Well, it appears that I may have torn a ligament in my knee taking that graceful flight down the stairs. Oh well, gives me an excuse to just sit and bead.

We're getting close to the Texas Bead Retreat. Lots of great classes this year. And I've been working on my shopping list with Jane's Fiber and Beads, our bead vendor this year.

Bah Humbug

I know I sound like a grouch but I’m glad the holidays are about over. Seems like I always get sick somewhere between Thanksgiving and New Years and sure enough, both my Mom and I got respiratory infections two weeks before Christmas. We’d been out Christmas shopping on Monday and both were sick by Wednesday so we must have encountered someone’s virus while shopping. It really makes the holidays even more stressful when you’re too sick to get anything done. So it was a pretty simple Christmas at our house.

And just to top the old year off in grand style, I fell down the stairs on the 23rd and have sprained my knee. It’s a wonder I haven’t broken something by now anyway since I’m not exactly known for being graceful. At least my better half was in town for this event. Seems like he’s out of of the country when most of my disasters hit.

Yes, I know I’m whining. So here's a few pictures to make up for it.

Ok, I'm easily amused. Check this out.

Weekend with Cynthia Rutledge

Had a great time in classes with Cynthia Rutledge this past weekend. She's such a good teacher and always has so many tips and tricks to share beyond the class project. We had a really good group of people in the classes so we had a lot of fun beading together and laughing all weekend.

The class projects were the Art Deco Brooch, Sea Coil Bracelet, and A Garland of Links and Chains. I enjoyed all the projects but I'll freely admit that the Garland kicked my butt. I like projects that are component-oriented so this one particularly appealed to me. But, wow, it was hard figuring out how to make those chains.

Seeing Old Friends

The Houston Bead Market was a lot of fun. Of course, I found many things I just couldn't live without. Adding to the bead stash is always "a good thing." I also ran into a lot of people who were customers at Suza Bead. It was nice to see all these people again.

I miss Suza Bead. It was a great bead shop.

Houston Bead Market

I'll be teaching classes at Rebekah Will's new Houston Bead Market at the Stafford Centre on June 4-5. Rebekah has a lot of great vendors lined up so I'm looking forward to a shopping extravaganza in between my classes.




BASIC JEWELRY MAKING
Learn the basic techniques for making a bracelet and earrings.
Two classes times are offered. Choose one.
Saturday 11 am to 1 pm
Sunday 1 pm to 3 pm
Class Fee: $30 (cash or check only)
Supplies Needed:
* Tools - Round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, flush cutter, bead board* Flex-Wire (such as Softflex, C-Flex or Beadalon) * Enough beads to go around your wrist; if desired, include metal beads or spacers such as Bali beads* Clasp* Crimps* Ear wires* Head pins* Beads and spacers for earrings




DUTCH SPIRAL BRACELET
Make a stylish bracelet while learning this versatile stitch.
Saturday 2 pm to 4 pm
Class Fee: $30 (cash or check only)
Supplies Needed:
* Size 6 Seedbeads* Size 11 Seedbeads* Size 11 Triangles (or substitute a 2nd color of Size 11 Seedbeads)* Delicas* Button or Clasp* Size 12 Needles* Nymo or C-Lon * Scissors* Wax or Thread Heaven* Beading Surface
Kits available.

If you'd like more info, email me.