SharDon Exclusives

2012 LOOKS GOOD FROM HERE

2012-01-25T01:05:00.000-05:00

Bead Works

will be publishing my Tila Pendant in their August magazine!

WoooHooo! I am so excited about the news. It will be the first of my designs to "make the grade". I have always loved their magazine so I feel it is a real priviledge to be included with other wonderfully talented beaders.

I have also started my own company

"BEAD ENVY by Sharon"

Now has it's own life and it's own tax ID number!

It is a big step for me in my humble abode but I have had some invites from neighboring states to teach and I am looking forward to teaching again. I have missed my students so much and went through a month of withdrawals but now am looking ahead to better days and meeting so many wonderful ladies!

I have signed up to teach classes locally at

Bead Bayou

and

Beadiful

in the upcoming months.

Maybe I will get to see some of my ole' friends again.

Plus I will be teaching at

The Intergalactic Bead Show

February 4 & 5th.

I have been busy as a bee making new products and writing the directions for each piece as I go...good girl, Sharon.

As I have said before, pattern directions are NOT my "cup of tea" but I continue plodding along, trying to improve the drawings and the wording. (For those who have to plod through this process know how tedious it can be?)

It takes hours to write each detail, every step, and

not miss a single stitch.

Oh, hum, just part of the job but the benefits are:

1.My Students inspire me to do better and more,

2.The clarity of my work, stitch by stitch teaches me to focus,

3.I feel satisfied and more confident about my teaching skills daily,

4.I am NO Marcia DeCoster but I am striving toward that goal,

5.I take less nerve pills now and relax in the process of design,

6.Plus my students show such appreciation which

I do not get from doing the dishes or

laundry or cleaning the house!

It is a rewarding experience that I appreciate each day to be blessed in my new field of life after 65 years.

Below are just a few of the items that I have made since 2012 began...enjoy the view.

Beading into the Holidays!

2011-12-13T20:34:00.000-05:00

I made some more Tila/items. I just love the way they look surrounding the beautiful Rivoli's. My favorite, so far is the bracelet. It has ALOT of "bling". (Just the way I like!...lol)

Now I am bead embroidery crazy. I am supposed to teach a class on these at The North Georgia Bead Society meeting in February. The blue one holds those small Kroger/Drugstore/Retail club membership cards. I also made one to hold the memory sticks or thumb cards but turned it in to the Bead Society before I took a picture. It looks just like this one, just a little larger and longer. The pink one I made for my daughters birthday gift. It holds our business cards. I have made numerous ones in this same style.

Merry Christmas Wishes

2011-12-09T03:01:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to Everyone!!!!

Some of the decorations I have been working on!

Wishing you all a wonderful and blessed season of rejoicing in the good things, with Thanksgiving for all of the wonderful miracles that come our way this time of year.

More to come soon. My pile of projects are finished and will be sending them soon.

May your Christmas be merry and you lack nothing,

Sharon

I told you "I LOVE MY JOB" well guess what???

2011-10-27T23:48:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the WWW.WhimBeads.com free patterns lately?

Beki came up with this lovely idea using Tila Beads. I just happened to have some antique flattened bicone. Yes, I know they have a name but for the life of me I can't remember their name.

I have been busy working on the business card holders and now have the directions for sale, if anyone is interested. Monday,

I taught six lovely ladies how to make them and

we had such a great time!!!

Thanks girls for making "teaching" so much fun!!!

I am going through a funk of some sorts. Every single time I say that I love my job, something happens and they close.

You know how much I love my present job....well,

as of December 20ish I will no longer be employed at

"On the Rocks".

Rats, and double rats, I did and do love meeting so many wonderful people and will miss everyone terribly. Donna has decided to "GO MOBILE",

taking her beads to shows on the road and

working via the internet sales.

http://www.ontherocks.biz/

Be sure to check out the new shop!!!

I absolutely adored working around, touching,

feeling and creating with beads.

It has been eye candy for my soul.

I think I will try to get some classes together and teach at a local library. "When God closes one door another will open."

I have entered a couple of pieces in Bead & Button and in Beadworks but do not plan on hearing about that for several months. I have made two new patterns recently and

will be selling directions and kits.

I did join a new local bead society and just love it!

http://www.northgeorgiabeadsociety.com/

We made a great bracelet last month and will be making ornaments in November.

I already belong to the Atlanta Bead Society which

I have enjoyed for over a year.

Well, I had best close and sign off for this evening.

Blessings to all,

Sharon

Beading, Working, and Lovin' Life!!!

2011-09-16T01:35:00.001-04:00

It has been a long time since I have been around. I have been covered with projects, fun stuff, creating, beading, working, teaching and generally keeping busy with life. I have been going to post some of my newest designs but it is either, Bead or Computer. I just can not do it all.

This necklace is my latest creation.

I had this delightful 3 inch cracked colored shell rose for a couple of years yelling at me to "DO SOMETHING!".

I found a lovely Georgia Peachy metallic bead that matched perfectly. I have posted two pictures because the second one is closest to the correct colors. It is very large and very dramatic but I love it!Then I needed to make a love gift for a fellow beader & a good friend so I came up with this scissor holder! I liked it so well that I made one for myself. The ultra suede is in two different shades so we could tell them apart...lol

Happy Birthday, Dawn!!!

I wanted to show you a cute ear ring that my daughter, Melissa, made out of Lego Men. Aren't they just the cutest????

Another birthday gift!

This one is for my bosses birthday on Saturday.

It is a business card holder that I designed today.

I even got it all finished in one day.

Happy Birthday, Donna at On The Rocks!!!

You are the best boss I have ever had and I find it such a pleasure to work where I can play.

I am 64 years old and have finally found a job that ROCKS!!!

I am so blessed!!!!!!

(Of course I will sneak her business cards and put them inside before I give it to her.)Saturday I will be taking a class from Cristi Prince!!! I am very excited to be able to take lessons from such a sweet/talented lady. She has designed a wonderful pattern with "tila" beads, chained crystals and bugles. I had some crystals that were on an evening gown from years gone by. So this is what I came up with. I am looking forward to doing it the correct way then I will post it for you after I take the class.

Yes, I have been busy but not too busy to think about all of you in blogland. I have missed so many posts so I MUST go to catch up with you all,

Blessings to you,

Sharon

Two Survivors Together!!!

2011-08-16T16:14:00.002-04:00

This post has nothing to do with beading. A Momma wants to share the short story of her son, Shawn's, victories! As some of you know, this year has been one year that our family will never forget. Out of tragedies there are always the miracles. Here is one miracle that has blessed us all. It's not a long read today, just one of thanksgivings & blessings!

Enjoy, Sharon

A Blessed Happy Birthday to me!

2011-08-11T15:25:00.001-04:00

I wanted to show you a lovely bracelet that my precious daughter/best friend made for my Birthday!! Isn't it beautiful? I love copper and this one is made with 4mm Firepolish and size 8's with a copper closure. I love it! On Thursday "the girls" went tubing down the Hootch then Melissa took me to my very favorite restuarant for lunch. I am so glad to be able to celebrate one more year of blessings and family. Thank you, sweet Melissa for being such a wonderful friend and daughter plus a good neighbor! I love you so very much.....

I have been working on directions for this necklace. I can not tell you how hard it is to write out directions, detail by detail, and make it understandable. I am "stuck" on just explaining the rope let alone the details on the swags.

This is one of three cuffs that I am working on......

Fun beading with Tila beads! This is how I relax between projects. Playing around with different patterns keeps my hands in the pot while learning new stitches can be so relaxing to me after a difficult day of making directions for a complicated design.

A Victorian necklace that I finished using Tila beads.This has been a wonderful year of ups and downs but I am so blessed to be healthy, eating too much, and life is good in Georgia.

Blessings to you ALL,

Sharon

Holler for Hoops Revisited

2011-07-16T20:48:00.000-04:00

This is a gorgeous peacock green with copper accent necklace I created out of an older pattern by Jonna Holston called "Holler for Hoops" I love to use this easy pattern made with a simple peyote stitch. I then added the double St. Petersburg chain with crystals. On this chain I used a metalic green triangle. I wanted to attach the chain in a pleasing manner so I stretched it out with the 4mm Swarvoski bicone. I love the sparkle of the 2X AB that comes in soooo many beautiful colors. I started with the "three leaf clover" in the center and continued to make the ear rings until I felt "enough is enough". I then made a single row peyote set of earrings and folded them over to pull the crystals into the centers. What do you think? Here is a closer view to the attached chain and one of the "three leaf clover" but the picture does not do it justice.

Here are the ear rings. They are much prettier than this picture but at least it gives you an idea of how I folded the petals forward.

Have a GREAT week!

Life is good and today is all we are promised.

Drop me a line if you like my newest...

Sharon

Ear Rings are hanging everywhere but have a home soon,

2011-07-11T01:15:00.000-04:00

Earrings on the agenda!

Marcia Decoster gave me the rights to use a pattern she taught while on our recent cruise so I will be teaching it at the Atlanta Bead Society 20th Birthday Party July 23rd! I thought I would show you some of the ear rings I have come up with.

Her ear rings were side drilled and I knew there would be those there that would have end drilled, front drilled and a various other combinations so I thought I would be prepared. What do you think? Do you think they may like the results? I am going to make up a pattern for all three designs and include Marica's post. I hope it goes well and the ladies will be

satisfied with their projects.

Here is a front drilled drop with 5mm crystals that I dearly loved.

Dainty and side to side drilled. I think I will donate most of these to the gals in Joplin, MO to give them a since of a feminane touch to brighter their spirits as our church is sending a bus with supplies. wamts and needs so I thought I would send a love package to the women's ministry to brighten their days.

I really like the way these turned out with the fresh water dyed pearls and the rustic yet feminine touch. What do you think?

Okay this next picture is a teaser....I am making a necklace of this pattern. I have worked for over a week on this and couldn't come up with a decision on the rest of the necklace and tonight I finisished it and a LOVE the pattern. It may be a class soon??? (I HATE making patterns but I guess this may be one I will have to develop further. It is peacock green in beautiful greens and a soft gold. I will take pics tomorrow of the finished poject. I have fallen in love with it so I made ear rings to match.

I folded the loop of the ear ring and added crystals. This is NOT a good picture but they look great with the necklace.

All has settled down here after my hubbies accident but he is going very slowly and taking care of his health which is a miracle in istself. He is still wobbly on the feet and is hestitant to drive much but I would rather he take is slow till he gets his strength back.

Night time is calling and this week will be a rough one getting ready for the show in Charolette, NC and teaching...stocking...receivables...tubing...labeling..and inventory control so I won't be beading for a while.

Hope you had a blessed weekend,

It was good to be at church again,

blessings to each one,

Sharon

Woman Creative

2011-06-28T17:46:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to fill you in on

"my little Georgia world"

in June.

I have been extremely busy beading away

and sending some of my things to a classy consignment store in Buford, GA. All of the items they have are lovely and handmade!

I am planning on adding things to the store between working, beading and taking care of my hubby...(more about that later.)

Here are some of the things I have been working on....

Here is a picture of my daughter with my newest piece!

By the way, she has now "gained" five pounds!!! She seems to be on the mend and we thank you ALL for your prayers

and for your well wishes. It will be a long

haul but we believe she is recovering slowly.

Plus my son, Shawn,

went in for the three month cat scan and all of the cancer tests

came back negative!!!

What a blessing to have such good news.

Now for the "more about that later" comment.

This is my husband, Don a couple of days ago.

Okay.....this is exactly why I haven't written for so long....

Below are some pictures of him in the

emergency department last month!!!

His son was up 40 feet cutting off a dead limb, the limb swung toward the ladder and Don raised his hands and stepped in front of the ladder to protect his son. I was on the patio watching this all unfold! Don flew back 10 feet and landed flat on his back.

I called 911 and they came immediately.

He broke five of the bones on the right side,

the eye orbital, nose, jaw, cheek bone and had a cracked skull,

cracked neck bone and a huge concussion.

The doctors all said "IF it had been one inch forward or back that he would have been killed before he hit the ground".

He saved his sons life but about took his own. Now we are just waiting for his body to heal itself which can take several months considering he celebrated his 74th birthday on June 19th.

I am thankful that the angels were watching over him!

BEFORE:

It seems that when one thing goes bad that

it always comes in threes.

Well, WE have had our three now and

hope this will be the last for a long while!!!

AFTER!

God is good to me!

The scripture that kept coming to me is:

"Be Still and Know I am God!"

There has to be a reason why all of these things keep coming at us but through it all I have felt the love of family, the love of friends, the love of the church body but

best of all the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Back to beading for now, I have missed you all. Thank you every one for your concern and your support,

Sharon

Home at last.....

2011-04-18T21:20:00.000-04:00

I am finally back among the living.

It seems like I hit the ground running and haven't been able to get my feet back on the ground again.

I had such a lovely time on the Royal Caribbean Voyager cruise, meeting so many wonderful woman and terrific beaders. The teachers were fabulous!!! Marcia DeCoster and Jean Campbell were delightful to meet and to share with us their wonderful talents. (That was the only two I got to take lessons from.) There just wasn't enough time to set in on all of the teachers classes. I met a great wire artist, Dallas Lovett that became a favorite of so many ladies, including me. Heather put the classes at such convenient times that I actually got to sleep in a couple of mornings. Oh, and the food was WONDERFUL! I did not get to go ashore in Mexico or Jamaica because my feet just wouldn't allow it but I did get ashore for a short while on the

Grand Caymans. (I have an inflamation on the bottom of both feet.)

What is there about a cruise ship that rocks one to sleep each night? I have never slept so well as I did on the cruise. (I needed the rest!) One day I was beading on the top deck and thought it a bit windy so I went down for a quick nap. Four and one half hours later I awoke! I think it must be the rocking of the boat in water that I adored a much needed rest from the worries of the "real life".

My son, Shawn, has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and will go back in for thorough testing in June. Please keep him in your prayers. My daughter, Melissa, is still quite ill with the Celiac Disease and fell just before my cruise and is in such pain in her shoulder. She has torn the rotater in her left shoulder. She couldn't get into a specialist until this week.

Life is as good as one makes it so I am determined to "keep on keepin' on".

I miss ya' all and hope to get in the swing of things again.

I am in the middle of writing directions for a TILA BRACELET so I must go now. I have a class on Saturday so I am cutting it close.

Blessings to all,

Sharon

Going a Beading & Cruisin'!!!

2011-03-22T15:37:00.000-04:00

Before I leave on vacation Saturday, I wanted to let you see a few of the items I have been working on. Yes, I am going on a Beading Cruise, March 26th to April 4th!!! I am very very excited but so busy trying to get my bags packed, beading finished, working two days, and working on cleaning the house before I go.

On the Rocks had this lovely bead that is coral and gold mixed. It yelled at me until I bought all Donna had. I made the necklace with a "peacock" amber Swarvoski crystal then used a much smaller "rusty" Swarvoski crystal for the bracelet. I added a copper pearl between the round crystals. I wanted to leave the cuff open so stopped at beading just the center then used my scrapbooking ink to shade the ultra suede edges.

I have been working on this for a couple of weeks. I took twisted bugles to cover various sizes of pearls. I didn't have a pattern for this piece so I just beaded until I was satisfied or too tired to continue...lol I love the pearlized/frosted drops as they pick up the colors of their surroundings.

Last but NOT least, I made three pair of ear rings this morning. There is an article in April Bead and Button magazine that inspired these by Kimberly Berlin. I think they will be a fun accent for a casual summer outfit.

Well, the packing is not getting done and I am already tired! Have a great week. I know I will..

Sharon

THE WINNERS ARE!!!!

2011-02-18T20:23:00.000-05:00

Seven Under Foot

http://sevenunderfoot.blogspot.com/

Has won the Swarvoski Crystal/Swarvoski Pearl Pendant!!!!

Kathy at.... http://www.shawkl.com/

is the second place winner of this pearl pendant!

Theresa of

http://theycallmeganky.blogspot.com/

Please send me your names/addresses/and emails.

Thank you ALL for your prayers and support during this trying times. There are no words to express how much they have ment to me and my family.

God bless each and everyone of you,

Sharon

TIME IS UP AND CELEBRATIONS BEGIN!!!

2011-02-15T12:24:00.002-05:00

I am drawing the winning number tonight at midnight in celebration of some really wonderful news.....

My son, Shawn, is out of surgery, just an hour ago!

The doctor is 75% sure that it is NOT cancer!!!!

Shawn drinks alot of milk to settle his stomach.

The doctor said that the lump was a

calcified testical from too much calcium.

He is in recovery right now and will be going home sometime this evening, if all goes well.
PLUS... all of the MRI, CAT scans or whatever else they did came back with NO other signs of any kinds of cancer!!!
How wonderful is that?
Pretty terrific from a Momma's point of view!!!

I can not tell you how much your well wishes, your prayers, your compassion has ment to me at this time.

Thank each and everyone of you who left such wonderful thoughts on my post. It has been the prayers sent to heaven for us that has helped me through this rough time of

not knowing what would be next.

I have cried buckets of tears inside and outwardly as you have touched my heart so deeply.

(What better time to have such a worry than during

the OWOH giveaway???...)

People from around the world have been

praying and thinking about us!!!!

Thank you!

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart and soul...and blessings to each and every single one of you.

I am a firm believer in miracles and prayer and this is

our miracle for the day that will last a lifetime.

I will forever be grateful to each one of you!

In celebration of OWOH

and in celebration of YOUR love toward a stranger, at midnight tonight.....

I will be drawing THREE names

(a Holy number)...

The jewelry will be all different items,

so get your hearts ready for a blessing from me to you. I wish I could send a gift to every one but you will know I send each one my love and appreciation.

God bless you and keep you,

Sharon

"BE STILL AND KNOW I AM GOD"

One World One Heart Giveaways, WE APPRECIATE ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS MOST OF ALL!!

2011-02-01T04:47:00.004-05:00

This is a very very hard post to write.

But I believe in the power of prayer! We NEED, WANT and COVET your prayers. Tonight my precious son, Shawn (37)called to say he has testecular cancer that needs immediate attention. Via testing his whole body then directly into surgery on February 15th. I am scared and I need Gods' peace about this whole thing. I must be strong for him and his beautiful family. Please please put Shawn on your prayer list. (My brother is dieing of the same cancer and my father passed away from prostrate cancer a few years ago so the concern is unimaginable.)

Second: I have a daughter that has slowly been starving to death. She has NO auto immune system left. She is not doing this on purpose and it is not anorexia. It has attacked her lower and upper colon. She was wearing size 24 and is down to a size 4-6 now. It is robbing her of the ability to fight all infections plus making her weak and extremely tired.

See that sweet little girl on the far right well she turned 15 in Nov and has run away twice and found, plus she failed most all of her freshman grades. Her name is Katiebug, (to her Nana), and she needs our prayers too. So as you can see my heart is breaking for all of my babies. Please please please pray for us. There is just so much one can bare without the Lords' help.

Here is Melissa after loosing 178 pounds.

I was going to post something wonderful about the One World One Heart giveaway. I HONESTLY wanted to But my heart is just too heavy right now.

(I HAVE FELT YOUR PRAYERS, GOOD WISHES, AND COMPASSION WHICH HUMBLES MY SOUL. THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING SO KIND AND LEAVING SUCH SWEET COMMENTS. MY SON WILL HAVE SURGERY FEB 15TH AND I AM SENDING MELISSA UP TO BE WITH HIM IN MY PLACE. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO LISA FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO CARE ABOUT US!!!)

So this is what I will be sending to you if you are drawn through the random number system. It is a lovely piece made of pearls and Swarvoski crystals. Just leave a note and I will get it out as soon as the drawing is over.

http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/2010/12/annoucning-the-fifth-and-final-one-world-one-heart-event-.html

Thank you from: Sharon, Shawn, Melissa, Katiebug and my wonderful daughter in love, Tammy and Ethyn! I love you ALL so very much,

Mom, Nana and Friend

Unexpected Gift of Love

2011-01-24T14:51:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine, Dawn Hudson, came in to the shop on Saturday and handed me this beautiful stone! She knows my love of "bling" so I could not just lay it aside, could I?
I came home and beaded up this lovely stone.

What do you think? Did I do it justice?

Jill Wiseman had developed this beautiful "Supple Herringbone" rope pattern. I had been so anxious to find something special to hang on her lovely rope.
(I made the crystal piece so that I can just slide it off or wear it alone.)

Thank you, Dawn and Jill for your contributions toward MY favorite 2011 piece!!!

You know I can not leave well enough alone so I made one in GOLD! This design is so comfortable! Several months ago my daughter had given me this daisy made with a marble center. Again I made it so that it will slide off so that I can hang something else in its place or wear the rope by itself. (Again, I apologize for the photos...) Thank you, sweet girl for the gifts you give so generously. I dearly love you!

Mary DiMatteo had this St. Petersburg chain in Bead & Button a couple of years ago so I dug it out from my pattern stash to make this with 1.5mm cubes and crystals. It is a fast and easy pattern that I have used numerous times. I KNOW I will use it again and again very soon!

I have one more thing left to show you that I have done this week....(I hope you aren't too bored yet)

Another Bead and Button pattern....

this one by Susan Mandel.

I really like her three deminsional work. I had this beautiful Swarvoski crystal in a deep purple but could not find just the "right" place for it. I have started doing some loom beading but it takes so long to load the loom and then to find places to "tuck" the threads. So my solution is the standard peyote stitch. Blessings to you all...

Sharon

p.s. Be sure to join us in the One World One Heart giveaway coming up January 30th!!! I will be giving something away too so let me know when you stop by.

Cabin Fever

2011-01-13T22:01:00.002-05:00

Here is what I have been doing in 2011.

I have several other pieces done but have not downloaded them from my camera.

We are in the middle of inventory at "On the Rocks" plus we had an awful snowstorm with ice on Sunday evening. Georgia has been housebound every since! Everything was so beautiful yet soooo dangerous. You see, to alot of people, six or so inches of snow is no big deal but to the fair weather Georgians it is deadly. We only have 10 snowplows in our county and NO salt, thus we are suffering from cabin fever! I am from the midwest and 20 inches of snow is not a big deal but not down south.

I have actually enjoyed not being able to have a place to go. As you can see I kept busy with beading, cooking and staying in my jammies for three days.

I however, could not go to the doctors office as they were not open either. So maybe next week. Just a quick note to say that this teal wonder is made with the flat glass discs found in the floral departments at Hobby Lobby. It is a fun and colorful piece.

I have been making a few "open weave" cuffs but this one is my very favorite so far. I made two other designs for display at work. But I am keeping this one for myself. I love cameo's and the colors are "ME".

This necklace was made up, one step at a time. The center is a drop stone just like the one hanging from the circle. I beaded and beaded up around the drop and this is what I came up with. What do you think? It is so much prettier than this picture.

I sorta got hung up on the beaded beads. I think I made ten or so just before Christmas. I even made an ornament for my Christmas tree. (The blue one below) They are so fun to create and easy, so easy.

As you can see, I do NOT have cabin fever, I have beaded fever!

I hope you will enjoy seeing the 2011 beginnings.

I made up this "locket" for myself and wore it one time...sold! Marcy bought it right off my neck!

http://queenmarcyoriginals.typepad.com/

She is such a dear gal and appreciates/supports other artists like herself. (When the flap is raised there is a picture inside and I will bet she has a picture of her furry friends inside hers.)

I must go now and try to catch up on my blog buddies. I hope you will have a creative and blessed week.

Sharon

Creating sooths my nerves

2010-10-15T21:14:00.001-04:00

I actually got to take a class from a pro, Sheilah Cleary! She taught at our studio a couple of weekends ago and this watch is what I came up with. It was a fun class and I learned so many hidden secrets from her.

We had a marvelous time and I ended up with this pretty flower necklace.

Well, that got me in "the mood" and I finished my drewsie necklace. I found the drewsie in a tourist shop in Myrtle Beach this summer. (It was a refrigerator magnet that I took apart then beaded around.)

What do you think?

I made a "bale" out of two open triangle designs and added the pearl in the open space. I then finished it off with a Russian Spiral design.

Next, because my brain is not working so well I thought I needed a picture of my Grand kids to hang around my neck. The rope was a trick of the overworked beader. It took me a couple of hours to even figure out the pattern. It is red, black and silver which matches the sweet frame.

I made ear rings to match.

I have four other projects finished but was feeling guilty about breaking my promise to get back into the swing again of blogging more often. I miss you all so much but there are just so many hours in the day and night combined.

I must check on each one of you so this will be a short post, (again).

I pray all is well with you all.

Sharon

ps...thank you for not giving up on me

Sun anyone?

2010-09-17T16:51:00.000-04:00

In the fall I think of

Sunflowers!

I made this one and wore it last week.

What do you think?

It was a "made from scratch" idea that I just built

upon until I was satisfied....

But today I saw one that was even prettier.

Gretchen of http://libeado.blogspot.com/

created this beautiful piece.

Now this is a sunflower of all sunflowers.

Plus she already sold it!

Look at all that work!

Go over to her site and see the other beautiful pieces she creates....it will be worth your time!

Blessings to all,

Sharon

Alice in Beadland Introduction

2010-09-09T23:59:00.002-04:00

I met a new beading buddy on Wednesday!

Her name is Alice and she originally hails from

The Czech Republic.

She emailed these photos.

(I enjoy seeing what others create as they are so inspirational)

I asked her permission to show you this lovely jewelry.

Each one is so very beautiful, filled with such love and

wonderful details.

You know I adore bead embroidery

so I had to share these with you.

She has a little girl but sneaks in beading whenever she can.

(Like me, she usually looks up at the clock and it's 3:00AM...lol)

I love meeting every person who comes into the shop!

Some people leave a lasting impression upon me.

Alice is one of those.

We both are struggling with the same problems....

how do we market our products?....

where does one go to advertise?.....

(Etsy has over one million jewelry ads listed.....)

I have things on ArtFire but have only had two viewers...

now what is that all about?.....

I believe it is an over abundance of talented artists that NEED/MUST get their beautiful pieces sold.

(We have to sell our pieces so we can buy more beads so we can continue to create our passion.) When I make a piece I put my heart and soul into making it the very best quality that I can. When a piece finds a new home I have such mixed emotions. I miss the piece like a child away from home but then I think about the person who wears the piece and how proud I am that I am giving someone a precious part of myself and a little pleasure to brighten their day.

Does anyone out there have any ideas for us?

We are more than willing to listen to any suggestions....?????

Look at this one!

Beautiful colors and lovely artwork.

Who wouldn't be proud to wear this on their wrist?

How can we get our work

"out there"

so that we can continue on?

Any ideas?

I would LOVE to hear from you,

Blessings to all,

Sharon

Christmas is just around the corner?

2010-09-04T23:44:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it is about that time already??

Where did April-September go?

I have begun the first of my annual Christmas decorations.

Doing double duty, I am working on a class project too...

I have a couple of others going but this one is the most completed one, so far. This one took me quite a while but writing the directions will take me hours! (Writing directions/patterns is the hardest and most tedious part of my job.)

How are YOU doing on your projects?

Here are some pieces I did last year.

(I can't find the others that I finished and gave away for gifts last year.) They are not much inspiration for my upcoming projects. So I am on the hunt for some clever...quick...easy and inexpensive beading gifts. Any ideas for me?

I hope you all are having a beautiful and safe Labor Day!

I'm off now and on the hunt for inspiration...

Blessings all,

Sharon

2010-08-29T00:11:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the things I have been working on! I thought I would share them with you and tell you I am sorry for not checking in but as you can see I have been very busy. Plus my daughter went in for a hestorectomy on Wed and I have had to take over her hours at the shop. I have many more works but I must go to bed to be able to get up for church.

So good night for now and I will try to get back in the swing of things soon. I miss you all so much.
Sharon

I am BACK!!!!

2010-08-07T01:14:00.000-04:00

Finally home from vacation!

Just wanted to let you know I am alive!

I am rested and blessed beyond measure!

I made a few pretties while in North Carolina....

I made some new friends and taught a few WONDERFUL ladies some beading....

enjoyed having my two kids and families with me for one whole week...

(the first time we have vacationed together in 20 years??? Where has time gone? )

I am busy making directions for a bead class I have coming up next week so I can not write long. I miss you ALL terribly. There are just NOT enough hours in the day....

Please don't give up on me...I will be back!!!

Love you all,

Sharon

Bead Giveaway Extravaganza!

2010-07-01T22:09:00.000-04:00

Denise Yezbak Moore is having a HUGE bead giveaway! The colors and shapes and sizes are numerous. I just found her blog this evening and I am dieing to read more about the Bead Challenge so I must go but I wanted to tell you about this great giveaway. I will TRY to post more later but I have got to go to the doc then to work tomorrow. Check out Denise's blog!

More Triangles, More Flowers

2010-06-18T00:33:00.002-04:00

Here is my latest flower arrangement!

What do you think?

I am having tooooo much fun with my beading and my new job.

It hardly seems fair to get paid for something you love!

My energy level has gone up dramatically since I started the job at

On The Rocks Beadstore.

Now I am designing patterns, ordering beads, counting beads, tubing, and all of the countless tasks it takes to keep folks coming into the store. Last week I had to make up over 500 tubes of beads, labels, stocking, inventory, and enjoy seeing our new "trunk show".

(I am trying to save all my money for our vacation with my kids at the beach for my July birthday!!)

Life seems to be going great here in Georgia.

I hope things are good for each one of you.

I still haven't gotten back to blogging but I will soon. It feels like so many have left me in the dust but I think of you all and pray that you are doing something/anything that makes you smile!

Blessings,

Sharon

Triangles/.Pearls into flowers

2010-06-11T00:19:00.002-04:00

I found a wonderful book on geometrics and designs. I read the book and then loaned it out so I can not give you the authors credit. This particular necklace was inspired through the "Trillium Necklace".

Chelsea

http://chelseaspearls.blogspot.com/

made this color combination and I loved it! I am now working on one in dusty rose and green which I will post when I finish it.

I love the design of the bead work then I added a pearl necklace that was cut away and I strung the bead wire up through the center of each knot.

I don't know if I ever showed you this necklace made with a peacock size 22 Ravoli.

Bedtime now as I got up early and tubed over 500 tubes of beads for the shop!

I will try to get back to blogging more often.

Blessings to you all,

Sharon

Creating again

2010-06-10T02:59:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to tell you I haven't forgotten any of my bloggetts!!! I miss you terribly. Not enough hours in the day or night. It is 3:00AM I must head for bed. Blessings to you all,

I can not believe where this month has gone!

2010-05-23T23:14:00.005-04:00

Has anyone noticed that I have not been around lately?

Guess what I have been up to???

Yep, beading, of course!

I thought I would show you a "few things" I have

whipped up this last couple of weeks.....

First is my favorite piece.

This pattern is called Butterflies Galore by Susan Mandel.

Her pattern is a continous flow of butterfly wings but I also like the peyote base so that the Ravoli flower really stands out.

What do you think?

I sold my other one like this so I had to make another.

Second Bracelet

May Brisebois designed this pattern!

It is called the Celestial Sparkle! Isn't it gorgeous? I used three colors of Ravoli Swarvoski Crystals then used netting to end off the bracelet for comfortable wearing. The "catch" is an antique piece I picked up and this seemed the perfect piece to use on this beauty.

May is a local Georgian in Cummings. I have bought numerous bargains from her shop and did not make the connection that she was "our May". I love the ravolis and the way she incorporated Swavoski crystals in between the Ravolis.

Necklace wonders!

This is a new pattern that I made up...my very first one!

(I do not believe there are ANY new patterns, just ideas

taken from one detail and added to another.)

This necklace was inspired by Venetia Perry's "Enchanted Necklace" from Beadwork Magazine. Her pattern called for "bead crochet" but I don't know how to do that so I used

a herringbone design instead.

Both of these necklaces were made from the same pattern.

Don't they look different?

The first one is so sparkly and glitters when the sun hits it because of the Swarvoski crystals and the beautiful hex cut beads.

The teal is such a beautiful fresh look with the pearls and the

Turquoise stone piece......and then the third bracelet.....

Another bracelet....to match.

What do you think?

Fifth Bracelet

I have a sweet friend, Jimmie Boatright, that just started teaching beading a year or so ago at

Atlanta Bead Market.

She made the patchwork squares done up with beautiful bright blues and a vintage colbalt rectangle crystal in the centers.

All I had were some kelly green ravoli crystals so that is what I used. It is not a good picture but the greens are matt teals with kelly greens.

Another Necklace Purse

Hero had this sweet purse at the Southern Bells get together so I HAD to make this pattern! I made the one in pinks and then decided to make it in my (presently) favorite colors.

Sixth Bracelet!

I had gotten some "helix" crystals from China.

I just "had" to do something with them.

This was my attempt at bronze colors.

I am more of a teal/pinky/rose girl so this was a stretch for me.

I do like the way it turned out!

There are four more pieces

but I don't want to bore you so that is all for now...

(plus I don't have the photos yet...lol)

I have missed catching up on all of you but one can only do so many things in a day/night....on Friday I started beading at 3:00pm and found myself shocked when I heard the birds chirping at 8:30AM!!! I had not even noticed that the sun was peeking out above the trees.

(now all I have to do is sell some of my pieces so I can continue to make new pieces and support my habit!!!)

Thank you for all of your concerns for my hubby.

It seems in the fall or sometime he did something to his back and he walks like a man of 90 now.

(OF COURSE he won't go to the doctor so I have been babying him some but I don't want him to get to used to it!!! lol)

I MUST check out some of your posts but I have one more thing to tell you....

I went to work at a real honest to goodness job!

Yep! A Paying job!

(now that will be a new experience...lol)

I now work one day a week

(Wednesday's)

and

one Saturday a month at

On The Rocks!

(I changed the window to sunny flowers...lol)

And here is my boss!

Donna is a delight to work for

plus

I get to handle all of those lovely beads

and meet new beading friends!

I am lovin' it!! Stop in and bead with me anytime!

So now you know where I have been...I have missed you ALL but will get back in the swing of things again soon.

Blessings to you all. You are an important part of my whole being.

Sharon

Happy Birthday!

2010-05-13T14:48:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday,

Sweet

Maggie!!!

73 year old man drowns in 17 inches of water!

2010-05-12T22:40:00.000-04:00

This has NOT been a good week. On Mother's Day my sweet daughter and family came to cook our Mothers day celebration. I was in a funk because I miss my Mommy so much this year! Us girls were setting on the patio enjoying all of our lovely fish swimming in the ponds. We were relaxing while my son in love was cooking steaks, shrimp, mushrooms and turkey burgers. My hubby was taking a minute to "relax" and clear the motor to our fish ponds. We HAD 23 large goldfish that were showing off their stuff. Us girls were watching him pull the motor to clean it. He leaned in to the pond to "clean" the motors. He kept sliding into the pond. His feet were fixed on the ground, toes in the soil. But he kept going deeper. I yelled, "what are you doing!!!!" No response....Honey, what in the world are you doing? NO response... his head was underwater while feet planted on the bank....TROUBLE, BIG TROUBLE!!! I began to jump and run for the pond.... full speed...my daugher, went for the middle of his body.... I held his head above water and pushed with all my might to set him on shore. Melissa went under water and lifted his mid section to the bank (four feet high) I pushed and shoved to get him out of the water. He was out cold...no help from the drowning one. After we got him on shore he made NO sense. Panic set in...strouk, passing out, no communication!!!! "Oh, Lord, please please please help my hubby!!!!" He finally "came too" and kept saying he had to MOVE! I kept saying set still until you feel better....he finally said. "you have put me on a sharp rock and my butt is on a sharp rock...I must move NOW!" All I could think was, I can't live without my rock, the man who keeps me going, my friend, my pal.......
Later, embarassed and uncomfortable, He said
"I can just see the head lines....
73 year old man drowns in 17 inches of water!"
The doctor has been in contact...blood work done...a fluke maybe...I am shook!!! I love that old man and am NOT ready to be through with our life together! I can't wrap my brain around being without this gentle man/ PLease please keep us in your prayers. I am not the same...my nerves are shot..I am scared...I need God's peace once again. I need your prayers. I feel so insecure..
love, sharon

Maggie, oh where has she gone????

2010-05-01T00:02:00.002-04:00

(Photo courtesy of Magic Moonlight)

OUR Maggie

http://grandmayellowhair.blogspot.com/

has had an accident and needs our love!

She has delighted us with

stories of Ms. Pearl

and

her adventures at the jail

and her lovely farm.

I have laughed until I have cried.

I have been Maggie's follower and friend since her

very first post.

She is a lady with a great sense of humor

and is a

bright shining light

in this world of negatives.

Her daughter, Christi, has posted that

Maggie has had an accident at work!

Christi is taking care of her

Mom while she is recuperating.

I thought you would like to know about her.

Maybe you would want to take a second or two and

drop "our Maggie" a love note

of encouragement and cheer.

I love this lady!

I wish her my very

best wishes,

prayers

and

thoughts

during her recovery.

"Blessings to you, Maggie,

I am sending you all my love.

Let us have all the details as soon as you are up to it!

You are missed by so many,

especially ME"

Sharon

Beading Away

2010-04-22T02:12:00.001-04:00

Let me introduce my new friend,

Mimi/Hero

http://lascreacionesdeboricua.blogspot.com/

She wore this lovely necklace for the Southern Belle.

(She taught herself how to bead.)

She is a seamstress and embroider plus being absolutely gorgeous. She made the outfit she is wearing with lovely embroidered cuffs and sleeves to match this beautiful necklace! Incrediable!

Anyway she encouraged me to try the same pattern.

Here are my results....

As you can see I made mine in shades of rose and burgundy and made the rope in a variation of the bead colors.

The "clasp" catches right at the top of the purse.

I put a cotton ball inside with my favorite cologne

so I not only look good I smell good too!

Hero had sent me some acrylic flowers awhile back.

I have been wanting to use in a project so I finished this bracelet tonight and wanted to share it with you also.

My name for it is "wooly worm" but

it actually looks like a caterpillar.

I added the lovely flowers to the center of it that Mimi had given me. (See a couple of posts back.)

I added some gold glass leaves, some beautiful purple crystals in the center of the flowers and a large variety of sizes and textures of beads in shades of purple.

It was a fun piece to design and even more fun to finish.

Thank you so much, Hero, for your lovely gift of the flowers and for the idea of the purse necklace.

You are such a pleasure to know!

We were working on burning logs and limbs today so I am one tired puppy. It was a gorgeous spring day with very little wind so we started burning around 10:00AM until 8:00PM. We have a wooded lot and have not done any clean up in the woods for a couple of years so today was "the day".

It looks so much nicer, neater, cleaner. (even the butterflies came by to say they approve!)

Spring has sprung here in Georgia and I am so blessed to have so many lovely flowers to enjoy. God is so good to me!

Blessings to each and everyone today!

Sharon

p.s. again I want to thank Hero for her encouragement and her sweet spirit!

Maija was my Tussie Mussie Swap Partner

2010-04-21T01:00:00.000-04:00

May Baskets and Tussie Mussie Swap Gifts!

Maija of http://Maijalepore.blogspot.com

was my swap partner for the May Basket swap.

We had never met before so this was a double treat. I met a new blogger that I adore and I got a lovely bunch of gifts too.

I thought this would be a fun thing to participate in as I remember making May baskets and bringing home flowers from the woods and hanging them on my Momma's door each May day. Even years after I was grown I would always send her May baskets from the local florists. It was my way of sending her my love and a piece of spring to brighten her day. So this swap was special in the memories it brought to mind.

Look at this lovely piece of artwork Maija made for me!

I absolutely love love love it, Maija! It is so gorgeous!

The antique couples postcard, the ribbons, flowers, pearls and lovely wrapping is such a beautiful meeting of artistic soul and lover of Vintage items.

The cone was huge! I mean huge! It is a wonderous 30 plus inches long from hanging ribbons to the bottom of the lace covered tip. ( I already had my hubby hang it in the corner just above my computer so that I can enjoy it each day.) Inside she lined it with lovely sheet music and filled it with all kinds of goodies that I adore. There were four packs of gorgeous glitters, antique buttons, ribbons, a precious small peat pot paper basket, a note card pack, and a pad of paper to help me keep track of my want to do list, There was a cupcake magnent, and the cutest lollipop I have ever seen. It was made with a lolly stick and wound with the cutest pink/white ribbon cord. (How cute!)

Look at these beautiful buttons. The large green one is going to be made into a bracelet right away! Maija, Thank you so very very much for my lovely gifts. It was fun swapping with you and I hope you will enjoy the May basket I sent to you. It was fun putting it all together and thinking about you during our preparations. Let's do it again soon!

This all started with Linda at http://aswapforallseasons.blogspot.com/

She comes up with the cutest ideas for swaps. This is the first time I have done a swap with her group and I had such a good time putting together my May Basket for Maija.

Thank you to Maija and to Linda for coming up with a delightful spring experience! I am such a happy camper with all my lovely goodies. Now I have to enjoy my bounty.

If you haven't joined in the swaps it is a wonderful way to get to know some new blogs and a good way to make friends. Join in soon! You will love the experience.

Sharon

Southern Belle's Delight!

2010-04-10T21:43:00.002-04:00

Southern Belle's Delight!

I have had one of the most devinely beautiful days that I can remember in a long long time!

I was so busy flitting from person to person that I did not get the photographs I wanted to take.

So I am posting one of all of us.

If I had only one word to say about today....

MARVELOUS!

I made so many new friends,

heard some wonderful stories,

ate a good lunch with great fellowship,

(Dawn had that "Let's go shopping!" look

so we did not make her teach a class but

NEXT time, Dawn, "you will owe us BIG!")...lol

We shopped until I thought the rocker at the store was my

new permanent place of residence....

I have to share a photo of Susan and her husband http://Artofmine.blogspot.com

She had made this beautiful apron and forgot it at home...her hubby drove all the way home....

brought it back to the restaurant for us to admire.

Susan, it truly is gorgeous (just like you!)

(There are wonderful husbands

but this one gets the prize of the year!)

We hated parting each others company.

A couple of times I even teared up.

All in all the day was a huge success, from my point of view.

I loved each sweet soul that attended

and

missed those who could not come. (Maybe next time...)

I thank each one of you for coming to

make new friends!

Girls,Let's do it again SOON!

Sharon

Southern Belle's Up-Dates

2010-04-02T11:18:00.000-04:00

I am thrilled and nervous about our upcoming

Southern Belle's

get together!

I have had several telephone conversations with many of you. It makes me all the more excited!

Dawn will be teaching a mini class.

I have several commitments on door prizes...

(you should all show up just for the door prizes)..lol

Plus I have been working on several roses, shoes and secrets to hand out.

1. I have my gift exchange done and wrapped....check

2. I have my name tag done, (all but the beads)...check

3. I have my spare room full of goodies to bring......check

(this picture is compliments of http://twocrazycrafters.blogspot.com)

4. I have my suitcase packed.....check

5. My suntan lotion....check

6. Car is packed....check

7. Oh, yes, me! I forgot that I MUST go now.....check

The beach is calling!

I am headed for the beach but wanted to let you know that I will still be planning on

seeing ya' all on

Saturday,

April 10th

11:00AM

Please make it a point to come!

I am heading for the beach until Thursday but will be back in plenty of time to get all the goodies packed and ready for

The Southern Belle Retreat!

My Grand daughter Kate is watching over my shoulder so I had better get going.

So until Saturday, be safe, be healthy and be happy on this Easter Day!

Sharon

Miss Rheas Easter Basket Goodies

2010-04-02T10:59:00.001-04:00

I participated in Miss Rhea's Easter Basket Exchange.

http://sweetnshabbyroses.blogspot.com/

We were to take two yogurt cups and decorate them to exchange with two partners.

Here is what I received!

Mary of Marys Meanderings sent me this lovely basket with a detachable broach. She set the cup upon a lid base to raise it up so that she could attach this gorgeous trim to the bottom. Then she added a rim at the top out of another cup. She then attached a beautiful rose fabric because she knew I liked roses and pink. Isn't it beautiful???

Inside of my box from Mary I got a sweet lamb, an egg topped with a pink chick wearing a crown and a silver cross. There also was a stand alone cross that she made and covered with a sheet of Christian music.

Look at this cute pink chick!!! I love it!

Inside of my package was a card and this bees wax lip gloss all decorated with a lovely paper rose. She has been raising bees and this is only one of the items that she is coming up with.

Thank YOU, Mary for the sweet Easter items. They are so full of love and faith that it is hard to explain how precious they are.

The very same day, Bertie of Aunt Mays Cottage sent me her lovely swap basket.

We were only to include five things in our packages to our partners.

Bertie made my basket from the same yogurt cup idea but hers was covered with another pink rose fabric, plus darling handmade fabric roses that was topped with a beaded handle. (Of course she knew I was a beader and loved roses!) Isn't it wonderfu! The basket sets on a small doily and was filled with chocolate eggs, Easter chocolate bunnies and this sweet wooden spool of antique rose trim.

It came with these lovely tags and a beaded key chain. (love that!) Plus a hand made, hand stamped ribbon that is about an inch wide. (I am so sorry that I did not get a picture of it)

It had this sweet little girl card that moves to put her hat away.

Last but not least it contained this antique post card that belonged to her family!Thank you so much Bertie! I love each and every item that you so thoughtfully put into my package.

It is such a pleasure meeting you and Mary through Miss Rheas Easter Basket Exchange.Thank you so much for the reminder that our Savior has Risen and that HE IS LORD!

Happy Easter, every single one of you in blogland.

Sharon

Sorry for the quick post but the girls are setting in the car waiting for the trip to the beach.

Blessings to all!

I have been VERY busy beading!

2010-03-29T01:22:00.002-04:00

FIRST OFF!

I found a bead store going out of business!
Whooops!

Big mistake.

I put off going until the last day it was open....

my hubby told me to take my credit card....

BIGGER MISTAKE!

(When hubby okays it and even gives me the credit card, ya' know

I am NOT going to come home empty handed!)

Okay, I know I have gone pink nuts!

I found this beautiful antique rose metallic galvanized bead.

(I can not show or tell you how lovely this bead is.)

It is SOOOOO Victorian and so ME!

This necklace is done with a right angle weave with four size 11's/three rows wide and

a tiny size 15 light gold bead in between each bead.

Pearls just had to be added!

It just fell together just like it was always "supposed to be made" into something this beautiful.

NEXT

Actually this bracelet was the first thing I made.

I started with a metal ear ring and added pearls with the size 15 tiny gold bead.

The "flower" just needed more punch so I began to add leaves from a rosey gold delica.

You can see the larger veins that I made with tiny gold beads but I actually added veins with several darker shades when I originally made the leaves but they just did not show up as good as I would like. So I topped it off with the size 15 lighter bead. I then added pearls and Swarvoski crystals to the center of the bracelet, then added another four rows to complete the base form.

What do you think? It is so very comfortable and unique.

NEXT

Again I used the same beautiful pink galvanized beads! This bracelet is made with a larger twisted "bugle" bead and accented with the

pink bead on the sides and a peyote in the center.

Then I began to add a variety of sizes, shapes and colors of pearls and crystals

until I was satisfied with the shape of the "flower" cluster.

LASTLY!

I told you I had been busy beading!

One more piece to show you.....

For quite a while, I have had this pin bar that wanted my attention.

(I am a jewelry collector of sorts...lol)

The pin has a lovely tiny china rose in the center.

From the center bar I hung this gentle cameo. I did a bead embroidery around the cameo.

Did you notice that the side with the curtain is a different color and

texture of bead than the right hand side?

I used a stunning stone like multi colored pink finish bead for the right side and a

soft matte rose on the left where the curtain hangs.

Now I have a broach to wear or sell that is unique and very pretty/feminine.

(This is the only piece I have made recently that I did not use that galvanized pink. ....)

Well, that is it for now.

I'm tired so I am headed for bed.

Tomorrow I will try to get a post to you about the Easter Basket Swap that I participated in.

Blessings to all,

Sharon

Spring Flowers Earring Style from Mimi

2010-03-29T00:33:00.001-04:00

Mimi of

http://lascreacionsdeboricua.blogspot.com

is a fellow beader and from Georgia.

She had written to me that she was coming to our Southern Belle Retreat. She makes the most original stunning pieces of jewelry.

I had asked about a couple of pieces that she had designed and she was so generous in sending me this lovely gift. She had sewed a dainty bookmark into a package and embroidered my "S" initial.

Isn't it absolutely the sweetest little package?

She filled the bookmark with all of these lovely acrylic flowers.

It also included some metal stems so all I had to do is a quick couple of pair of ear rings.

This is what I came up with.

I find it very hard to use the flowers as they are so beautiful.

Don't they look just like spring?

I love them so much!

I am going to make a bracelet for spring and hope to get it finished while I am at the beach next week. Because Mimi is coming to our get together April 10th and I want to show her how much they were and are appreciated.

I had just gotten in some beautiful size 4 rondelle AB beads and some purple crystals from China.

They matched perfectly!

Thank you, Mimi, for such a thoughtful and creative gift.

I am getting so excited to meet everyone in Hoschton, GA. in a couple of weeks!!!

Yikes!

Just two weeks and I am going to be gone for one week to the beach with my daughter and grand daughters for a week away to bead, swim and bead some more.

I have my name tag all made but the hanging of the beads from the heart.

I will try to post another time to show you some of the pieces I have been working on. I don't want to make my posts so long that you will get bored but I have so much going on.

Blessings to all and thank you again, Mimi, for the sweet gift.

Sharon

OWOH Gifts Again

2010-03-28T23:59:00.000-04:00

Jackie

http://SilverLodge-Gems.blogspot.com

from the UK

sent me this lovely leaf piece!!

This is one of the many gifts I received from OWOH.

I have added a gold chain to it and wear it all the time.

I wish you could see how detailed and delicate this piece is.

The colors are wonderful! I think you can see the metalic leaf with

jewels in the middle of every flower. Isn't it beautiful?

Jackie I love it so much and know it took a long time to get here and I will cherish it forever because you made it especially for me!

Thank you so very very much.

Southern Belle's Up-Dates

2010-03-21T21:57:00.002-04:00

More NEWS!!!

Southern Belle's Retreat...

Dawn may teach a mini-class on April 10th for us!!

(We MAY be sharing a couple of workshops.)

We are getting so very excited about meeting everyone!

(I had to include a few pictures of Georgia sunshine at Grandma's house.... My three littlest munchkins came over on Friday and they HAD to go into our gardens to pick

a few flowers before going home.)

Back to the real reason for this post.

I am working on my "name tag".
(Hint, hint...lol)

Mine is going to be a heart for love,.... a rose in 3D for my love of pinks and of roses,... an old post card for a name.... to show my love of Victorian with a 3D stamp for my love of details then I will end it with beads for my passion....

it is a work in progress.

Have you started on yours yet?

(A surprise will be given to the
most orginal and creative
name tag.)

I have some door prizes to bring!

Dawn (The Feathered Nest)and Yvette (The Charm House)

will be donating something too!

Plus I am making a special piece of

jewelry for my

"gift exchange".

(Your gift exchange gifts do not have to be anything
extravagant or expensive,
just something from your heart.)
I am having to do things ahead of time as I am taking my other Grand daughters to the beach for the first week of spring break

BUT

I will be back just in time!

(It seems it is always so busy all at the same time.)

I will look forward to seeing you all real soon...

I am having problems with getting the correct email addresses for everyone so please send me your correct addresses so I can keep everyone updated.

Don't forget to post about this event for our
Southern Belles'!!!

Thank you so much for participating!

Sharon

Southern Belle's Date

2010-03-11T22:03:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Did you think I have forgotten all about

the Georgia Bloggers?

"NEVER!"

Here are NEWEST plans for the upcoming:

Southern Belle's Date!

1: We are meeting for sure on

April 10th

Peckers Resturant in

Hoschton, Ga at 11:00AM

(Please see former post for directions and meeting place or email me for information.)

2: Please bring a gift to exchange.

(This can be hand made or boughten.)

3: There will be door prizes galore!

4: We will have one or maybe two workshops for you to attend.

5: We would like for you to make and

bring your very own name tag.

(Your name tag should "reflect your personality" or blog.

We would like that name tag to contain your name and the name of your blog written clearly for everyone to see at a glance.)

6: I would love to be able to know approximately how many are planning to come. IF you KNOW you can or can not come.

Please RSVP and I will try to keep track...lol

7: Bring yourself, your name tag, and a small gift to exchange.

8. Please post about this event!

Let's see how many we can get to meet us.

9. Come expecting to make new friends!

(I will try to get a banner and link set up so

you can grab the button about the event.)
If I have missed anyones email address it is NOT intentional or repeated the email twice/three times, please excuse me.

I will keep you informed as the plans come together.

It is just around the corner!

We hope to see you there!

Everyone is welcome!

Even if you do not live in Georgia,

please try to join us.

Thank you for your interest in meeting fellow bloggers.

MORE NEWS!!!
Southern Belle's Retreat...

Dawn may teach a mini-class on April 10th for us!!
(We MAY be sharing a couple of workshops.)
We are getting so very excited about meeting everyone!
I am working on my "name tag".
(Hint, hint...lol)
Mine is going to be a heart for love,.... a rose in 3D for my love of pinks and of roses,... an old post card for a name.... to show my love of Victorian with a 3D stamp for my love of details then I will end it with beads for my passion....
it is a work in progress.
Have you started on yours yet?
(A PRIZE will be given to the
most orginal and creative
name tag.)
I have some door prizes to bring!

Dawn (The Feathered Nest)and Yvette (The Charm House)
will be donating something too!
Plus I am making a special piece of
jewelry for my
"gift exchange".
(Your gift exchange gifts do not have to be anything

extravagant or expensive,

just something from your heart.)
I am having to do things ahead of time as I am taking my other Grand daughters to the beach for the first week of spring break

BUT

I will be back just in time!

(It seems it is always so busy all at the same time.)

I will look forward to seeing you all real soon...

I am having problems with getting the correct email addresses for everyone so please send me your correct addresses so I can keep everyone updated.

Don't forget to post about this event for all
Southern Belles'!!!

Thank you so much for participating!

Sharon

Spring is bursting all over my studio!

2010-03-10T01:50:00.003-05:00

Sweet Yvette of the Charm

House

http://charmhouse.blogspot.com

had a post the other day about miniture roses made from crepe

paper. She saw on Judys posts.

http://lindaalbrecht.typepad.com/simple_things/2010/02/the-rose-2.html

so I decided to give it a try. All I had in my stash was a roll of crepe paper streamers so I tried that and it worked great!

I then used water colors to give the rose a little more depth.

Well I was just not satisfied with the way they looked.

I was speaking to a lady at Hobby Lobby and she said her Mother made crepe paper roses then dipped them in wax.

I had bees wax on my counter.

Stuck it in the Microwave.

Then dipped the roses really fast.

The results were fascinating!

The crepe paper now looks like they might be a china or bisque.

I thought I would share them with you.

What do you think?

Dipping them in the wax seemed to make them

stronger and more durable when I tried to arrange them.

My Easter Crosses:

I went to Hobby Lobby and they were

having a sale on paper formed boxes.

With it being Easter I wanted to make something

with a Christian theme.

I took the boxes apart and made two ornaments for the price of one. I had gotten this cross book mark from

The Vintage Moth

and it fit perfectly inside of the box.

I added a few flowers for a 3D effect then added those tiny mico balls on the edges in Silver and in gold. Of course I had to cover the outside of the cross with a

purple paper that was one of my favorites.

Easter and May baskets are blooming everywhere.

I made another May/Easter basket!

This one I made white on white with no color except for the jeweled piece I added under the bow. It is just peaking out.

Don't you love spring things?

My daffodils are in full bloom along

with the almond trees and the wild plum trees.

Yes, I have even made a couple of

beading projects.

Yes, I have been beading too.

I wish you could see this bracelet in person.

I love emerald colors!

This one is a dark emerald deep blue on one side and a lovely emerald purple on the other side.

In between the rosetts I added Vintage ravoli crystals that pick up both colors. It truly is a stunning piece.

If you want a closer look be sure to

enlarge it by right clicking on the pictures.

So as you see I have been busy getting into the spring mood.

Easter Eggs and Bookmarks

I realize not everyone remembers back when we were always given a book mark at Easter time or when we learned my memory a verse from the Bible. For the last couple of years I have been making bookmarks and giving them to people who mean a lot to me. So this is my version of an Easter Bookmark.

I hope you will enjoy my labors of love and possibly

get some ideas to work with too.

Before I go I want to thank all of you that responded to my plea to interput the Blogger News article!

I got so many good, talented, and smart answers.

Thanks girls, You are dolls for helpin' out!

I feel assured again and ready to tackle blogging again.

My God Richly Bless

you.

Sharon

Can Somebody Out There Tell me what in the world this says???

2010-03-06T22:35:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed the Blogger News lately? I hardly ever even look at it but I just happened to click on it. I am very dense (as you already guessed) but was this definately written by a lawyer that was paid by the word. I haven't any idea if this means we will no longer have blog access after March 10th? I have received some messages saying they are losing their followers since changing their blog. I pray this does not mean I will loose all of you during this transition!! I NEED you gals and would hate to have anything interrupt our lovely groups. Can someone tell me what this means?
My husband has read it and he didn't understand what my blogging buddies, followers, links, etc. were about even though he is pretty computer literate (unlike his wife).

I am concerned!

"Important Note to FTP Users

January 22, 2010 — permalink

Last May, we discussed a number of challenges facing Blogger users who relied on FTP to publish their blogs. FTP remains a significant drain on our ability to improve Blogger: only .5% of active blogs are published via FTP — yet the percentage of our engineering resources devoted to supporting FTP vastly exceeds that. On top of this, critical infrastructure that our FTP support relies on at Google will soon become unavailable, which would require that we completely rewrite the code that handles our FTP processing.

Three years ago we launched Custom Domains to give users the simplicity of Blogger, the scalability of Google hosting, and the flexibility of hosting your blog at your own URL. Last year's post discussed the advantages of custom domains over FTP and addressed a number of reasons users have continued to use FTP publishing. (If you're interested in reading more about Custom Domains, our Help Center has a good overview of how to use them on your blog.) In evaluating the investment needed to continue supporting FTP, we have decided that we could not justify diverting further engineering resources away from building new features for all users.

For that reason, we are announcing today that we will no longer support FTP publishing in Blogger after March 26, 2010. We realize that this will not necessarily be welcome news for some users, and we are committed to making the transition as seamless as possible. To that end:

We are building a migration tool that will walk users through a migration from their current URL to a Blogger-managed URL (either a Custom Domain or a Blogspot URL) that will be available to all users the week of February 22. This tool will handle redirecting traffic from the old URL to the new URL, and will handle the vast majority of situations.

We will be providing a dedicated blog and help documentation to provide as much information as possible to help guide users through the migration off of FTP.

Blogger team members will also be available to answer questions on the forum, comments on the blog, and in a few scheduled conference calls once the tool is released."

I know somebody out there knows the correct answers and interpetation of this. Please explain in terms even I can understand. Thank you so much!!!

Sharon

p.s. Does anyone know where the

spell check

went to on the "compose posts"?

How I am getting in the Spring Mood...

2010-03-04T00:45:00.001-05:00

We had SNOW yesterday!

Snow in Georgia is rare but snow this time

of the year never happens.

It is forecasted to be 70 degrees on Sunday!

Go figure!

I am just waiting for the daffodils to bloom and

the sun to come out to stay!

I have been having some physical problems that have required my going to the doctors several times the last couple of weeks.

I already have cabin fever but this is

NOT my idea of getting out to have fun.

So my idea is to make spring in my home.

I had entered Ms. Rhea's Easter Basket swap and thought I would make a couple of extras while I was at it.

I made the pretty rose basket first.

This one spoiled me!

It started with some yogurt cups, via Ms. Rhea's instructions.

"It must contain a yogurt cup"

(Please note the banner on the side bar)

I had never bought yogurt before so I sent my hubby to the store to buy several yogurts. He came back with strawberry flavors.

He said, "If you are planning on feeding that to me, forget it!"

So I snuck it in on him....lol

I had frozen strawberries from our garden, added that to vanilla pudding and added the yogurt.

Walla! He ate it all... until he figured out what I had done.

He said, "This is Not too bad"...lol

Now that I had the mess from making numerous baskets

I decided to decorate some eggs.

(I used napkin rings for the holders.)

What do you think?

They are so EASTER!

Now for the things NOT to do...

Don't start covering a arubic cube at 12:00AM!

I started off cutting the little squares...

NOT...

I got one whole side done when it dawned on me to leave the picture whole then just cut in between.

Easier,

but NOT much.

It took me four hours! Four hours!

Why, you ask?

Because you can't leave any paper in the cracks. It won't turn otherwise. Whoever gets this one you better believe

I like them, alot!!...lol

I am just kidding. I was planning on four pictures.

NOT!

There are six sides to a cube...dahhh.

It just dawned on me when

I only had four pictures printed...lol

(I am blond when it comes to math..)

It was fun but I am not sure if I will ever do another one.

Well, friends, I am not thinking about winter today.
I am thinking SPRING!

The mail lady brought me a lovely package

Nancy of Notes and News

today.

http://www.nancymalay.blogspot.com/

sent me another package from the OWOH giveaways.

The package contained the tinyest & loveliest book of

Shakespeare "Sonnets" .

Isn't it the cutest little book?

I am going to leave my computer and just read for a while....

Plus Nancy made me this pretty book mark to go with the book.

Thank you so much, Nancy! I love them both!

Have you been over to see her beautiful blog?

I want one of her precious hand made bunnies!!! Her designs vary from Easter bunnies to buggies to Victorian Cones. I can clearly see her humor in all of her delightful creations. They are all so sweet and SO SPRING!

Thank you again, Nancy for the gifts.

Blessings to all,

Spring is just around the corner??

Sharon

And the WINNER is........

2010-03-01T01:10:00.002-05:00

Carol

Carol Anne's Boutique

http://carolannesboutique.blogspot.com/

I am so happy to announce

that the number generator thingy picked number 24.

(I just found out how to work that program. I love it because it takes all of the personal feelings out of a drawing and picks just the right person every time...)

(I will not reveal the surprise love gift. Carol can have her moment in the sun...lol)

Carol has been on my blogroll and my follower

since day one, I "think".

I found her sweet blog when she was so kind to leave me a comment to welcome me to blogland. Now that is the perfect person to receive my little "love" gift drawing for

my great followers.

IF you haven't stopped in to see Carol, please do so. This sweet picture and the card are the type of goodies that you will find there.

For those that did not win, I love you just as much!

Thank you to each and every person

that are "following" my posts.

YOU are an important part of my life.

Even if you just stop by for a chat, I appreciate you too.

It is the people who support you, care about you,

and nurture your creative spirit

that make blogging so rewarding!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

for each comment,

each encouragement

and each lovely individual

who has stopped for a visit.

Please come by often.

You make my day!

Sharon

p.s. I will be having more giveaways as spring gets closer so stop by often.

Help Received!!! Also a "Sneek Peak" at my followers giveaway!

2010-02-26T17:42:00.003-05:00

I have been looking everywhere for this!

Does ANYONE remember

where I can find the program that makes

my pictures into stamps and film strips?

These were free and great for projects.

I saw it on a post somewhere and for the life of me, I can not remember who posted about this wonderful link.

I made these on August 11, 2009!

I have lost the post where they gave me

the link to make these lovely stamps.

Please HELP me out.

This is exactly how I feel when I can't find something I have lost and

I am wanting so much!!!

If you could help me with this information,

I would be so grateful!!

I found it!!!

Thank you to:

Mimi

http://lascreacionesdeboricua.blogspot.com/

Thank you so very very much.

Ya' know it's one of those things that set in the back of your mind and you can't get rid of it. Just like a song that won't shut up! Well, it was getting to me that I couldn't remember....senior moments are haunting.

Thank you so much,

For those who want to find it too go to:

http://bighugelabs.com/frame.php

Sharon

p.s. Please, Don't forget I am drawing,

via number generator,

for my

followers

(just a peak for you!)

a surprise piece of jewelry!!

Be sure to sign up as a follower and comment before

midnight March 1st!

Good Luck!

Thanks again to everyone for helping me in my time of need.

Sharon