mermaid cuff class

Hi, quick post.  I am teaching this cuff class this Sunday, Nov.1 at Piecemakers in Costa Mesa CA.  Call 714-641-3112 to reserve your seat.  It's a fun introduction into organic wire wrapping and abstract design for all levels. Info below:

cost: $50
11a-3p
The siren of the sea beckons you into a world of make believe!  Construct a bracelet cuff with wire, pearls, azure beads and sparkling jewels.    Learn about design and composition as we unravel the divine order of adornment in all its splendor and free form wire work.   Of course if mermaids are not your “thing” by all means select another theme.   The excellent selection that Piecemakers has to offer allows for infinite creativity, so go and select!    Please use the sample in the store as an example.

Materials and resources~  Most supplies can be found at Piecemakers unless otherwise noted:

20 beads, pearls, rhinestones, and some semi-precious stones.     A mix of small ,medium and large beads work well.   Bead sizes range from 2mm-10mm

1 larger size focal bead

1 rhinestone focal piece (must have holes to string wire through)

1 chandelier crystal

1 piece of velvet trim w/rhinestone border no more than 5 inches

1 strip of lace to line the cuff 10 x 4 inches max

A handful of other bits and bobs

Jewelry pliers:
Chain nose, round nose, flat nose and cutters

Fabric scissors

A coven of witches....he,he,he & day 11

These were a commissioned order from Mary Cass of Pink Blossoms Boutique.  Thanks Mary!!  Also, it's day 11 for the gift challenge.....how about this link to an amazing artist:
djpettitt.blogspot.com.   It's a gift to her passed on to you.  I took a class with her at an art retreat a few years back and she is a wonderful teacher, very giving and especially talented.  When you go to her blog make sure you look at all her posts at least on the first page.  You will not be disapointed.   Night, night!

day 10

Here is a quote I saw that is a good reminder for me:  Be kinder than necessary today...Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

day 9 of the 29 gift challenge

I drove for  5 1/2 hours to Santa Cruz today.   My husband still can't drive because of his broken arm and he had a business meeting so we thought it would be fun to take a road trip.   I'm a little pooped.  Today is day 9, Tues. and this post is making up for yesterday and today even though technically it's day 10 but I'll take care of that later.  While driving I let some one in when the lane was closing...they were appreciative and gave the wave.  Also, gave extra money for tips to the entertainment ( a magician) at the hotel restaurant.  It feels good to give a little extra on a day to day basis and doing this challenge makes me realize I give quite a bit already but now I am acknowlaging it.   As a matter of fact, I guess I gave to my husband by driving!  I will have pics up soon on some great witch pendants I was commissioned to make!

what day is it?

I didn't post shame on me but I barely had enough time to breath the last two days.  Today, Sunday (Oct.18) will be the 7th day of the 29 day gift challenge and while I didn't do anything especially giving  the last two days I do have another 3 images  (do you see a theme?)to give my blog peeps and in case you haven't looked here is another great link for cheap fun ephemera:
skybluepink.com
Enjoy!

day 4, gift challenge

I don't get out much...except on the weekends because that's when i take what I have worked on all week and either teach, sell or do a gig or all 3.  Mostly I am at home and doing this 29 day challenge made me realize that.  Still I am determined to give away something everyday, even though I don't see many people every day.    Today I will give you a delicious recipe called Albondigas.  It's a Mexican meatball soup that I can  always depend on for a quick, warm, delicious good for the soul meal....and it freezes well.  I never measure anything but I will try for this:

Ingrediants:
~equal amounts of either hamburger or ground turkey mixed with italian sausage...about 1/2 lb each
~1 egg
~1/2 c rice or barley....left over is good
~salt, pepper, oregano, cilantro to taste
~2 or 3 cloves garlic, minced
~8oz can of chopped tomatoes or small can of tomatoe paste
~one small onion, minced
~4-6 cups chicken broth give or take a few.  The meatballs should take up about 1/3 to 1/2 of the soup so adjust liquid accordingly.

In a large soup bowl over high heat add chicken broth and tomatoes.  By the time the meatballs are formed the broth should be boiling.  In a large bowl whisk egg.  Add these ingrediants to egg and mix by hand the meat, rice/barley, seasonings, garlic, onion.  Form into small meatballs and add to the boiling broth.  This cooks the meatballs which will be done in about 20 minutes.  Serve over more rice or with quesedillas.   For extra yumminess on top add cilantro or queso fresco.   Chipotles are great for those wanting spicy.  Serves alot!  Freeze the rest.  Great for winter.

Day3 for the 29 day gift challenge

I said a prayer for someone I have never met to recover from a series of surgeries.  I know of this person through another blog.

Gilding The Lily this Sat.

HI...I will be teaching a BRAND new class this Saturday, October 17 at the fabulous Gilding the Lily.  Call Dede Warren to sign up QUICK!!  It's almost full 714-757-0558  Learn innovative wire shaping using mixed media, velvet, stones, wire and more to make this original necklace!!! All levels welcome..some wire experience helpful.   See the class blog for materials list or email me!

day 2 of the 29 day gift challenge

I gave extra change at Starbucks today in the tip cup.  Here is a free image too for all you who visit.  As you can see I was able to get some of my original blog back...at least I have the banner.   Sorry for the bright green back ground!

What happened to my Blog!? And the 29 day challenge give away....

Uhg!!!!   For those of you who know what my blog "used" to look like I am as baffled as you are!!!  I had such a beautiful layout that Heather Simpson-Bluhm did for me and now its gone!!!   The banner is gone, the buttons are gone, all the beautiful images.....I am sooooo bumbed.    If ANYONE has had this happen to them and knows how to fix it please contact me!

In the mean time I have joined the 29-day giving challenge
 http://givingchallenge.ning.com/.   The challenge started with a woman named Cami Walker and the reason why I am doing this is because of my belief in serendipity.  Short story:  About a year ago I attended an event through Ladies who Launch.   In a nut shell it's an organization for women entrepreneurs.  Everyone was networking, there were inspirational guest speakers, everyone was handing out cards and for what ever reason I kept a card that caught my eye and attention and I still have it and yes it's for this challenge.  I never followed up on it but just two days ago on NPR (national public radio) I heard a woman talking about her new book called  29 gifts and she was explaining the idea behind it.  I don't know why I thought it related to the card I kept a year ago but it turns out to be the same gal who started the organization.  I probably even met her but can't remember.  I figured it was a sign so I'm doing it.   Here is a little history on her:

Cami Walker, 29Gifts.org Founder

Why I'm choosing to give:

Because my mom taught me that the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else.

What I'd most like to receive:

May as well WISH BIG... * RECEIVED Sept 08 -- A publishing deal for the 29 Gifts book, which is gonna rock! * A baby. * A good screenwriter, producer and director to help make the 29 Gifts feature film... and some big money to make it happen.

How did you hear about the 29-Day Giving Challenge?

A South African medicine woman, Mbali Creazzo, gave me a prescription to do it and then I created this site.

About me:

I'm a writer, artist and healer who lives in Los Angeles, California. I worked in advertising for "the big boys" for a long time, helping companies who already have millions of dollars make millions more. After about 15 years of focusing on making money for these giants, I found myself feeling empty, unfulfilled and struggling with a serious health condition (Multiple Sclerosis) that required I stop living my over-driven lifestyle. Now my focus is on helping build companies and community projects that are spiritually-centered and wildly profitable on all levels. I created the 29-Day Giving Challenge to encourage my friends, family, clients and hopefully many strangers to give back to our communities--and as a way to help me heal.

Website:

http://www.29Gifts.org

  So for 29 days starting today I will give away something and it may or may not be a blog give away, it may be big or small so to speak,  it could be a kind gesture to a stranger or change to a homeless person etc.  But I will always tell you what it is daily.   That right there is a gift!
  For today I gave away a resource for cheap stained glass and industrial supplies that I normally only give to my students but today I gave to a complete stranger that emailed me and now I will give it to you:
http://mcgillswarehouse.com/
Enjoy!

Post Glitterfest...

FREE IMAGES!

Here are some free images for all my followers! Thanks for leaving comments! Since my computer pooped out on me a couple months ago I lost lots of files and I wanted to give you some Halloween images but they're gone so have fun with these. Could be some gypsy fun!
ooxoooxoxx
p.s when I hit the 100 followers mark I will be doing a give away!