Today

Woo hoo! Black Friday is over. I don't mean just the day after Thanksgiving, I mean an entire month of appliance and kitchen sales at my '9-5' (which is anything but). Lucky for me I had the foresight to take a week off after that mess. Today is day one of that vacation and although I am sure you are all dying to know what my plans are (heh, heh). Well, it is a bit of a secret right now but much of it will certainly be spent regrouping.

In the meantime here is a picture of the latest listing in my shop. In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to remember those lost to hate crimes and raise awareness of and educate people on Transgender issues.

I recently read a discussion that posed the question 'How can someone who is heterosexual and knows no transgender person help in this effort'? The answer given was that wearing this symbol strikes up much needed conversations because not everyone knows this symbol or understands why it is important. I encourage everyone to broaden your understanding of what it means to be transgender to help make the world a better place to live for those who are transgendered. http://www.trans-edu.com/

Circles and Squares

Once again it is that time of the month when I ask you to head over to the Etsy Beeadweavers Blog to vote for your favorite entry in the monthly challenge. This month's theme is Circles and Squares.

Once again I have entered a piece into the challenge.

I designed the pattern on graph paper, true to my love of needlepoint patterns. I am a sucker for old, musty smelling, stiff paged, needlepoint pattern and how to books that I find in thrift shops and basement library sales. Bargello is beautiful.

 

The color choice was not intentionally seasonally festive when I picked it but as I began weaving I decided I liked it and so it was. Since these colors were already on my bead mat and I had actually been willing and happy to bead a red and green pendant I figured a pair of earrings to match were in order.

These are finished now and will soon be listed in my shop as soon as ear hooks are added and photos are taken. 

In the meantime, don't forget to go vote for your favorite bead woven entry!

Treasury Pleasure

So every time I sit down to curate an Etsy treasury I immediately go to my favorites for inspiration. Whether I already have a theme in mind or not I know there will be several items there that fit the bill. This time, with no theme in mind, I came across a few colorful works of art that inspired my initial idea and then realized that there were enough in there to create my entire treasury from my favorites alone.

'Wonderfully Colorful, Simply Beautiful' by jess2bead

My favorites list is full of these bright and beautiful works of art so I thought I should share. Enjoy!

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

 Coincidentally, one of the artists I featured (Dream Beadweaver who made the rainbow amulet bag) had featured a couple pieces from my shop  in her treasury just hours before.

'Gifts of Warmth!' by dreambeadweaver

It's time to start thinking about those Christmas gifts. Why not buy handmade; and spread some warmth this winter!

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

 And just because I love using this treasury tool, here is the treasury I listed last week...

'It's Gonna Snow Today!' by jess2bead

I am so excited because I now live in an area where snow is forecast in October! I am watching snow fall as I post this! Anyway, for everyone else here are some beautiful items to share my excitement with you.

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

It is not snowing and has not snowed since I made that but the temperature is supposed to drop again next week so here's hoping!

Have a great weekend everyone!

In case you are wondering about my 'Home Cooked' posts, I have some project deadlines to meet and am falling behind so look to see them back up Sunday Nov. 11. Until then, eat well and have fun!