Addiction

Let's face it, we all have one, maybe two, possibly even three things we can't get enough of.  For me, it's usually all about food.  If I'm not eating it, I'm thinking about when it's going to happen again. 

Yes, it's horrible, but something I have lived with and will live with the rest of my days. 

I've accepted it.  There, enough said. 

 So how, you may ask, does this pertain to my craft?  Okay, meet my second addiction...shiny beads.  I'm not talking about rhinestones and all the bling you see out there. I'm talking about beads that you can see your reflection in. 

I have always coated my polymer with a special gloss (4 coats, to be exact).  Boy, do I love how they shine!  But, I have felt as if I were always cheating myself out of something.  I was never quite sure of what that was until I did the research.  You see, the pros (polymer clay big wigs) sand and buff their beads.  I have always thought this to be quite tedious and way too time consuming.  But after reading several testimonies and seeing the finished products, I figured it was worth a shot. 

Now I'm hooked.  I can smooth out my beads (sanding) and buff each one until I get the desired glossed effect.  Yes, it may take a little more time and my fingers do get sore, but it's worth it.

So, although I may never stop thinking about all the yummies that will find their way into my mouth, at least one of my addictions have met with a happier outcome. 

Cheers to all!

The Big 500

Well, I did it...500 sales.  It's a number I'm proud of considering I knew nothing about polymer clay when I began this journey.  So a BIG thank you goes out to all my wonderful supporters and customers.  Are we ready for the giveaway?!

Tari Khars of PearlandPebble was my 500th Etsy sale so she'll be receiving and extra set of beads.

And now for my blog followers....

My husband did the pick...

Boot-C of Mamas Got to Doodle!
Hey Boot-C, thanks for being a reader and I'll contact you for an
address so I can send you some pretties.
Cheers to all!

New Beads

We've had an unusually warm winter here in Central Oregon.  Temps have been sticking

 between 40-50 for the last 3 weeks.  Might seem cold, but last year our winter lasted until May!  My feelings are mixed...I love the snow, but I love to be able to be outside, running,

hiking, soaking up the sun.  I guess my heart is content with the warmth and the blue

skies because I made these last night. 

The contrast between the blue and browns is

so calming and full of warmth.  I've decided to sell sets that include different shapes...

any thoughts on this?

Yummy Soup

Okay, I have to admit, when I found out I'd been paired up with Anna, I began secretly hoping my soup would contain a scrap or two of turquoise.  You see, I had scurried over to her blog (omg, so beautiful) and found out she lives in New Mexico.  New Mexico, that's where I'm from!  Oh, and how she captures the beauty of the southwest... so....I thought she may have a bit of turquoise in her stash of treasures.
Maybe, just maybe, she'd share a little...?

Oh sweet mama....would you look at all that glory?!
Nuggets AND rondelles, yes, I am spoiled.
Oh and look at all that copper.  One of my most favorite materials to work with. 
The accent beads are so full of color!  Excuse me while I wipe away my drool....
And look at this beauty...

Isn't she beautiful?  She's from Green Girl Studios.

I knew, just KNEW immediately what I was going to create...actually, there is so much generosity here I think I'll be making a couple of things.
Thank you Anna, for sending a little Southwest my way and reminding me of home :)
Be sure to check back February 26th for the big reveal.
This is going to be one heck of a party!