00

So my first day was was fun. Toured some art galleries, had lively discussions on a variety of topics, measured the space for renovation and solved the worlds problems. Ok so we didn't solve the world 's problems but I bet we could have. LOL

Today will be quieter. I will work on some jewelry, possible read a bit while I sit and wait for utility companies, contractors and others who need access to the space to work on it. I guess you could call my curent job space sitting.

Ya know I like my life, I have traveled in directions I never thought I would go, shared experiences I never thought I would have had and found adventure, some big, some small at every turn.

Well, I'm off to get ready. I hope this day brings some adventure for you.

A new door

2009-09-08T07:21:00.002-04:00

So they say in life when one door closes another opens up. Today I step through that new door. To new adventures, new experience, new possibilities.

I have to admit to being very excited and a little nervous. This will be a huge change in my life. My mother always said as a child I didn't adjust to change well, I always wanted things kept just the way they were.
I don't think thats true of the adult Beckie, I have had many changes in my llife in the last five years and I think I've rolled with them all pretty well. Of course many might question as to wether I am an really an adult.

So heres to new doors and new lives. May everyone teetering on the brink of change find the courage to step, no LEAP, through that door before them and embrace the adventure you are given.

A Day of Rest?

2009-09-06T08:07:00.003-04:00

It's Sunday, a day of rest. Well maybe, maybe not. I just can't get those good housekeeping fairies to show up. Anyone else figure out how?

I did get quite a bit accomplished yesterday. The scrubbed areas look good and I even managed to corral some beads into containers. I still have tons more to do but it is starting to show signs of workability. Now if only my studio....

Workability I need because I need to work.
I am doing...a craft show. Can you believe it? I know, after every show I swear it will be my last but this time I'm going in with a whole new attitude.

It's the Bizarre Market and The Richmond Center for Visual Arts. Sept. 20, 1-3
I will be in the glass studio. So now I unpack, choose which pieces to take, work on creating some new designs and try to remember all the things I need when doing a craft show. Yikes. The things we do for love. LOL

Sorting

2009-09-05T11:53:00.003-04:00

So today, between bouts of domestic goddess and scrubbing kitchen and bathroom floors, I am sorting beads. Now that I will be making jewelry at home I decided I needed some organization...ARRGGGGGG who is this crazy person?

Have you ever sorted beads? Do you how many beads you can aquire without even trying. I think they marry and have little beads. They are everywhere!!!

Well if nothing else Walmart will applaud my efforts as I seem to be there constantly buying little containers to put beads in.

If I don't go totally batty, I will keep you posted. Now it's back to the floors and then another trip to Walmart.

What's Happening now?!?!?

2009-09-04T10:38:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I stink at blogging. It's been over a year and I haven't posted anything but then again did anyone notice?

Alot has happened in the past year. I got married, my son had major growing pains, I closed my shop and now I'm moving into a new phase of my life. Yikes.

Closing the shop was somewhat tramatic but neccesary. The ecomony made things difficult and for me to pursue that which I really love I needed to make a change. In my lets open a shop ignorance, I had no idea it would suck away so much creative time. I miss creating things and having the time to work an idea through and watch it grow into something beautiful.

So now I am stepping through a new door, it's a bit scarey but I think I'm ready.

Wish me luck.

Beckie

The Move

2008-05-16T06:33:00.002-04:00

It's DONE!!!!! We are finally in our beautiful new space. For anyone who has moved before you know what an adventure it can be. Having two moves in the space of three months is all the adventure I want for a very long time. Meanwhile in the middle of the two shop moves Ticia moved her household to Fredericksburg. She is now a Frdericksburgian. I think she may qualify as a moving expert althougth I get the feeling she will not be moving again any time soon. LOL

Our usually sweet manager Boscoe was not happy with the move at all. He handled the first one pretty well but this one, Ticia got the cold kitty shoulder for a few days. She was the one to carry him down to the new space. He is now settling in and seems to like his new shop. We knew all would be right when he started greeting customers and eating his Fancy Feast again.

Well, I am off to continue to unpack boxes and wait for the phone company.
I look forward to seeing you all.

Beckie

I'm Back

2008-04-30T14:28:00.002-04:00

Wow, does time ever seem to fly. Today is the last day of April. I can hardly believe it. I guess it seems like the month went quickly because I have spent most of April down in Staunton Virginia at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. If you ever need any type of physical or occupational therapy THAT is the place to go. They have a wonderful program and I am amazed at how hard they work. After a few weeks of very hard work I have better balance, except when I am tired, I can walk correctly, except when I am tired. I can even talk... OK speaking is still a bit of an issue but it is better. LOL

On to the shop. I will have to post a new picture on the web page. It is amazing!!! They have done a beautiful job, the painting is done, a beautiful warm yellow, lights are installed, wow is it going to be bright and the carpet will be in soon. I will probably be able to give tours this weekend. YEAH!!!!

Gee, maybe tours of the new space will help quell the goofy rumor that I am "going out of business". I have heard where it's coming from and I find it hilarious that someone would try to start a silly rumor like that when all you have to do is check my website or stop by the shop to see the new space being finished. Makes you wonder what folks are afraid of to start a rumor like that. Hmmm.....

Talk to you soon. Take time to enjoy the spring. May you find inspiration everywhere you go!!!

Happy Beading,
Beckie

Bead Sale

2008-04-13T17:14:00.002-04:00

Hello,

Just thought I would stop by and blog a bit. Life in the beading world is going great. The new shop continues to make progress, althought it seems VERY slow. I am ready to move.

If you haven't been by the store we will be having a Bountiful Bead Sale, May 2nd and third. A guest vendor is coming in LOADED with merchandise. We will also be having demonstrations and a special After Hours sale on Friday night. You won't want to miss this!!!

We are also going to be having a Soldering instructor and a guest lampwork instructor coming in later in May. Stay tuned for details.

Beckie

Spring Fever

2008-03-26T15:35:00.003-04:00

Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day!!! WOW, what a day for spring beading fever. Things are hoping here a BeadL*Jewlz, everyday we are a step closer to our new space. The walls are going up, the retail space is lighter, brighter and bigger!! One of my favorite places to watch be built is the glass studio. Lampworking classes, lampworking play days, studio time, I keep imagining all the possibilities. Wait until you see the guest instructors we have lined up.

Personally I am excited that I will have the opportunity to get creative with glass during the day, I have so many ideas but by the time I get home in the evening I am not always up to going out into my studio, now when an idea pops into my head I can go into the glass studio and get creative.

I hope you are enjoying this spring like weather and ideas are blooming in your world. Stop by and check out all the hot new items for spring. We have new wood beads, anodized aluminum jump rings, and all sorts of new fun items to get creative with!!

Change is great!!!

2008-03-14T12:20:00.003-04:00

OK, so I had these great intentions of blogging regularly, I was going to be so great at keeping on top of things but a UPS truck sorta derailed my plans!! It's called being broadsided, yikes!!! I'm fine, slightly cracked, but it did shut down my world for a few months. Thank heaven for wonderful friends who stepped in, help run, MOVE my shop, brought me food, and provided 24 hour care. They really kept my world going.

During all this excitement, my planned shop move was bumped up a month. We are now in our temporary location and things are going great! Everything is on track to get us in our new space in a few weeks. We are so excited at the great changes headed our way. With a dedicated glass studio, large classroom and more retail space we are expanding our selection of beads and beading supplies and classes. We will be offering more a larger variety of classes, including expanded glass classes, and guest instructors. The possiblities are endless!!

I will try hard to keep on blogging and let everyone know what's going on in our beading world.

Beckie

Holiday Beading

2007-12-19T09:37:00.000-05:00

OH, it's beginng to look alot like Christmas.....Don't you love this time of year? Despite the fact that I haven't finished my shopping, I have wrapped nothing and I have baking to do, I seem to be overflowing with joy and excitement this year. The shop has been busy with folks brimming with holiday ideas. I am constantly amazed at all the incredibly creative projects that everyone is working on, we have so many wonderful artist in the Fredericksburg area. Meeting everyone and seeing how creative you all are is very inspiring for me. Christmas is almost here but there is still time to work on holiday projects, stop by and let us help you fill your beading needs.

I hope everyone finds a quiet moment to truly enjoy this beautiful season. I have so much to be grateful for this year.

Beckie

HAVE YOU HEARD?!?!

2007-12-05T12:41:00.000-05:00

BeadL*Jewlz is moving!

We have found a wonderful space over on Route 3 between Ukrops and Sakura. It's the old Silver building. The owners have done a wonderful job of renovating the building and we can hardly wait to move in. We are very excited to have a larger retail space, this means more beads and more supplies.
Our gallery space will also be expanded and we will be hosting gallery evenings. This will be a big help in supporting our local artists.
One of the most exciting aspects of our new move is our DEDICATED GLASS STUDIO!!! We can expand our glass classes, have more guest instructors, offer studio time and we will have lampworking stations for rent so emerging artists without their own studios can rent a station and work whenever they want during store hours.
Lots and lots of new things happening, be sure to check back here, on our website and at the store to keep up with all these exciting changes.

Something new

2007-11-20T15:15:00.000-05:00

Surprise!!! Can you believe it? After 2 years the blog is back, bigger and better. Instead of just having a running commentary by me, we now have a real blog where folks can share and post and be a part of our creative community.

So, feel free, jump in, post something new!!!

Beckie