Beaded Necklace and Bracelet

I beaded the necklace and bracelet in right angle weave (RAW) in a light blue to dark blue triangle beads.  The Kimono display stand is from Good Will (second hand store). The necklace and bracelet have a very sumptuous feel to them and I love the colors. Here's right angle weave instructions from Around the Beading Table....click HERE. They have wonderful instructions and patterns...check them out. Here is the link to their blog....HERE.

Free Polymer Valentine Tutorial

This free tutorial is from Polymer Clay Central.....one of Julia Sober's designs. Click HERE. Also, here is the link for all their fabulous tutorials, lessons and projects....HERE.

Desert Valentine

Isn't that the sweetest little cactus heart you've ever seen?

We were visiting some family and friends for a couple of days and spotted the desert valentine and gorgeous purple cactus in our friends' landscaping. Made my day.

There's all 6'7" of the hubby so you can see that's a mighty big brown paper bag. We were at a resale book store tracking down some knitting and painting books I saw online. Found the books I wanted, had a great time and got some good photos. Now back to the studio.

Updated Followers' Blog Listing

I finally got around to updating my sidebar. I went through each Follower's info and updated the Followers' Blogs list. If you are not included, please email me. I couldn't leave the knitting class at the yarn store without buying this yummy yarn. Not a clue what I am doing, but I couldn't wait to see how these colors worked out. Good practice anyway.

I want this table by John Nouanesing.....it's called, "The Paint or Die but Love Me" table. Lord help me if I ever win the Lottery.

Windows, Doors & Paths

I notice that I have a "thing" for windows, doors and "paths". Most of my paintings have some kind of path in them. Mmmmmmm, the universe giving me a message? But then again, I get stuck on one thing until it's out of my system--like the animal prints. Ahhhhh, my little world.

The Zebra Bracelet

I finished the 3-drop peyote Zebra bracelet. I have never tried a 3-drop peyote pattern before and am glad I did because it went so fast! The 3-drop really has a lot more texture than the other two. I am still loving the animal prints. If anyone out there knows of any animal skin peyote patterns, please let me know. Can I just say one more time....I am so happy to have my computer back. Yay.

What Did I Create Today?

A headache! I bought the Knix Fix book because I think I juuuuuust might need it.

See that pathetic little piece? That is all I got accomplished in my beginner's knitting class. I did not play well with others. I got frustrated easily. Held everything too tightly and couldn't get the point of the knitting needle into the yarn and ugh, it was pure torture. So much so, I can't wait to go back. Knit wit.

Getting Inspired

A wonderful morning at The Heard Museum watching a basket making demonstration.

Fascinating, beautiful and masterful; she glided through every movement. It was amazing.

Then we headed over to The Tonto Bar & Grill in Cave Creek for lunch. Oh my goodness, the landscaping was gorgeous.

Food was outstanding, the weather was beautiful and I had a great time with great friends.

What a day.

Polymer Cafe Magazine

What a great way to start 2011! Above is my polymer clay chocolate candy centerpiece featured in the current issue of Polymer Cafe' magazine. You can order the magazine HERE. Polymer Cafe' magazine is full of polymer clay information, inspiration, tutorials, resource websites, photos and articles. There is a Readers' Gallery for you to share your polymer clay work and a polymer clay challenge to enter. Lisa Pavelka has an informative section in every issue where she answers your questions regarding polymer clay. There is vendor information on products, retreats, conferences and shows. Polymer Cafe' is published 6 times a year and is a bargain! Can you tell I'm just a little ecstatic?

From My Studio to Yours...

Happy Holidays! May you have the solace of your studio, the inspiration to create, the confidence to share and the gratitude for your art. From my studio to yours, I wish you the happiest of holidays - Marlene