my spring resolution

(Photo of the grapefruit blossoms this spring)

It has been a while since I have posted. Life just moves so quickly some times that we forget to stop and appreciate the small natural wonders around us. A week or so ago I was heading out for my daily walk and I noticed the strong aroma of spring. I kept my eyes open for what blooming tree was giving off such intoxicating aroma as I continued on my walk. I was very surprised when I got back home and finally noticed it was the tree in my own back yard. I had been so occupied with everything that I hadn't noticed the pretty little blossoms that had seemingly sprung over night on our grapefruit and orange trees. It's interesting how things can be happening right around us and we don't notice them. I think that is true about the people we surround ourselves with also. Sometimes we get so busy doing what ever it is we do,  that we may sometimes neglect to notice the changes in the ones we love for better or for worse. So much like new years, my spring resolution is, well, to stop and smell the roses.  To enjoy the moment I am in, and really take notice of what is happening around me.

Potion Purses

I have been thinking about these for a while now. I knew I wanted to make a tiny purse small enough to wear around your neck as a necklace, but something that was functional as well. So I came up with "potion purses" Tiny purses that hold a small vile that may be filled with essential oil mixtures, crystals, perfume, or basically anything that you can fit into the bottle. So this (see picture) is the first one I made. I am also working on a second one that has the colors of a peacock feather. I will share that as soon as it is finished. Thanks for stopping by today and taking time to read me :) Have a splendid day / evening :)

LissC

Crossstitching

 

I enjoy cross stitching in my spare time when I need to do some mindless meditative movements. Cross stitching is super for relaxing, but keeping your hands busy.

I just love the way the tiger turned out. He took me about 1 1/2 months last year while I was basically bed ridden and couldn't do anything else. The Earth and animal one I worked on off and on over a period of around 6 years.

One thing I have never mastered is the french knot. So these have been sitting around for a year waiting for me to get around to mastering that stitch. Thankfully my super sweet cousin Lori also cross stitches and does a great french knot. So she was nice enough to do the finishing touches on the pieces for me so that I can finally get around to having them framed.

Thanks Lori!

Bead Embroidery Accomplished!

I finally accomlished my first bead embroidery. I purchased a book a few months back and studied it, and this month I jumped in and gave it a try. I have to say, it was very relaxing, and fun! (I only stabbed my finger a few dozen times). To quote the book I read, it is very much like painting with beads. You just jump in, no pattern, just an idea of where you think you're going to go with it, and start "painting" with the beads.

I think these two cuffs turned out very fun! The hardest part of it really was just being brave enough to make that first stitch. After that it just flowed together pretty effortlessly. I'm really very happy with how these turned out, especially for the first time.

I am very excited to see how far I can go with this as I gain experience.

Learning the Peyote Dutch Spiral with Chrysocolla and Seed Beads

Soothing Seas - Chrysocolla and Beaded Necklace

I am just so happy with this necklace. I've had these beads for the longest time. Like, 2 years or so. I knew I loved them, but it wasn't until just a few months ago that I ran into some seed beads and thought "These are perfect!".

As such it took me another month to figure out what I wanted to do with them. And finally last week I began stringing, and playing with the beads, and tried my hand at the peyote dutch spiral for the first time. I only had to take it apart 3 times and start over before perfecting it. I have been accused of being to fussy about my work. I have heard before that when the traditional native beaders created pieces and made a mistake, it was ritual not to remove the mistake. Once stitched it was meant to be, and they were not supposed to remove it. I love the concept; however I always have to go back and remove a mistake. Unfortunately if there is an error it is the only thing I can see. Thus, the three times removing and redoing the seed beads on this piece. However, after some trial and error, and I am really very happy with it.

Aren't the colors just gorgeous??? Just reminds of me of mother nature in all her supreme excellence. I love the blues and greens. Like oceans and forests mixed together.

Bead Embroidery

I started my first bead embroidery project. What Fun! Admittedly I was a little hesitant to start as I was unsure of exactly what I was doing. However once I decided to just take that first step and get started it was no where near as difficult as I thought it would be. I ordered a bead embroidery book from amazon, and to my amazement it arrived the next day! That never happens, so I think it was just a sign that I was meant to start this project and not put it off any longer. The book "The Art of Bead Embroidery" by Heidi Kummle and Sherry Serafini is by far one of the best beading books I've read so far. The instructions are simple to follow, the picture of their art work are just stunning, and the information they give in the book is just priceless. I especially loved the sections on finding inspiration in nature for texture, color, and design.

I think mother nature is the supreme artist, and if there is any artist that one should follow it is her for sure! Her blending of colors and texture is just amazing. How many times have I found myself lost in a sunset or a blend of colors from a fall tree, or spring flowers. Even something as simple as moss patterns growing on a stone can create beautiful colors, texture and patterns. She never stops amazing me and I love that the authors of "The Art of Bead Embroidery" embrace this in their book and encourage their readers to look to her (mother nature) for inspiration.

So over all I give the book 5 stars, a high five, a 100%, in other words the perfect score. The book would make my top 5 bead book list. And it is no surprise to me that it is published by the publishers of "bead and button magazine" It seems every time I really like a book it is by the publishers of "Bead and Button". So much that I've started looking for their books specifically when I do a search for new books. I have yet to be disappointed with one of their publishing's.

Okay, well I wanted to make a blog and I have finally taken that first step also. Nothing like trying to get on the train after it's left the station, but better late then never. I guess if your not blogging your just not part of this crazy new world so I'm on board now! And I have promised myself to try and "blog" at least once a week. We will see how it goes! I honestly would much rather be beading then blogging. Then again I would rather be beading then doing most anything :)

Happy beading everyone. Have a fantastic day!