Previous Blog Entries

Forgive the lapse in blogging; I've been ill. Actually I'm STILL ill, but I may finally be on the road to recovery. Nothing serious; just a virus. But one that took enough of my energy and motivation that I've accomplished practically nothing for the past ten days.

Anyone Wanna Party?

So I'm thinking this morning, as I'm driving to work… I am a busy person, no one denies that. Therefore, I have to multitask. And I was thinking about all the people (beaders, etc) that I want to either meet or get together with. I can't spread myself that thin. But what if I organized a party? Now, notice I didn't say host a party. I can't take on another project… but if I start an idea and several (or all) of us pitch in, we can pull this off as a group.

So, if you live in the northern California area and are interested in getting together for a "group" meet in the near future, send me an email.

My idea is to rent a large room at a nearby motel. The party can start around noon on a Saturday. Anyone who's coming from far out of town can then spend the night in the room we get or be billeted by another beader in the area. If we all chip in $10 or so, this should be doable. And then to avoid further expense and/or work on any ONE person's part, we can all also bring eats and drinks.

The idea of the "meet" would be like we do with our Bay Area Beady Jam get-togethers. Bring beads, jewelry, findings, projects… work, trade, sell… basically just hang out with other beady people.

One other thing you would bring is a wrapped gift valued between $20-30. It can be something you made or purchased or whatever. That's for a fun game I like to do at parties called Pirate Bingo (some of you may have heard of it). Oh, and bring $2 also (for the blackout bingo kitty).

So… how does that sound? I'm thinking sometime in April might be good.

New Offereings

Here are the things I made and listed this past week. As usual, you can click on a photo to be taken to the listing:

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Do you ever feel like you've got a ton of stuff to say on your blog, but when you sit down to write you can't think of a thing to say? Or maybe you just don't know HOW to say what you want to say. Or maybe your thoughts work great as thoughts, but trying to articulate them is another story.

Wonderful People

Alright, I'll start with something tangible. A very special gift I received today.

As some of you know, I hang out on a couple different internet forums that have to do with beads and jewelry. One of these is the Bead and Button Forum. I think that's where I met Michele Bailey. Well, if not met her, at least that's where we see more of one another.

Anyway, I had sent Michele a small token of our friendship and holy cow…!!! You know how in the movies, the sequel always has to have more "kills" than the original. Well Michele's reciprocal move was totally sequel material. Hmph! I got a package in the mail today from her and inside was something magnificent. If she gives me her permission, I'll show you, but until then I don't like to say too much because people don't always want all their actions exposed to the world. (Yeah, 'cause, y'know… the whole world reads Laura Bracken's blog… snort!)

Anyway, I am TOTALLY not deserving of this great gift.

Nonetheless, I put it on (hint: it's jewelry) and nearly started crying. Actually, writing about it now, my eyes are welling up with tears. I am touched deeply by other people's generosity.

I can't say no. That seems disrespectful, so I will graciously accept this fantastic creation and will cherish it always, not only for the beauty it exudes but also as a symbol of how selfless and how giving people can be.

Michele, thank you, from the very bottom of my heart.

Now, in keeping with the movie-theme conversation… heh… as most of you know, the third installment in a trilogy often lacks the punch of the first and second films, but it still tries.

Here is my try at the third (and final… for both of us J) installment.

It's a free year of advertising on the SRA Jewelry website, starting in March. Preview of Michele's ad.

BTW, my other new and exciting news will have to wait until my next entry. Right now I have to go.

Michele, thank you. I know what this piece means to you… and that was so truly generous of you.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Even though I haven't been around (here or on internet forums), I accomplished a lot. Or… maybe BECAUSE of. Ha ha ha!

The house is coming along. As I throw things out, it's like pressures are being lifted from my shoulders. I think the more I have, the more I have to worry about.

I owe a great big thanks to my friend Alex. She knows what for. And I appreciate that she doesn't sit in judgment of me.

Accomplishments

What did I accomplish Saturday and Sunday?

I attended four out of five of my children's hockey games and one practice.

I squeezed in a nice visit with one of my dearest friends.

I got to spend time with one of my heroes (she is an icon for compassion).

I made a couple pieces of jewelry and sort of (didn't do a great job) photo'd them.

Did some laundry. Didn't do dishes.

Ate pretty healthily.

Creativity

I feel another change coming on. I think I'm going to try my hand at two things, combined. One is to break out a medium I've been wanting to try (art clay silver) and the other is to combine my love of minimalist art (like Ikebana) into my jewelry.

The problem with this idea is that it's more new for me than you can imagine. You see, I'm an "intuitive" artist. That means I don't plan things out… anything! I just sit and start making and whatever happens happens.

But I think with this new idea, the only way I can do it is to plan it out; if for no other reason than at least to not waste too much of that expensive silver. Ha ha ha!

I'd also like to try making some components… some interesting clasps, probably.

For Sale

Oh… here are my new listings!

Click on any photo for the gallery of items.

SOLD