Micro Macrame Bracelet

This is my first attempt at micro-macrame jewelry, also known as cavandoli knotting. The pattern and design are from the book: Beaded Macrame Jewelry by Sherri Haab. I used materials that I had on hand; Irish waxed linen thread, small beads and a shank button. The book is a handy guidepost with clear illustrations, design patterns, photographs and detailed instructions. I'd recommend taking a look at it if you are interested in trying your hand at this type of knot work.

Boro Implosion Glass Pendants

Santa delivered some borosilicate glass. This is my first attempt at melting borosilicate and using an off mandrel pendant technique. It could rapidly become a new obsession for me.

Painted Desert Lampwork Beads

It's been hot this summer, but I did manage to get in a few hours of torch time last week. I call this batch "Painted Desert" I like the black and white combined with color. Watch for these in the future in additional hues. 

Work Accessories - Cool Tools For The Ladies

I was growing weary of the "man" tool belts and decided to take things into my own hands. Here's what became of a well worn pair of bib overalls last week. A gal needs a fashionable place to store all her work and garden tools. 

Big Hole Beads-Pandora, Troll, or Biagi

Finished up a special order this week for twenty big hole beads. 

These fit nicely on Pandora, Biagi and Troll bracelets. 

Art journaling with thebeadingyogini

So my glass studio is in the middle of a remodel and I've had a bit of time with idle hands (and we all know that old saying about idle hands being the devil's playground or something along those lines.) I've decided to art journal this year and I'm adding this activity to all my other creative outlets. So far it's been great fun and if it's something you might want to try, you can take online classes with the talented Kelly Kilmer (check out the Prompt A Day site link in the upper right hand corner here.) The two photos are my favorite pages for the month of January. You may also want to check out the DVD 1000 Journals for creative inspiration.

Happy Birthday Nellie Collage

Nothing better than spending a few hours

messing around with paper, pens and glue.

This one is a birthday card for a small friend.

It's on it's way to Nellie in Maine. With a surprise.

The Las Vegas Blizzard 2008

Here's what we do when it snows in Las Vegas. Actually it snows almost every winter in Blue Diamond, but it usually does not accumulate or stick around very long. It reminded me of winters spent in New England. Except for the desert plants dusted with snow. I'm glad the effects don't last as long as those of a wicked Nor'Easter.

thebeadingyogini - is the glass half full or half empty

Another big hole bead.

thebeadingyogini - what we do for fun

Well at least what one of us does for fun. She's a little dog with a big attitude. Check out Mummy Mountain in the background.

thebeadingyogini - flat lapping is FUN

Another new venture in the most absorbing world of glass bead making. Pretty satisfying grinding away at the glass and exposing the surprise under the surface. Mind you it is time consuming to polish that little bead after all the fun of the grinding is done.

the beading yogini - what's blooming here?

Wow abundance in nature...this San Pedro took it to the limit today. There must be at least a dozen or more blooms on this San Pedro cactus. Cacti are strange plants, some years nothing and then bam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the beading yogini-oh my it's gooey! NOT FOR SALE

Another ultra fine day in the Mojave Desert. This piece was a reworked focal for a fabulous person named Dr. Clarissa. She takes great care of the critters at the nursery and has been especially good to my lil critter. Many small lampwork beads for a BIG THANKS>Big thanks.

Flowered Almond Earrings

What can I say, messing around with wire again when I should be working. Oh wait playing around with wire is working if you are a wire wrapper. It's all so twisted sometimes.

Black and Blue Lampwork Woven Bracelet

This bracelet was made using a technique from Stephanie Sersich. I think it's called Treasures style bracelet. Using waxed linen and cotton and weaving the beads. The Beading Yogini.

Star Stacks and Serged Silk Ribbons

Yes. I do it all or try to do it all. Make the beads and the ribbons and dye the ribbons too. It has finally cooled off, but I've been too busy to play with fire. Hiking and visting a friend on Mount Charleston, subbing a few yoga classes, a road trip to Santa Barbara and working at Cactus Joe's. It's all good!

Swirling Dervish Turquoise Pendant

Yes, yet again, another wicked wire wrap. I really like turquoise and wire wrap is my first love when it comes to jewelry creation. I guess it's the free form aspect that draws me to wire wrap. I also exhibit "controlled fidgeting" behavior. So it gives me something to constructively fidget with and wha-LA!

Back to the torch

I had a great week torching and hope to get some photos of the beads posted soon. But first...where is that camera?

Flat Lap Tidal Wave- Side Two-SOLD

Side two of the flat lap, cold worked lampwork bead. Very organic and wave like. Looks like the ocean all churned up. This one went home with a very nice couple from Missouri. I really enjoy it when great folks get one of my favorite beads. Enjoy!

Flat Lap Tidal Wave- Side One-SOLD

One of my first cold worked lampwork beads. I left it unpolished and like the effect. It reminds me of a sea bird diving for fish.