tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197718412024-03-07T03:03:10.195-05:00Kab's Creative ConceptsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1621125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-42929939525172127142012-05-23T09:01:00.000-04:002013-06-09T07:26:49.155-04:00IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
MY BLOG HAS MOVED!!! I will no longer be posting to this Blogger blog. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can now find me at</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://kabsconcepts.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">http://kabsconcepts.com</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please come see me at the new blog and update your blog reader programs with the new address.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope to see you there!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-41340402955833488442012-05-22T06:49:00.000-04:002012-05-22T06:49:02.519-04:00Black & White MomentsI have been loving the prompts in Picture Black & White with Tracey Clark. Just LOVING it! More than the prompts though, I am loving the reminder to desaturate the color once in a while and take things back to just black & white. I thought I'd share a few of the photos I have taken so far. All of them were created using Instagram on my iPhone. (I have been soooo lazy about using my Nikon lately...)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7196434740/" title="#picturebw by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="#picturebw" height="612px" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7196434740_e650e515d6_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7196465696/" title="#picturebw by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="#picturebw" height="612px" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7196465696_a9f6483614_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7237117174/" title="Some homework in a sun pool #picturebw by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Some homework in a sun pool #picturebw" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7237117174_7162fe92a7_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7244414750/" title="#picturebw by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="#picturebw" height="612px" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7244414750_f00b8e03bc_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7245489992/" title="#picturebw by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="#picturebw" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7245489992_22c49021c5_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><br />
A few months ago, I purchased a refurbished Polaroid camera and film from <a href="http://www.the-impossible-project.com/" target="_blank">The Impossible Project</a>. I started learning to use the camera with color film, and unfortunately, 5 out of the 8 images I took had sever damage to the images. The developer didn't spread across the entire frame. I think that is something that just comes with the Polaroid territory. Before Jacob's injury, when I was last in the studio, I switched to my one pack of black & white film... every image has been perfect. I keep the Polaroid camera in my studio, and I love seeing those old style images of my happy place. Someday, I'll share them with you...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-30664796871713085712012-05-16T10:03:00.001-04:002012-05-16T10:04:52.955-04:00Fractured<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7200240880/" title="In the ER with the lacrosse player. Hip injury. Long night ahead. by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="In the ER with the lacrosse player. Hip injury. Long night ahead." height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7200240880_6d67a6cfb2_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><br />
<em>If you are a friend on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter, you might already know what is going on. To my close friends that I haven't been able to talk to yet, I'm sorry I haven't been able to let you know what is going on in a more personal way. A quick tweet that automatically updates everything is all I have been able to muster. It has been a long few days.</em> <br />
<br />
On Monday night, Jacob was injured while playing in a lacrosse game that was more than an hour and a half away from home. I wasn't at the game and I couldn't possibly be more thankful for the caring families that supported and cared for him until he was with me. After a long ride back to civilization (the game was in the boonies), we spent a very long night in the local pediatric emergency room. What was initially thought to be a muscle tear turned out to be much worse. It was determined that Jacob has suffered an avulsion fracture in his hip on his upper thigh bone. If you are like me you are probably wondering what the heck an <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avulsion_fracture" target="_blank">avulsion</a></em> fracture is. It means that his leg muscle contracted in a way that pulled very very hard on his ligament. Young and strong as his ligament is, instead of tearing, the ligament pulled a chunk out his femur bone. So, it isn't a fracture that goes through the bone, it is a piece pulled right out of the bone. The location of the break is such that it can't be cast or bandaged. <br />
<br />
We have been referred to a local sports surgeon that will assess when Jacob can return to regular activities. He can't bare weight for 7-10 days and he is out of sports for 6-8 weeks. If you know my boy, you know that there isn't a more devastating thing in the world for him than being told he can't play. The doctors have him on some major narcotics for the pain and it would seem he may be having a reaction to them. He has had vomiting after two out of the last 3 doses. Poor guy. We are hopeful that he won't need surgery though, and that's a good thing. <br />
<br />
We will continue to take things very slow and day by day I know he will heal. Keep him in your thoughts...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7205987838/" title="Recovery by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Recovery" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7205987838_6832f1ecd2_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-15417175975002163722012-05-14T08:49:00.000-04:002012-05-14T08:49:09.848-04:00Unobligated Random Bits<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7158265568/" title="Inviting studio view by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Inviting studio view" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7158265568_71c11896a7_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7158967406/" title="All wrapped up! by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="All wrapped up!" height="612px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5234/7158967406_eb4f51de20_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><br />
:: it would seem I've been readily adopting the <a href="http://www.tartx.com/blog/?page_id=233">Blogging Without Obligations</a> mentality the past couple of weeks... and I'm okay with that<br />
:: Ron and I had a lovely anniversary last week, even if the pink champagne we bought was overly sticky sweet<br />
:: filled with relief that Andrew's IEP review for the 2012-2013 school year went off with out a hitch, though we are still struggling finding the right meds for him<br />
:: Jacob scored a goal in a lacrosse game last week... it's a rare thing for a defensive player... he is playing long pole middie these days<br />
:: played in the studio with a wrapped bracelet design... I really kinda like it... still in the experimental stages though<br />
:: I wonder if I will ever be able to find the drive/determination/motivation that had me running regularly last summer again for this summer... I really think I need it<br />
:: an hour and a half long yoga class on Friday morning with my friend Lindsey led to a constant reminder of my out of shape state via my smarting muscles all weekend<br />
:: the new Step By Step Wire magazine is out with my latest Color Canvas piece... I'm looking forward to sharing that with you soon<br />
:: it took nearly 20mins to comb Lauren's wet hair before school this morning... I think it might be time she had a hair cut<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7182289038/" title="Lunch time by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Lunch time" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7182289038_8d8c13744f_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><br />
:: Saturday Lauren, my sister, my Mom and I ventured down to the Finger Lakes to visit the antiques barn we found last summer while visiting Keuka Lake<br />
:: I picked up a beautiful hand sewn quilt facing made of lovely vintage fabrics... it needs a backing but I'm nervous about sewing it by hand myself... I'm more of a machine quilter but can't help but feel a machine would ruin the quilt's beauty<br />
:: I'm pretty sure my Mom nearly peed her pants laughing too hard, more than once, while out and about on our adventure<br />
:: speaking of Mother's... I hope all the wonderful women in my life had a splendid Mother's Day... I did<br />
:: super sad that the first season of Once Upon A Time came to an end last night... Lauren and I have absolutely loved watching every episode together... what will we watch this summer<br />
:: irked that I woke up to a sink full of our dinner dishes from last night and two loads of laundry in the living room for me to fold this morning... can't Mother's Day be longer than 24 hours<br />
:: I've gotten some really lovely emails recently that I have been lax in replying to... I'm thinking about them though, and the people that sent them... I.will.reply.today. <br />
:: wondering when my desire to pick up my "real" camera (instead of my iPhone) will return<br />
:: oh goodness... we are taking part in the street wide garage sale this coming weekend... I hope we survive<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7183145538/" title="Wild goose chase antiques by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Wild goose chase antiques" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7183145538_a0ecd62368_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7187838804/" title="Mothers Day by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Mothers Day" height="612px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/7187838804_ca030076a5_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-18378808923089893602012-05-09T08:19:00.000-04:002012-05-09T08:19:31.546-04:00fourteen years<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6252439112/" title="fall walk61 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="fall walk61" height="1030px" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6163/6252439112_18c71e125a_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6083126317/" title="keuka weds 70 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="keuka weds 70" height="444px" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6202/6083126317_bfe3edfaee_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/5913352859/" title="date night 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="date night 1" height="454px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5078/5913352859_9f75917593_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fourteen years ago today, I married my Ronboy. And oh how I love him so... </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-13289333994771110912012-05-05T07:05:00.002-04:002012-05-05T07:05:58.096-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7141812693/" title="Braided. #picturebw line up day 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Braided. #picturebw line up day 2" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7141812693_e63162c470_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-43198799741824657232012-05-03T13:46:00.000-04:002012-05-03T13:46:59.044-04:00Picture Black & White<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6992853242/" title="First plates of my new collection by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="First plates of my new collection" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/6992853242_baa5c399a2_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><br />
I've joined another <a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/" target="_blank">Big Picture Class</a> by the lovely <a href="http://www.traceyclark.com/" target="_blank">Tracey Clark</a>. This time it's <a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/picturebw.php" target="_blank">Picture Black & White</a>. I signed up what feels like ages ago and was so pleasantly surprised this morning when the first prompt email was in my inbox. It really couldn't be coming at a better time. I've been feeling a little lost for inspiration lately, a little knotted up in my head, and a little off-center/detached/disconnected. These Picture Series classes of Tracey's always open my eyes up to the beauty in my everyday. I need those kinds of reminders sometimes. (Or else my blog might turn into a constant steam of random Monday drivel and too must self promotion about up coming classes.)<br />
<br />
Today I popped into an estate sale that was just around the corner from my studio. It was the second day of the sale, so everything under $25 was half off. I love the second day of estate sales around here! I really liked this one because I found a first for my new collection. (Insert a giant girly grin and hand clapping and tip toe dancing here.) Remember I said I decided to collect lovely, lonely, vintage dishes? I picked myself up a dinner plate and a 3 piece tea setting. The tea set matches itself, but the dinner plate is completely different. I love each and everyone of them and I can't wait to hunt down more!!<br />
<br />
When I got home this afternoon, following a few humid hours on the torch that left my cheeks bright pink, I made myself lunch. I knew that a beautiful dish would make lunch worlds more satisfying. I had rosemary olive oil bread with a dollop of fresh ricotta drizzled with honey and cracked black pepper. On the side was a sweet yellow tomato that had a splash of olive oil and vinegar dressing. Now, I am quite convinced every meal needs to be served on a pretty plate. <br />
<br />
Wouldn't you agree? And... <br />
<br />
Did you see my eyes open up just a little bit there? Did you feel that little wisp of inspiration float by? Did you sense the ease in my shoulders and calm to my heartbeat? I did. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6993313464/" title="lunch by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="lunch" height="1030px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6993313464_7ffac4f2f6_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7139334215/" title="Lunch by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Lunch" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/7139334215_bfba747e9d_o.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-52097612911515122692012-04-30T10:31:00.000-04:002012-04-30T10:31:36.330-04:00Lessons Learned<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7115782187/" title="Color combos that didn't work this week. by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Color combos that didn't work this week." height="612px" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7115782187_6b9f0bc8fe_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><br />
:: last week, I tried in vain to make some glass colors act like my favorite colors... lesson learned: you can't make colors be something they are not. <br />
<br />
:: last week, there was an afternoon where I thought I just needed to close my eyes for a few minutes, I slept for an hour and a half... lesson learned: sometimes I just need a nap... heck, I'm sure we all could use one from time to time!<br />
<br />
:: last week, not once, but two times I had packages NOT delivered to my house because the seller put signature confirmation on the postage... lesson learned: I will warn people if I ever decide to put signature requirements on stuff. <br />
<br />
Yep, just 3 little lessons learned last week. I'm sure there are more that I am forgetting, but these are really sticking with me. What do you remember learning last week?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-64332823559265319242012-04-25T08:31:00.000-04:002012-04-25T09:27:31.724-04:00More Chances To Learn!I was pretty excited to share last week what classes I'll be teaching on the Bead Cruise next year. I'm just as excited to share what I'll be teaching at this year's <a href="http://www.artblissworkshops.com/">artBLISS</a>!! This will be my 3rd year teaching at this wonderful event put on by my very dear friend, <a href="http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/">Cindy Wimmer</a>, and her partner in work-shopping, <a href="http://jeanetteblix.com/">Jeanette Blix Ryan</a>. These two really know how to put on a retreat that is not only fun and educational but that also builds a sense of community and camaraderie. It's happening this September 21-23, 2012 in Sterling VA, just outside of Washington DC.<br />
<br />
The jewelry blog world is going to be on fire today with all things <a href="http://www.artblissworkshops.com/">artBLISS</a>. Already my blog reader is over flowing with posts! I love it!! It just goes to show how much people truly connect with this event. You really <i>really</i> won't want to miss it. I could go on and on about it, really, but who has the time to read babble. Let's sum it up...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P_1xwHvEJFIDZQhJexWxed8tETP-7FSlsq_DO2l7efKQFCGPnItfw_mcThLYq_T4YfW_xzXtLzcc-3OsHe37R_MSIet6J4Su8JaSzAYDmd6PxMwF1kJxSiTe4gSncyGQr-X3/s1600/top+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P_1xwHvEJFIDZQhJexWxed8tETP-7FSlsq_DO2l7efKQFCGPnItfw_mcThLYq_T4YfW_xzXtLzcc-3OsHe37R_MSIet6J4Su8JaSzAYDmd6PxMwF1kJxSiTe4gSncyGQr-X3/s1600/top+10.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">10.</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">I'm bringing back my</span><a href="http://www.artblissworkshops.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_4&products_id=18" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank"> <b>K.reating A.rt B.eads</b></a><span style="color: #990000;"> class! I taught this at the event in 2010 and I'm thrilled to be doing it again. Don't be intimidated by the flame! YOU CAN MAKE ART GLASS BEADS!! I'll teach you how. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">9. Oh my stars... Cindy gets the best desserts for the <b><a href="http://www.artblissworkshops.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_9&products_id=22" target="_blank">Meet & Greet party on Friday night</a></b> and this year instructors will be doing demos. (Students get in for FREE, the general public can buy a ticket!) Plus there are giveaways during the gathering too. <i>PLUS</i>, this year there will be AUTHOR SIGNINGS!! Both<a href="http://www.erinsiegeljewelry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> <b>Erin Siegel</b> </a>and myself will be signing copies of our new books. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">8. All new for 2013, the <a href="http://www.artblissworkshops.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_14&products_id=27" target="_blank">D<b>on't Trash It, Destash It Social</b></a> is happening Saturday night!! It's like a swap. Bring beads from your stash that just aren't igniting your inspiration, drop them off at a set time (to be determined), and then, all the beads collected will be sorted/mixed into great packages that will picked up during the social! The more people that attend, the bigger the assortment that you get to take home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">7. I'll be teaching the fast paced 3 hour version of <a href="http://www.artblissworkshops.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_8&products_id=13" target="_blank"><b>Snaptastic Saturday night</b></a> (after the Destash Social). Now, I realized that not everyone wants to take digital photos to sell there work. So maybe you have passed on Snaptastic in the past. BUT, look at it this way, even if you aren't selling your work, you want to be able to take great photos of the things you make to share with family and friends. This class is an opportunity to learn to do that. You can even take photos of the things you make at <a href="http://www.artblissworkshops.com/" target="_blank"><b>artBLISS</b></a> to show off. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">6. EEEKKK!! I'm registered for <a href="http://www.artblissworkshops.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_6&products_id=17" target="_blank"><b>Christine Damm's Color Your World class on Sunday</b></a>! So you should totally come just to see me make a complete fool of myself trying to make polymer beads. HA!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">5. You definitely want to learn my technique for making cold worked bezels and adding embossed color to metal in my all new<a href="http://www.artblissworkshops.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_5&products_id=12" target="_blank"> <b>True Colors</b></a> class. I am so incredibly proud of this class. I want you there!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">4. I'm driving down this year instead of flying so I will have so much more stuff with me!! That means more beads to sell, people... and kits... and books... without the restrictions of airline baggage weight limits. You want a good selection, right? You don't want to wait for me to post leftover when I get home, right? Be there. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">3. </span><span style="color: #990000;">THE artBLISS ANNEX! I am so freaking stinking excited that Cindy is doing this!! That girl has an amazing eye for vintage goodies and antique treasures. She is going to be making her finds available for you to buy. Seriously, I would travel to DC for the weekend, even if I wasn't teaching, just to get my hands on some of the things she is bringing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">2. The other instructors lined up are out of this world! There are classes from <b><a href="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/" target="_blank">April Bowles-Olin</a>, <a href="http://www.rosajosies.com/" target="_blank">Diane Cook</a>, <a href="http://www.storiestheytell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christine Damm</a>, <a href="http://www.stacieflorer.com/" target="_blank">Stacie Florer</a>, <a href="http://www.erinsiegeljewelry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Erin Siegel</a>, </b>and<b> <a href="http://www.aquirkofart.com/" target="_blank">Beth Taylor</a></b>. Frankly, you are going to have a hard time choosing which class NOT to take. There are 13 workshops packed into 3 days!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">And... DRUM ROLL PLEASE... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">The NUMBER 1 Reason YOU-WANT-TO-BE-THERE... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">1. <b>You can win free stuff!! </b>Cindy and Jeanette are giving away 4 of the gorgeous <a href="http://www.artblissworkshops.com/" target="_blank">artBLISS</a> canvas totes loaded up with goodies. Visit <a href="http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/?p=8536" target="_blank"><b>Cindy's blog to learn more about how you can win</b></a> a new jewelry saw, blades, DVD, and some gel liver of sulfur. The giveaway ends May 2, 2012... so get on it!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-70636706694909613792012-04-24T07:22:00.000-04:002012-04-24T07:24:12.542-04:00Getting There<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6963035792/" title="studio monday 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="studio monday 1" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6963035792_8a478b571e_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7109109219/" title="studio monday 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="studio monday 2" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7109109219_5a6bbb5a36_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6963035874/" title="studio monday 3 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="studio monday 3" height="1030px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6963035874_b37495ab80_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7109109305/" title="studio monday 4 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="studio monday 4" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7109109305_fe101fb619_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7109109323/" title="studio monday 5 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="studio monday 5" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7109109323_db7ab506ab_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6963035944/" title="studio monday 6 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="studio monday 6" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6963035944_c581e6413c_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<br />
It's getting there.<br />
Slowly, but surely, I'm learning the new ways of the new studio.<br />
It had been too long since I last made beads. What was it, a month, or more?<br />
Well before the <a href="http://www.beadcruise.com/">Bead Cruise</a> (don't forget early bird registration for returning cruisers opens at noon today!), that's for sure.<br />
I have some new ideas stirring that I want to bring to life. Beads are definitely required.<br />
So the studio was christened yesterday and my first beads here have been made.<br />
Nothing fancy. The learning curve coming back to the flame after so many weeks is a steep one.<br />
I am eager to get in this morning and see how things worked out. There are a couple of pretty cabochons (or should I say Kabochons) waiting for me.<br />
Who knows? Maybe I'll have a few new goodies to post on my website by the end of the week... we'll see.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-60256347598912202592012-04-23T08:16:00.001-04:002012-04-23T08:17:58.191-04:00random stuff<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7096386821/" title="My inspiration board is hung. Lots of love here! by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="My inspiration board is hung. Lots of love here!" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/7096386821_0af8a550f3_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6951446762/" title="Setting sun by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Setting sun" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6951446762_a73432528d_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
:: friday it was in the 80s, today we woke to an inch of slushy snow... with more on the way<br />
:: i've been automatically switched to the new blogger and i can't say i like it... argh... let's hope this post looks alright!<br />
:: my inspiration board is up in the studio, it's different in the new space, but i love it<br />
:: it's time to start making some beads<br />
:: dang snow has me wanting to curl into a sleeping ball on the couch with a book next to the fire<br />
:: i spent saturday out antiquing with a friend from high school... we had mexican cuisine for lunch<br />
:: while i was gone, ron made a fantastic pot of beef stroganoff, it was so so good <br />
:: i was spoiled with food all weekend and my tummy shows it<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7099409279/" title="Restaurant art by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Restaurant art" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7099409279_043e631c2c_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div>
<br />
:: yesterday we were lazy most of the day<br />
:: as we watched movies and folded laundry, i embroidered a fabric cover for my sister's nook case... i want it for myself<br />
:: i'm so so inspired by embroidery lately, probably because i'm finally sharing it with y'all as part of the new book... good things are cooking... or should i said good things are stitching... or waiting to be stitched...<br />
:: there is an interesting phone call happening tomorrow at 10am... things are in the works peps<br />
:: oh, i should mention, i decided to start a new collection... old, pretty, china, dinner plates... i didn't find any on saturday, but i'll keep looking<br />
:: this morning i put pepper jack cheese on a bagel with a scrambled egg... i highly recommend it<br />
:: i really really don't recommend this new blogger... it's been a pain all morning<br />
:: time to get the day rolling... what's on your agenda?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6959653856/" title="My poor dogwood by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="My poor dogwood" height="612px" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/6959653856_697b369156_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6959647998/" title="Snowy feet by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Snowy feet" height="612px" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/6959647998_54a90f64b3_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-56725678665417554042012-04-20T20:47:00.000-04:002012-04-20T20:49:40.219-04:00my feet this week<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7091656389/" title="In the garden by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="In the garden" height="612px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5195/7091656389_e47fc808dc_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7093966021/" title="End of the studio day by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="End of the studio day" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7093966021_9fbd961269_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7094570729/" title="Long shadows by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Long shadows" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/7094570729_d4e30e2c69_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7097499143/" title="Chilly evening on the deck grilling with my hubby and a glass of wine by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Chilly evening on the deck grilling with my hubby and a glass of wine" height="612px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5195/7097499143_da5379bc75_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">seeking a bit of grounding this week as a part of <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/e-courses/unravelling/">Suzannah Conway's Unravelling Spring 2012</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-66606018642956679312012-04-17T15:24:00.004-04:002012-04-18T14:44:54.542-04:00Bead Cruise 2013I can hardly believe I'm about to say this. Hang on to your hats, kids!! This is exciting!! Can you guess what it is by the post title?!?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">I'm teaching at/on <a href="http://www.beadcruise.com/" target="_blank">Bead Cruise 2013</a>!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">YEE HAW!! I know, it's crazy right? It feels like I just got home from the trip yesterday!! </span>Committing to a cruise is a big deal though, so planning starts early. In fact, one of my deadlines last week was to submit my class proposals to our fearless leader, <a href="http://www.humblebeads.com/" target="_blank">Heather Powers</a>. I really was so so excited, and honored, to be asked back. On March 3rd of next year, we'll be sailing out of New Orleans, Louisiana, for a 7 night adventure on the high seas, visiting Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. The instructors are all AMAZING!! I can't wait to hang with me new teaching BFF, <a href="http://www.wiredarts.net/" target="_blank">Tracy Stanley</a>. I can't wait to give a big hug to our Mom away from home, <a href="http://www.noeasybeads.com/" target="_blank">Beverly Herman</a>. Plus, I get to meet polymer guru, <a href="http://ronnasarvasweltman.com/" target="_blank">Ronna Sarvas Weltman</a>, too!! Plus, not only is she our leader, but Heather will be an instructor as well. AWESOME!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm rather eager to share the classes I'll be teaching. I've kept these kind of on the down low for a while, waiting for the release of <a href="http://www.kabsconcepts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=23_28&products_id=606" target="_blank">Rustic Wrappings</a>. But, the time for waiting is over! I told you in a video a few weeks ago that I really can't wait to share this with you and I am even more excited to be teaching these. So, here goes...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">(new class #1... EEEKKKK!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3fkjMNoUp-kFz7CVaR6v2Gw8zpsIhDu0KXYZaXHZgxrJNkArWgPFSP6tQIhx3Vh3yruegk6Jf1wrdTM78kifcS9KT8Qmf4F1tunUGKKoQXrPv9mtEChdOxeL_uQi5qfUH-Of/s1600/true+colors+class+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3fkjMNoUp-kFz7CVaR6v2Gw8zpsIhDu0KXYZaXHZgxrJNkArWgPFSP6tQIhx3Vh3yruegk6Jf1wrdTM78kifcS9KT8Qmf4F1tunUGKKoQXrPv9mtEChdOxeL_uQi5qfUH-Of/s1600/true+colors+class+photo.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">True Colors: Cold-Worked Bezels & Colorful Camouflage</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a class based on a wire embroidery technique I teach in my new book... with an added twist. Instead of using rustic patinas that take a little extra time to develop, we'll play around with adding fun embossed color patinas. This technique can translate into all sorts of components for jewelry be they pendants, links, or clasps. To read more about the class, pop over to the <a href="http://www.beadcruise.com/page2.html" target="_blank">Bead Cruise Classes page</a>. I soooo can.not.wait to teach this!! I'll be making my glass cabochons for students (though you could use any cabochon for the technique), and we'll be cutting metal, dapping washers, sewing with wire, and creating one of a kind finished pieces. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">(new class #2... whoop whoop!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoe3gKWuPJhAIdSoES2ig1iTZQr3TKSP7Gri72LoKQOajCm1iE8HNQsFhUhv3dm4aug12n_uApv3gGpY42AJbQNBH0VcDCHHJNbyZouARNmd1XpDz83beH5NKJ5u7rF5DQqF2/s1600/sweet+tweeter+class+samples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoe3gKWuPJhAIdSoES2ig1iTZQr3TKSP7Gri72LoKQOajCm1iE8HNQsFhUhv3dm4aug12n_uApv3gGpY42AJbQNBH0VcDCHHJNbyZouARNmd1XpDz83beH5NKJ5u7rF5DQqF2/s640/sweet+tweeter+class+samples.jpg" width="452px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><strong>Sweet Tweeter: Embroider A Flock</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">Does this little guy look familiar? You might be thinking of his brother shown on the cover project of <a href="http://www.kabsconcepts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=23_28&products_id=606" target="_blank">Rustic Wrappings</a>!! </span> As a little back story, I had an aha moment a couple of years ago while in the sewing section of the book store. I then spent months working on developing a technique for embroidering with wire before adding it to the new book. I'm good at keeping secrets, yes? I am so excited that I can finally put it all out there and I hope you'll join me for the fun that will be exploring the possibilities that this new technique has to offer. I can't not even begin to explain the peaceful feeling that washes over me when I work on wire embroidered projects. This is going to fantastic, I know it!! Again, all the details are over on the <a href="http://www.beadcruise.com/page2.html" target="_blank">Bead Cruise Classes page</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I'll also be teaching a 3rd, optional, class. I'm bringing back Snaptastic for cruisers again! The seven students I had in class absolutely loved what they learned. (So much so, I really need to ask them to write some reviews for me!!) So, I decided I needed to give others a chance to get in on the experience. I taught this in a kind of lecture style way with lots of hands on stuff too. Being on the cruise gets you into the class for half the cost of the online ecourse too, which is a total bonus!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a side note, I hope to be sharing lots more samples of the types of finished projects here on the blog. So, visit often to see the goodies as I finish them up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay... so who is coming along this time?!? You have 11 months to save your pennies, treat yourself to the beading experience of a lifetime, and make some incredible memories while learning some really cool new techniques. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-40981713319497199572012-04-16T14:55:00.001-04:002012-04-16T14:58:18.489-04:00Fencing<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7084705895/" title="Fencing 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Fencing 1" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/7084705895_01ccc98de4_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7084707957/" title="Fencing 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Fencing 2" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/7084707957_fbda411086_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><br />
:: remember when I told you a while back that my cousin was moving in just 5 houses down the street and she is bringing her 2 horses with her... we helped work on the pasture fences this weekend<br />
:: I love watching Lauren and Amber (my cousin's daughter, aka my 2nd cousin) together... it's like watching Charity (my cousin) and Bonnie (my little sister) all over again... there is going to be an incredible bond between them, despite the 4yr age difference<br />
:: it's hard to work in a field in rain boots all day... it makes one's feet quite sore the next day<br />
:: I was part of the rail crew and I now know what a ratcheting cordless screwdriver is... and yes, it is supposed to make that noise, I wasn't stripping the screws<br />
:: picnic lunches and pizza dinners<br />
:: oh so many HUGE rocks to unearth before setting too many posts<br />
:: when it's said and done, Clover & Shamrock (the horses), will have nearly 3 full acres to roam<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6938633746/" title="Fencing 3 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Fencing 3" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/6938633746_8df5583a76_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6938635004/" title="Fencing 4 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Fencing 4" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/6938635004_3e707a988a_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
:: I'm going to learn to care for the horses and stables to help when they're out of town... I'm too excited about it<br />
:: there is something so easy about being around family as neighbors instead of regular neighbors... they know you... it's okay<br />
:: a few beers and a bonfire is the best way to end a long day of hard work... forget baths and bedtimes<br />
:: I could feel where the sun kissed my nose and cheeks, the few times it came out from behind the clouds, when I finally made it to bed<br />
:: and then... Spring break was over... the kids are all in school and I can find my routine again<br />
:: it's balmy today... a whopping 80 degrees<br />
:: my sister has finally seen the studio and we ended up rearranging the furniture... I like it<br />
:: I picked up fresh rolls for burgers for dinner and something cold to drink tonight... perfect combination<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6938636996/" title="Fencing 5 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Fencing 5" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/6938636996_bf02a0ee32_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6932195872/" title="Long day of work should always end in a bonfire. by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Long day of work should always end in a bonfire." height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/6932195872_224fb80eec_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-990897088078651332012-04-13T08:01:00.001-04:002012-04-13T08:02:09.220-04:00Pretty PicturesWay back in October when I was in NYC shooting the process photos for <a href="http://www.kabsconcepts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=23_28&products_id=606" target="_blank">Rustic Wrappings</a>, my editor said in passing "Oh, you need new headshots." Really? I didn't think I needed new headshots. <a href="http://kabsconcepts.blogspot.com/2009/04/just-me.html" target="_blank">Didn't I just have those taken</a>? Okay, so it was three years ago. I suppose new professional shots were in order. When I got home, I marked the calendar for a date with the amazingly talented Kelli Marsh of <a href="http://www.kellimarsh.com/" target="_blank">Kelli Marsh Photography</a>. <br />
<br />
She did such an incredible job with the photos the first time around! I was excited to have her take my photos again, this time in my living, breathing, working, art studio... not my little ole basement. When I saw the proofs I was amazed! She captured images that were professional, pretty, bright, colorful, and I just can't tell you how much I love them!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6893328982/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="kelli marsh photography by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="kelli marsh photography" height="427px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/6893328982_cfa1cc7a11_z.jpg" width="640px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">copyright Kelli Marsh Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6859359076/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="kelli marsh photography by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="kelli marsh photography" height="640px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/6859359076_093a50e0b1_z.jpg" width="427px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">copyright Kelli Marsh Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7039424507/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="kelli marsh photography by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="kelli marsh photography" height="640px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/7039424507_e11f7b6d66_z.jpg" width="427px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">copyright Kelli Marsh Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6859361478/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="kelli marsh photography by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="kelli marsh photography" height="640px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6859361478_5c3587827e_z.jpg" width="427px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">copyright Kelli Marsh Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">If you are local (or even not local, Kelli travels!) and you need photos done, for any reason (she specializes in kids and family portraits), get on Kelli's calendar. You will be so happy you did. You can see Kelli's portfolio at <a href="http://www.kellimarsh.com/" target="_blank">Kelli Marsh Photography</a>, like her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/kellimarshphotography" target="_blank">page on Facebook</a>, or catch her <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/kelli_marsh" target="_blank">updates on Twitter</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-9424638001578462342012-04-12T14:49:00.000-04:002012-04-12T14:49:53.801-04:00At Sunrise<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7071431899/" title="sunrise 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="sunrise 1" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7071431899_eeaff32d32_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6925354278/" title="sunrise 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="sunrise 2" height="1030px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/6925354278_a8c3b3b079_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<br />
Yesterday, one of my projects had me quite literally banging my head against a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6923054510/in/photostream">table in frustration and lack of inspiration</a>. The beads just weren't speaking to me, so I had to walk away. I couldn't ignore it for long though, deadlines are deadlines after all. So, in light of kids that did not want to be dragged to the studio for the fourth day in a row, I made my way to work in the wee morning hours, alone for the first time, before anyone was awake. I'm oh so very glad I did. Not only did I find the inspiration I needed to finish my project, I witnessed my space glow in the most brilliant of ways. The honey colored hues only lasted for a new minutes before the sun moved past that magical angle that sets off colors like these. It totally filled me up, eased the tension in my shoulders, and made me relax a bit. I needed that. All I had on my plate for this week seems so much more manageable now. It's all getting done. Phew. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7071432217/" title="sunrise 3 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="sunrise 3" height="454px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/7071432217_64ecc61100_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6925354536/" title="sunrise 4 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="sunrise 4" height="454px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5155/6925354536_377ac0ceba_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7071432665/" title="sunrise 5 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="sunrise 5" height="1030px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/7071432665_2a5bae0efa_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-61075608122045158832012-04-11T08:14:00.001-04:002012-04-11T08:14:32.018-04:00Insta-studio Love<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6916042518/" title="Everything's in. Moving things around tomorrow. by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Everything's in. Moving things around tomorrow." height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/6916042518_9c90cae2d6_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><br />
Oh how quickly I'm learning what a challenge those bright windows are going to be when it comes to taking studio photos. I haven't really taken the time yet to shoot with my Nikon much, but if the struggles my iPhone is having is any indication of what's to come, it should be quite the learning experience. So much light pours in that everything not in the light looks pitch black, even though the room is quite bright. I'm babbling though. I can do some research on this photographic situation when I'm better settled and past my deadlines. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7064685209/" title="Glass station by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Glass station" height="612px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/7064685209_04c4201c54_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6918544228/" title="Unpacking by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Unpacking" height="612px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/6918544228_cdcc9136eb_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div><br />
In the short time that Lauren and I spent at the new studio yesterday, I just had to set up my lampworking station. It was all I could think about and I think it was my heart and mind's way of saying what they truly want to be focused on. It's especially obvious when you know that all these pending deadlines this week are finished jewelry related, not lampworking, and I have yet to set up the jewelry stuff. EEK! I hope to get more time for set up today and start to tackle a project or two. A proper studio tour is definitely on hold for a bit, but I'm getting there. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7064687359/" title="Jewelry station in progress by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Jewelry station in progress" height="612px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7064687359_eca996d79c_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-5774699298610672222012-04-10T08:30:00.002-04:002012-04-10T08:43:18.620-04:00cartwheels<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6918172416/" title="cartwheels 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="cartwheels 2" height="479px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5118/6918172416_7cf43c7095_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a></div><br />
Yippee! Yes! Yahoo! <br />
<br />
The studio remodel is 99% complete (<em>who knew the window was smashed under that paper and the glass needs to be replaced</em>?), I have the keys, and all my goodies have been moved from #307 to #348. Thank heavens for a husband that realized my stress level was reaching its limit. After about a half dozen frantic calls to him at work, he took the afternoon off and we got it all done. Naturally, there is still plenty more to do. Everything is piled willy nilly here and there and I still need to settle on a furniture layout. But at least I'm in there and I can start nesting and setting up. This long narrow space is going to be a challenge after having a squatty square one. I do love it though! <br />
<br />
And, hmmm... I wonder how it would look with my twinkle lights all tacked to the black wall instead of painting it white?<br />
<br />
ps... I did not tell her to make that face! It was a pleasant surprise when I loaded the photos up to my computer. Told ya she is a character. AND, if you want to add cool frames to your photos in Photoshop, <a href="http://www.brandigirlblog.com/2011/12/12-days-of-digital-freebies-photo-overlays.html" target="_blank">check out this stripey set</a> from Brandi Hussey at <a href="http://www.brandigirlblog.com/">http://www.brandigirlblog.com/</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-6715707114427904252012-04-09T09:22:00.000-04:002012-04-09T09:22:14.081-04:00Moving Day?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7060509483/" title="break 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="break 1" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7060509483_5c816d9f59_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<br />
:: it's Spring Break... we're being lazy... at least for the next couple of hours<br />
:: it's *supposed* to be studio moving day... as of Thursday, Saturday was moving day, then Friday said it was Monday (today)... we'll see<br />
:: I hate limbo... my over planning personality wants things to happen at set times a set way<br />
:: Easter was nice... we went up to my sister's for a simple lunch and we went for a walk down Oxford St where there are 85 sugar magnolia trees in bloom... the weather was delightful<br />
:: we had a little Masters party on Saturday and I bought a chocolate cream pie from Wegmans... I had several slices throughout the day yesterday<br />
:: the Easter Bunny stuffed eggs with Rice Krispie Treats this year... kids.loved.it.<br />
:: there are still 5 eggs missing... hmmm... wonder where they were hidden<br />
:: got an awesome email on Friday that I can't wait to share with y'all<br />
:: I totally plan on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/5320820787/in/set-72157625486308895" target="_blank">recreating this photo</a> in the new studio... with Lauren, now that she is an expert cart wheeler like her Momma<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6914425794/" title="break 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="break 2" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/6914425794_95ee6ebe1b_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-27692497403410686312012-04-04T10:05:00.000-04:002012-04-04T10:05:43.795-04:00Cranky ColorYesterday, I was cranky. The kind of cranky that is caused by <em>nothing</em> going the way it was planned. I had woken up with a very clear vision for the day and all the energy I needed to make it all happen. Then, my middle child woke up with a head cold and didn't want to go to school. It threw a nasty wrench in my plans, lemme tell ya. Not that I don't want to be there for my kids when they are sick, mind you. It's just I have been dealing with sick kids for days and days and days now. My house, it would seem, is a cesspool of disease and germs. Ugh, Yuck, Gross! I girl can only take so much before crankity crank crankness sets in. <br />
<br />
I was so cranky I tweeted <em>"argh. i have no idea what to do with myself today now that i'm stuck home again. for once, i'm in no mood to clean. i'm pouting."</em> Oh yes, a great deal of pouting was happening.<em> </em>Along with my crankiness. I don't know about you, but when I wake up with a vision, and I can't act on it and make it a reality, I can't think of anything else in the whole wide world I want to do. Nothing. Zip. Nada, Zilch. Thankfully, I have friends that can think for me! Lindsey reminded me of what I did one of the last times I was in this kind of mood... that <em>I-don't-know-what-to-do-with-myself-mood</em>... seek the "Color of the Day". Last time I found <a href="http://kabsconcepts.blogspot.com/2012/01/lions-share-of-brown.html" target="_blank">A Lion's Share of Brown</a>. When I checked yesterday's color of the day, it was Cherry Tomato. My mood greatly improved. <br />
<br />
<div></div> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLiCENCJvXPU_xN1xyOBOBiguMRK8kF1ReZLOKUmMNnMvCA-CJ42gXzwBUOn1GUNPO8O8RQ0W6oAGX3b9n-ENbtADC-x1-oQm2E4JpWT8PJni0JZO5mHadeVmTQwq00J2GpJi/s1600/color+of+the+day+apr+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLiCENCJvXPU_xN1xyOBOBiguMRK8kF1ReZLOKUmMNnMvCA-CJ42gXzwBUOn1GUNPO8O8RQ0W6oAGX3b9n-ENbtADC-x1-oQm2E4JpWT8PJni0JZO5mHadeVmTQwq00J2GpJi/s1600/color+of+the+day+apr+3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/colorstrology/colorstrology.aspx" target="_blank">Pantone's COD</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cherry Tomato, what an unusual color for early April. In the red family, not my usual go to color. I wasn't quite sure I could find any Cherry Tomato when I first started thinking on it. Then, I opened my eyes and started hunting about my house. Oh, it's there all right. Take a look...</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7044946357/" title="Cherry Tomato 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry Tomato 1" height="1030px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7044946357_8c78ff938d_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6898852624/" title="Cherry Tomato 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry Tomato 2" height="454px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5071/6898852624_31775a713c_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6898852702/" title="Cherry Tomato 3 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry Tomato 3" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/6898852702_b03b00e0b2_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<br />
Shortly after starting my Cherry Tomato scouting, Andrew decided his cold wasn't so bad and I took him to school. I was able to get those things done I had been hoping to and then some. YEAH! I found lots of Cherry Tomato in the studio, but my camera battery was dead at that point and most of the red was packed away anyhow. Peps, this is a such a good exercise to open up your eyes to the unexpected colors around you. You must try it. Pop over to <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/colorstrology/colorstrology.aspx" target="_blank">Pantone's Color Of The Day</a> any time you need a nudge in the right color direction.<br />
<br />
While we are on the topic of color, my mood was thrown right back into cranky when I popped into the new studio on my way home later in the afternoon. The painter spray painted the entire window wall BLACK! Black... I mean like black, black. Ceiling black. My studio was suddenly cave like with every bit of sun being sucked into the oblivion of the wall and ceiling. The building manager said they can't put it back to white. I'll have to do it on my own. Sigh, I have SO much other work to do (my latest Color Canvas piece is due next week!). I did not need painting a wall up to a 15ft ceiling on my list. Argh. <br />
<br />
At least I was able to get all the measurements I needed to start settling on how the new space with be laid out. Rearranging all those little (to scale) furniture pieces was quite satisfying. Though I'm sure not as satisfying as it will be to finally be in the space. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6896926754/" title="Studio lay out option 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="Studio lay out option 2" height="612px" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/6896926754_5490c75ccf_z.jpg" width="612px" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-16098191042643255152012-04-03T07:57:00.000-04:002012-04-03T07:57:50.882-04:00Packing Up<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6895572508/" title="packing 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="packing 1" height="513px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6895572508_f350d303d5_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6895572568/" title="packing 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="packing 2" height="912px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/6895572568_5995945201_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<br />
It's finally starting to really feel like this move is going to happen. Yesterday had me up high on a ladder taking down all those twinkle lights I put up back in January of 2011. As I worked my way around the room, unwrapping them and pulling the staples, it truly felt like I had just put them up. It was only the layers of dust and yellowing of my paper lanterns that showed how much time has passed in this space. <br />
<br />
I haven't decided if fifteen months is a long or short time. It is definitely long enough to settle into and love a place. I know you all already know how much I L.O.V.E my studio, but the more I think on it, it isn't that walls and tables and chairs themselves I love. It is having a space that is wholely my own that I love. So, it was with a very eager heart, not a nostalgic or sad one, that I was filling boxes yesterday. I can't wait to set up the new studio and start falling in love with it. <br />
<br />
Soon, people. The move is happening soon. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7041684111/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="new studio floors 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="new studio floors 1" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7041684111_15d16655ba_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As of April 2, the floors are finished. Just needs lights, sink, & paint. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7041684151/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="new studio floors 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="new studio floors 2" height="917px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/7041684151_7f0577830e_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo was taken by Chelsea Foehr of Delish Glass, my new next door neighbor. She sent it to me via Facebook so I could see the progress. She thought I was home sick. But nope, I was just down the hall. It was later in the day though then when I took my shots. So, you can see the finished floor better. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-91972965459852768442012-04-02T07:46:00.000-04:002012-04-02T07:46:41.958-04:00just another random monday<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6892287302/" title="labadee haiti 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="labadee haiti 1" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/6892287302_eb4f176f7b_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7038382479/" title="labadee haiti 4 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="labadee haiti 4" height="1030px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/7038382479_fa6c1c13d9_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7038382587/" title="labadee haiti 6 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="labadee haiti 6" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7038382587_6fc85532f4_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<br />
:: this is my 1600 post on this blog... dang!<br />
:: I was at a loss for photos to share, so I edited some more from my time on the Bead Cruise. these are postcards from Labadee, Haiti<br />
:: that dreamy day on the beach was so very different from this past weekend spent caring for sick kids, running a fever myself, and helping my cousin move in the pouring rain<br />
:: I learned what "feverish planning" really is... while unable to sleep, yet completely exhausted, my brain was arranging studio furniture in my thoughts and I had ideas for new classes come to mind too<br />
:: the cat is outside my window, covered in mud, begging to come in<br />
:: I loved some really special Sunday morning texting with my best friend<br />
:: recommit, reconnect, remember we're awesome<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7038382655/" title="labadee haiti 7 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="labadee haiti 7" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/7038382655_ae76aec15e_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6892287862/" title="labadee haiti 10 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="labadee haiti 10" height="1030px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/6892287862_419a280846_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7038382975/" title="labadee haiti 12 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="labadee haiti 12" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/7038382975_80cbfa3332_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<br />
:: today is a studio day... I'll be packing<br />
:: I doodled the class ideas I was thinking about so I don't forget them, since I can't work on them at the moment<br />
:: fyi: the $30 Target "American Girl" style doll is just as awesome as the $110 real one... Lauren said so<br />
:: I really need to get back into my running routine... it's time<br />
:: Ron keeps insisting that it is going to take seven years to get blueberries on our blueberry bushes... I really hope he's wrong because I am craving berries<br />
:: I love a friend that knows my favorite flower and sends me a photo of them, in stock!, in our local grocery store... so thoughtful<br />
:: on the way to the studio, I'm buying some of my favorite flowers<br />
:: I'm still not gonna let that muddy cat in... <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7038383063/" title="labadee haiti 13 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="labadee haiti 13" height="1030px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7038383063_47a76597db_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7038383297/" title="labadee haiti 17 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="labadee haiti 17" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/7038383297_c9a59fdf88_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6892288760/" title="labadee haiti 24 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="labadee haiti 24" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/6892288760_be62766ab6_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-12383318334583970682012-03-30T09:27:00.003-04:002012-03-30T11:25:40.269-04:00... and then she was 9.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7029301983/" title="lauren at 9 a by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="lauren at 9 a" height="454px" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6116/7029301983_c486d42c1a_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<br />
Oh my stars... that girl. MY girl! Today she is NINE. <br />
<br />
Time rarely feels like it's flying by when I look back on her years since she was born into our family. When I stop to think about it, I can hardly remember a time when she wasn't around. I feel like it has been me and her, attached at the hips, always. And I feel like I am waiting (im)patiently for her to become the awesome woman I know she'll be so she can be my best friend. <br />
<br />
That time will be here before I know it and when it comes, I know there are things that will have been lost in my memory along the way. So, for posterity...<br />
<br />
:: that hair... we call it frazy-crazy. Favorite styles are "Aunt Bonnie Buns", "Side Down Poenies", "Wet Braids", and "High Up Pig Tails"<br />
:: she can scream like a banshe and cuddle like the sweetest puppy<br />
:: monkey love conitues to reign supreme over teddy beads<br />
:: as one commenter mentioned... yep, she still starts conversations with a thoughtful "Momma", and we spell it that way because that's how my Mom always spelled it, and I like it that way<br />
:: she is a pack rat saving every single thing as special... she can seriously find the "special" in anything... part of me thinks that it awesome! the other part thinks she'll be on Hoarders someday<br />
:: she wanted to master a cartwheel last year and she did... she is working on her round offs now<br />
:: current bff(s)... Abby, Katelyn, Maria, and Georgia... and pretty much any other person she mentions... she thinks of everyone as her best friend<br />
:: Daddy is in the habit of cutting her nails too short these days, she hates it<br />
:: She sneaks treats out of Daddy's candy stash to make up for the above offense<br />
:: M & (freaking) M's. oh.how.she.loves.them.<br />
:: she loves to sing and wants to be on a tv singing show... any of them.<br />
:: c.r.a.f.t.s. she has a drawer in her room devoted to her supplies and when any gift giving thing comes up she is the first to think of something to <em>make</em> and give<br />
:: curently crochetting chains, painting, doodling, and writing love letters are her best artistic skills<br />
:: her sense of style makes me proud... that girl is bold and daring and doesn't care if someone has a problem with the way she works stripes and plaids<br />
:: she is currently reading Harry Potter, by herself<br />
:: her nightowl nature has me shouting TURN THE LIGHT OFF until 10pm every night.<br />
:: still doesn't eat fruit... hates eating breakfast... and loves homemade chicken fingers (tonight's dinner)<br />
:: birthday cake request this year... two layers, chocolate, purple frosting, and the retro Barbie logo in pink icing<br />
:: did I mention that hair, and the snuggling?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BUGABOO-LORNADOON! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Momma LOVES you!</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7029302027/" title="lauren at 9 b by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="lauren at 9 b" height="454px" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6056/7029302027_26888dcc20_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7029302101/" title="lauren at 9 c by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="lauren at 9 c" height="1030px" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6106/7029302101_fb160f4bee_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7029302127/" title="lauren at 9 d by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="lauren at 9 d" height="454px" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6240/7029302127_fe5fe56585_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Do you remember the photos I shared when <a href="http://kabsconcepts.blogspot.com/2007/03/beads-birthdays.html" target="_blank">she was four</a>, when <a href="http://kabsconcepts.blogspot.com/2008/03/she-is-5.html" target="_blank">she was five</a>, or when sh<a href="http://kabsconcepts.blogspot.com/2009/03/party-in-da-hooowsa.html" target="_blank">e was six</a>, how about when <a href="http://kabsconcepts.blogspot.com/2010/03/she-is-seven.html" target="_blank">she was seven</a>, and when<a href="http://kabsconcepts.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-have-best-8th-birthday-ever.html" target="_blank"> she was eight</a> and we rocked the house? She has been a part of this blog for 7 years... she's growing up before your eyes!</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-20964634234425446412012-03-29T17:36:00.002-04:002012-03-29T17:40:10.394-04:00ProgressRenovations in my new studio were kicked into high gear this week! Lauren *was* feeling better (and was fever free) this morning so, as soon as she was on the bus, I high tailed it right into work to check out the progress. Sadly, right when I found my groove, school called saying Lauren was sick again and I had to go pick her up. UGH. <br />
<br />
Before I left though, I snapped a few pictures. Here is a peek at the State of The NEW Studio... then and now. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6881209092/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="progress 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="progress 1" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/6881209092_1340a14740_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feb 14th 2012 - this was back on the first day I laid eyes on the space. Look at the graffiti and hole in the wall on the right!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7027308363/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="progress 7 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="progress 7" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/7027308363_580edecb25_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today - Hole and graffiti gone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7027308231/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="progress 4 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="progress 4" height="1030px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/7027308231_21f55aa23a_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Friday (March 23rd 2012) - I painted the door but little else had changed at the time. Drywall wasn't mudded and lots of trash. Remnants of the old drop ceiling were still visible. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6881209428/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="progress 8 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="progress 8" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/6881209428_cabb861442_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today - walls are mudded and some of the junk has been tossed. The old drop ceiling tracks have been removed and walls repaired. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6881209132/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="progress 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="progress 2" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/6881209132_351d4cc354_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feb 14th 2012 - nasty sink and water heater, ugh. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6881209346/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="progress 6 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="progress 6" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/6881209346_18473c024c_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today - new knee wall, water heater and yucky sink are gone. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19771841.post-298493298798537162012-03-28T09:46:00.000-04:002012-03-28T09:46:50.147-04:00Cold Sun<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/7023839947/" title="cold sun 1 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="cold sun 1" height="454px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7023839947_f46c7130c1_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6877738324/" title="cold sun 2 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="cold sun 2" height="1030px" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/6877738324_7235e51799_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kabsconcepts/6877738364/" title="cold sun 3 by kabs_concepts, on Flickr"><img alt="cold sun 3" height="454px" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6226/6877738364_1a247a12bc_o.jpg" width="684px" /></a><br />
<br />
Lauren has been hit with a nasty stomach bug that arrived with the return of freezing temps. Despite the bright sun pouring in the windows, it was bitter cold outside. I went around the yard and picked every daffodil before the hard freeze. About a dozen or so were in bloom along our front walk. Why let them stay outside and wither away? I'm loving the bold yellow glow they give off. <br />
<br />
Sigh, until the little girly here is fever free for a full 24 hours, we'll be bumming around home rotting our brains with rerun episodes of Glee on Netflix. It's times like these that I tell myself I really should have a second set of tools and supplies here at home to work with when I can't get to the studio. Darn it! I guess I'll knit instead.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1