Bead and Button Bead Dreams

I didn't know Bead and Button Magazine had posted the finalists and winners of the 2011 competition on their site so I was pleasantly surprised when I got some blog traffic from CS Magazine. The vintage book page tree will continue tomorrow, but in the meantime you can enjoy the work of all the artists (click HERE).

Vintage Paper Trees

I'm working on these cute book page vintage trees. I remember these from the 60's. Readers' Digest trees. I've seen them made from phone books and magazines. There was one at the Rose Bowl Flea Market that was magnificent. The vendor wanted $20 for it. I thought, "I could make that and save $20." Oh, my aching hand. And how much is a doctor's visit? The tutorial for these can be found HERE. I'm still working on them so more tomorrow.

Broken, But Not Forgotten

Some of my doll china collection was broken in our move to Arizona nine years ago. Finally got around to throwing some ceramic tile adhesive and mortar on an old frame and sticking some pieces into it. I do like how it turned out; kind of MacKenzie Childs (click here). I am hoping to use up the rest of the collection so there is one less box in my studio (yeah, like that's gonna happen). If only I could stay focused on one darn thing. There is just so much to have fun with and so little time.

Booth Camp

These are my jewelry "finds" from the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Just a few sweet vintage pieces. I'm gearing up for the November Art Fair here and want a new look for my booth. I've been adding ideas to my Chef Polymerie over there on the sidebar. You can find "Booth, Display and Marketing" on my Pinterest board. I found these fun, crazy displays and, of course, had to have them. Make me laugh. Still working out the booth changes, but wanted to show you "the girls". Yes, I purchased two. Hope you have a good weekend full of big smiles.

Find the Hummingbird

Click on the photo for a better view of one spectacular bird putting on a show with the skyline of San Diego as a backdrop. Talk about getting away from it all.....a romantic lunch on the water with a private showing of "Flight of the Hummingbird". At lunch, we were still talking about the incident at the western museum where I accidentally set off the security alarm. It was really amazing how quickly a security guard was behind me, talking into his sleeve saying, "Stand down, false alarm". Only me. Anywho, back to San Diego. I was going to post a few more photos, but came across Southern Hospitality's post of where we were and she did a much better job. Click HERE to visit her site. Good to blog hop, yes?

Chef Polymerie

I'm probably the last person on the planet to discover Pinterest (click HERE). From there you can go the left side and click on one of the categories such as DIY and discover tons of new Do It Yourself crafts including polymer clay. I am having so much fun with it. It is a Virtual Pinboard where you can organize what you find on the web and keep it on your pinboards. For instance, I love finding tutorials for polymer clay or beadwork and now I have a place to quickly access them. You can redecorate, plan a party, find your style, save your inspirations, tutorials and recipes all in one place. BUT, the best part is discovering tons of new things through others with the same interests. Everyday, I learn something new and always, always come away feeling better after viewing the beautiful things people post. You can access my Pinterest board by clicking on Chef Polymerie over on my sidebar where it says "For Free Tutorials, etc." After you click on the Chef, you will see my pinboards. Just click on one and it will take you to the board where you can choose a photo and click on the link under the photo. Oh my gosh, it is so easy and fun. Here is a tutorial from Sorta Crunchy (click HERE). And the little "Disclaimer" under Chef Polymerie is true--not responsible for hours of lost time, neck ache, or enabling Pinterest addiction! (hehe)

New Handmade Tools

My friend in polymer, Shirley K. Johnson sculpted the above polymer clay sculptures of Mark Twain and Hemmingway using her hand made custom sculpting tools.She has several available in her Etsy store (click HERE). Shirley is such a talented artist in whatever she does, but her polymer clay sculptures are phenomenal. She has been working in polymer since 2002. She is equally as talented in the artistry of these fine tools. The tool above is my favorite for making very fine fingernails. Can't have enough tools, right?

Gene Autry Western Museum

This sculpture was behind glass, so I tried to position my hands over the pottery and, amazingly, it turned out. Really like it. Detail of the bridle on Gene Autry's bronze horse sculpture. Amazing. A little of San Diego tomorrow.

Gene Autry Western Museum

Just a quick clip from our Monday trip to the Gene Autry Western Museum located directly across from the Los Angeles Zoo. I got so excited when I saw this paining and started babbling to the hubby (who was shaking his head up and down, pretending to listen), waving my hands about, expounding, "OMG, look at the colors, the bold and agitated arrangement and the broad free brushwork that fills the composition with such energy and feeling that it burst from the frame." And just then, a loud alarm went off and a security guard was behind me. Apparently, I had literally cross the line. In my enthusiasm and waiving my arms and hands, I leaned in too far. The hubby was mortified (shaking his head the other way).

Rose Bowl Flea Market

The hubby walked around the stadium taking photos while I shopped. I had to "photoshop" a top on the above very full figured mannequin. But, do you see what I mean? Just a crazy mixture of "stuff" for sale. The morbid booth above was right across from the prom dresses below. You just never knew what you were going to see next. And then there was this little one that just made us laugh. She wore those crazy glasses with attitude. Really a fun time.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

This vendor would not let me take her photo...I begged to no avail. She looked like and was dressed as Lucille Ball and her booth was phenomenal. A small trailer decorated in vintage and a "room" set up outside with all vintage pieces. She was truly an artist. I loved this flea market because it had everything from A to Z and then some. There were people dressed in vintage, some barely dressed, and some over-dressed. The people watching was great. This was my second favorite booth. He would only let me take one photo and this was it. He had religious items that were so interesting. His prices were too steep for me, but I was coveting.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

We took a short trip to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California last Sunday. We had so much fun, we can't wait until the next one. We arrived early and were glad we did. As you can see, it was a pleasure to shop and get first pick before the heavy crowds arrived. There was even a film crew filming the various vendors. And one tired clown at the end of the day. More tomorrow.

Complex Canes=Simple Beauty

I was in a hurry to photograph these two pins because they were going to a showing and I didn't know if they would sell or not, but wanted a photo. Obviously, they are a bit large on this petite mannequin, but I am glad I got the photo because one did sell. I am anxious to do a couple more of these. I spent several days removing the pin backs from all my brooches and replacing them with magnets. I am loving the magnets so far.

Wallpaper Necklace #5

I just painted a few strokes of bright acrylic colors on it and it was done. If I do this one again, I would back fill it with polymer instead of the paint. I wanted a mandala look to it, but the bad painting job I did gives it a rudimentary look that I don't like. Nonetheless, it was fun.

Wallpaper Necklace #4

A small piece of paper and string fiber that I made a mold of. The polymer pendant is highlighted with acrylic paint to give a "mica" like finish. Even though it isn't technically wallpaper, I'm sticking with the name.

Bead Crochet

Bead crochet is my second love. I love the feel, the look and the versatility of the bead crocheted rope. I usually have one of these in a portable beading container because they are easy to transport and work on. Love them. One of my favorite bead crochet websites is BeadCrochet.com (click HERE). It is full of inspiration and tutorials.

Now, That's Fringe

...... tied up pretty with a little beaded bow. Sculptural peyote is my favorite. It was the first technique I learned so many years ago and I continue to love every aspect of it. This necklace is full of vintage beads and brings back a lot of memories. You can find directions for a wonderful tutorial on how to make a sculptural peyote bracelet (click HERE) from Beki of Whim Beads.

Using Skinner Blend Ends

The cut ends of a skinner blend roll usually end up in the scrap pile. But in this case, one end became a teapot and the other a pendant with some crystals wired in.

Wallpaper Necklace #3

I took this mold from a piece of natural fiber that could be applied to a wall, but I use it in collages. It looked like skin to me so a face emerged.