Happy 4th (Birthday That Is)

"It's All About Creating" blog is 4 years old today!  1,023 posts!  This blog has brought so much joy into my life it's hard to put into words.  The readers who have made comments encouraged me and touched my heart.

I've learned some great tips and tricks from other artists who were generous enough to share and been inspired by others' work.  I have grown through my experience of blogging. I've met goals and challenges I didn't think I could. I've shared feelings, taken risks and felt an affirmation through this process.

The best part has been making friends through blogging, emails, comments and forums. I sincerely thank you for being there through my failures and disappointments and my successes and joys.  Each day so precious, a gift we are given.  Thank you for being part of my creative life.  

Mimbres Polymer Pendant

One of the Mimbres pendants I made during the Barb Fajardo workshop.  Barb is so sweet.  She opened the weekend with "You have my permission to make as many of the Mandalas and Mimbres as you want for yourself, family and friends.  You can even sell them.  But, please, please do not teach it because it is how I make a living!"  Who couldn't respect that?  Still creating more of these and remembering what a great workshop Barb taught.

Mandala Polymer Cuff

When I saw Badgley Mischka's large oval Navajo Deco Cuff (below), I was inspired to make one from polymer clay.  I used Barb Fajardo's Mandala Madness technique to create my large round polymer clay cuff bracelet.  

[As Seen in Shape Magazine]

Down To Her Toes

Bead Crochet Flag Pattern #4

 Top one is the same rope from my last post; almost done.  Bottom one was ripped out.  I kept thinking I would like it, but it never happened.  I'm loving the new one.

Hope you have a good holiday weekend to kick off your summer.

And The Bead Goes On

 Starting my fourth red, white & blue bead crochet rope.  I've created bead crochet patterns using DB-Bead software for years, but never did anything with them.  Now, happily, I see DB-Bead patterns all over the internet.  I've collected internet patterns from 5 around (click HERE) to 35 around and pinned them to my Pinterest board (click HERE).  Now, I am enjoying beading some of those old patterns and collecting new ones.

Free Bangle Tutorial

This free bangle bracelet tutorial (click HERE) is from Anna Gray of Gray's Crafts.  I love this tutorial for a simple roll on bangle.  Anna's photos, supply list and instructions are excellent.  If you are too busy beading other projects, Anna sells her birthstone bangles in various sizes on her Etsy site (click HERE).

Give Me Some Props

It's fun collecting photography props and jewelry displays.  I love searching the internet for craft booth ideas (click HERE) and beautiful photographs of jewelry (click HERE).

I would love to have a full size mannequin; maybe someday.

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 Simone 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.