Happy New Year!

I hope you and yours enjoyed the holidays! Our family had a fun time together and enjoyed visiting with family. The highlight was definitely my boys. They continue to fill my life with light and laughter and my holidays with warmth and love. We indulged in plenty of delicious food and and sweet scrumptious treats! Mark and I savored our time together on New Years Eve. We relaxed and hung out at home, ordered Chinese food, watched a movie and rang in the new year. Wouldn't have missed it! I hope it's going to be a happy, healthy and creative one for us all!!!

We had a nice little surprise snowstorm on December 29th, that started in the afternoon. We don't get a lot of snow normally (except last December when we had 20"), but I get so excited when we do! We got about 4+", but the temperature rose above freezing by late morning. It was beautiful while it lasted, big fluffy flakes and so quiet. Ran and grabbed my camera for a few pictures. To friends that are enduring the frigid Arctic Blast...I hope you and yours are safe and that you are staying warm!!!

I received a tripod for Christmas and was so excited to get a picture of the Blue Moon. We set it up for the first time on December 30th, and got a couple pictures of the moon between the clouds. I was glad that we tried that evening because it was raining on the 31st, and the moon wasn't visible at all. I'm looking forward to playing with it more and hoping for better photos.


I'm hoping that the New Year Eve's blue moon added some extra magic to 2010!

I am still working on two gifts for friends and I also signed up for the Bead Journal Project again. As some of you know, I decided to make Christmas gifts this year. I knew with my other obligations and the holidays that I didn't have time to weave or embroider them all. So I decided to get out my tools and make a variety of earrings and necklace sets. I saw a necklace design awhile ago that I fell in love with and thought they would love it also. So I ordered some beads, sterling silver components, earring findings, etc.

These earrings are made with 15.5 x 14mm Swarovski Jet Flat Briolettes. They are held in place with Antique Silver Plated Pewter Vine Pinch Bails and are hung on Sterling Silver French Hook Earwires with Coils. They hang approximately 7/8" from Earwires.

These earrings are made with Hill Tribe Silver 13mm Hammered Ring connected with a Sterling Silver Open Jump Ring to a Hill Tribe Silver 20 mm Hammered Ring. They are suspended on Hill Tribe Silver Ball End Earwires and hang 1-1/4".

These earrings are made with an old pair of silver beads from my stash. They are not Sterling Silver, but they are very pretty and lightweight for their size. A 5mm Swarovski Round Jet Crystal Bead is wire wrapped on a SS Head Pin and is dangling from the Eye Pin. These are hung on Sterling Silver Earwires. They measure 1-3/4" from Earwires.

These earrings are made with an old pair of silver beads from my stash. They are not Sterling Silver, but they are really pretty and lightweight for their size. Two 4mm Swarovski Round Jet Crystal Beads are wire wrapped on a SS Head Pin. These are hung on Sterling Silver Lever-Back Earwires. They measure 1-1/2".

These earrings are made with a Hill Tribe Silver 13mm Hammered Rings and Hill Tribe Silver 12 x 12mm Hammered Heart Beads. They are wire wrapped to the Hammered Ring on a SS Head Pin with two 4mm Swarovski Indicolite AB Bicone Beads. They are hung on the Sterling Silver Earwires with two Sterling Silver Open Jump Rings. These hang 1-1/4".

Note: I love these hearts, but was a bit frustrated with the large and odd shaped opening at the bottom. Different sizes of round and bicone shaped beads didn't fit very well and neither did a Bali Head Pin. I would probably order a heart pendant next time versus the bead for a nicer looking finish at the bottom of the heart.*

These earrings are made with Sterling Silver Hammered 3-Loop Teardrop Chandelier Findings. They measure 29 x 17mm. Three 6mm Swarovski Indicolite AB Bicone Beads were strung on a SS Head Pin and wire wrapped to each of the loops. This pair was hung on Sterling Silver Interchangeable Lever-Back Earwires. They measure 1-1/2".

These earrings are made with two oval gemstones and I believe they are Rainforest Jasper. They have Hill Tribe Silver 4mm Flower Stamped Beads and 3mm Swarovski Olivine Bicone Beads that are wire wrapped on a SS Head Pin. These are hung on SS French Earwires. They measure 1".

This is the necklace that I saw and knew that I wanted to make. This 'Leaves and Flower' necklace is made with Hill Tribe Silver pieces. It measures 16" and has a 2" SS chain extender to increase the length to 18". The leaf and flower pendants are hanging from a strand of tiny silver faceted 1.5mm beads. It has a SS lobster clasp and I wire wrapped a white fresh water pearl to the end of the chain.

The earrings are Hill Tribe Silver leaves that are 13 x 31mm and are hanging from Hill Tribe Silver Earwires. It is a beautiful set and the leaves and flower pendants move and make a beautiful soft jingle sound.

Artbeads declared December as their month for Silver and Glass Components for their Blogging Program. These are the pieces I chose to create with and share:

1 - Large Thai Silver Picture Pendant - 39 x 21.5mm
1 - Line-Grooved Square Toggle Clasp - Loop 19 x 15mm, Bar 24mm
4 - Bali Head Pins with Granulation - **4 Head Pins you ask...yep, just in case I goof up! ;-)
2 - 12mm Bali Beads with Flattened Dots

These Thai beads and pendants are made by the Karen Hill Tribe in northern Thailand using traditional tribal methods passed down from generation to generation. Purchasing these Thai beads helps sustain a traditional craft and provides the Karen people with a reliable source of income. The silver content in our Hill Tribes silver beads and pendants is typically 95-99%, even higher than sterling (92.5%). This higher silver content is softer and therefore easier to shape into all the unique and wonderful styles. On close inspection you will notice that no two pieces are exactly alike, attesting to the handmade nature of these beautiful pieces. Because of the higher silver content, Hill Tribe Silver does not tarnish as quickly as Sterling Silver.

Here is a close up of the Thai Silver Picture Pendant

I made these earrings with the 12mm Sterling Silver Bali Bead with Flattened Dots and added a 10mm Swarovski Round Pearl Mystic Black Bead. They are wire wrapped using the Bali Sterling Silver Head Pin with Granulation. These are hung on SS French Hook Earwires with Coils and measure 1".

I used the Large Thai Silver Picture Pendant as the focal piece in this necklace. It measures 16" and has a 2" Sterling Silver Cable Chain extender to increase the length to 18". I wire wrapped and attached to the chain, three individual 5mm Swarovski Round Jet Beads and a Hill Tribe Silver Small Leaf Charm with two 3mm Swarovski Round Jet Beads. There is a Sterling Silver Lobster Claw Clasp. It is strung with Hill Tribe Silver Faceted 2 x 1mm silver beads with four Swarovski 3mm Round Jet beads with the picture pendant as the focal piece.

The dangle earrings are made with Sterling Silver Cable Chain. I wire wrapped five individual 8mm Swarovski Round Jet Beads to the chain. These are hung on Sterling Silver Earwires. They measure 1-1/4".

I decided to string one more necklace, 'Leaves and Pearls', using the Hill Tribe Line-Grooved Square Toggle Clasp. There is one 8mm white freshwater pearl wire wrapped and attached to the loop side of the clasp. It measures 18". There are three Hill Tribe Silver Leaf Pendants and three individual 8mm white freshwater pearls that are wire wrapped. These hang from a strand of Hill Tribe Silver tiny faceted 1.5mm beads.

The earrings are made with a 9mm white freshwater pearls and Hill Tribe Silver 4mm Flower Stamped Beads. They are wire wrapped and hang from Hill Tribe Silver Earwires.

In November, Artbeads kindly sent me a $20 gift certicate! I decided that it would be fun to put a package together for a giveaway. I purchased the same Large Hill Tribe Silver Picture Pendant that I used in the above necklace. For this giveaway, I have included the Hill Tribe Silver Picture Pendant 39 x 21.5mm, 24" of ZambaPro 49 .019 Nylon Coated Stainless Steel Beading Wire, 2" of Sterling Silver Cable Chain, 2 - 2x2mm Sterling Crimp Tubes, 2 - 3mm Sterling Crimp Covers and a Sterling Silver Lobster Claw. I would have included two cable stringing thimbles, but I ran out when I took the picture below. I will include in the package two Sterling Silver Cable Stringing Thimbles. All you have to add are the beads of your choice for stringing!

So leave a comment and tell me which one of the three necklace sets was your favorite. I'll accept comments through Saturday, January 16th, and post the winner on Sunday, January 17th. See you then! ~Lisa

Disclosure Statement: I have received the above items free of charge from Artbeads, and I am honestly reviewing the products and have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.

'Tis the Season. . .

I am so grateful to finally be making this post! I had wanted to get this post up sooner than this, but it just didn't happen for various reasons. Since I didn't get to wish you a happy holiday...I hope that you and yours had a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

To begin my post, I wanted you to know that Artbeads recently wrote me a letter that included a Share the Savings Card. They told me I was free to share the following 10% Off with blog readers, friends and family. It is good until the end of the year and does not require any minimum purchase. You should check it out!!!

I have been working on all sorts of projects! I was flip-flopping between working on a few gifts for friends, which I can't share until they are done and received, and the last of my Bead Journal Pages. Then a few weeks ago, it really sank in that the holidays are truly right around the corner and I started some small gifts for my family. I was doing great until I realized that I don't have anything that I can really share. So, I told myself to get on with it and finish my bead journal pages...once and for all. I was beginning to wonder if I ever would get it done.

I definitely had a few issues with two of my pages and then the surprise of my photos not turning out great. *SIGH* The realization is here again that it's back to taking photos inside due to our gray and rainy days here in Oregon. So it's back to playing with the camera and light and trying capture a decent picture.

The theme for my journal pages was fragments of my life and what lies within my heart each month and every year that passes...

May Journal Page...He Holds the Key to My Heart

May is such a special month to me. I was born in May, married my husband on my birthday and it sometimes falls on Mother's Day too. I love that the sun is beginning to shine, that the flowers are beginning to bloom, that the trees and grasses have turned green and that the birds are singing. We have been married for 32 years and the below picture was taken on our 25th anniversary. We thought we were going out for a special dinner downtown with my sister and husband and walked into a surprise party given by family and friends. It was a very special evening. Mark and I have shared a wonderful marriage, not that we haven't faced our share of ups and downs, we have, but they have made us stronger and wiser. I will be forever grateful for my best friend and the love of my life. He will always hold the key to my heart!

June's Journal Page...Papa's Love

This is my grandfather, Fred, whom my sister and I lovingly called Papa. We always called my mother's parents Nana and Papa. This is a favorite photo of him taken on the beach in Seaside, Oregon. He was born in 1908, and I bet this photo was taken in 1909. He was the father figure that my sister and I never had and was a huge part of our life growing up. Papa owned Lincoln & Allen Bookbinding Company, in Portland, that was started by his father. He was a smart businessman and loved the fine things in life: his wife and family, his home, his Cadillac, traveling, clothes, dancing and eating (food was always a celebration). He was a big man and rather gruff on the outside, but he was a big teddy bear on the inside! He sadly had a stroke not long after he retired and often complained that these were supposed to be "the golden years." He and Nana were married for 50 years. Nana passed three days after their golden anniversary and I think she held on for that very reason. Papa was a big love and I miss his joyous spirit.

July's Journal Page...Eternal Love

Every July, my thoughts are with my mom, Jean Louise. She was born on July 4th, 1936. I can only remember one year in our life that we weren't together celebrating her birthday and the 4th. As a single mother raising two daughters, she faced many obstacles. But she always had a unrelentless perserverance and ability to forge ahead regardless of what life dealt her. Her devotion to us (my sister and I) was her priority and she always put our needs ahead of her own. She was a strong lady and sacrificed a lot to raise her girls.

She was a wonderful mom and gave us gifts to last forever, the kind you can't put a price tag on. She gave us love and support, the courage to stand up for what we believe in, truth and honesty, a warm heart, a sense of humor, the ability to keep growing and learning as life brings changes, and the confidence and inspiration to follow our dreams wherever they may take us. She was a beautiful lady with an infectious smile.

Mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when she was 49 yrs old. She did well for years, but knew when she had to take it easy or lay low. When her boss was going to retire, she decided to retire also and stopped working when she was 57. She started walking everyday, cooking, baking, gardening, having lunch with friends and doing many things she never had the time to do. When she turned 59, life changed when the MS came on strong. She lost her courageous and long battle on January 18, 2001. We all lost someone so special that day. Mom's strength and inner beauty radiated with such a glow that she left a mark on everyone she encountered. Her love and memories live on in my heart...they always will...but I miss her so.....

August...My Soul Mate

August is a special month, the month my husband was born. We've spent almost every year celebrating his day while on vacation. The picture I chose is a photo of Mark, Leslie (Sissy) and I, that was taken at Leslie's husbands' 40th birthday party, nine years ago in August. It's funny, in looking through photos for my BJP, we don't have very many (hardly any!) photos of us. We have tons of photos of everything else in life, but no photos of us!?! Something, I now realize, we have to try and work on occasionally.

I have so many things to be thankful for, but one of the biggest things is my husband. He is my best friend, a wonderful Dad and an incredible person. His love is unconditional, he's compassionate, understanding, loyal, gentle, considerate, kind hearted, caring, unselfish, patient, smart, strong and sensitive. He is a sweetheart and I am so grateful that he came into this world and that our paths crossed 37 years ago. He's my rock, my world and the love of my life that I share my journey with...my soul mate.

As a reminder, we don't have much longer to sign up for the 2010 Bead Journal Project. If you haven't signed up and are interested in joining this great and inspiring project, now is the time. Registration is open through December 14th! If you are interested, you can read the rules here or sign up for registration here.

I've been busy working on all sorts of things, but I really can only share some sneak peaks of things with you. I am going to have to make a few things here and there that I can share with you until the gifts I've made have been received and the holidays are behind us. This is the flat cuff that I started on and that got pushed aside for a few other projects that are more important. When I get back to it, I will be interested to see how I like the flat cuff versus the cuff I stitched over the brass blank.

This is another sneak peek of some stitching that I am working on...



And, another sneak peak....


And, another...


On another note, I have been sharing some discussion of knitting with friends. After seeing and hearing others that have been knitting and crocheting, I couldn't stand it. I haven't knitted in four years, but I thought it would be a great thing for me to do when it is late at night and my eyes are tired. So I got some yarn and pulled out my knitting needles. I have made both my boys beanies and they have always asked me to make them another. I thought it would be a great thing for me to knit them for Christmas. The last beanies I made had stripes, so I decided to knit the boys beanies that are solid charcoal gray. I am using Cascade 220, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. My boys do peek in on my blog, especially my youngest, and I'm praying they are busy living right now and are not tuned in.

It didn't take long to get going again. Beanies don't take very long to make and the boys will be surprised and thrilled to have a new one. Blake came over yesterday with his old striped one tucked into his back pocket and that made me smile! I have one more row to go and I am ready to start decreasing and shaping the crown...

Here is a scarf that I am working on using Trendsetter Dune Yarn. Wish you could see the coloring better. It is an emerald green, burgundy and gold...it's really pretty.


This is a nubby wash cloth that is good for an invigorating shower or bath, made with 100% cotton yarn, in the Trinity Stitch. I'm thinking this cloth will have to be for Sissy, with a nice bar of soap, since she is so good and incessantly works out at the gym...unlike her big sister!!! ;-)

Realizing I haven't shared any nature photos with you...thought I'd share a few...

This is one of three maple trees in our yard...October Glory. It has been an odd fall this year. The leaves turned color way later than usual and they are still falling. Not too many more to go, but usually we are totally done raking and blowing leaves before Thanksgiving. Mark usually has mowed for the last time before Thanksgiving too, but this year the last mow will definitely be in December.

A carpet of Ginko leaves... I love these trees and leaves.

Here's the apple tree across the yard...the leaves haven't even turned yellow yet (very odd)...I took this picture a few weeks ago. You can see part of the new fence Mark put in this summer...

Beautiful wet maple and ginko leaves taken on a *rainy* day in Oregon...

I found a little color and the last flowers blooming in the yard on my walk...two different Salvia's and a fuschia. I feed my hummingbirds every week, all year long, but they must love having some natural blossoms still too...


The Canadian geese are flying by the house every morning and flying back by every evening. A few weeks ago they were making it back before dark. But lately they fly by about half an hour past sunset. It's interesting because it's always at the same time...between 5:00-5:15 pm. They must know exactly when it's time to head home! It is dark by then but, man oh man, can you hear them and if you get outside quick enough you can make them out in the dark...

There have been more squirrels running around our yard lately eating everything in sight and burying nuts everywhere! But I just snapped the cutest photo...see the new baby?!! ~smiling~ We are pretty sure that there are three little ones!


I've been counting my blessings this week and you are all apart of them!! See you soon! ~Lisa

PURE JOY. . .

I am so excited to finally share this post today! On September 23rd, I received a package of pure joy and love from my dear friend, Dot, of Dot's Life and Art. We decided to do a swap months ago, but I made her promise that she wouldn't send a thing to me until she received my package. Dot received her gift from me in July, and I knew that one day I would receive a package from her. That very special day came and I can hardly express the joy and gratitude I felt when I opened the package that she created for me. The love that she stitched and created from her heart, literally brought tears to my eyes!!! What an incredible labor of love, thoughtfulness and generosity that awaited me. Opening this gift was like being wrapped in the biggest and warmest hug ever. I want to share with you the precious gifts she created.

I think Dot is best known for the Dotee dolls she created and that have been stitched with love for friends all around the world. I first fell in love with Dot's colorful and warm blog when she began making Dotee dolls. That was a time ago, and she and her art have come a long way!!! I have stitched quite a few Dotee dolls myself, but never have made one for me or even received one from a friend. I began to open a gift that was wrapped in a gorgeous turquoise/teal silk and tied with a piece of Kaffe's fabric and inside was this BEAUTIFUL Dotee doll! She just melted my heart. I absolutely adore the colors, the sari silk, her serene/sweet face and flowered cheeks, the heart with *JOY*, the Swarovski crystals, the beads, the birds, the dragonfly and leaf...all stitched from the heart exquisitely! She is the first Dotee doll I've ever received and being made from *THE* Dot...couldn't be anymore special to me. I absolutely adore her!

Here she is outside having her photo shoot on a sunny autumn day! I took a lot of photos trying to catch the crystals sparkling in the sunshine and I wasn't happy with any of them. The best pictures were these in the shade because her coloring and the beads are more true. You can click and enlarge my photos to see the beautiful colors, attention to detail and all those stitches made with love!

Here is a close up...isn't she precious?!! And, of course, Dot included a bird and dragonfly knowing how much I adore them! I have the biggest smile on my face and feel so fortunate that she'd create one just for me.

My heart is already full and then I pulled out a cellophane wrapped gift that was one of her most special birds!!! It is gorgeous!!! It is encrusted with such heart and pure beauty. To hold one in your hand is such a treat. I always thought they were so beautiful when I'd see them on her blog, but to really see and hold one is something else. The colors are so pretty and I adore all the different beads, buttons, Swarvoski crystals, sequins, and bugle beads. I just love how Dot mixes up all that color and it turns out spectacular. Isn't the vintage Czech glass button on her wing perfect?! Almost looks like little wings on the button itself. I adore the pom pom yarn to hang her with and I love how she hangs with a slight curve. Dot stitches beautifully and I admire that so much. You can see and feel when something is stitched from the heart...and her work is just that. Full of heart and love. She is GORGEOUS and my most cherished bird...I just adore her!

I am absolutely floored...as if what she'd sent weren't love enough. But there is a beautiful floral fabric wrapped gift with buttons and beads strung on embroidery thread in my hand. I slowly unwrapped it and got the bigguest lump in my throat and my eyes filled with tears! Dot made me one of her BEAUTIFUL fabric books and I couldn't believe that she would stitch something so precious for me! What a treasure this book of love is. Again, it feels so special to hold in your hands. Every page and each square inch is something to behold! I love the jewel tone colors and how the sari silk, wool and cotton fabrics all go together perfectly. There are thousands of stitches, beads, buttons, Swarvoski crystals, charms, vintage nailheads, gorgeous lace, and even a bell stitched on this book. It is full of texture and a feast for the eyes. I've admired the books she has made and shared on her blog, but I couldn't imagine holding or having one of my own! I will always treasure it...I LOVE it!

This is the cover. I adore the owl in the tree, the leaves and flowers, the beads scattered about, the vintage nailheads, the tiny flowered buttons and, again, the bead *JOY*! Isn't he the cutest owl!

The second page is lovely using a portion of silk as the focal point and not one bit less embellished. The square green mosaic buttons are gorgeous!

This is a gorgeous page stitched in beautiful pinks and purples. I love the bird sitting on a jeweled egg with the branch of charms around it and the tree charm too. The stitching and embellishments are unbelievable. Don't you love the serious bling around the birds neck!

Wish my camera had picked up on these colors better! Just think DEEP jewel tones...each page is stunning. This page Dot added a Carla Sonheim printed transfer for the center of this page. Isn't the girl cute with the bird on her head! Notice this bird is wearing a stunning necklace too!

This page is gorgeous and embellished to the hilt. Notice this cute bird is sporting jewels too! These pages just sparkle more than I can convey with my pictures!

This is a stunning page and Dot used lovely goodies that she received from friends. I love that! She used a beautiful olive green felt bird from her friend Julie, and a piece of gorgeous lace from her dear friend, Jacky. She even stitched around the bird with some size 15/0 seed beads that I recently shared with her. What a special page!

My camera did not capture the color on this page at all. It is a stunning deep burgundy color with a deep bottle green silk lace rose, with gold beads and embellishments and even more Swarovski crystals! It is lovely!!!

This is the back and is embellished, once again, with buttons, flower beads, seed beads, sequins and Swarovski crystals. I don't think anyone embellishes or encrusts like Dot does...her work is stunning!

Here is a shot of the spine that is stitched with a beautiful mix of buttons and beads! What a book, what a treasure...it's more beautiful than I can convey!

I'm on overload now...there are still two more things in the package!!! I begin to untape a carefully wrapped gift in bubble wrap and cardboard. I opened it to find the most beautiful stitched and beaded fabric collage stitched to a piece of Nuno felt that Dot made. I am just in awe!!! It is a BEAUTIFUL piece of art. She added some gorgeous sari silk, felt, birds, sequins, seed beads and even more Swarovski crystals. It just sparkles!!! This piece is mounted on a 8 x 10" posterboard to give you an idea of the size. It is so pretty and I think it would be lovely framed!

Last, but certainly not least, I opened a stack of the most beautiful fabrics wrapped in a silk yarn. Dot shared some of her fabric pieces that included cotton fabrics with owls, birds, flowers, and birdhouses to beautiful pieces of sari silk. No wonder she loves these. The jewel tone colors, texture and embellishments on these pieces are gorgeous. Then wrapped were packets of buttons, beads, charms, clay bird beads, bells, flowers and more that she shared with me. I will treasure these and enjoy them so much!


I was speechless! Everything Dot created and shared with me is full of LOVE, truly BEAUTIFUL and simply GORGEOUS! She is so talented and creative. Thank you, Dot, for the thousands of stitches, love and *JOY* that you've shared with me. I feel so honored. I cherish everything you've made and will treasure them always. More importantly, I treasure you and our friendship. You are a very special person and have a heart of gold!!!

I also wanted to share who won the earrings from my last post! I wrote the names down and they were put into Mark's baseball hat. I held the hat high and Mark pulled these two names...

Number 1)...Jacky...She will receive the Swarovski Jet Crystal Rivoli Earrings, 3mm Jet Faceted Bicone Crystals, 15/0 sterling silver-plated charlottes with sterling earwires.

Number 2)...Carol...She will receive the Swarovski Vitrail Medium Rivoli Crystal Earrings, 3mm Vitrail Medium Faceted Bicone Crystals, 15/0 24K gold lined crystal seed beads with gold filled lever backs.

Thank you everyone for your sweet and thoughtful comments on my last post! You are all such good friends to me!

A friend is like a flower,
a rose to be exact,
Or maybe like a brand new gate
that never comes unlatched.
A friend is like an owl,
both beautiful and wise.
Or perhaps a friend is like a ghost,
whose spirit never dies.
A friend is like a heart that goes
strong until the end.
Where would we be in this world
if we didn't have friends. ~Emma Guest~