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.