Being Accountable

What does being accountable bring to mind for you?  Probably many things, and top on that list is probably diet and exercise.  Maybe breaking a bad habit or acting more adult-like around your children (you know exactly what that means), or a sponsorship of some type.  There are many ways in which we need to be accountable and others where it simply helps us in accomplishing goals.

I really enjoy this blog, but I find I let it slip all the time or I don't feel I have anything to write about. Well, I am asking you to hold me accountable to write on the blog a minimum of once a week.  Call me out on it.  Send me a post, email, text, bust me!

I am going to be blogging about types of beads and what exactly to do with them.  I have a customer who brought about this fabulous idea.  We sometimes think everyone knows what to do with stuff.  It's in the magazines after all, right?  Not so.  And this gal brought that to our attention.  

Now, you all need to post.  We were teaching a Kumihimo class this weekend at the Intergalactic Bead Show and a lady walked up to the table and had some wonderful information on a technique...and we were the ones teaching!  How cool is that.  I learn so much from students and customers, so PLEASE post, give your information, ideas, questions.  Tell your friends to check out the blog.  Make me accountable to writing and I am asking you to give me your two cents.  

Okay, check back soon for what to do with those beads.  If any of you want your photos posted of what you did with beads, send them on and I will be more than happy to give you air time!

Have a blessed week...was that not the most amazing sunrise and moon rise this weekend?

February Classes

Below are the classes scheduled so far for February.  More may be added, so keep checking back.  If you have a class that you would like to learn and it is not on the schedule, please contact me and we can make arrangements.  To book space or for further questions, post here or email kimleahy@estherbeadwork.com

Tuesday 2/5 10:30   Victorian Bracelet             Gemstone Bead Imports WPB
Wednesday 2/6 10:30 Tila Necklace                 Gemstone Bead Imports WPB
Monday 2/11 7:00 pm  Flowers                       Delray Beach
Tuesday 2/12 10:00  Russian Spiral                 Gemstone Bead Imports WPB
Wednesday 2/13 10:00 Peach Blossom             Gemstone Bead Imports WPB

Tuesday 2/19  Bumpy Peyote                          Gemstone Bead Imports WPB

Bumpy Peyote

Flowers

Up Coming Classes

Bead Embroidery

I have the rest of January lined up for classes as follows:

January 15     10:00 am                    Russian Spiral           Gemstone & Bead
January 15      7:00 pm                     Russian Leaves          Delray Beach/My house
January 16     10:00 am                    Peach Blossom          Gemstone & Bead
January 17     7:00 pm                     Beginning Kumihimo  Delray Beach/My house
January 21     7:00 pm                     Russian Leaves          Delray Beach/My house
January 22     10:30 am                    Bead Embroidery       Art Sea & Living
January 23     10:30 am                    Shapes Bracelet         Gemstone & Bead

Contact me or post questions/details.  Too much information to list here.  A few photos of the classes are below.  If you wish to have a weekly calendar emailed to you, contact me to be put on that list.

Russian Leaves

Shapes Bracelet

Kumihimo Basic Rope  (Leaves/flowers/toggle not part of class)

Russian Spiral

To Trend or Not in 2013

For the first time ever, I decided to research the trends for 2013.  I am not a fashionista and those that know me can attest to my style or lack thereof, but I thought it might provide some insight/ideas for new jewelry designs.

Well, I did learn a lot and whether it inspired me or not, you will have to wait and see.  But, the colors for spring are below.  I have to say, they are delicious.  I love them, plus I own a bunch of them.  

Now, the fashions for 2013???  Really, was my first thought, then I saw some neat things.  I think I am just getting to old too wear them, so I want to dislike them.  I am on the fence about the high waisted hot pants.  Wasn't a look that worked for very many the first time around.  

Neon is back....and see what I mean about not being able to wear some of it?

It appears we will have a lot to choose from...

Now as far as jewelry...WOW, we should have a BLAST this year.  Getting any ideas here?  I sure am...wish I knew the stitch.    What about the pieces below?  Very romantic.

In short, I found a few jewelry highlights in an article from JCK.  Here is the very short, quick version:

Emerald is the color of the year per Pantone.  Subtle drop earrings, black and white, snakes, drusy, cabochons (yeah, you bead embroidery lovers), Hair ornaments, amber, brass, bronze and well made costume jewelry.  Asian motifs and estate jewelry.  

It's going to be a great jewelry year...just resist the hot pants. (unless you are under 25)

HAPPY NEW YEAR...Welcome 2013

Happy New Year everyone...I knew I was slacking on posting, but with the holidays, I figured everyone was too busy anyway, so let's all take a break, but now it's been way too long.  I would like to say I made a New Year's Resolution to post on a regular basis, but I never make resolutions I am pretty sure I cannot keep...

...so I will work on it.  How about you?  Do you make resolutions?  Do you keep them?  Why do you make them?  What is the silliest one you have ever made?  What is the one you kept?

You don't need to answer me on this (unless you want to post, it could be kind of fun and interesting...get to know your friends kind of thing).  But reflect on it.  What motivates us to make resolutions.  

How many would honestly say they made one to bead more?  I wanted to, but actually felt kind of guilty...resolving to play more kind of thing....

I did decide to get some classes going...So, here they are:

Tuesday, January 8:    10:30   GARDEN BRACELET       Art Sea & Living/Boynton Beach
Wednesday, January 9  4:30   RUSSIAN SPIRAL            Gemstone Imports, WPB
Monday, January 14      7:00   KUMIHIMO/RUSSIAN LEAVE    month long class.  Delray
Tuesday, January 15    10:30   RUSSIAN SPIRAL            Gemstone Imports, WPB
Tuesday, January 22    10:30   BEAD EMBROIDERY        Art Sea & Living/Boynton Beach

Bead Embroidery
You will select your own stones, etc.

Much more to come.  

Kumihimi/Russian Leaf month long class

                                     

Russian Spiral

A LOST ART

When I think about beads, I think bracelets, necklaces, earrings.  This woman thinks purses.   I met Nancy at a bead show, and when she told me what she does, I said, "oh, okay, that is nice".  Well, little did I know or understand what she really did.  We have since become friends (we are both from Michigan), and she let me take some photos of her work.  I just HAD to share a few of them.

These are all handmade using thousands of beads.  Each purse has a beautiful lining and many of them have vintage frames.  The photos do not do justice as these are exquisite in person.  Many of them are for sale and she can be contacted at nancydew@comcast.net

There are so many lost arts that require so much time and talent to produce, that we just seem to let them go.  When was the last time you received a letter (yes, in the mail) written on beautiful stationary?  Remember going through your grandmother's button jar and finding all kinds of treasures that are no longer produced?  What about those intricate napkins, hankies or doilies?  Modern/new things are wonderful, and I have seen jewelry that is stunning beyond words, but it is refreshing to see someone keeping some of the older crafts still alive.  Great job, Nancy!

Be Thankful

I have been thinking about what to write...what clever information I may have for you all and I wasn't coming up with any great ideas until I spoke to a friend of mine.

We bead together and I was telling her that I stopped into a local bead store to purchase some beads that I needed for an upcoming class. She asked me if I saw all the beautiful pieces they had made up on display? I said I couldn't look at too much of that as I started to question my own ability, gifts and reasons for beading...she offered me words of wisdom that caused me to reflect on the following:

God has given each and everyone of us gifts and talents. Sometimes we forget what they are or wish they were something else.  I know as beaders we so often look at other artist's work and think, "oh, they are so much better than me", or they just are so creative.  That may be the case, but what are YOUR gifts and talents?  Most of us are never going to publish a beading book, or any book for that matter, but think back in your memory bank, and I am positive you will find a time that you have used beads/beading to bring joy to someone.  Have you taught an elderly person to bead?  Have you spent time with a cancer friend or patient beading and talking?  Have you donated your time to teach children or the disabled to bead?  How many smiles have you and your beads caused?

Let's give thanks!  Give thanks for the opportunities you have had, for the ability you have, for the friends and family you have.  I am so very thankful for the  talent God has given me  and thankful I have so many to share it with.  Find that silver lining this Thanksgiving and give thanks. Spend a few extra moments while beading over this holiday to reflect on all your blessings, gifts and talents.  Remember that smile you created and share it with us.  Have a rich and blessed Thanksgiving !