Southwest Polymer

A little southwest flavor, a little polymer clay faux turquoise crosses and some big, fun charms.

Soldering Wire

I slipped some lead-free soldering wire inside my Love & Kisses bead crochet bracelet so it can be worn on the upper arm, as a wrap or as a cuff.

Above is a bead crochet bracelet I also used lead-free soldering wire in (click HERE).  After I cut the soldering wire, I always use a fine metal file to smooth all the edges.  If not smoothly filed, any burr has the potential to tear the inner threads of the bead crochet.

 Love & Kisses (click HERE for pattern) was made using size 8/0, 7 beads around.  Just make sure there is enough room inside the bead crochet tube (or any beaded tube) to accommodate the soldering wire.

Fringe, Fringe & More Fringe

I added my fireworks fringe and didn't like it.  Out of proportion I thought, but I'll wear it and see if it grows on me.

 Nope, maybe on another piece.  I'm happier with this one.

Happy Mother's Day

 Our son and his girlfriend, Aggie, sent me a surprise for Mother's Day.  Wow, was I ever surprised! Gorgeous.  A Pandora "Mom" bead and an inlaid stone bead.  They had given me the Pandora Sterling bracelet and beads (above) as a gift in February.  Each bead means something very special to me.  The white leather circular box has a two level bead and bracelet area to store or display your beads and/or bracelet.  I even love the bag it was wrapped in.  I am so excited and happy.  What a Mother's Day this is; like Christmas for me.

Free Bead Crochet Love & Kisses Pattern

Bead crochet pattern "Love & Kisses" is from Renate of TidesWell Bead and Glass (click HERE).  I love this pattern.  Renate was kind enough to give me permission to share.   I hope all of you have a great weekend full of love and kisses.

A Little More Fajardo

A great mosaic of the Mandala Madness and Crackly Goodness Workshop taught by Barb Fajardo. If you click on the photo, you will be able to see it better.  The mosaic was assembled by Dara Meunier (middle left in pink), a very talented polymer clay artist.  Dara is the Arizona Polymer Clay Guild's Vice President and Facebook page moderator (click HERE).  Below is Barbara on the right and me wearing my Mandala earrings and my Crackly Goodness pendant.

Workshop Bliss

 A super close-up of the Crackly Goodness technique I learned at Barb Fajardo's Workshop.  I was thinking about how great the weekend was.  Before the workshop, I get happy-hyper buying supplies, conditioning clay and packing. Then I worry if I have everything and what am I going to do if I don't.  My friend tells me, "It's all good, don't worry, just chill."  During the workshop I'm so far in the zone, it's hard to reel back in.  After the workshop, I can't wait to get home and play.  What day is it? I'm still playing.

Barbara Fajardo Workshop

I took Barbara Fajardo's excellent two day polymer clay workshop over the weekend.  She is a wonderful teacher and an unbelievable polymer clay artist.  Her website can be found HERE, her blog HERE and her Facebook page HERE.  It has taken me until today to finally do a short post on it because I have been busy playing.  It was one of the very best workshops I have ever taken.  The above earrings were my first pieces completed.  More to come.

The Colors of Strength

Beautiful Red, White & Blue in bead crochet.  

Polymer Finger is Handy

I'm working on a series of red, white & blue bead crochet necklaces at the same time I am working on the Circus Bangles.  Oh so heavenly busy.  With all this crocheting, my little polymer clay crochet hook finger is coming in handy.