Here we go. . .

I know...be gentle on this old sensitive soul! It took awhile for me to finish my Bead Journal pages, but I'm caught up and back on board. I jumped in and started this journey on a great note and then other commitments I had previously made, the holidays, working on other projects and life...slowed me down. I'm trying to change my ways and find a better balance...so I can keep growing creatively with a happy heart. 

Since there are six journal pages in one post, I will keep my journaling simple for your sake and mine too. The theme for my journal pages is fragments of my life and what lies within my heart each month and every year that passes.

November Bead Journal Page...My Oldest Love

This is Blake, my oldest (now 27 years old) pride and joy. Every November, I am reminded of my first most precious gift of all and how truly blessed I am. I am so proud of the man he has become. Nothing I've ever done in my life has given me more joy than being his mom and I don't think he knows all the gifts of love and happiness he has given to me. I chose this sweet picture of him because he was dressed in sweat pants and a sweatshirt that had Oregon State University on it. Little did we know then that it would be the college he would graduate from. He loved college and being in a fraternity. He graduated with a B.S. in Business with a minor in fine arts. Blake is a big teddy-bear, very outgoing, loves life and his friends. I love him so much and I'm so proud of him!

December Bead Journal Page...Forever Sissy

This is my beautiful sister, Leslie, affectionately known as Sissy. She is my only sibling and is three and a half years younger than I. Every December, I think of her because she was born two days after Christmas. I chose this picture of her because it was the last weekend trip we took together to the coast (October) and had a fun time sharing, eating, shopping and laughing. We are very close and have shared all the happiest and saddest times of our lives together...everything...growing up, marriages, births and deaths. Although we are both different, we are very much alike. We both have the same heart and the same smile. I love her dearly and am so grateful she is my sister.  Forever sisters...forever friends...forever in my heart.

January Bead Journal Page...My Youngest Love

This is Spencer, my youngest (now 21 years old) pride and joy. Every January, I am reminded of my second most precious gift of all and how truly blessed I am. I am so proud of the man he has become. Nothing I have ever done in my life has given me more joy than being his mom and I don't think he knows all the gifts of love and happiness he has given to me. I chose this sweet picture of him because it reminds me what a happy little boy he was...always smiling and loving life. He is sliding down a tube at Pietro's (a local pizza joint) where we all shared many family get-togethers and many of our kids birthday parties. Spence is our free spirit. He reminds me so much of his dad...longer hair...loves his motorcycle, scuba dives, etc. He is very brilliant minded.  Unfortunately, he got burnt out (bored) with school. However, this fall he surprised us and took the one last class he needed to receive his Associate's Degree.  My fingers are crossed that maybe one day he will want to go back and finish.  He works full-time and lives with a good friend of his.  Spence is tall and thin like his mom, a big sweetheart, loves life and his friends. I love him so much and I'm so proud of him!

February Bead Journal Page...My Girls

Oh, my dear sweet girls...mom's silly goose's...my love bugs! Last year in January/February we had to say good-bye to my sweetest and best little friends...six weeks apart and it was so difficult. I miss them so much and still get a lump in my throat when I think about them. In working on this page, I remembered so many happy and fun times. They were mom's girls and followed me everywhere, loved being outside in the sunshine, having baths, their little kiddie swimming pool, treats, chasing squirrels in the yard, patrolling the blueberry bushes and barking at the birds to get out of the berries, and all you had to do was open the window and yell *dinner* and they would run from the backyard...fly through their doggie door...up the stairs and race into the kitchen! ~wink~ I've missed them every day and never will forget the joy and endless love they gave to us all. Rauchski and Ruby Jean remain forever in my heart.

March Bead Journal Page...Back In The Saddle Again

March always reminds me of my Uncle Fred and having to fly to San Francisco to say good-bye in 1987. He died when he was 54 years old. This is one of my most favorite pictures of him and my mom. Uncle Fred lost his life to AIDS and pneumonia. He was so intelligent, talented, artistic, funny and fun to be around. I just adored and loved him. He also went back to school in Maryland, when he was 41 years old, and graduated with a Master of Science in Addiction Studies at John Hopkins University. He lived in San Francisco and worked as a counselor for a large corporation. He didn't come home too often. He adored and loved Nana (because she loved him unconditionally) and my mom, but he always had issues with Papa.  His dad could never accept that he was gay and always insisted there had to be a cure for his problem and that he would be happy to pay for it to be fixed! Right there tells you how 'old school' my grandpa was. While in the hospital and a few weeks before he died...he took his IV out...put his clothes and raincoat on and used his raincoat belt to keep his jeans up because he had lost so much weight...checked out of the hospital for awhile...called a cab...and went shopping at Tiffany & Company.  He bought himself a new watch with larger numbers and a white face because he was having trouble seeing his other watch and bought my mom, sissy, and I a crystal heart paperweight and had them wrapped for us. He attached a card and wrote...keep this away from Blake's little hands...I Love You...Uncle Fred XO. That heart is still with me and sits on a tray in my bathroom and mom gave me the watch he bought that day and I still wear it. These two pieces are very treasured and cherished. He was a wonderful uncle to me and I have many fond memories of him.

April Bead Journal Page...Remember My Heart

April is the only month that I didn't have a specific person or memory to relate to. When my pages are complete, I will have included all my immediate family members. Mark and I decided that I should include a photo of me since these will be framed together when complete. Since my birthday is in May and we were married on my birthday, my May page will be about us. Because of some recent issues and another birthday around the corner...I've been thinking about my life.  The things that are important to me now...how many precious days I really have left...how blessed I've been in my life...and how I want to be remembered one day. I want to be remembered as being a loving, giving and caring soul that loved my family more than anything in the world, loved life and smiled a lot.  I hope they'll always remember my heart and forget-me-not.

*Question* - I noticed in my photos that my pages look kind of irregular but they really aren't. They truly are 5" x 7" and the sides are nice and straight.  They lay almost perfectly flat, however, the Pellon backing was slightly curved due to being rolled when I bought it. I am wondering before I stitch some Ultrasuede onto the back, if I shouldn't slip a piece of acid-free poster board or 'something' in-between to help it lay perfectly flat and make it more solid or stable? Just like I do with a beaded brooch. Any thoughts or suggestions would be most welcome.

I've had the hardest time writing this post...almost like a mental block. I think it may have to do with the gorgeous 75 and 83 degree weather we had Sunday and Monday. It has been wonderful to see blue skies and feel the sunshine again! Now that I am caught up and can breathe again...I'll be by to catch up with you!

I wanted to share a few pictures I took of a male Rufous hummingbird (first of the season) that migrate from Mexico where they winter.  They are gorgeous and it's so fun to see them return!  To say they are feisty is an understatement.  The chasing  and arguing over the feeders is on. Click on the picture and see him up close.


This is one of our Anna's who is trying to figure out...who *that* dude is and what he thinks he's doing at *my* feeder!!!

I hope you are well and I'll visit with you soon! ~Lisa

Beaded Hearts. . .

First, I want to thank you all for your support and lovely comments on my last post. I really appreciate your encouragement and the support you share with me!

I wanted to share the squares that I sent to Jeanette, this past week, for the 2009 Bead-It-Forward Quilt. These squares are small and stitched to 1-1/2". Jeanette stitches the squares into quilts and then donates them to Bead Artists Against Breast Cancer for their annual auction. This years theme was "bead artists have the heart to take on breast cancer." 

It was getting so close to the deadline, I really thought that I might not be able to contribute. However, when I found out that a dear friend's breast cancer had returned...a mutual friend to us all, Bobbi,...I knew in my heart that I wanted and needed to make the time and stitch some squares. I have participated for three years and always for the sake of all, however, this year I wanted to stitch some in her honor. I did not have time to encrust my squares this year.  But, all my squares were stitched on wool felt except for one that I did on Ultrasuede. The beads and sequins are vintage and the seed beads I used were 11/0, 16/0, and 18/0's. I used a vintage Guilloche 'Heart and Roses' Enamel Cabochon, vintage tan heart shaped nailheads, and a vintage red sew-on heart on the nude. The only new pieces were the hope and bird charm and the tiny red heart beads.



















The beach image didn't turn out quite like I had hoped. As you can see, I about mutilated the Pellon. I really wanted to do this square by needle felting and then adding beads, but I didn't have the right colors of roving...so I improvised.  I really need to buy a variety pack of colors to have on hand. I also tried stitching the seagulls with 18/0 beads and it just wasn't right. The beads needed to be smaller. I do have 20/0 and 22/0's, but I *absolutely* refused to suffer like that!!! I don't know where my brain was when I purchased those beads or the size 16 needles either!!!  SERIOUSLY!!!!! 

I also wanted to share a beautiful stitched 'Peace' sign that I received from a new blogging friend, Elizabeth, that lives in Denmark. Grace kindly shared her wonderful blog named Landanna. Thank you, Grace!  She embroidered the french knots on felt with raffia!  Raffia is such an great idea to embroider with...it stitches up beautifully!  It is a lovely piece of embroidery and I will always treasure it always!  Thank you so much Elizabeth, for your wishes of *peace*!  I hope you will take the time to visit her. She is a very talented and stitches from her heart with a lot of symbolism! 

I stitched another sketchbook bag recently for a gift. The first bag I made, I made for me because I sketch a lot.  I made this pouch with black Ultrasuede. It has a picot edge done in black 8/0 seed beads and vintage bronze seed beads. It is stitched with vintage black nailhead, bronze nailheads, and black heart nailheads. It comfortably holds a Moleskin sketchbook and pencil. It is a great size to put in your purse and, hopefully, it will be loved.

I have a couple small pieces in the works, but my biggest priority right now is getting up-to-date with the bead journal project. The two pictures of fabric and thread are favorites of mine that I picked out that are waiting for some attention!  As soon as I post my bead journal pages...I am going to begin cutting some fabric and I'll share that with you soon.

Awhile back, Bobbi, had suggested a wonderful movie on her blog. Mark and I watched it and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wanted to mention it because I thought maybe you'd enjoy it also. It is a documentary about an artist and is called...The Cats of Mirikitani. It is a fascinating and heart-warming story of injustice, pride, tragedy, beautiful art, compassion and acceptance. You'll be enriched by his art, but even more so by his spirit! I hope that maybe you would enjoy it too. I told Bobbi, I know who to contact when I want to see a good movie!

Since it has been awhile since I have posted...I included some photos that I have taken recently in the post below. And, Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! I am off to finish up an Irish feast for my family...Corned beef, new potatoes, carrots, and cabbage and hoping there will be enough leftover for corned beef sandwiches! Take care and I'll talk to you soon...~Lisa ;-)

A little of this and a little of that. . .

The weather has brought us a little of everything lately. I thought I'd share some pictures with you. One of these days, I'm going to break my leg running through this house trying to get my camera quick enough to get outside for a shot! ~wink

*Double Rainbow...has happened twice this week*





We love it when this happens...we call it the *Golden Glow*












*Snow and Blue Sky*

























*Almost a Full Worm Moon*






















*Red Maple Buds against Blue Sky*



More signs of Spring...

*Stella de Oro Daylilies popping up with some Candytuft*

*Miniature Daffodil's...about 5" tall*

*American Robin's in birdbath*


It's almost Spring! I'm definitely wishing for sunshine and blue skies again!!! ~Lisa

She Finally Flew!!!

This day has been a long time coming and *today* is finally here!!! I am so excited that I can finally share with you something I have worked on, on and off, for a long time. I started beading my first doll, almost one year ago, for a sweet friend whose heart is as big as her talent. Her energy and zest for life spills forth in all she is, everything she does, and all she creates. When you swing by and visit, you can't help but smile and leave with a warmed heart. This doll was made for Monica, from one heart to another. When she arrives in *Sweet Home Alabama* and Monica finally gets to see her, my biggest hope is that it will have made the wait worthwhile. If this gift brings a smile to her face, I will be happy!

Her doll is about 7" x 7" and 11" long including the chain and fringe. I made the face from a commercial mold with copper polymer clay, sealed it three times, and stitched the heart form with black wool felt. It is beaded with 15/0, 11/0, 8/0, and 6/0 seed beads. I used black vintage diamond-cut seed beads, two antique french faceted glass sew-on's, vintage nailheads, vintage disc? (I believe) beads, copper beads and leaves, teardrop beads, bugle beads, pillow beads, a hand-crafted copper art deco heart pendant, sequins, and copper chain. I used many Swarovski crystals that were 2 mm round, 6 mm bicone, and 9x6 mm drop beads in copper, olivine, and amethyst.


I have learned so many lessons on this journey! Notes to myself. . .

1) Do not tell your friend you are making her a gift. . .let it be a surprise!
2) Do not pick the biggest doll you've made in your tote box and think you can "whip one up in no time" like Grace can!!! ;-) A doll form that is a bit smaller in size would be just as thoughtful!
3) Remember that beading an entire doll with a curved needle is a 'scosh' slower than stitching with a straight needle!
4) Do not begin your doll with thread catchers again, i.e., leaves around the face, etc.!
5) Remember that crystals really can cut your thread!
6) Remember to quit crowding the beads. It really is okay that a 'smidgen' of fabric is showing!
7) Remember that you are not so sure how you feel about 6/0 beads because they seem to have a mind of their own and flop around. Next time you'd like to use these beads, remember the slight conniption fit you began to have when they weren't all lined up nice and straight like they had been and that overwhelming feeling that maybe you should just rip-it-out!
8) Remember that you can not say *yes* to every fun thing you see in blogland when you have prior obligations!
9) Remember to start another (smaller) doll immediately and keep on practicing! ~wink~

Even with some lessons learned...I hope this doll will always bring a smile, be happy in her new home, and 'sparkle' in that southern sunshine!!!
















I shared a few different views for you to see. The best shots, again, seemed to be those taken outside. I did share one from the light box.

I also want to share a beautiful gift that I was so fortunate to receive from the talented and thoughtful Recca girls...Cathie and Sabrina! Cathie made *the coolest* peace sign tote bag and Sabrina told her mom that she felt they needed to make a journal to go with the bag too. Cathie made the bag using a giraffe print batik and the peace sign and lining is a beautiful red Kaffe Fassett fabric. Sabrina made and stitched the heart journal! I absolutely LOVE and adore them both! I know they will get rave reviews! Thank you both for sharing your beautiful heart art with me!

Back to stitching and catching up on the BJP. Whatever your plans, I hope you have a great weekend! ~Lisa

OWOH Winners...

Thank you to everyone that stopped by to visit and left a comment! Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected so many greetings. I appreciate each and every one of you that took the time to say hello! It has been a fun and exciting ride on the gypsy caravan. This was my first year to participate and I would love to join again next year.

So many thanks to Lisa Swifka, of A Whimsical Bohemian, for all the time and energy she has given to host One World~ One Heart for us all! What a wonderful idea to bring people together from all over the world.

I decided to use the random sequence generator to find out who won the two pins. The first number generated would win the face pin and the second number would win the dragonfly pin.

The winners are:

The Face Pin - #22 - Carolyn H. of Mindless Wonders
The Dragonfly Pin - #79 - Chris P. of Evidence of An Artistic Life

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy the pin/brooches! ~Lisa ;-)

One World One Heart. . .

*COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR OWOH GIVEAWAY*

I will be using the random sequence generator to see who will win the pins. I will post the winners on February 12th, 2009!

If there was ever one week in the year to host this One World One Heart event...this is the week!!!

I decided to jump on board and participate in this event. One World One Heart was started by Lisa Swifka from A Whimsical Bohemian in 2007. The idea behind the event is to make connections and meet new bloggers from all around the world. The event is open to everyone, even if you don't have a blog. Click the logo button to find out more and you will find a list of all those that are participating.

My name is Lisa and I'm a native Oregonian. I started my blog almost one year ago as a way share and meet kindred spirits and to support others that inspire me. Creating has been in my heart and soul forever. I think I was born with a needle in my hand because I love to stitch. I enjoy most needle arts but my latest passion has been learning bead embroidery. I am a wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. My other interests include nature, gardening and photography.

If you would like the chance to win one of two prizes below, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post. This giveaway is open to everyone who leaves a comment. However, if you don't have a blog yourself, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you are a winner. This event will end at midnight, February 11th, and I will post the winners on February 12th.

My first giveaway is a bead embroidered pin/brooch. The focal piece is a copper color Czech glass button. The pin measures approximately 1-3/4". It is embroidered with 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads and is stitched and backed with Ultrasuede.





The second giveaway is another bead embroidered pin/brooch. The focal piece is a resin face cabochon. The pin measures approximately 1-1/2". It is embroidered with 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, Czech flower beads and a Swarovski crystal butterfly. It is stitched and backed with Ultrasuede.

Good luck and thank you for stopping by...I hope you'll come back and visit! I'm off to visit other participants and hope you enjoy doing the same! ~Lisa ;-)

Happy New Year!

Hi friends...Happy New Year! I hope 2009 will be filled with inspiration, creativity, good health, peace, and the love of family and friends for us all!

I've missed making a few posts that I would have liked to have made because I have been sick since Christmas day. What I thought was a sinus, sore throat, coughing-thing for days...is a sinus infection and bronchitis. I am finally beginning to feel better, think clearly and have some energy again! It has been a whole month of sickness in this house. My oldest got it first, then my husband and finally me.

I wanted to share some photos of our snow and freezing rain event that we had for two weeks and through Christmas day. We had more snow than anyone's seen here (Portland) in forty years. When it does snow, it usually only lasts for a day or two and we may get 2-6". Mother nature certainly put on a show that was truly amazing and beautiful too. However, with that beauty came the other events. We lost electricity twice, have lots of broken branches and plenty of trimming to do in our yard, and many trees fell in our neighborhood. I really felt bad for all those trying to get somewhere for Christmas though. So many plans were changed for so many people. A lot of the highways were closed, trains and buses were not running, and hundreds were stranded at the airport and other terminals for days. It was just as bad in Washington and I know we in the Northwest were not alone in being snowed in. It was quite the event for us in Portland. It has since thawed and we've had a lot of rain. Now the rivers are cresting and flooding and landslides have begun.

Black bamboo is not happy with ice and snow!

Digging out and getting some weight off the deck. See the aqua line in the snow...it is the ice layer from the freezing rain.










Friends out and about. . .














On our way to the store we pulled over and took a picture of Johnson Creek flooding. It was roaring! I feel so sorry for all the people who are being flooded by our rivers and creeks.

This last picture is tracks of a visitor we had in our yard when we woke up this weekend. And, yes, it's still been snowing on and off per the temperature. There were actually two sets of prints. The two sets of prints meet up and then disappear at the fence. Mark thinks they are raccoon prints.

Well, I'm off to make tracks of my own! I'm catching up with you and finishing up a few pieces that I have been working on. Thank you all for your thoughtful comments over the past year, they are so appreciated. The wonderful friendships I have made in ten months...mean so much! ~Lisa