TWO DONE DEALS

 Thought I'd put up the bags now that they are completely finished.We attempted something different with these bags. On the back we've added i pad pockets.They are lined with  gorgeous, soft neoprene to keep the electronics safe. I say we, because my wonderful and talented husband Robert does the majority of the leather sewing. This (of course) is the best because I really rather be beading. I use to do it all but then when we got this sewing machine, he liked it because it was such a piece of equipment. The motor is huge! Anyway, I'm always showing pictures of the bead table so here's a shot of the leather sewing machine. I'm really happy with the new pockets, should be interesting to see how well they go over...

back zipper pocket

THIS IS THE END, OR NOT

So, the end, or the new beginning or just as far as the Mayans went with their calendar. I have a feeling that I will be in the middle of a piece of beadwork when my time comes, I guess this would be an appropriate piece, (the owl is calling my name), but I'm a skeptic and I feel confident that I'll be sewing tomorrow. It is the winter solstice.The days are short and the clear night skies are filled with brilliant, sparkling cold stars. I think this piece I'm working on is fitting for just such an occasion. I've done a lot of cut glass black night skies, but this time I added more and more stars and some dark silver in places to get that milky way effect.  For some reason this picture doesn't capture the look. There has been a lot of hemming and hawing over the color of the water in the background. It's penciled in as a gray silver blue but I may still use something darker to keep the night mood, the color choices are on the table. What do you think?
As far as working at the down stairs table, it's okay. I get to enjoy the Christmas tree and be in the middle of all the things going on. One small draw back, there is cat hair all over my bead stuff. Oh well, today I finish the ivy leaves...

FINISHED HAWK

I finished the hawk bag. Thank you for your input on the black or brown options, I went with the brown, Robbie's choice, mainly because I was just in the mood for it. The fringe turned out very luxurious and invites you to touch.  This piece is very mellow with not many colors which gives it a distinct feeling, (of a gray day). The whole time I was working on the clouds I didn't think they were going to look right but now I like them. Believe it or not clouds are always a big challenge for me...

WINTER DIGS

In Alaska winter comes early. We have always had two wood stoves, one upstairs in the gallery/studio and one downstairs. This year I decided to move the bead table down to the living room. No more view of Cook Inlet and smoking volcanos. The trade off is not having to make two fires, it's always warm downstairs and we decided to conserve on fuel. I set up a bead table by a window, (not the huge view windows of the studio), just a modest window with a view of the back yard. I have to share with Crazy the cat, it's one of her favorite hang-outs. I've only been sewing down here for a week or so. I'm happy with the way the "Dock Ravens" piece is turning out. That's what I'm working on right now, but the jury is still out on the new bead table location...

YOUR OPINION

So, I've just finished this hawk  piece of beadwork. It's going to be a bag with the feather being the flap.( the whip stitch and lazy stitch will complete the look.) I'm debating on a couple of things. Should I use black or brown leather? Also, I'm thinking of adding fringe. I haven't made one like that in a long time but I think the gusset style bag would lend itself to a luxurious look if I had a double thickness of fringe. So what do you think? Opinions please...    Thank you!

10 11 12

Today is 10 11 12. I wonder how many times something like this happens. You always hear about numerology, I'm sure this must have some kind of story to be told about it. It feels like a pretty ordinary day to me. I've been working on a couple of new necklaces. I bought these most beautiful beads. A gorgeous strand Citrine and two exquisite stands of Labradorite. They inspired me, I love beads.  I'm very partial to the gray tones and think that just silver and gold beads work well to show them off.  Here are the necklaces I came up with to complement their wonderfulness.  

POWER OUTAGE

Sitting in the dark, there's a big wind storm and the power is out. I use to live the cabin life style with no  electricity but now I'm spoiled and I miss it when it's gone. Good grief, what a wimp I am! No beading by kerosene lanterns anymore. Hey, where is that kerosene lantern anyway? Out in the shed I guess. Candles and the light of the ever faithful laptop will work.  In honor of the black out I posting some pictures of past black velvet pieces...