One Thing Leads To Another: 2012

Monday, November 12, 2012

Charm Swap Reveal Blog Hop and Beads of Courage Auction

I'm so excited to finally get to show off the goodies I received in the 2012 Charm Swap. This was hosted by the lovely Jennifer Cameron from Glass Addictions. Our theme was "Laughter". We made charms to swap with other participants as well as one extra to be auctioned off for Beads of Courage.

Lately I've been finding all sorts of wonderful pictures of carousels and carnival rides, so that was on my mind as I was thinking of what to make for the swap. I've also been doing a lot of enameling lately. As I looked at my workbench, I found these beadcaps and they reminded me of those carnival rides with the swings. And of course, there's lots of laughter on a carnival ride.

Here's the charm I made. I love all the colors.

Here are the lovely charms I received in the swap. Aren't they great??

Sunday, November 11, 2012

AEDM Week 2

I didn't get much done this week. Busy at work ...and not feeling well. I've worked in my journal this week.

Just started this one.

I'm going to go work on this one right now.

Have a great week!!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Art Every Day Month Days 1 - 4

I'm participating in Art Every Day Month hosted by Leah Piken Kolidas. I won't be posting daily but I will be working on my artwork daily. I'll post at least weekly with an update of what I've been up to during the week.

I've been working on several things this week.

I think this one is done. Just need to finish the edges and seal it.

I started this one a couple of days ago. Still needs some work...but I'm happy with it so far.

Today I worked on this one. Just getting some things down for the background. Don't know where I'm going with it yet.

And I'm working on some pendants for jewelry projects. I sealed these today. Tomorrow I'll add the resin. Although I may add some glitter or beads before I do that...we'll see.

I also have some plywood I'm just starting. I apply tissue paper to the plywood to add texture and make them easier to paint on. Then I gesso them to seal the tissue paper to help prevent tearing and to add even more texture. So I have a couple of small pieces up to this stage. I'll post pictures of those when they have some color on them.

Hop on over to the Art Every Day Month site and check out some of the other people participating. Or...sign up and join us!!

Monday, October 22, 2012

Elephants and Wine

On Saturday, a friend of ours invited us to attend the Elephant Grape Stomp: An Afternoon In TUSKany at the PAWS Wildlife Sanctuary in San Andreas. She works there taking care of the elephants. There are just a few times a year that visitors are allowed to come to the sanctuary. This sanctuary houses lions, tigers and bears…and elephants.

All these animals have been rescued from various zoos, circuses, and other places. The employees and volunteers were on hand to give us the history of each animal as well as information on the species in general.

Many of the local area wineries were also at the event offering tastings. It was a great day!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

New Journal

I made a new art journal over the weekend. I’ve been using a purchased book for my sketches lately but I really like using books that I made. And I’ve got a TON of paper. Both watercolor paper and decorative paper and I really need to start using it. I discovered I had some8x8 book board from 7Gypsies that I bought a couple of years ago. I was thinking about an 8x10 book—but finding book board already cut and close to the size I wanted changed my mind. I decided to use this paper I got from the Cavallini warehouse sale for the cover. Their paper is beautifully printed, colorful and a perfect weight for a cover.

Then I found this great orange paper for the inside. So I started cutting, gluing, and folding.

Next, I went through all my watercolor paper. My favorite paper is hot press but I like to add a few sheets of cold press to my books as well. I have 22x30 sheets of paper so I spent quite a while measuring, marking, folding and tearing paper.

Next comes the binding. I decided to use Coptic binding. I’ve done several books using this binding but there is always a long stretch of time between each book, so I always have to re-learn the process. I’ve promised myself that this time I will do another book very soon so I can (hopefully) retain the instructions. Plus, I’m hoping that more practice will result in a more consistent binding. Some of my stitches are too loose and some are too tight.

So the book is done. Everything I used to make this book came from my stash which is a bonus. Now I just need to make the first mark on that daunting blank page.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Loving Macro

I got a new Macro lens for my Canon SLR and I LOVE it.

I've been wanting this lens for quite a while. It's perfect for up-close photos.

And best of all---it's perfect for small things. Like jewelry.

Isn't that a fabulous picture?? I'm loving this. I've been spending most of the day photographing jewelry. After months of procrastinating, my Etsy shop will be full soon!!

Friday, July 27, 2012

It's Party Time!!

YAY!! It’s time for the first group of the 6^th Bead Soup Blog Party to reveal their creations. My Bead Soup came from the mega talented Dana James. If you check out my previous post you can see all the goodies she sent.

The first piece I wanted to use was the hand soldered pendant. In addition to creating the pendant, the picture in the pendant is Dana’s art work. You can see more of her artwork on her art blog.

The pendant and the pink and green crystals Dana sent reminded me of Spring, so I added some Czech flowers to keep with that theme. As I went through my (huge) stash of beads, I found the cute little butterfly. I’ve had this for several years and never had a design that really called for it. But I think this is the perfect place for it. The pearls and chain were also sent by Dana. She sent a great mix of sparkle pieces so I dangled one from the sari silk tied on the pendant. I finished the piece with a lovely flower toggle clasp that was included in my soup.

The second piece I made is this necklace. I took a rhinestone pin from my soup, cut off the back, and attached it to one of the large floral pendants. I think it is a great mix of bohemian and bling. The copper clasp on this piece was hand forged by Dana. I used some of the sari silk from Dana and then to accent the pendant, I added the beautiful black coral beads Dana bought on her trip to Columbia and mixed them with some metal accent beads from my soup. The copper connector pieces are from my stash.

Next was I made a bracelet using more of the black coral accented with smoke crystals. The brass connectors and copper clasp were from my stash.

The final piece I made was this pearl bracelet. Everything except the clasp came from Dana. I love this with it's spring colored Swarovski crystals mixed with the pearls. It's a little difficult to see, but there is also a dainty rose gold colored chain that I added to the bracelet just for a little something different.

I still have some beads, chains, rhinestones and pendants left from the package Dana sent. I've just run out of time!

Please visit the other designers participating in the Blog Party.

Hostess, Lori Anderson, PrettyThingsBlog.com

Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles

Alicia Marinache, All The Pretty Things

Amanda Tibbetts, Amanda Made

Amber Dawn Goldish, Inventive Soul

Annita Wilson, AW Jewelry

Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool

Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit

Candida Castleberry, Spinning Spun Sugar

Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations

Cassie Donlen, Glass Beadle

Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri

Cheryl McCloud, One Thing Leads to Another (you are here!)

Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe

Christina Hickman, Vintage Treasures Jewelry

Christine Hendrickson, Clamworks

Cilla Watkins, Tell Your Girlfriends

Cindy Wilson, Mommy's Dream

Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

Cory Tompkins, Tealwater Designs

Cris Peacock, Cris' Page

Cynthia Deis, Shiny Little Things

Cynthia Machata, Antiquity Travelers

Cynthia Wainscott, Exotic Peru

Dana Hickey, Magpie Approved

Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs

Dana Lang, Tumblestone Handmakery

Debbie Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

Denielle Hagerman, Some Beads and Other Things

Diane Valasek, Dragonfly Close

Doris Stumpf, Glaszwerg

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations

Elaine Robitaille, Too Aquarius

Eleanor Burian-Mohr, The Charmed Life

Enikö Fabian, Perl-eni

Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads

Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto Jewelry

Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

Ilenia Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded and Painted Jewelry

Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog

Jami Shipp, Celebrating Life

Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle

Jean A. Well, Jean A. Wells Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry

Jean Yates, Snap Out of It Jean! There's Beading to Do!

Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions

Jennifer Pottner, Rock Candy Beads

Jennifer VanBenschoten, Jewelry, Art and Life

Jenny Davies-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor

Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design

Jessica Dickens, My Jewelry, My Life, Me

Jessica Klaaren, Beadful-Things by Jessica

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Joan Williams, Lilruby Jewelry

Judith Johnston, Judith Johnston

Judy Riggs, Rigglettes

Judy Turner, Silver Rains

Julie Anne Leggett, The Peaceful Bead

K Hutchinson, Jumbled Hutch

Karen Meador, Dreamcatcher Ranch

Karyn Bonfiglio, Plus Size Bangles

Katherine Gale, Terra Beadworks
Kathleen Lange Klik, Modern Nature Studio

Katja Benevol Gabrijelcic, Slovonske Technobe

Kelli Jacobson, Creative Moon

Kelly Ramstack, Adventures with Kelly

Keri Lee Sereika, Pink Lemonade

Kim Ballor, Vitamin C... A Daily Dose of Creativity

Kim Bender-Hora, KimmyKat

Kirsi Luostarinen, Kirsi Luo Korut

Kitty Bozzini, Kitty Lampwork

Laura Demoya, The Bead Therapist

Laurie Hanna, Laurie's Jewelbox

Leah Curtis, Beady Eyed Bunny

Lesley Watt, The Gossiping Goddess

Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog & Meanderings

Lisa Liddy, Metal Me This

Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land

Lori Poppe, Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean

Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations

Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things

Marion Simmons, Shade Tree Studio

Marla Gibson, Spice Box Design

Marta Weaver, Marta Weaver Jewelry

Marti Conrad, Marti C's Clay Blog

Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens, GlassBeadArt, Lampwork Beads

Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio

Michelle Hardy, Firefly Visions

Mikala Coates, Maybe Just Perhaps

Mowse Doyle, HoCArt

Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles - Spirited Earth

Nancy Boylan, Snazzy Doodle Designs

Nancy Peterson, Beading From the Heart

Nicole Rennell, Nicole Rennell Designs

Niki Meiners, 365 Days of Craft

Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats

Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
Pamela Gangler, She Always Loved Pink

Patricia Johnson, Patricia L. Johnson Glass Art

Patti Vanderbloemen, My Addictions ... Handcrafted Jewelry by Patti

Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs

Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

Renetha Stanziano, Lamplight Crafts

Shannon Hicks, Falling Into the Sky

Shannon LeVart, Miss Fickle Media

Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Art Werks

Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric

Shelley Graham Turner, Fabric of My Life

Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame

Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads

Stacie Florer, Soul to Substance

Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

Stacy Alderson, Iridal's Attic

Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs

Stephanie Stamper, Rainy Day Designs

Sue Hamel, The Bottle Cork and Crystal

Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

Szarka, Magpie Gemstones

Tammy Jones, Jewelry Making Daily

Tania Tebbit, Glass, Craft, & Artful Goodness

Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti

Terry Matuszyk, Pink Chapeau

Tina Bosh, Every Good and Perfect Gift

Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass and Recycled Trash

Vonna Maslanka, Just Vonna

A big THANK YOU so our hostess, Lori Anderson. You wouldn't believe all the work she has put into this. She is remarkable!!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Is It Soup Yet?

I'm working on my jewelry designs using the bead soup I received from Dana James. The big blog hop hosted by Lori Anderson starts at 12am EDT Friday night/Saturday morning. Thank goodness that's 9pm for me. Here are the goodies I got from Dana to use in my designs.

Included in the package of beady goodness was a pendant created from a piece of her original art and soldered between glass. It's beautiful! Another handmade item is a lovely hand forged copper clasp. The beads include some black coral from Dana's trip to Columbia, pearls and Swarovski crystals. She also sent along some sari silk which I LOVE, some chain, some sparkles and lots of different metal beads and focals.

I've already made several pieces and still have enough for more jewelry. So check back Friday July 27 at 9PM for the big reveal...

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

The Color Run

On Saturday, I got together with some friends and we participated in the Color Run in San Francisco. It's a crazy, fun event where you run (or walk) a 5K and they have color stations set up along the route where volunteers throw colored corn starch at you.

By the end of the race you are covered in color.

There was a fun post-race party with color being thrown everywhere. Lots of fun!! We are planning on doing it again next year.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer 2012

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer was held July 7th and 8th in San Francisco. This was my 8th year to participate in this event.

It's a 2 day walk. 26.2 miles (a marathon) on Saturday and 13 miles (1/2 marathon) on Sunday. The walk starts at 7am on Saturday in San Francisco, wanders through the city and then over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, Mill Valley and Corte Madera. There is camping in Corte Madera with Mt. Tamalpais in the background.

Sunday begins at 7 am with the walkers heading back to San Francisco in a shortened reverse route.

I have had so many health issues this last year that I wasn't able to train for the event so I changed my participation status to a volunteer. I helped take down the tents, load sleeping bags and gear, worked the information booth, and cheered the walkers at the finish line.

Here's the finish line with the GG Bridge in the background.

The BC Survivors at the closing ceremonies.

I've already signed up for next year!!

Friday, July 6, 2012

I Love a Parade

Each year a neighborhood near us has a 4^th of July Parade. It’s just like an old small-town parade—mounted and motorcycle police, floats created by the neighbors, vintage cars with people throwing candy to the crowd, kids on bicycles, tricycles, and wagons all decorated in red, white and blue.

At the end of the parade, all the spectators along with their kids and dogs, follow along as the parade winds through the neighborhood streets to the local park.

The local fire department is at the back of the parade and when they reach the park they plug into a hydrant and start shooting huge plumes of water into the park. The kids (both young and old) race around in the spray having the time of their lives!! It's a great way to celebrate the day!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

6th Bead Soup Blog Hop

I'm so excited that I get to participate in this fun event hosted by the fabulous Lori Anderson. I've wanted to participate before but the schedule never worked for me. There are 399 people participating this year. It's gotten so big that the blog hopping will be done in 3 different groups. I'm in the first group revealing on 7/28.

My swap partner is Dana James of Dana's Jewelry Design. She's very talented as a jewelry designer and an artist. She was very fast sending out my Bead Soup. We can't show pictures until the reveal...but I can show the wonderful package she sent it in. You can see the packages of beads peeking out of the top.

And here's a picture of what I'm sending Dana. Of course, all you get to see is the box....but I did make it pretty. Something a little special for Dana and help brighten up the letter carrier's day as well.

I'll have the list of participants on here later with links to their blogs so you can hop along with me. I can't wait!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

On the road to Artfest--Portland

I've been sick ever since returning from Artfest so it's taken me a couple of weeks to get my posts done. Here is the first installment.

Since this is the last Artfest, Sunny and I decided to take a few extra days in Portland and then drive up to Seattle/Port Townsend. Our first day in town was just spent walking around and getting our bearings.

Our second day was spent with our wonderful friends who live in the area...or who drove down from Washington to join in the fun. The group consisted of Kathie, Mary, Jackie, Liz, Michelle, Janne, Sunny and myself. We all met in the Alberta area of Portland where we shopped for treasures. Then it was off to lunch for some wonderful food and laughter.

The group split off after lunch and Sunny, Kathie, Mary and I went to SCRAP for more treasure hunting. Portland's SCRAP is similar to the one in San Francisco--not as much stuff but better lighting and neater.

Next, it was off to Jesse Reno's studio where we saw stacks of his paintings--finished and in process. Lana Guerra's studio is there as well so we were treated to all her lovelies too.

Our last stop for the evening was meeting Michelle Allen and Janne at Michelle's home and studio. She has got the BEST studio. Huge, well-lit, lots of storage and work space. We ate and drank some wine and Corona (for Sunny), worked in our journals, took pictures and laughed and laughed and laughed.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Flora Bowley Class

I spent Saturday and Sunday at Teahouse Studio in Berkeley taking a class with the fabulous Flora Bowley. I love love love her art and was so excited to get to take a class from her so close to home. We painted on two canvases--one was drying while we worked on the other. The canvases were huge so it was great that I was able to drive home with them rather than having to ship them. The picture above is one of my paintings in process. I didn't finish either of the paintings during class...I can't wait to get back to them.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

New Painting

Just finished this painting "Poppy".

Acrylic and Ink on Canvas

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day

"I Love You Truly" Mixed Media on Canvas

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Yellow Flower

I've been painting lately. I'm really happy with how they are turning out. I'm actually showing my drawings and paintings to people rather than hiding them away.

Acrylic and Ink on Canvas