FROM MY BEADING BOARD:

Aghhh, challenges, challenges! It seems like it has taken me eons to complete this scrumptous lion.

Try beading without the use of your thumb ~ what I found was that there was no way I could create a tension in my work.

Sometimes, during one's advanced years, there is a certain stubborness that surfaces....

See below....

MR. "BAD HAIR DAY"

from our

"ZOO COLLECTION"

I've been working on this old fella for a little while now. The wonderful lion head comes from Amee of "Amee Runs With Scissors".

(www.ameerunswithscissors.com)

Leo has been on my beadboard recently - I worked on him while my arm and hand was still in a cast (after 4 reconstruciton surgeries) and when the cast came off and the pins out, I worked on it with a traction hand brace. He helped me keep my sanity through my rehabilitation!

We've become good friends ~ this guy will live in my private collection.

But, I do have 2 more unspoken for lions (green and coral) and they are asking for a good home; I will make them up as custom orders in your special colors and length - just contact the Zoo Manager: di42ni@msn.com.

BEADWEAVING EMPORIUM NOW LIVE...

...AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND NEW MEMBERSHIP

Well, we're pretty excited!! The Beadweaving Emporium beadweaver's market at 1000 Markets) is now LIVE and open to the public for business and for new member requests. We currently have 13 beadweaving shops open with more joining every day.

If you are a beadweaver and already have a shop at 1000 Markets and are interested in joining our market, come and see us at:

http://www.1000markets.com/groups/bem. See you there!!

THE SISTERHOOD AWARD!

(: SISTERHOOD AWARD :)

I have been nominated for an award called the "Sisterhood Award." Given to me by
Jan Geisen http://www.jangeisen.blogspot.com/.

It was given because she thinks my blog is creative and inspirational, and in return, I get to nominate women whose blogs inspire and encourage me.

I have chosen:


1. Rachele Dagney @ http://rachelesoriginals.blogspot.com/.
2. Linda Roberts @ http://beadsforever2.blogspot.com/
3. Louisa Meece @ http://beadedextravagance.blogspot.com/
4. Sarah Kelley @ http://thebeadedlily.blogspot.com/
5. Karen Gill @ http://insidethehidingplace.blogspot.com
6. Marilyn Goodman @ http://cigarboxbeads.blogspot.com
7. Amanda Conlin @ http://conlinscreations.blogspot.com

So go check out their blogs and thank you, Jan!

Beadweaver's April Challenge Entry: VOTING TIME!

"SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW"

LENGTH: 45" inches - a lariat style

COLORS: Every color in the rainbow

DOUBLE-CLICK: Always double click on all the thumbnail photos for a close-up, detailed view.

This necklace has been created specifically for entry in the Etsy Beadweaver's (EBW) April Beadweaving Challenge. The subject of the challenge is: "Time Machine".

"Time Machine:" Close your eyes and wander back in your mind....Have you ever gazed at that gorgeous clear rainbow just after the rain and when the sun comes out? As a child, I used to wonder oh so much if there really was a pot of gold at the end ~ it was a temptation to start walking towards one end of that rainbow to see what I could find yet I was scared if I found nothing, I'd be so disappointed.

Well, if you look closely at this "tempting" necklace, you will see for yourself......This necklace is a OOAK (one-of-a-kind) piece that you can wear in a myriad of ways and is sure to start a conversation at any gathering.

EBW BLOG SITE: I encourage you to visit our team blog at http://www.etsy.beadweavers.blogspot.com. to see all the member's entries.

VOTE: Between April 9 and 15th, you will be able to vote for your favorite entry at the above web site. YOU CAN ALSO do a search for the tags "EBWC" to see the entries the members have listed so far.

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

BEADAZZLED DONATES 50% APRIL SALES TO...

Meet my granddaughter, Kendra.
aka: "Jelly Bean"

Beadazzled of Oregon Actively Supports Autism Awareness Month

B of O will donate 50% of all proceeds from the sales of any items in any of my shops to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) group (for the month of April) in honor of my "Jelly Bean" granddaughter, Kendra Seanor and in honor of her sister, Kayla, and her parents: Keith and Kristi. Autism, as with all chronic health issues, not only affect the child but obviously changes the lives of everyone surrounding them. As always I donate 10% to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in memory of my mother, Helen.

If you have an Etsy shop and are interested in joining our group you can find us at: http://team.etsy.com/profilest/autism.shtml or if you are interested in supporting autism, you can do an Etsy search for: "Etsy for Autism" to find the fine products of group members. Learn more about this affliction ~ it's the only way we can help those who need us the most. Thank you!

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

PROPOSAL: ACCEPTED!!!

The BEADWEAVING EMPORIUM @

1000 MARKETS:

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!!

Our proposal for THE BEADWEAVING EMPORIUM has been stamped: APPROVED as a new market at 1000 Markets!! We submitted our proposal to their management yesterday afternoon and received a "Well Done" acceptance email from CEO Matt at 10pm last night. We are all very excited and now look forward to getting our actual electronic marketplace created, post each of our shops there and look forward to inviting all beadweavers across the country (and soon to be international) to apply for membership in our group. This move allows us to spotlight our own particular kind of unique beading to be showcased in it's own entity which we believe will make it easier for the public to find us. Until now, beaders, beadweavers, bead makers, lampwork bead makers, etc. at 1000 Markets have been bunched together under "jewelry".

These shops are the hard-working Founding Members of the Market:

Beadazzled of Oregon
Rachele’s Originals
Conlin’s Creations
Beaded Extravagance
Beadsforever
The Beaded Lily
Cigar Box Beads
Hiding Place Beadery

Come and see us! Or come and join us at 1000 Markets!

INVITATION:

If you are a beadweaver and are interested in membership, we invite you (at this time) to contact either me (Beadazzled of Oregon) or Racele Dagley (Rachele's Originals). We are compiling a list now. Soon we will have our own 1000 Markets link to membership and I will post that here so watch for it!

NOTE: Double click on graphic for close-up view.

PROPOSAL ON THE WAY TO 1000 MARKETS!

THE BEADWEAVING EMPORIUM

Beadazzled of Oregon started it's own shop at 1000 Markets, a new selling venue sincerely based on "quality not quantity" just a few weeks ago. After a week of being open, still posting my inventory (and haven't finished that yet!) I spent some time investigating my way through the marketplace there. It occurred to me that all beaders were glomped together: stringers, beadweavers, lampwork artists, bead makers, etc.

That insight gave way to the initial idea that we beadweavers should have our own marketplace that just showcased our art. So, OK, you know the rest... Inviting anyone who might be interested in such a venture, within a handful of days there was a solid group of 8 of us who have spent the entire last week, pioneering our way through writing up our proposal, choosing our name and tag line, establishing our vision of the market we wanted to establish and deciding on a final banner graphic. We will call ourselves: The Beadweaving Emporium.

Today we spit and polish and make sure all those "i's" are dotted and submit it for consideration by the 1000 Markets jury. Regardless of the outcome, (though obviously we hope it's a positive acceptance) this last week has been a wonderful, non-stop experience by 8 devoted, hard-working entrepreneurs, teamed together for a common purpose. Great job gals!

Mumblings in the outside beading world that this proposal is in the works surfaced. Now my list for other beadweavers who are ready to join us is growing daily. And, that's exciting too! Any beadweaver reading this now, if you are interested in joining this group, please send me your name AND email address and I'll keep you postes on our progress. Stay tuned for the outcome.

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

What's On My Beading Board Today?

He's just wonderful!!
I was browsing the web one day, came across "Amee Runs With Scissors". OK, now if you came across that as a name for a shop, wouldn't you check it out? Of course, so I did. Amee does some fabulous multi-media work but this old gal fell absolutely in love with her lions.




Alas, I couldn't locate an actual outlet shop for her so I contacted her and asked if she ever made these fellas for sale. Well, no, she hadn't...so I pleaded (and I'm really good at that) and Amee agreed, making me 4 lions with the most fabulous, individual personalities you ever saw. I couldn't wait to get started on one...but other work got in the way. Finally last night I poured the accompanying beads onto my beadboard and began.

Follow this guy as we proceed together to a finished piece. I'm thinking he needs to be called "It's A Bad Hair Day". What do you think?

Find Amee at: http://www.ameerunswithscissors.com/home



NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

A DEAR CUSTOMER'S CUSTOM REPORT

This custom necklace I made for a dear friend of mine in Mesa, AZ. Donna is one of those people who wears jewelry like a model (or is it queen?). She has commented on the responses she gets from admirers about how the neckpiece looks like it is part of the top she is wearing - it drapes easily and gently around the neck, as a loose-choker style. Donna wears lots of beiges, blacks and browns so you can imagine the mileage this necklace gets; yahoo!

We'll be working on another custom piece for her soon - I'm just waiting for her color selection. Here are a few more close-ups of the beadweaving. It's such a joy to make special items for special people that you have a relationship with!! ThankX for these photos, Donna! Wear in the spirit of good health and harmony, my friend. Sending lovies...

Congratulations: Rachele's Originals!

"The Seductress"

An utterly exquisite rendition of the Feb-March Etsy Beadweaver's challenge ("Temptation") titled "The Seductress" brought designer Rachele first place and the right to choose the subject for the next challenge.

Graze your eyes over this magnificiently executed neck piece. The colors are so rich and exciting.

Congrats Rachele! This is just smashing and would go with a lot of clothes in my closet.....

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

2009 SPRING COLOR CHART...

...according to Margie Deeb, bead artist, and the Panatone fashion color report. Margie has a wonderful site/newsletter where she talks about all kinds of "art of color for bead artists" and you'll find issues of Margie's Muse at: http://www.MargieDeeb.com/muse. She has some wonderful, very useful information and ideas on the use of color - some wonderful, detailed examples of suggested palettes from different cultures. She examines color and dominance, living color, among a few. Margie has 2 downloadable PDF's choked full of wonderful and very useful color information. You'll find them listed and available on her website: http://www.margiedeeb.com.

Other resources from Deeb are: BLOG: http://www.colorforbeadartists.com and NEWSLETTER: http://www.margiedeeb.com/newsletter.

Green with Envy: My Etsy Beadweaver's March Challenge Entry

"Green with Envy"

Length: 14.5" from the closure or 37 cm

Colors: Greens and yellows

DOUBLE CLICK: Be sure to double-click on the thumbnail photos for a close-up, detailed look at this piece.

This necklace has been created specifically for entry in the Etsy Beadweaver's (EBWC) March Beadweaving Challenge. The subject of the challenge is: "Temptations" which openes up a vast array of possibilities! I am a member of this creative, beadweaving group.

First, I choose greens which remind me of the month of March, with St. Patty's Day, and the onset of spring around the corner. New growth,rebirth, green. Green with envy... This necklace is a OOAK (one of a kind) piece that will encircle your neck comfortably and is sure to start a conversation at any gathering. I used a wonderful handmade ceramic pendant and beadsculptured to compliment the colors. Included is a wonderful array of lampwork glass works.

I will blog about all the entries for this month's challenge by March 9th which is the deadline for entries and the beginning of voting for your favorite entry so check back soon!

Price: $175.00

Status: Available

NOTE: Double click for close-up of photos.

2/15: WHAT'S ON MY BEADING BOARD TODAY?

People ask me: "How do I know what I'm going to bead?" So here are some musings of a bead addict...

Let's see...I have one of Kim Cavendar's (kimcavender.etsy.com) fun and funky faces (I'm

in love with these gems!). I see a smattering of Lisa Peter's (lisapetersart.etsy.com) rustic

raku, a beautifully matrixed turquoise I found in Quartzite, AZ.There are some of Heather Power's (humblebeads.etsy.com) Humblebeads - her colors are "so yum!" And an indian maiden I started on one of my trips that

I have yet to finish - I want it as a necklace; she is being worked on very soft, fluid goat leathers. I think she'll be fun...one of these days!

Starting a project, for me, always includes just about the same sequence of events. Rarely do I ever have a picture in my head of where I'm headed with my beads. Occasionally I will have a combo of colors I want to work with so that's a start. But more often I fill my board with a good handful of focal piece choices, let them kinda stare back at me from the board and in a short amount of time, one will jump out at me; that's the one! Then I go about choosing the colors to go with that center piece. I have no pattern in mind; I just wait for the beads to start "talking" ~ and they invariably do!

Occasioanlly I have a "start" that never seems to go anywhere. Ever been there yourself? Or, I have a "start" that seems to be a struggle no matter how I try to work with it. I don't struggle long - I have learned if it's that forced, my creation is doomed. I never, EVER take apart anything! It's against all I believe in. I have a basket sitting by the window and when I get one of these little orphans, I toss it in the basket. The basket never gets full because eventually, more often than not, I will find a use for each little wad of beads and generally when I do, it becomes a prominent addition to the new creation - "Here's to free-form beadweaving!"

There are no mistakes ~ only lessons.

Etsy Beadweavers' JAN-FEB Challenge -

"Tropical Holiday"

The entries for the challenge are in and once again they are simply beautiful, creative and amazing! Can you imagine, 46 beadweaving artists (out of a worldwide membership of 170) took the challenge ~ amazing! Imagine that all of these entrants took the time and talent to create these inspiring challenge pieces! Sorry this mosaic is so small but the enlarged version is on our Etsy Beadweaver's Team site - address below in red. You can click on the "item title" in the participant list below and it links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detailed photos of each piece and the rest of their inventory!
Beadazzled's entry is #36.

Be sure to cast your vote, February 9th thru the 15th! (Details below....)

1. Caribbean Surf Collar by: nemeton
2. Scorpion Fish by: njema
3. Dreaming of Hawaii by: randomcreative
4. A Walk on the Beach by: beadsandblooms
5. Peace on the beach by: PFordCustomJewelry
6. Orchid Beauty by: ArtfulAr
7. Rainforest Necklace by: charmingthings
8. Blue lagoon necklace N961 by: FleurDeIrk
9. Paradise by: beadsforever
10.Pink Flamingo Fantasy Necklace by: gypsyeyesjewelry
11. Sultry Salty Sand and Surf by: janetkemp88
12. hawaii '09 necklace by: thebeadedlily
13. Tropical Sunset Garden Necklace (1384) by: clairecreations
14. The Lively Sea by: farfrumplainjane
15. Tropical Holiday bracelet by: 6Carmen6
16. Beachcombing the Sea of Cortez - A Tropical Holiday by: dreambeadweaver
17. What if I'm a Mermaid by: ThesePreciousThings
18. Tropical Breezes by: RegalBeads
19. Tropical Chic - Choker by: Triz
20. Spinny Girl on the Beach by: BeadArtbyShari
21. Tropical Garden by: SpringColors
22. Tropical Paradise Necklace by: CieloDesign
23. Coral Reef Cuff Bracelet by: FrancescasFancy
24. TORTUGA by: caraway
25. CRYSTAL LEI by: fashionsfrome
26. Tropical Nights by: SmadarsTreasure
27. Tropical Flower Brooch by: enchantedbeads
28. Tropical Dream Cuff by: arosebyname
29. Calypso Necklace by: DeepSeaBeads
30. Tropical Whale Tails Bracelet by: SalamanderHouse
31. Tropical Holiday by: veroque
32. Caribbean Sunset by: totallytwisted
33. Bougainvillea Bouquet by: KerrieSlade
34. Tropical greenwood by: beadshead
35. Beachcomber by: vanishingpearl
36. Island Treasure Chest by: BeadazzledofOregon
37. Mayan Sun by: ThreeFatesDesign
38. Girlie Drinks and Sunsets by: HannahRachel
39. MAUI WEDDING by: Chrisbeads
40. Strelitzia by: MadeByOlga
41. ti leaf and orchid lei by: beadwoman3
42. Sunset in the Islands by: 1965angelika
43. Tropical Treasures by: BeadCatcher
44. On The Beach by: SilverDragon
45. Loopy Lei Necklace by: beadworkbyamanda
46. Tropical Rainforest Getaway by: Bead4you

Again, (put it on your calendar!) voting begins on Monday, February 9th and ends midnight February 15th. The best way to show your appreciation for the efforts of these amazing artists is by taking on the difficult task of voting for your favorite. Tell your relatives and friends to view, enjoy and vote with you! Send them this link and give them these instructions.

GO TO: ETSY BEADWEAVER'S TEAM BLOGSITE: CLICK HERE:
http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

...and exercise your right to vote! (The ballot will appear on the side bar at right). Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic where you can visit each entry for more information by following the link. Thank you, enjoy and be sure to come back to vote between February 9th and 15th!

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

ANOTHER PHOTO AND THE EBW CHALLENGE

Here she wears my "Tropical Holiday" Etsy

Beadweaver's challenge entry for February.

She purchased this necklace literally 15 minutes

after I had posted it into my Etsy shop! Imagine

my surprise as I was looking at my computer screen

and all of a sudden, the necklace disappeared from

my shop! What had I done wrong? Then I realized

where it went: SOLD! - (chuckle)

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

TEXAS BEAUTY!

This is a photo sent to me from a wonderful

customer wearing her "Rainbow" custom designed

necklace. I have a feeling she has a closet full of

these great, colorful blouses (Mexican? Indian?)

like I do! She is a gem to work with due to the fact

that she loves jewelry and has a real sense of what

she likes, what she wants and of design. Thankx to you!

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

GEMS FOR YOUR EARS

I have a new Earring Section in my shop

and this is just a sample!

It just opened today so I invite you to check it out.

Wonderful colors, beadweaving galore.

See you there:

http://www.beadazzledoforegon.etsy.com

Price: $25-$35

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

"FROGGY WENT 'A COURTIN'!"

This was a darling (1" X 1-1/2") soldered picture pendant made

with lead-free 'silvergleem solder', the only solder with real silver

which shows in the extra, added glimmer and shine. The pendant is

made from a vintage postcard of "Dancing Frogs" and on the reverse

side (which you can wear as well) is the saying: "too much stress

will make you croak." My cousin sent me this from Ohio.

It's a very high quality, hand-painted piece. I made a simple

yet elegant Ndebele rope pulling the colors from the pendant -

little touches of red match Froggie's jacket and the apple-green

pulls from the frog's under throat. This dude is charming Miss Froggy;

yes he is!

Two necklaces in one!

Price: $145.00

Status: Available

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

WHAT'S SLID OFF MY BEADING BOARD TODAY?

"Rainbow Symphony"

(custom order)

This colorful necklace is a custom request that I've been working on for a while now -

the going is slow since I had another major hand reconstruction just 2 weeks

ago and am tucked back into a full arm and hand cast for the next 2 months!

The buyer had already purchased a salmon choker in the same style and she

wanted one with more color in it. I hope this meets her expectations! It's been

a bit of a challenge but the doctor left 4 fingers outside the cast this time so I was

able to barely figure out how to grasp the end of the string between index and middle

fingers. Hardest part is threading the needle and getting each piece actually started

and worked so that I have something to hang onto! Ah, challenges...

1-26-09: I sent this photo to the buyer in Texas and this was her return reply.

"Hi Dini, How are you? First let me just say - OH MY GOD - what a fabulous necklace!

I wish you could hear the amazement in my expression! The necklace looks stunning....

I just love the colors! What a great piece! And you did this with your hand in a cast??!!!!!

I am blown away..... " Whew, me thinks!!

She promised to have her hubby take a photo of her wearing it when it arrives.

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

Island Treasure Chest: EBW FEB. CHALLENGE

ETSY BEADWEAVER'S FEBRUARY CHALLENGE

Length: 26 inches; a mini-lariat style necklace

This necklace has been created specifically for entry in the Etsy Beadweaver's (EBW) January-February Beadweaving Challenge. The subject of the challenge is: "Tropical Holiday", a wonderful, much-needed break from the winter's elements! I am a member of this creative, beadweaving group.

Thinking about this challenge took me right to the beach and the warmth of the sands having been kissed by the sunshine. The lapping of gentle waves are gently caressing this gorgeous lampwork fish. This necklace is a OOAK (one of a kind) piece that will encircle your neck comfortably and is sure to start a conversation at any gathering.

EBW BLOG SITE: I encourage you to visit our team blog at: http://www.etsy.beadweavers.blogspot.com/ to see all the member's entries.

VOTE: Between Febryary 9 and 15th you will be able to vote for your favorite entry at the above web site. HIT the red EBW button in our left column for easy entry. You can also do a SEARCH for the tags "EBWC" to see the entries the members have listed so far.

15 minutes after I posted this necklace in my Etsy shop - it sold!! WOW, I think the moon must have been in the right place yesterday. Enjoy, Lajju!

Price: $170.00

Status: SOLD

Item: 550-09

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

Cleopatra Was Here

Networking DOES work! Team play DOES work! And this is a wonderful example of how....

I finished a necklace today using one of Jan Geisen's fabulous pendants. It excited the "bajezzus" out of me when I first bought it from her: the colors, the shapes, I couldn't wait to get started on it! When I got it finished, I posted it in my Etsy shop. Then I sent Jan a photo so she could see the end-product, (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19283902) as I always try to do. And the following ensued....

Email from Jan: (view Jan's multi-talented shop at: http://www.jangeisen.com)

Hi Dini.

That turned out real nice. I think it was the appropriate piece for you to incorporate in your work at this time.. Hopefully there is some truth to the myth associated with the symbol. It is the Eye of Horus, but I prefer to call it by its earlier name Udjat (eye). It is the symbol for health, healing and completeness.

I also have written a couple of blog entries about our collaborations. Check it out: http://jangeisen.blogspot.com/ Now, just FYI, you might check out Jan's site ~ exposure and marketing works...but it does take communication and a little bit of extra time and teamwork!

I encourage all of you, if you're doing a collaboration with any other artist, to give them just a bit of space on your page - surely the favor will be reciprocated and everyone wins!

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

NEW 2009 COLLECTION IS HERE!

This delicious raku piece accompanied by complimenting raku beads (from MAKStudio) is only one of the Collection for 2009 from Beadazzled.

New inventory has now been added to our Etsy Shop (with more continuing to be added) and soon to our Flickr Gallery and ArtFire Shop sites as well.

Visit often to see what's new for the upcoming season! (http://www.beadazzledoforegon.etsy.shop/.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful new year ahead.
Best, Dini

BRACELET COLLECTION

These are a few samples of various beadwoven,

bead-sculptured bracelets that are available

in our Etsy Shop.

CLICK: http://www.beadazzledoforegon.etsy.com/

to enter shop.

EBW CHALLENGE WINNER

December Challenge Winner
There were 658 votes (hugely up again from the last month's number!) this month and with 31 gorgeous entries so we have a resounding winner with 133 votes (20% of the total number of votes). Congratulations to Karin of Gypsy Eyes Jewelry who won with her Queen of the Frozen Tundra necklace. It truly is a fascinating piece!

Karin says about this piece:
"The Queen is an exquisite hand sculpted and painted porcelain pendant by the fabulous artist Pat Swyler. The patina of her complexion is a lovely icy blue. The crown jewels of her woven head-dress are a shimmering raw silver-gray diamond and magical boulder opals, their brilliant flashes of color reminiscent of the Northern Lights.The necklace represents her kingdom: frost covered branches, snowflakes and icicles - all lovingly hand-beaded/ woven with tiny glass delica beads, opal, aquamarine, rainbow moonstone, pink kunzite, blue topaz and freshwater pearls." See Karin's gorgeous piece at: http://www.gypsyeyesjewelry.etsy.com/.

And, now onto the Jan/Feb Challenge titled: TROPICAL HOLIDAY! That sounds inviting, doesn't it - especially with the cold winter we're all experiencing this year already!
Hmmmm, I have my thoughts....guess I'd better not procrastinate on this one and start beading now. I just found out my next hand surgery is the beginning of January so that will put me out of the beading circle for about 3 months. Talk about pressure! OK, brain: engage!!! Entries are due Feb. 5th, 2009, I'll have to have mine done a month before that. Oh gosh, I'm too old for this kind of pressure......

SPEND TIME THIS SEASON...NOT PLASTIC!

One can't help but wonder, listening to the bleak economy reports, if this will have a definite effect on the holidays ahead. I think it is up to all of us to make sure that the holidays continue on as always, maybe not with the mountain of gifts under the tree, but I can see other great and fun possibilities that might achieve even more fulfillment. Let's keep that glass half full:

1) SING: I mean, sing together, not plugged into a little hand-held thing that goes from the box straight to your head. I mean SING. Go caroling in your neighborhood. Just get a group of friends and family together, practice a few songs and walk through the streets together caroling. Yes, people might stare but you can invite them to come along with you and you might be very surprised at the outcome.

2) DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE: Go out of your way to do something special. It can be for a friend or a stranger. Visit someone who is shut-in; take a little homemade bread or bag of cookies and plan to spend an hour visiting and spreading the Season's cheer.

3) PLAY GAMES: No, not video games. REAL games. Remember charades? Cards? Monopoly? These are simple, uncomplicated games that everyone has and everyone can play and everyone already knows the rules to.

4) PUT ON A SHOW: Although this is still a holiday staple in some homes, children writing a short play of their own, singing songs and dancing around the living room has become a thing of the past. A children's program is a great project for the day after Christmas when the parents are tired but the kids are still wanting to relive the fun of Christmas morning.

5) MAKE HOMEMADE GIFTS OR DECORATIONS: The internet and magazines are filled with simple holiday crafts that are inexpensive and creative.

6) ENJOY THE DECORATIONS: In our town of Grants Pass, we are very lucky to have a festive and colorful downtown area. We will bundle up more than once this season, put the dogs in the car with us and venture into town to enjoy the decorations. All the old fashioned lamp posts are decorated, there are wonderful huge 7 foot tall holiday soldiers and fabulous free-standing electronic holiday boards that animate their stories and are accompanied by speakers and holiday music on both sides of the major streets in town. And this doesn't even count all the decorating each local business does. What does your town do for the season?

7) GIVE THE GIFT OF COUPONS: Always a classic, personal service coupons that are redeemable at a later date are the perfect way to give on a budget and they are truly a gift of oneself. Coupons good for babysitting, car washing, or special activities are a great way to give without getting out the credit card.

I am well aware that the success of this experiment depends on the ages of the children involved. Young children will get right on board, have a great time, generate a huge mess and make wonderful family memories. It may take a little more creativity to get the older children involved but it is well worth the effort.

A holiday season spent unplugged, together and engaged will send you and your family into the new year with all the good will and good cheer that you need to stay warm and happy throughout the cold months ahead.

Sending you and yours our very best for the holiday season and wishing you happiness and good health for the new year ahead.

Hugz from all of us at Beadazzled of Oregon

Dini

The FRENCH QUARTER: OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

The FRENCH QUARTER's front door is now open!

Marie~France Bowers, French oil painter, and Dini Alves, a "bead-a-holic" from Oregon, have combined talents to create these little mini-art-delicacies. The "Beaded Iris" can be hung on the wall or can sit on a small easel on a coffee table. It's uniqueness will be sure to be a conversation piece!

THE JOURNEY: this little gem started in Marie~France's studio in her Pahrump, Nevada home in the desert. Then it was mailed to Dini's studio in the forests of southern Oregon. With the unique beadweaving added, the total concept was born. It is a 6X8 canvas.

...and it SOLD within less than 24 hours of posting it on Etsy!!!!
This is truly an OOAK (one-of-a-kind) venture, with more to come very soon ~ we hope you enjoy!

Marie-France and Dini; Proprietors; The French Quarter

NOTE: Double click on photo for close-up view.

SPREADER OF LOVE AWARD!

I received the lovely "Spreader of Love" award from my friend MAK (Marianne) who makes THE most fabulous raku beads and pendants and jewelry you ever saw. And, of course I must spread the love ~ it's non-negotiable! Check out her blog: http://www.makustudio.blogspot.com and Etsy store: http://www.makustudio.etsy.com/. And, of course I must spread the love - it's non-negotiable! Well, I did bribe MAK just a little (thankX lots, MAK!) - I thought the logo was so cute and I could think of lots of folks I wanted to send it to....


For The Spreader of Love award, the rules are:

1. Post a copy on your blog
2. Mention who gave you the award
3. Pass the award on to 6 others, maybe more?
4. Leave a message on their blog letting them know the honor has been bestowed upon them.

I'm spreading the love to a few of my friends below ~ enjoy the fun, feel the warm fuzzies, and keep it going. TAG, you're "it!" (and check out the blogs of the talented folks below)

1. http://kristi-asliceoflifephotography.blogspot.com/
2. http://mainst-artists.blogspot.com/
3. http://sjm-artist.blogspot.com/
4. http://beadalicious.blogspot.com/
5. http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com
6. http://smadarstreasure.blogspot.com/
7. http://beadsforever2.blogspot.com/
8. http://etsymetal.blogspot.com/
9. http://www.humblebeads.blogspot.com/
10. http://www.jangeisen.blogspot.com/

ETSY BEADWEAVERS TEAM DECEMBER CHALLENGE

Etsy Beadweavers' December Challenge - "Snow Queen"
The entries for the challenge are in and they are simply beautiful, creative and amazing! Imagine that all of these entrants took the time and talent to create these inspiring challenge pieces! You can click on the "item title" in the participant list below and it links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detailed photos of each piece!

Be sure to come back on the 9th when the poll will be available for you to cast your vote, December 9th thru the 15th! (Details below....)

1. Mirka Collar - thebeadedlily

2. Snow Queen Musical Box - enchanted beads
3. Winter's Court necklace - AmethystRavenstar
4. A Royal Affair - beadsforever
5. Snow Blind - artzilla
6. Ice Crystals Holiday Bracelet - arosebyname
7. Snow Queen necklace - CieloDesign
8. Jadis , Beadwoven Cuff - RegalBeads
9. The Snow Queen's Dandelion - divina
10. Snow Queen Choker - njema
11. Frozen Waters - Cuff - triz
12. Queen of Ice and Snow Necklace - HannahRachel
13. Snowdrop - ErtheFae
14. Ice Dream - nemeton
15. Queen of the Frozen Tundra - gypsyeyesjewelry
16. Snow Queen Beaded Cuff - celestialfoundations
17. Snowflake - ArtfulAr
18. Yuki Onna - Japanese Snow Woman - SmadarsTreasure
19. Anastasia choker - MCDdesigns
20. For the White Witch of Narnia - ThesePreciousThings
21. Snowflake Fairy - BeadazzledofOregon
22. Snow Queen - cigarboxbeads
23. Snow princess necklace - FleurDeIrk
24. Snow Queen Collar - LiciaBeads
25. Royal Crystal Necklace - SpringColors
26. Snowfall - beadsandblooms
27. Queen of the Snow - savoystudio
28. Snow Queen amulet bag - PFordCustomJewelry
29. Snow Queen Paisley Bracelet - myfairladyvt4
30. Victorian Icicles Necklace - FrancescasFancy

Again, voting begins on Tuesday, December 9th and ends midnight December 15th. The best way to show your appreciation for the efforts of these amazing artists is by taking on the difficult task of voting for your favorite. The ballot will appear on the side bar on the right side of the Etsy Beadweaver's Blog site on December 9th.

GO TO: ETSY BEADWEAVER'S TEAM BLOGSITE: CLICK HERE:

http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic where you can visit each entry for more information and more detailed photos of the entries by following the link.

Thank you, enjoy and be sure to come back to vote between December 9th and 15th!