It's a sickness!!!

Yes, it's true. I have it and it's a HUGE problem. I can't help it. My problem is a big ol' stash of JUNK!! It's dusty, chippy, rusty, and always ends up going home with me. My dad would say... "It's a sickness".. and he would be right. My husband, thankfully, shares my affinity for the cast offs that sit sadly on the sidewalk during bulk pick up season, or on a shelf at a thrift store or in a junk shop. He loves going junkin', but he can walk away from it much more easily than I will. My weakness is not furniture, thank goodness. It's small stuff, like beaded clutches, china bowls and cups, vintage jewelry.. and not so small things, like depression glass and lamps. The larger pieces of my glass collection was sold a few years ago, so no, you will not see me on an episode of Hoarders, at least not anytime soon.

Those of you that have seen my jewelry booth at shows around the Great State of Texas (yes that is our state's official name) have probably noticed the lack of commercially produced jewelry displays. Yes, I have the trays and a handful of neck-forms. I also have an "eclectic mix" (that is code for random goodness) of display items, ranging from coffee cup trees turned t-stands for bracelets, a room divider turned necklace display, cigar box risers, and even a re-purposed $2 table lamp.

Yes. That my friends, was a white $2 table lamp from a thrift store, once upon a time. It actually looked like this... (the white one in the background) when I found it.

The coffee cup tree is being used for bracelets, the frame will be a sign holder. The other lamps will get stripped, hand painted, and rewired for home use. Not to worry, though. It won't be the only lamp turned jewelry stand. I've got more lamp bases and a couple more lamps that I plan on re-purposing. It really is a sickness and I hope there is no cure. 

Brunswick Bride

Having gotten the reputation of being the "gun show girl", I don't get requests to make wedding jewelry as often as I used to. Unless those request come from Ohio, which is where they have been coming from. Brides are some of my favorite people to work with. I've only had one bridezilla, and even that worked out well. This bride, like most of the others, is someone I have known for a while. She has the sweetest disposition, and I couldn't be happier for her. I love that she asked me to create her bridesmaid's jewelry. I really hope they love the jewelry they receive, as much as I loved making it.

The bridesmaids will be wearing this design.

Her maid of honor will wear this one.

Congratulations Sheila and Rob. May your marriage be filled with much love, laughter, and happiness. 

Summer Update...

It's H.O.T... HOT!! I can't remember the last time it wasn't over 100*. And let's just say.. the rain has been non-existent. The drought has been horrendous... with the exception of a couple of cloud bursts that missed 90% of the city. I'm sooo looking forward to winter. The good news is.. we finally got air conditioning in our vehicle. Thanks to my brother-in-law Mike and my husband (refusing to accept the mechanic's estimate for the repair of said A/C unit), I can now go places without risk of a heat stroke. =)

I'm still up to my neck in beads... not complaining... there are worse things to be up to your neck in. Slowly but surely we are getting  back to a more normal existence and doing shows on a more regular basis. The downtime we had over the last few months gave me a chance to try to get my workroom organized. It's a continual work in progress, because as we all know... I bead like the Tazmanian Devil. I've also gotten to work on some custom pieces for friends and family. My older sister bought some gorgeous beads in New Mexico.

... and this is what I made for her.

I've also spent some time "getting hammered".

I purchased a slightly used PMC Hot Pot. I can't wait to put it to use!

... but best of all I got to spend time with family! (hubby is a little camera shy so he's the one shooting the pic.)

Hope your summer has gone well... and that you've managed to stay cool!

;)

K.I.S.S.

My muse has been missing as of late. There has been a lot going on in our lives. My husband is preparing for a gastric bypass, and by default.. so have I. My husband's 27yr old son is currently receiving treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston,TX and we've traveled to be with him through this (positive thoughts for them will be greatly appreciated). And perhaps I am guilty of wanting to do to much and doing nothing as a result. Goodness knows the lack of inspiration is not due to a lack of materials to work with. I've been giving in to distraction and procrastination, and that has to stop. I think a return to simplicity is need right about now.


So.... here we go....





;)

Something New....

arted with a bracelet...., originally uploaded by BeadchaJustJustJust in case you didn't know it... I'm totally in love with weddings!! They are my favorite life event. Weddings are filled with love, hope and happiness. They are what every little girl dreams about. And on a good day, I'm lucky enough to be asked to participate in the celebration by creating something special for the day.

These particular design started with a pair of earrings and then a bracelet. She fell in love with the color of the crystals and decided she'd rather have something for her hair instead of her wrist. Could I 'make a tiara or comb for her hair', she asked. "No problem", I answered. When I asked if she had something specific in mind, she said, "I trust you". Which incidentally are three of the best words you could ever say to a designer. She knew she wanted a hint of rhinestones and didn't want what every other bride could buy in a store. The combs were picked up 2 weeks ago and she loved them. When she picked them up her face lit up, she got a little misty and gave me a big hug. I think she liked them. My hope is that these, like some of the other pieces I have made, will become the something borrowed at another brides wedding one day.

So, to all my brides. Thank you, for trusting my interpretation of your vision and for giving me the priviledge of being a small part of your special day.

My love to you all.