Kab's Creative Concepts

Heart on Hiatus

2012-01-31T14:23:00.004-05:00

The Irondequoit Bay on my drive into the studio this morning.

Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for your emails of concern. My heart went on hiatus for a bit. And, I have to be true to myself. If I'm not feeling it, I'm not writing. I'm not sure it is ready to return yet either, but there are a few things going on that I want/need to share. Here it is... in my typical random style.

:: Last week I was a guest poster at Love My Art Jewelry. Hop over and check it out! And I invite you to take on the photo challenge I presented there... come on! I could use the doses of color.

:: I was paired with the awesome Barbara Bechtel for the 5th go around of the Bead Soup Blog Party. I'm excited about that. We have some things up our sleeves to make the exchange a bit more interesting. It'll be a challenge in more ways than one. You'll wanna stay tuned for that.

:: Speaking of the BSBP, SURPRISE!! I'm one of the contributors in Lori Anderson's book devoted to the exchange. I'm honored to be a part of it. Thank you , Lori! Click the link to see the cover art and a full list of contributors. It is a grand group of people. Look for it on newsstands Fall 2012.

:: I'm up to my eyeballs in preparations for the Bead Cruise! I have already made over 150 beads in the last 24 hours and that is just for ONE of the kits! I decided to make Light Steel Grey, Turquoise, Sunburst Coral, Transparent Ink, Clockwork Orange, and Ivory the color combination for the one of a kind, just for the cruisers, Bang Gals kit. I'll share pictures when the beads are done soaking and ready to make their debut.

:: When I get home from the Bead Cruise, I have something to share. I've kept it under wraps for a couple of months now. (NO, I am NOT preggers... don't you dare suggest such a thing!) I really really think you are going to like it.

Now, don't worry, I'm sure I will post loads more times between now and the Bead Cruise. I just thought I'd leave the last one there as a tease. If you are ever concerned again that I might have fallen off the face of the earth, I tweet... a lot (or rather at least a few times a day). So, you can follow me on Twitter (I'm @kabsconcepts) and see that I haven't been in a car accident, or that I haven't run away to Alaska in search of snow that lasts for more than 5 freaking minutes. Insert eyes rolling here... about the total lack of snow, not the Twitter thing.

ps... Monday I was feeling sad and bought myself flowers to cheer up the studio.

Aren't they a lovely shade of fuchsia-ish pinky red?

A Lion's Share of Brown

2012-01-19T16:00:00.001-05:00

Back on Monday, when I was plotting out the week to come, I wrote "studio day" right under the number #19 in my agenda. When I woke up this morning, and started moving through the day, I quickly realized I had no idea what to do with myself once I got to the studio. And that is never a good sign about how the day will go. If my thoughts aren't organize and a plan not in place, I find myself frazzled and not at all productive.

I sent out a tweet this morning before heading out that said as much.

Quickly one friend replied saying "Maybe this could inspire you, my color loving friend: Day 19: More Than A Trillion Choices" How did I not know about 31 Days Of Adventure sooner? Today's prompt was right up my alley. Alas, in my quickly-turning-crankier-with-a-lack-of-focus mood, I couldn't settle on a favorite color to seek out today. That's when I decided to let the color gurus at Pantone do the picking for me. I quickly googled "Pantone Color Of The Day" and learned today's color is LION.

My eyes instantly started seeing beautiful, photo worthy, shades of brown every where. More than just the barren muddy brown of the landscape, I found it in my hair, in my home, in my yard, and in my studio. I was a hunter stalking Lion brown and, if I was an actual hunter, I would know a good phrase to say I slaughtered my prey to keep the hunting analogy going... but I think I best let the photos tell you.

Would someone please remind me of this exercise the next time I'm lost and needing some creative focus? It is a delightful way to spend the day when you are color hunting.

(Side note: Once I got to the studio, I was right. My lack of planning made for a very unproductive day but I really didn't mind so much.)

A Snappy Wednesday

2012-01-18T08:46:00.001-05:00

I woke up this morning and decided to give my Snaptastic eCourse a little face lift. When students worked through the course back in October and November, new posts were presented daily. Until today, students visiting the eClassroom would see the last post first. That's no good for new student. So, I have worked my magic and now, all the posts are there waiting to be read by new students in the proper order. Beginning to end.

What does that mean for you?

If you haven't taken my eCourse, and were maybe waiting until I offered it again, you don't have to wait any longer! The entire course is there, waiting and ready, for you to work through. You can work through at your own pace, visiting daily or plowing through in a day. Once you have registered for Snaptastic, you will be invited to the classroom and you'll have unlimited access to the site. I'll never close it. So, if life gets in the way and you can't stop by for a day, a week, or even a month, that's totally okay. Come back any time. That also means ther is no start date or end date for the class. You could start today or you could start next week. It's all up to you!

Plus, as an added bonus, I am leaving comments open! So, you can continue to ask questions along the way. And, something very interesting happened as we worked through Snaptastic in October, the Q&A posts morphed into extra content posts. There is a ton of new information that doesn't appear in the eBook. Things like white balance settings, shooting in aperture priority mode, adjusting exposure, bouncing light, cool add on products for your dslr, and a video of my photo editing technique have been added.

Are you wondering what other students thought about Snaptastic?

Erin of Erin Siegel Jewelry left this comment on the last post of the eCourse:

Thank you so much! I enjoyed your course and I learned a ton. I'm improving every time I pick up my camera, now with the information you've shared here. Before, I was just stuck doing the same thing because I just didn't know what else to do. Before, I didn't know what I was doing. Now, I understand what is going on! Again, thank you so much! I mentioned your e-course again on my blog tonight. http://erinsiegeljewelry.blogspot.com/2011/11/secret-stuff-and-snaptastic-photo.html

And Alice of Alice Dreaming had this to say:

Wow, it went so quickly! While I wasn't able to participate as much as I had wished, I want you to know I have learned a lot from this e-course. I'm a slow learner when it comes to anything technical, and when I do learn something, it is quickly forgotten if I don't use it often. I'm thankful I purchased the PDF form so I can refer back when I need to. Oh, and by the way, I'm so thankful for your demonstration of your natural light setup with the foam board etc. I've been using it with great success, and it's so easy to put up and take down.

Where I was once intimidated by all the bells and whistles of my camera, I am now less timid when it comes to taking it off automatic. And for that I thank you!

Come on, you know you want to take better pictures of your jewelry!

What are you waiting for?

Speechless

2012-01-17T16:28:00.001-05:00

What a difference a few days makes. Friday you got a glimpse of the glee inducing snow fall that dropped a few fabulous inches on us and if you were here today, you would be soaked to the bone and knee deep in mud. It's near 50* and raining.

The other day I sat and watched Sense & Sensibility, all by my lonesome, while Ron took Lauren to gymnastics and the boys did their own things. There is one point in the movie where the youngest sister is told not to talk about certain things and if she can't think if something appropriate, she should discuss the weather. HA!

I don't know why I keep talking about weather these days.

*sigh*

I feel completely boring. I haven't anything to talk about. No exciting things to share with you. I've been in the studio experimenting but nothing worth showing yet. I'm all tra la la la la. If you asked me something, I'm sure I could carry on about it for ages. Left to my own devices though, I'm speechless.

So... for lack of a better topic... here is a bit of random...

:: Ron and I finished watching Season 5 of Dexter (on DVD from the library) and I'm wishing we had cable so I didn't have to wait a lifetime to see Season 6.
:: my new sweater has taken a turn (or I should say, pucker) for the worse and although I'll finish it, and wear it, I'm not knitting on it incessantly.
:: Andrew is pacing circles around me at the moment because we wants me to wash his swim stuff for school tomorrow.
:: I made blackberry cobbler on Sunday night, it was delightful.
:: OH! For those of you that have been waiting... I posted all my new RINGS! Go check them out!!
:: it took 3 wheelbarrows of wood to fill bin near the backdoor. It should last til Friday.
:: Lauren bought herself a locket at the craft store yesterday... she says she's always wanted one.
:: I'm getting back in the show saddle, but until it is for sure for sure, I'm not telling you which show, but I think you'll be excited.
:: I can't believe The Bead Cruise is right around the corner!!
:: I have no idea what we are going to have for dinner tonight.
:: I finally got my act together and I've taken advantage of wholesale discounts with Parawire. Kits will now have whole spools of wire in them!! I can't wait to see them kitted up.
:: I stink at the kids' math homework, I'm not gonna lie.
:: no, I haven't painted the ceiling yet, ugh.
:: I have my heart set on us installing wood countertops. I won't be able to survive without them, I'm sure of it.
:: I <3 Pinterest.

{ and then it finally snowed }

2012-01-13T12:36:00.001-05:00

Oh my stars, I've been grinning all day! It snowed!! It finally snowed!!! It is magical stuff, those airy bits of frozenness. I swear, my coffee tasted better today, my fingers knit happilyer, and I feel completely wrapped in all things cozy. Gosh, I just love it.

I knew earlier in the week that I would be home today. I had a meeting scheduled (which was cancelled because of the white stuff) and planned on catching up on a few things I've been ignoring. I am, indeed, home but I am continuing to ignore what I was ignoring before and I went for a long walk in the snow instead. I rocked my hubby's 1980's moon boots and his giant parka of a coat, pulled on a few toasty hand knits and headed out. The roads were yet to be plowed and you couldn't see much more than about a 100ft ahead. The wind whipped hard on the return trek but I didn't care. I loved the feeling of the ice on my eyelashes and the pink burn I could feel in my cheeks. I smiled big and laughed. I am sure the very few cars that passed wondered why the heck that crazy person was laughing while walking along the side of the road.

As for the rest of the day, I've refilled that spotted mug with some lovely chai tea, the knitting is still calling me, I've added another log to the fire, and I'm looking forward to the kids getting home and sledding. Tonight we'll feast on pot roast and potatoes. Lauren will be flipping and tumbling at gymnastics (if it isn't cancelled too). I think we aught to rent some movies and pop some corn.

Here is to the weekend.

January Sun

2012-01-12T08:43:00.000-05:00

I'm about ready to settle into a day that looks quite the opposite of the one in the photo above. Yesterday was gloriously bright and, I dare say, balmy for January. Today, however, is dark and cold and rainy and perfect for a few hours at my torch in my studio. As I finish scrapping the last few bits of Key Lime yogurt from my cup, I'm thinking about what I'll make first when I get to my little sanctuary. It's been well over a month since I lit that hot little fire last. It feels like it's time. Some sanctuary is really needed right now.

We have had a rough couple of days here, or I should say evenings. The one I described having taken place on Monday was just the beginning. I haven't talked about it here but, Andrew, my middle child that suffers from bi-polar disorder, is going through what's called a med wash. We are trying to get a baseline of current symptoms off meds so we can best decide what to do next for him. Very slowly over the past two months, we have lowered he medications and by February he will be off all of them completely. All this has been happening under the care of his doctors, of course, but still, no one is here with us in the evenings when he is having a hyper manic episode, or when he swings the other way and struggles with something as simple as taking a shower.

Talking about Andrew and his condition is something *I* struggle with here. I used to talk about it more but as he grows, I want to respect his privacy. At the same time, want those of you that have become invested in him through the years to know how he is doing. He is very happy in his school environment these days, he wishes there was a local baseball team he could play on that wasn't competitive (OH how we lack something team related and active for kids between the ages of 12-18 that isn't competitive here), he is addicted to his new iPod... he loves the endless supply of new games at his fingertips, his hair grows faster than anyone I know and he hates to have it cut but thankfully we found an angel that will come to my studio and cut it for him, he would live in his flannel pjs if I let him, he eats us out of fruit daily, he is desperate for some snow to snowboard and sled, and he loves Rusty, our big ole deaf white cat, more than any other living creature, ever. He is truly the most simple, yet complicated, being.

Don't worry about leaving a comment today. I've closed them. There are times that I just feel compelled to share but honestly, don't want to go beyond the sharing. I'm sure you understand.

And, as always, tonight is another evening. It has every possibility of being better than the night before.

Sweet Start, Not-So-Fabulous End

2012-01-10T11:12:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was one of those days that really flowed. Each thing I thought I'd do actually happened. I started with a quiet morning of knitting while the kids got ready for school. They are all really self sufficient in the mornings. They just need gentle nudges and reminders on what they need to be doing and what time it is. Okay, gentle might be the wrong word. There are a couple of kids in the house that don't like getting up. So, I have to flip on the lights in their dark and cozy rooms while saying about a dozen times "it's time to get up".

Once everyone was on their way I tidied up a bit and went for my run. I have felt awful, not just emotionally since Chicago, but physically as well. When I left for NYC in October, my 3-times a week runs just stopped. Then the prep for the show, where was the time to run? Then the show itself, and the aftermath. Oh and not to mention the Holidays that followed that and all.those.sweets. I know I am the only one that has the power to change how I feel. All the hard work I did this summer showed me I can do it. It isn't a resolution of any sort, mind you. It is a choice. And I am choosing to want to feel good in my body, and I'm working on it.

I was into the studio just in time for some lunch. I set to finishing the last of the rearranging I started last week and then I did something I can't remember the last time I did. I wrote a letter to a friend. Like a real, honest to goodness, pen on paper letter. And, I liked it.

The afternoon passed with a nice long, much catching up needed, phone call with another friend. I like actually talking on the phone so much... as much as writing letters. I've decided I despise email. Though, I know, I know, it is a necessary part of my business. I wish it wasn't so though. I wish if someone wanted to tell me something or ask me something, that they would call. I could hear their voice, I could ask them about how they are doing, nothing would be lost in translation, I could write myself a note of what they needed... sigh... I like telephones.

My phone call ended as dinner prep began. We decided to have country style grilled pork ribs, roasted brussel sprouts and carrots, with some seasoned baked fries on the side. We eat good. We ate good. Homework was done, a card game of war was played, and a lacrosse practice was had. It was while the big kid was at lacrosse that the time turned not-so-fabulous. Ron had set Lauren up with a bubble bath in our master bathroom. Being 8, she likes her privacy. We don't stay in the room with her, but we were in the living room directly below her and we could hear her playing. I went up to check on her once she turned the water off. Then Ron and I sat watching a bit of TV. I'm not sure how much time had passed, 20, maybe 30, minutes when we started to hear a strange noise. Was the cat licking himself in a strange way, was is just the fire crackling? No, there was water dripping. My heart instantly jumped out of my chest. Something was wrong with Lauren...

I started screaming her name and tearing through the house and up the stairs to my room. As I ran I saw visions of her floating in the tub, lifeless. She didn't answer when I called her, over and over. I burst in the bathroom and she was completely fine... startled by my entrance, but fine... playing Barbies. I pulled her out of the tub, wrapped her up, got her safe, and we found the tub had cracked. Water was pouring into the living room ceiling. Ron had to put a hole in one area to drain the water and there will be repair work in our future. After those horrible visions, then finding Lauren okay, the relief that washed over me completely washed away any concern over the silly ceiling. I've never painted a ceiling before, but I'm game.

Let's hope Tuesday is less eventful.

hello, friends...

2012-01-09T10:32:00.002-05:00

:: sigh, well that didn't work. If I want to reflect about my day in a blog post, it is just going to have to be the next morning. Evenings are way too full.
:: you might think things are busy busy here, what with the lack of posts and all, but nope, just the opposite. Things are simple and quiet and flowing, and I'm floating along for the ride.
:: Friday I picked up my new specs from the eye doc's office. I wear contacts and haven't bought glasses with my current script in over 10 years. I thought it time to give it a go. I'll still wear my contacts most of the time, but give my eyes a break more often.
:: I've been doodling color combinations for my surroundings for new beads. I hope to be torching before the week is out and have new beads to post next week. Any special shape requests?
:: current color combo love? grey, dark navy, and orange. oh so different than my usual turquoise and orange love.
:: I hate to be so cliche and talk about the weather, but dang. Friday I took a walk to the local yarn shop, to meet a friend, and it was so balmy all I wore was a light sweater. Ron even golfed on Saturday!
:: oh how grand it would be to get a good old snow storm.
:: I have a haircut planned for tomorrow and I can not wait. My ends are all frayed and splitty.
:: knitting on a new sweater from sock weight yarn is going by oh so much faster than I hoped. I separated the lower body for the front and back just this morning. I only started it 10 days ago.
:: my run this morning was absolutely marvelous. I've been watching Netflix on my iPod while on the treadmill and it makes time fly. Stopping a movie at the end of my run makes me look forward to the /runfun the following day to continue the film.
:: I finished watching James Stewart's Harvey (1950) today. Wonder what I'll watch tomorrow? I love old movies.
:: speaking of running, JCasa is challenging herself to walk, run, or jog 1000 miles in 2012. I'm seriously considering taking up the challenge too. I think it fits my want to aspire to a healthier me.
:: 6.3 down 993.7 to go...
:: I think I'll make myself a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich and head into the studio before the day gets any further away from me. Do you like grilled cheese and tomato? You should make one too! (I just pop in the toaster oven to warm it back up when I'm ready for lunch.)

Carving Out A Lovely Corner

2012-01-04T21:41:00.001-05:00

I am finding that during this time of year, the light coming in the front window is the prettiest right around the time I leave for the studio. These magic moments happen much earlier in the summer. I can enjoy them longer. When they happen so late, my day is rolling and I can't savor it. Oh how it makes me not want to leave. It makes me want to make a bowl of oatmeal or cook a sunny side up egg or slice a grapefruit and sit in that sun. Maybe tomorrow. Today lingering wasn't possible with a half done disaster area studio I left the day before. It had weighed on my mind all night. I was still pushing the last pieces of furniture here or there in my mind as I dosed off, wondering if my choices were right and deciding where the last few pieces would move to.

Once I opened the door to my studio, I recognized that this is going to take some getting used to. Apart from moving the sink and deco table, I have essentially mirror imaged the room. I'm Alice inside the looking glass... everything is backwards. I am in love the corner of loveliness I've situated in the light. All my honey toned cabinets together make me melt. Literally. I caught myself staring dreamily at them, all bunched together, several times.

I made quick work of organizing my dozens of spools of wire. Then promptly took to hunting Pinterest for new spool sorting inspiration. I have an idea I'm going to try to put into action tomorrow.

That building manager I mentioned yesterday stopped by with some news. His ears must have been ringing. He said that there was a space on the 4th floor for me to peek at. The fabulous Lucinda had asked for dibs on it but when she read I was longing to join that floor she acquiesced. I just couldn't see myself there, though, and she could, so I passed. The right one will come along, and it won't have full southern exposure.

It feels good to have this to focus on right now, instead of walking in the door and trying to just start creating again. All the distractions are actually settling my thoughts in the way that mindless distractions do. I have ideas forming, and growing, and I know I'll get to them soon. They have more time to get stronger.

I had to chuckle to myself this afternoon, during the time I thought would be the reflection-on-my-day-time. I was reminded why I always write in the quiet morning hours... it is my time. In the afternoon, it is all Momma needed time. And now, here I am, having waited for everyone to go to bed to have some peace and reflect. I'm drained though. I still think the change is good, it'll just take some getting used to.

It is another way in which things are backwards! HA!

I'm sure the adjustment would be made greatly easier with a warm bath and snuggle under extra blankets.

Some of the Changes

2012-01-03T16:12:00.000-05:00

I went to bed last night thinking we might have one more vacation day ahead of us had we gotten the 12 inches of snow the local meteorologists called for. There was no snow though, just bitter bitter cold. So instead of curling up and relaxing a bit longer, a studio day happened. I wasn't really sure what my first official 2012 day in the studio would bring when I woke up this morning. As I sat at the computer, and sent important emails (what are those deadlines dates again), paid bills (like my studio rent!), and then packed for the day (broccoli soup, camera, and sketchbook... check), I knew exactly what would happen... a move.

I have been begging the building manager at The Hungerford, pretty pretty please with a cherry on top, to find me a new space in the building. One that doesn't face a brick wall, that gets some good/better natural light, and is a bit closer to the other artists I visit with in the building (my hallway is rather empty and lonely at times). Two months now of pleading and nothing has opened up. And for some strange reason, apparently, it is poor etiquette on their part to kick someone out of a space just because I want it. So, I got it in my head that if I can't have a new studio, I would treat mine like it is brand new.

I set to work as soon as I unlocked my door. I let that OCD side of me take over and things started getting rearranged. I didn't have a plan, I just started unloading sleeves and clearing tables to push/drag them around. I really don't know why it never occurred to me before. My jewelry desk was in an area that had me using artificial light and my torch table was by the window in the natural light. Hmmm... doesn't it make a bit more sense to put the torch, which in bright natural light causes me to struggle to see the flame, in the area where you need artificial light? And further more, doesn't it make sense to put my jewelry desk by the window in the natural light? Yeah, sometimes I don't have a lot of common sense. Ahem.

As I slid and dragged each piece of furniture into its new place, I swept and scrubbed the floors... Cinderella Style... hands and knees and all... till the water turned black (again and again). And as I washed and organized, I was thinking a lot about the changes I have planned for myself and this blogging place. These are by no means resolutions of any sort. These are changes I have been feeling brew for some time now. I'm not ready to tell you all of them yet, but one is happening right this minute. My post is happening... at the end of my day, not before it starts. I have been loving the way Heather (Beauty That Moves) has been sharing journal style posts that reflect on her day on her blog. I feel like I have been a little too guarded recently in what I write, though maybe you don't get that feeling. I want to share more about the things I think and do through my day... I think it's a good place to start.

And so far... it feels very right and very good.

a.s.p.i.r.e

2012-01-02T13:15:00.001-05:00

My One Little Word for 2012... oh so very different than inspire. Inspire is what you do for others, or what others do for you. Aspire is something you do for yourself. More on my word, and my plans for this new year, soon.

The Year That Was

2011-12-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

:: January ::
I left the confines of my dungeonous basement studio and set up shop in #307 of the Hungerford Building in downtown Rochester. Oh how I love my studio and I love that they only time I spend in the basement now is to run down and drab something in storage. I don't care how big the laundry pile gets. I just can't tell you the peace that settles into me when I think of my studio now. It really is the building as a whole that give me that feeling. I have meet some truly great artists/people/friends there and I think that is absolutely priceless.

:: February ::
I turned 33, a number I absolutely despise. Not because it makes me think myself old, not at all. But because I really like multiples of 5 or even numbers. 11 and 33 really are the worst. Most of the month was spent meeting my first deadline for my second book, Rustic Wrappings. But in there I did a First Friday in my studio and became more confident in myself as to what I will accept from the public and what I won't. As I have scrolled through old posts this morning, I think this one summed up February best and I think I should do that at the end of the month more often.

:: March ::
My first book, Totally Twisted, was voted Best Beading Book of 2010 and I couldn't be prouder of that. You all made that happen and you ROCK!

:: April ::
I remember April because it was the month I took the kids on their first proper road trip. We filled up the car and headed down to spend a week with my best friend Kelley in Hampton VA. It was such an awesome week. The kids are insisting we do it every April and I think I'm obliged to make that happen. We drove every where when I was a kid. There was no way my parents could afford airfare for 4, so all our cross country trips were by automobile. I love driving far away places. Hmmm.... wonder where else we could drive off to?

:: May ::
So much more of our time was moving outside. The year of the exterior started when, throughout the summer, we created new gardens, power washed and stained the deck, painted the house, and had new basement windows put in. It was also a mental turning point for me. I remember distinctly seeing one photo of myself in particular that I just could not stand. I started running on a regular basis and counting calories and the pounds started coming off. By September, I was down 35 pounds (some of which have come back thanks to the damn Holidays).

:: June ::
It was down right crazy. I turned in the final pages of Rustic Wrappings, painted the house, the kids got out of school, and I turned to just posting photos for the month as a way to cope. I am so happy I followed through on that, because Picture Color was awesome.

:: July ::
For me, July is always the most difficult month of the year. The kids are home and the initial excitement of summer as worn off, boredom has set in. We keep busy as best we can and wait for the days to pass. I knit Lauren a cute sweater in July, and I made a quilt to hang on the walls in the studio. I think I got to spend all of 4 hours total in the studio all month long. I'm not complaining, mind you. I feel very fortunate that I can be home with my kids. I know there are lots of Mom's out there that would give their right arm to do the same.

:: August ::
I gotta say, August was kinda fun this year. The last two weeks of summer I tried to do something around town everyday with the kids. We did a ton of cool stuff (like visit The National Museum Of Play) and then, we spent a few days down at my Aunt's cottage on Keuka lake. I always dread asking to use the cottage, feeling like we should just get our own, but I am always thankful when we get there. There are so many good memories in that little place and I hope my kids are making some good memories of their own.

:: September ::
And then... school was back in session and I was in heaven. And, I started preparing for what would be a whirlwind Fall. Besides school starting, ArtBliss is always a high point in the month. This year, I debuted my new class, Snaptastic, and then by the end of the month, I launched the e-course. I still pinch myself when I think about that. I always hoped I would work up the nerve to host an online class, and I'm proud I made that happen.

:: October ::
I went to NYC. Enough said. HA! So many incredible memories burned into during my week there. It was unforgettable.

:: November ::
As soon as I got back from NYC and all through November, I worked my ass off preparing for the OOAK Show Chicago. I pushed myself in ways, creatively, that I didn't know I was capable of. I made over 250 pieces of unique and awesome jewelry in just 6 weeks. All the while, balancing family life. We still had our Fall Walk, we celebrated Jacob's 14th birthday, and we had a great Thanksgiving. I think I will look back though and think it was mostly all a blur. So many hours working, so many long days... where did that time go?

:: December ::
Oh December, December, December... I think I have lived a whole year in this single month. It is another one that will be ingrained on me in an unforgettable way. The gamut of emotions are still with me and honestly, I'm still a bit tender about it. There was incredible highs and incredible lows. I am so looking forward to turning the calendar to January and seeing what this new year has to hold.

It's Always Saturday

2011-12-27T09:02:00.001-05:00

she went to bed after 11pm, then woke up at 3am, and again at 5am...
we opened presents at 6am, she couldn't wait any longer

Oh my stars... can you feel that full body releasing stretch from head to toe? It's coupled with a big old yawn and in a minute or two there will be a big sigh too. What a lovely (yet weather-wise, ugly) few days its been. We haven't had a lick of snow, and the sun has shown for all of 10 minutes. I think we entered some sort of strange time continuum. Every day is feeling like Saturday and no matter what time it is, it never feels like the time that the clock says it is.

he was the hardest to wake up, and decided to take up the whole couch.
he is taller than me these days.

I'm sure you know the feeling. (Not the feeling of having a 14yr old taller than you... ignore the captions, they don't go with the text.) I imagine the sensation of time crawling and flying at the same time will last straight through the new year, at least for us. Not a single one of us has a single have-to-do commitment until January 3rd. That means random little projects here and there, watching lots of movies we have missed renting, unexpected gatherings with visitors, sleepover parties, too.many.sweets, complete overhauling of bedrooms to make way for the new gifts, several visits to drop off donations at Goodwill as a result, a few more sweets, going to bed early and sleeping late, ignoring the beeps from our cell phones, keeping the Christmas tree up all week despite my usual need to take it down the very next day, a party or two, and oh am I being nagged by the desire to knit and there is a total lack of projects before me! See... it is your typical Saturday, all week long.

about a bazillion apps at the touch of your finger...
haven't decided if that is a good thing or bad thing yet. he has had his new pjs on for 3 days.

Needless to say, my time here will be spotty throughout the next week. I am sure once things return to normal in our home, it will get back to normal here too. I always feel like this time of year isn't for blogging anyway. You should be loving your family, not reading stuff from me. So... turn that computer off, grab another sugar cookie, and start a game of Monopoly with someone. Though, don't ask me to play, because it is the only game I won't play with anyone in this house. They all cheat and won't ever trade properties with me.

Wishing You The Merriest Of Holidays and a JOYOUS New Year...
with love from The Bogerts.

Now Playing

2011-12-22T20:00:00.001-05:00

Yee haw! Ron boy got the jukebox lights working today and we made tags for the 45s that are currently loaded. Sadly, we don't have any Christmas 45s... but maybe by next year.

I just played The Everly Brothers Claudette, The Beatles PS I love you, and Sam Cooke You Send Me...

2011-12-21T15:12:00.001-05:00

The Noisy Plume is having a Christmas Tree Photo contest... go check out all the lovely trees!!! Vote for your favorite and it is totally okay if you like another more than mine.

Boo's Bunting

2011-12-20T10:12:00.000-05:00

Early Morning

2011-12-19T09:25:00.000-05:00

:: yes, I step quickly into the snow, barefooted, to get a few pieces of wood to start the day's fire
:: it is so wonderful to finally see some white and wishing it will last but knowing rain is on the way
:: last night, restless, I watched the outline of a deer graze in the dark of my backyard
:: I hate the annual debate about what is enough when it comes to gift giving
:: finished two of my handmade gifts over the weekend, starting another today
:: Lauren is completely convinced her Momma-made gift is some hand knit socks... it isn't
:: Ron decided we needed to purge and organize our master bedroom closet yesterday... I hung his golf shirts in color order
:: saw a short piece on PBS that is causing me to long to make marmalade, but sadly I only know one good marmalade recipe and the 24 half pints would probably go to waste
:: marmalade recipe... a few spoons of marmalade, cream cheese, finely chopped bacon... amazing on bagels and a wonderful party dip for pretzels or on crustinis
:: I think I know my One Little Word for 2012
:: confession, I am avoiding email like the plague... sorry... if you wrote, I'll reply eventually, promise
:: and... I am also avoiding photographing rings and brooches for my website as well
:: sometimes I say to myself "I just don't wanna" and then I don't
:: looking forward to sharing some heart whispering with you in the new year
:: since it is the holidays, let's call it heart twinkling... what is your heart twinkling?

2011-12-15T13:54:00.003-05:00

Come in my studio and I'll get you with my Tronex claws. Roar and grrr....

Difference In A Day

2011-12-14T08:35:00.002-05:00

I really hate pity party blog posts. I won't read them on other's blogs and I try my darnest not to write them here. There is a definite difference though in a pity party post and a frustrated by the feelings post. I think my post yesterday was very much the second of those two.

There was a statement punched out in the latest issue of Artful Blogging that stuck with me. Angie Broen of decodreamscometrue.blogspot.com said "Since my blog posts are a reflection of my life, my words and thinking are honest, which makes writing a new post come fairly easily." I think it struck me and stuck with me because the past couple of weeks my posts weren't coming from a place of personal honesty, so I was struggling to know what to write. Yesterday, I just started writing from the heart and boom it was there.

What a difference a day can make...

Talking helps, it really does.

As does being in a comforting space of creativity and feeling at home. As does a couple of raspberry chai lattes in a sunny window of a starry cafe with a caring friend with a kind ear. As does getting a few loads of laundry folded in the blink of an eye while on the phone with someone that cares. As does a quite evening with a little voice reading her favorite poems while stitching special holiday somethings.

I feel worlds better today. I feel lighter and more peaceful.

Today is a bright and shining one.

Cookies & Contemplations

2011-12-13T09:02:00.001-05:00

I feel like my "recovery" for that show is going to take longer than I thought.

I was telling Ron the other night... I put so much energy and focus into the things that I do and the directions I take. Just when I think I have found the path that I want to travel down, suddenly, I'm at a dead end. The path is gone, and I am lost. I feel like I have to start all over again. Forge a new path... but so much of my energy has been wasted, it is so hard to know where to begin. And just as hard is trying to make people understand. Understand why I'm just so bummed out. Why, despite good fortunes and happy times, I feel inadequate. I have spent much of the past few days with tears just below the surface. And I wasn't sure until this moment if I would even share that here. I am nothing if not honest, and try as I might, I can't be rosey all the time.

I am happy (and releaved) to have the distraction of the holidays and I know I just need to be kind to myself. I need to let go of certain expectations and welcome what the universe has in store for me next. I can't help but think that I can't just wait around for something to happen though. I need/want to put my energy into something to feel like *me*. I feel the need to trudge... to push through... to put one foot in front of the other... to keep moving.

I'm going to go to the studio after a walk this morning. It will be my first time there since I packed my car with my booth and set off for Chicago. I am a little nervous about being in the space. It is hard to describe the energy that place holds for me. I know there will be a ghost of my hopeful spirit lingering in the twinkle lights and I'm not sure I can face it yet. Deadlines must be met though, and my love for my studio is strong enough to overpower the disappointment.

One little step at a time. I know.

Tree Trimming

2011-12-12T08:49:00.000-05:00

:: it feels like the season has finally begun... we found our tree and the traditions, old and new, are under way
:: old, the same little Christmas tree farm
:: new, this time Jacob cut it down instead of Dad
:: this time last year we already had more than 40inches of snow, this year we have hardly had an inch
:: Lauren, despite learning the "Santa Secret", has more spirit than any previous year
:: old, that same old star that was on our very first Christmas tree
:: new, not putting the tree up in that same ole spot in the living room
:: I went out for some shopping the other day and created my handmade list of goodies
:: I have a lot of handmade work to do in the next 13 days
:: it is easy to get caught up in thoughts, though, while sitting with handy work. I'm trying not to get lost in the sadness some thoughts bring

:: old, Momma and Lauren do most of the tree trimming and Daddy hangs the high stuff
:: new, this year Pappy hung the high ones
:: I think something is percolating, in my mind and in my heart
:: mornings making treats that flow into afternoon naps on the couch followed by evenings with the jukebox playing make for the best kinds of Sundays
:: old, stocking hang on the fireplace
:: new, it seems a different cut out cookie recipe is tried every year
:: I like holding my husband's hand while watching tv at night
:: how in the world was I up at 4 am so.many.mornings.in.a.row? I can hardly rouse myself at 6am these day
:: I know the fire needs another piece of wood because my feet are getting cold
:: wondering if my studio misses me... and if I go there, will I know what to do with myself.

Artist Helping Artist Winning Bid

2011-12-11T09:17:00.000-05:00

Thank you MEREDITH DECKER for your winning bid of $86. I will be sending you an invoice via Paypal shortly.

Thanks to everyone who bid.

2011-12-10T20:51:00.002-05:00

We had a pretty good Saturday. And you?

His and Hers

2011-12-09T07:43:00.001-05:00

You might have noticed there was one thank you left out of my Truth In Advertising post. That was intentional because this thank you is an extra special one.

From the afternoon that I first got the call inviting me to exhibit at the show, through the 4am wake ups and long evenings of display construction, to the first moments before the show, and after the disappointment, my husband has supported me, encouraged me, pushed me, and loved me in ways I didn't know I needed and couldn't have made it through without.

After nearly 18 years together, the man can still surprise me. He does so much for us in our daily lives and just when I think he has done all he is going to do, I come home to a house full of snowflakes. I had know idea that such beautiful creations were hiding inside my systems engineer. The other day, I sat finishing knitting a pair of socks and watched as the air passing through the house spun and twirled the paper pieces. It brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. And I thank him for that too.

Sometimes I think thank you is too small a word. It doesn't feel like *enough*. There is a fullness in my heart because of him and that fullness/happiness/love/caring/joy is too much for just a thank you. I truly can't thank him enough for what he has done, always does, and will do for me. I am a lucky lucky girl to have my Ronboy.

And whether he reads this or not... everyone should know... he is a superman and I couldn't do it without him.

Artist Helping Artist - A Silent Auction

2011-12-08T13:29:00.003-05:00

There is an artist within our jewelry community that is going through a very difficult personal struggle. A number of artists have joined together and are offering a series of silent auctions to help support this artist in need. It's Artist Helping Artist.

You may have noticed, I rarely, if ever, do this sort of thing. Maybe it is the season, or maybe is it just wanting to try to help a gal out, but I felt compelled to give. As my contribution, I am offering up for auction this one of a kind bouquet pendant. It was handmade by me and hangs from sterling silver chain. This is a bead I have kept in my personal collection as a favorite and I knew the minute I decided to join this cause, this would be the piece I shared.

To bid on this piece, simply leave a comment (or email me at kerry(at)kabsconcepts(dot)com) with your bid. You do not need to leave your email address if that makes you uncomfortable, just be sure to send me your email address in a private email to me so that I can get in touch if you win. I will close the comments, thus close the bidding, at 9am on Sunday. Let's start the bidding at $40...

Thank you for your kindness, Kerry

additional silent actions can be found here:

Heidi Post http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.com/

Marie Cramp & Lori Anderson http://skyejewels.blogspot.com/

Barbara Bechtel http://secondsurf.com/

Erin Fickert-Rowland http://elysianstudiosart.com/

Keirsten Giles http://www.cerebraldilettante.blogspot.com/

Andrew Thornton http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/

Karen Totten http://starryroadstudio.blogspot.com/

Kristi Bowman-Gruel http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/

Nan Emmett http://spiritrattles.blogspot.com/

Maire Dodd http://mairedodd.blogspot.com/

Amanda Cargill Austin http://www.seashoreglassgirl.com/

Janice Everett http://jlynnjewels.blogspot.com/

Rebecca Anderson http://songbeads.blogspot.com/

Shannon Iko Chomanczuk http://formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Justman http://mysoulsfire.blogspot.com/

Erin Prais-Hintz http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/

Necklaces Updated

2011-12-07T15:44:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that a bunch of Knock Out Necklaces have been added to my website today! There are two pages of OOAK pieces, so check them both!! A few have already been scooped up!! Tomorrow I'll be posting Pendants and Bracelets... stay tuned.

And THANK YOU!! so very much for the out pouring of support in regards to yesterday's post. I can't tell you how much each message means to me. You guys are the BEST!

Truth In Advertising

2011-12-06T10:00:00.002-05:00

Wow... I hardly know where to begin.

The past 6 days have been an absolute roller coaster of emotions.

Rather than give you a play by play of each day of the show, and try to put a positive spin on things, I feel compelled to be completely honest... I just have to say it... after months of preparing, the show just plain sucked. There you have it. I don't want to look back on this as a totally negative experience and I know I can't just leave it at "it sucked", you need to know where that is coming from. The idea of this show in my hopes and dreams over the past several years verses what I actually experienced have left me feeling completely drained and utterly disappointed.

You might want to pour yourself a drink and grab a snack... this one is a doozie.

To start, let's get the money thing out of the way. I don't want to focus too much on sales, but I want to be realistic about the results of the show. Anyone that has met me in person knows I will pretty much share anything. I don't sugar coat much. So, let's just get this over with. I invested nearly $6000 to be in this show. That doesn't include the cost of the materials to create the jewelry, only booth fee, display costs, travel expenses, and show what nots. I had sales totalling just under $4000. That means I paid triple what I would to participate in a local (Rochester) two day show and made less than what I usually do. Yes, my sales were a big disappointment. The rational part of me knows that it wasn't my work, my work ROCKS! and I know thatyou hundreds and hundreds of amazing people that follow my blog are chomping at the bit to have new work posted. (Thank you for your emails telling me so!!) So, I am hopeful to make up the loss, but... this experience was supposed to be about so much more than just the sales.

What is the most disappointing for me was to discover over the four days that the show was absolutely NOT what was sold to me in the prospectus or through reviews online. It was not a Fine Art Show, it was a street show indoors without the fried dough. Period, end of story. Okay, I take that back... that isn't the end of the story, obviously. For me this was going to be about finally standing side by side with the best of the best. I thought my work, both in jewelry form and in the form of everything I have worked so hard to do to get to this place, was going to be recognized. And it wasn't. I felt like a single cow in a herd of cattle. No different from the rest. Sure, my coat might have been shinier and my fur pattern pretty, so to speak, but I was still just one of many and felt completely overlooked.

I took this paragraph from the OOAK Show website on the page for exhibiting at the show. This is an idea of what I thought I was in for...

"The One of a Kind Show is an extraordinary holiday shopping event featuring fine art and craft from a juried selection of North America’s most talented artists. The 4-day show provides an outstanding opportunity for exhibiting artists to sell to thousands of highly qualified and enthusiastic shoppers in an ideal location and premium environment."

First of all, I was shocked to learn that many of the artists exhibiting at the show are NOT juried in. Wait, let me correct that, they were juried in once, possibly 10 years ago, and since then have been able to place a deposit on the last day of the show and return the following year without being re-juried. There was a meeting on Friday morning where artists were informed this would be changing and everyone would be juried for 2012. The uproar was so great that show organizers retracted that decision... except for jewelers. The jewelry category will now be juried annually. No wonder I was wait listed for 3 years, with everyone buying their spot for the next year, it is impossible to get in. I was given an "intent to return" form which would have given me preferential treatment should my slides be approved. As you can probably guess, I did not turn it in to the Artist Services desk.

Without completely disrespecting the crafters showing their wears, I want to say, personally, I do not consider the following "fine art and craft"... silk screened t-shirts, belt buckles made in China with fabric glued on, rocks with a piece of wire stuck in them so the rock looks like a duck, and homemade cookies. And those were the types of things just in my aisle. So much of what was at this show was NOT handmade (even the homemade cookies). And as my friend Lindsey put it so well in a comforting text message to me... I'm sure both the woman selling $5000 gold jewelry and the man selling $30 silk screened t-shirts were frustrated that the other was there. To top it off, my booth was directly across from a show sponsor. The sponsor was a corporation selling "French skincare products and beauty beverages". The women, dressed in black from bead to toe, were so aggressively selling their mango juice at the special show price of $29 for 4 bottles that people were literally using my booth as a quick pass through to get around and away from the crowd waiting for samples. Frankly, it was insulting.

As for those thousands of "highly qualified and enthusiastic shoppers", I have a few thoughts on that as well. First, the size of the show is so massive with over 600 vendors that the people attending were like deer caught in headlights. It was just too much to take in. People stop in a booth only to wonder what the next booth holds and the next and the next and the next... and then can't remember where they saw what. The ones that did stop and browse my work were incredibly kind and full of wonderfully uplifting compliments. They really made it easy to maintain a smile and continue to repeat, for hour after hour, that "I hand make each and every bead you see and each design is unique." Sadly, I heard more often than not that the person was shopping for this person or that person and they weren't sure if she liked colorful things. I'm not like the saleswoman at the booth opposite me, I won't try to convince someone to buy something they don't love. Maybe my salesmanship is lacking, but I just can't represent myself in that way. The mix of people attending was as broad as those exhibiting. I saw older women wearing full length fur coats and I saw over weight women wearing acid washed jeans with cropped tops that had no front teeth. I am not in anyway knocking any of the people I saw... just putting out there they range of people attending.

To say this weekend was an eye opening learning experience feels like a vast understatement. I wouldn't be who I am if I didn't try to find the bright side to all this, though. So here is what I am going to hold close to my heart when I look back on this experience...

* I got to spend the first two days of the show with an awesome, awesome person. Bev! I can't thank you enough for your support and I hope you know just how much having you with me meant to me. I am a better person for knowing you.

* I never would have pushed myself the way I did, creatively, if it weren't for this show. I created more than 250 pieces of jewelry I am proud of in just 6 weeks. That is really saying something.

* I had been feeling for a long time that I was torn between two worlds... teaching and showing. I know now just which path I should focus on. I have never had a teaching experience I didn't love... I have had show experiences I never want to have again... why didn't I realize this sooner?!

* Oh how my friends love me. I was sent text messages and emails of encouragement and support that will stay in my inbox as visible reminders of just how lucky I am. I love and thank each of you... you know who you are.

* I spent Friday to Monday with my sister. We haven't slept in the same room since we were kids. I loved having her with me. I know it was a physically demanding weekend for her, and being there was difficult in more ways than one. Bonnie, there isn't another person in the world I would have rather spent that time with. Thank you, and I love you.

On that tear producing note, I plan to spend the next couple of days continuing to process everything and recover. I feel a little raw right now... I know it won't last... I'll be fine with some rest. This is the most wonderful time of the year and I plan to make the most of it with my family. I came home to a house covered in handmade snowflakes! There is a little girl here revelling in the magic of the season and I am going to feed off that. There is so much Momma-making to be done before the 24th!! I can't wait to get started. And as I make lots of love infused goodies for the family, I'll be updating my website with all the jewelry goodness I have to brighten your holidays too. Each and every piece is filled with love, people. And hey... all you need is love... right?

0 Days

2011-11-30T00:00:00.003-05:00

As you read this, I am making the 9 and a half hour journey from Rochester to Chicago. It is hard to believe! The past few weeks have gone by in a flash, but is wasn't all jewelry all the time. There was a whole lotta life mixed in too. The balance happened in the most natural of ways... it felt good. Many moments at home, many in the studio.

Wish me luck... I'll be back in a few days with tales from the show.

2 Days

2011-11-28T00:00:00.002-05:00

Hodge Podge Style 3

Mod Dot Pendants

3 Days

2011-11-27T00:00:00.002-05:00

Mod Dot Rings

Metalwork by the AWESOME Anna Sprague!!

4 Days

2011-11-26T00:00:00.003-05:00

Mod Squad bracelets

5 Days

2011-11-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

Spotted & Spiraled

6 Days

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Well Said

Da' Booth

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, fair warning... it was about 6am when I filmed this. I wasn't fully awake, but really, I couldn't be more excited to show you how the booth is coming together. Pay no attention to my whispers, I'm super excited on the inside!!

7 Days

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Up Stream

8 Days

2011-11-22T00:00:00.001-05:00

Forty Dozen Dots - 40 inches of cobalt bliss!

9 Days

2011-11-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Perfectly Simple bracelets

10 Days

2011-11-20T00:00:00.005-05:00

More Playground Antics - Red

Playing Pretend

11 Days

2011-11-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

Model In Mint Necklace

Drip Drop Lime

12 Days

2011-11-18T00:00:00.002-05:00

Hodge Podge Style 2

Drip Drops Bright

I miss you, guys!

2011-11-17T18:11:00.001-05:00

13 Days

2011-11-17T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hodge Podge Style Necklace

14 Days

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

More Mod Squad Members

Ta Cha bracelets in brights

15 Days

2011-11-15T00:00:00.002-05:00

Giant Party Balloons - over 3 feet of necklace!

16 Days

2011-11-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

Disc Earrings

Speckle Bangle in Red

Re-Inspired Junk Collection - a blue one

17 Days

2011-11-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hollow Pendants - lots of 'em

18 Days

2011-11-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Faux Stone Rings

never tire of making these... i figured out a new way to work the hollow to be able to use transparent colors with out bead poop getting stuck inside!

19 Days

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Mod Dot Squad!

20 Days

2011-11-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Periwinkle Prison Stripes Necklace

Razzleberry Renegade Necklace

incredibly head over heels in love with this shade of rudy pinky razzleberry... took several layers of 3 different types of glass

21 Days

2011-11-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

Returning Playground Antics!

22 Days

2011-11-08T00:00:00.002-05:00

Whirlie Necklace

23 Days

2011-11-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

Bang Gals!

24 Days

2011-11-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Mixed Up Sweethearts

Mixed Up Mangos

Mixed Up Brights

25 Days

2011-11-05T00:00:00.007-04:00

Necklace with a name

Create Peace bracelet

Seeing Things necklace

26 Days

2011-11-04T00:00:00.004-04:00

The Color Wheel Collection

27 Days

2011-11-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

a nightmare to photograph but a dream to wear... this is the "Flopsy Pop" necklace

more (hollow) Faux Stone rings

Coiled Into You

A few words on a quite morning...

2011-11-02T07:39:00.000-04:00

I have found myself with a few extra minutes of time this morning and thought I'd pop in to say hello! I feel like it has been ages since I've talked to you, though I know it has really only been a week. Thank you so much for all the lovely comments you have been leaving me here. I don't have much time to comment back, but please know that I read everyone and love to hear your words. It makes my work during the day so merry and bright as I wonder what your thoughts will be when I share what ever it is that I'm working on at that moment. Yep, you all are always there with me in the studio, did you know that?

I am creating up a storm in my little creative space. And as of this moment, ideas are still flowing. I haven't fit that road block yet of not knowing what to make next. It feels good, but it's exhausting. I went 12 straight days before my insane hours caught up with me and I was forced to send myself home sick with a fever. I sent myself to bed early and slept in late and felt worlds better.

I am working as hard on finding and maintaining balance as I am on the jewelry I'm creating right now. It can't be all show prep all the time, right? Ron and I went out to an adult Halloween party on Saturday night, I taught Lauren a crochet chain stitch last night, Jacob went trick or treating with a girl (I was devastated!), and I downloaded the Incredibooth app for my iPod. Lots of fun with the frenzy of things going on. This weekend there are plans for a little Alabama vs LSU football party here at the house and maybe a load or two of laundry might work into the fold too.

I am working out all the little details of my booth re-design as well. I can't wait to share it with you!! I think a video will be in order when that time comes. There was a time earlier this year when I told myself I probably would never do another show, and I had let the dream of this booth design go. It feels incredible to see it coming to life. Though, it is a HUGE investment, which means I *will* have to do more shows now to warrant that price tag. I think I will always have the internal struggle of do I show or do I teach. I'm finding that balancing act the most difficult of all. I put so much time and energy into both or either that it makes me feel like I should commit to one or the other. But I don't want to!

Any way, there is just 28 more days until I will be driving myself to Chicago for this amazing show. And that means even less days for actual creating. Somewhere in those 28 days we will celebrate Jacob turning 14 and my sister turning 31, we will sit down and give thanks for all our many blessings, we will make a list of goodies we want to sneak out at 5 am on a black Friday to buy, I will need to pack my vehicle and wash a few outfits... and make sure I take the time to savor this wild adventure I'm on. I am probably going to skip reading the book club book for this month. I'm sure the ladies will understand.

And how quickly my few quite moments have passed. It is time to wake Lauren for the bus, then drop my car off to be inspected, followed by a good 6 or so hours in the studio, then home for car pooling kids at the high school, a meeting with a new parent advocate we've been working with, and then figure something out for dinner.

Zonks, it sounds like it'll be a long day.

28 Days

2011-11-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Perfectly Simple bracelets

Drip Drop Earrings

A BIG Re-Inspired Junk Piece

29 Days

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Mix n Match Bang A Rangs

Disc Pendants

Even More Re-Inspired Junk

30 Days

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

Shapely Earrings

Wrapper Earrings

31 Days

2011-10-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hollow Earrings

More Re-inspired Junk

Mixed Up Earrings

32 Days

2011-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Ta Cha

Hoopy Dangles

Faux Stone Rings

33 Days

2011-10-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Kabachons to be set in silver

Bubble Earrings

Home Sick

34 Days

2011-10-27T00:00:00.003-04:00

Mixed Up Bangles

Departing Blues

Discs

35 Days

2011-10-26T00:00:00.004-04:00

Why I Like You

Re-Inspired Junk Collection

Another Speckled Bangle

Countdown Begins - 36 Days

2011-10-25T00:00:00.007-04:00

Sway

Speckle Bangle

Ring A Lings

things that go by in a blur

2011-10-24T08:03:00.000-04:00

:: i worked for more than 50 hours in the studio last week
:: that isn't counting the hours spent on Snaptastic stuff and emails and blogs either
:: i made 57 pieces of jewelry this weekend
:: i might not hate earrings after all
:: getting a glimpse at what life would be like if i had a "full time" job is quite interesting
:: i have poison ivy between my toes on one foot and it is itching so bad
:: and um, my hair gets really curly when i don't wash it for 4 days, weird
:: working so much, yes, i opted for hot baths in the evening over morning showers and didn't wash my hair... that's what pony tails are for, silly people
:: having to decide what to battle and what to let go of
:: oh, i decided that by the end of the year it will be as if 2011 never happened... it is never 11 in my head, always 10... why do you think that is?
:: lauren is whining about school this morning, might be related to a total lack of momma time last week
:: watched Once Upon A Time last night, really liked it
:: remember back in June when I had a month of photos on the blog? i think it is time to do that again... but days and days of jewelry pics instead
:: peppermint mocha creamer baby!
:: someone remind me to order more Parawire when i get home from work today

Color Palette Blog Walk - Leaf Love

2011-10-21T00:00:00.006-04:00

When I saw my friend Brandi Hussey was hosting another Color Palette Blog Walk, I KNEW I had to take part!! Oh how I love me some color and as I spend day after day torching my brains out... OH how I could use some color inspiration.

For my palettes, I took photos from my recent Fall Walk for the Color Walk. Clever, yes? HA! No, more like I am up to my eyeballs in work and these are the most recent photos I've taken. But, I must say nature's beautiful changing leaves make for some pretty awesome color combos... wouldn't you agree?

The second to last photo and color combination is definitely my favorite. I'll be pulling out glass rods to match those colors in the coming days, that's for sure! Thank you Brandi for hosting such a fun walk.

If you have the time, take a moment to visit the other Color Palette Blog Walkers. You are sure to see some lovely color eye candy.

Francesca at Francesca Watson Designs

Lori at Pretty Things

Marsha at Marsha Neal Studio Blog

Cindy at Sweet Bead Studio

Cynthia at Ornamental Style

Linda at Linda's Bead Blog & Meanderings

Emily at Good Things* Erin at Treasures Found

Brandi at Brandi Girl Blog

Jenni at Jenni's Beads Shari at Exploring the Wonders of Life

Fall Favorite

2011-10-18T07:14:00.000-04:00

If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know we have a special fall tradition around these parts: The Fall Walk. It truly is my most favorite day of the year. I was even telling the kids on Sunday morning, when I decided it had to be Fall Walk day, that I love the Fall Walk more than Christmas. It's true!

This year, we headed down south to Dansville, NY, just about an hour away. The weather when we left was beautiful and by the time we arrived, the clouds rolled in. Oh perfectly fallish, yes? We were in and out of spritzy showers, but I didn't care. It made the moments the sun decided to shine just that much prettier. The park we strolled through is one we had never visited, Stony Brook State Park. And we will be sure to visit again. It is an absolute hidden gem of a place. It seemed there was a picturesque bridge and waterfall around every turn.

As you can imagine, I took a lot of pictures. Five hundred fifty four, but who's counting? I was able to narrow those down to 80 and from those I'll share my most favorite. It is so hard to choose!! I love them all. I hope if feel like you were right there with us...

And... there was a playground. The funnest playground I've ever been on. Yeah, the kind that is fun for kids and adults. I have never been on a see-saw like the one in the photos and I must say, I was deprived. I must have one in the backyard... I must. And as you'll see, I liked having my picture taken while balancing on one foot. Best do it while I still can, right?

If you would like to browse the full selection of Fall Walk 2011 photos, I have an entire Flickr set devoted to them! In fact, I have a set for each of the past several years. There were beautiful photos in 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007. And I am sure if I dig through the archives I could find photos from before those too, but I'll spare you. Five years worth is plenty to see. It is amazing to me to see the kids grow in an instant with the years seen consecutively.

Now it is your turn to share...

What is your family's favorite Fall tradition?

New York in a Random Flash

2011-10-17T07:39:00.000-04:00

~* Tuesday *~
:: despite my nervous anxiety, I was able to make it from JFK airport, to the airtrain to Jamacia station, to the LIRR, to Penn station, to the F train at 34th & Herald SQ, to the 2nd Ave stop, to my hotel on E. Houston.
:: phew
:: my hotel room was a closet of a place, but clean and up on the 5th floor away from the ground level noise.
:: after dropping off my stuff, I set off for some exploring in the afternoon... Anthropologie at Rockerfeller Center, NBC News, Times Square...
:: then back to Soho for coffee with a Rochester knitting friend... HI MARY ELLEN!
:: she was taking a class at a place I've lusted over in advertisements... Purl SOHO... oh yes, I brought a few skeins home with me
:: then I met up with my editor, Erica Smith, for dinner at Frankies 17
:: I recommend the ricotta and honey crustini... amazing
:: Erica and I hit it off like we've known each other for ages
:: excitement over starting the big shoot in the morning had me tossing and turning til 4am... ugh

~* Wednesday *~
:: excuse the bags under my eyes... I told ya I couldn't sleep!
:: rather than navigating the trains, each morning I walked the 1.5miles to 48 West 21st St to the photo studio of the fantastic Jack Deutsch
:: naturally I stopped for Starbucks along the way
:: just like Totally Twisted, we started by picking the backgrounds for photos... the techniques are on a lovely light blue linen, the wire on an old plank of drift wood, and the process shots on cream
:: could not be more excited about how these shots came out... amazing
:: and Jack has a full time retoucher, Priscilla, so despite chipping my manicure while working the wire, the photos will all look lovely
:: I loved Jack's space... it reminded me of my studio... high ceilings, exposed brick, wood floors... love
:: 9, yes nine, hours later, we wrapped for the day and went out for sushi
:: apparently I was having sushi with Mondo from Project Runway, but only Erica noticed
:: back at the hotel by 7:00pm, I couldn't go to sleep...
:: so, I made my way back to midtown to the Top Of The Strand for a visit with a dear friend from high school

~* Thursday *~
:: another 10 hours of shooting... so many projects, so little time
:: you are going to love every project!
:: despite exhaustion, there was still enough energy for a site or two
:: Eataly is CRAZY! so we didn't stay
:: who in the world could resist going into a Marimekko store if give the chance?
:: oh yes, that fabric will be inspiring beads
:: I had the best cheeseburger... e.v.e.r... at the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park
:: and some how managed to get myself back to the hotel in time to catch the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy... you know how much I love Grey's, right?
:: and yes... another sleepless night.

~* Friday *~

:: on the final day of shooting we had amazing thin crust pizza
:: and managed to crank out 10 projects in about 6 hours
:: as soon as we finished packing everything up to ship back to my studio it down poured... so we sat on Jack's couch and imagined future book projects for me...
:: a lampworking book? hmmm...
:: Jack gifted me the most amazing gadget for my camera!! can't wait to show you what it can do
:: THANK YOU JACK!!
:: when the rain let up, it was time to make my way home
:: it took more than 8 hours to get from NYC to Rochester by plane... I could have drove home and been in my bed faster
:: and no mister officer at the sobriety check point on the way home, we have not been drinking, we are on our way home from the airport, ugh
:: oh how I love my home and my comfy bed and perfectly shaped for me pillows and my hubby by my side
:: I still can't believe I was gone for 4 days... it felt like a moment

NYC

2011-10-12T07:00:00.001-04:00

I made it to NYC safe and sound!! So excited to share my adventures with you when I get home.

past and pending

2011-10-10T09:34:00.001-04:00

:: the weekend passed in the blink of an eye
:: jacob has been called up from the freshman football team to the junior varsity team
:: i can't believe i'll miss his first jv game while in nyc this week
:: i washed and reorganized the pyrex display cabinets in my kitchen... it looks so perdy now
:: lauren took her first learn-to-knit class at the local yarn store on sunday
:: my girl picked orange and black verigated yarn... um yeah, interesting choice... orange is officially her new fav color
:: for the second time this summer, i was miserably disappointed with the goods at the avon flea market
:: loved sitting in the backseat of my dad's '62 fury convertible with my grandma, while flying down the expressway at 70mph
:: grandma giggles
:: doesn't my sister's hair look like troll hair in that upper right pic?
:: sun on my cheeks, wind in my hair (a lotta wind)
:: had an inpromptu dinner with friends last night too... great night
:: saturday night was a late night talk/visit with a broken hearted high school friend, poor thing
:: can't believe that this time tomorrow i'll be on my way to nyc for the first time
:: i'll be packing an umbrella
:: now probably isn't the best time to cast on a pair of socks, but it is happening anyway... stripes
:: feeling terrible that i haven't gone for a run in a week... craziness should not equal laziness
:: i will walk lots in nyc, yes?
:: um, i should probably start laundry so i can pack... yikes!
:: manicure at 1pm

On Being A Bore

2011-10-06T08:05:00.000-04:00

I feel like a total bore at the moment. By no means am *I* bored. No ma'am. I have a million and one things to do at the moment. But, when it comes to being witty, having things to say, sharing my life... I think I'm a bore right now. I'm lacking ideas... just like one of my kids. I can't think of a thing to do, here, in this space. So, I thought I would make soup. This soup, Soule Mama's Carrot Tomato Soup. And I thought I would tell you about the time I tried to make it last year. Silly me, I accidently poured curdled cream into it and oddly enough, no one in the house would try it knowing that. And it went to waste. This year, the cream and basil and tomatoes are fresh. I'll warm this at the studio today while I spend another day tooling away on things I can't show you, and I might even have a grilled cheese sandwich along with it. Oh yes, a grilled cheese made with pepper jack cheese.

Every day this week I have tooled the day away in my studio. As a result, my studio table is covered with the 25 progects that will appear in my new book, Rustic Wrappings. I have been stepping out each project for all the process photos we will be taking when I'm in NYC next week. Have I mentioned I'm going to NYC instead of Loveland CO for this book? Do you remember when I went for the Totally Twisted Shoot? In my 33 years of living in New York State (with some years spent living in Flordia and Texas), I have never once visited the big apple. I am a nervous wreck about it. I have no idea how I am getting from JFK airport to my hotel in SOHO, with my baggage, by myself. Everyone I have talked to has said to just get a limo, HA!, wouldn't that be fun! Yet, so not going to happen. I am putting off figuring out those details until Monday. Then I'll fly down to NYC on Tuesday and shoot on Weds/Thurs/Fri.

Gosh that all sounds so mundane in my head... if I were reading this on someone else's blog, I would be excited for them! But as the writer, I am thinking... who the heck cares if you are nervous about getting from the airport to the hotel. Alas... such is life.

To continue with what feels like a bit of monotony to me, I'll tell you about knitting. While my vegetables simmered on the stove yesterday, and I waited for the kids to get home, I stitched a few rows on a pair of arm warmers I'm making. My sister requested these, but apparently, she doesn't approve of the pattern. She wants something she can lace with a ribbon. I guess I'll just have to keep them for myself. I could really use them. My studio was so cold yesterday that I needed two cups of almond tea to keep warm. These arm warmers round my wrists would have helped... and left my hands and fingers free to do their tooling. About 40 more rows and the first one will be finished. Let's all hope I don't suffer from Single Arm Warm Syndrome (an illness that would lead to me only knitting one and not the other).

Isn't it interesting how warm the photos in my kitchen are and how cool the light in the living room is.

I think I hear the bus coming. Time to shoe Lauren out the door, pack up my soup, and get into the studio. I wonder if I'll see something in today to share tomorrow...

***************************************

Remember, registration for SNAPTASTIC The eCOURSE is open!! I would love to have you join me and the other awesome SNAPTASTIC students in class!! You don't want to miss this...

mondays aren't so bad

2011-10-03T08:34:00.000-04:00

:: fall hit with full force this weekend... blustery and washed out... i'm loving the first fires of the season and crockpot-made hearty meals.
:: a bit of panic hit me with force too... so much to do, so little time
:: time is passing with such earnest... so many good things to come
:: i've taken to sketching design ideas everyday... even if just for a few minutes... must keep the ideas flowing
:: i feel the pull and call to create... the studio has never been more inviting
:: at the same time, there is a slowing happening too... with the turning season, i want to curl up and snuggle in too
:: balance must be embraced... you can make time for anything if you try

:: i have a plan... wake, kids to school, run, studio, bead, make, home, family, dinner, knit, snuggle
:: i know i'll have to let some things go... hmmm... a month of photos instead of posts might be in order.
:: don't forget, THE SNAPTASTIC ECOURSE is open for registration and starts two weeks from today!! be there or be square.
:: i think pasta and sauce might be the way to go for dinner tonight
:: running out of toilet paper while in the bathroom, after everyone has left for the morning, is a tough spot to be in... just sayin'
:: can't for the life of me figure out where i put my camera lens bag... i need my other lens, like right now
:: oh wait! the clouds just parted and the sun is peaking through... that's my que to hit the road running

Couple of Things

2011-09-30T16:02:00.000-04:00

First, THANK YOU for such a fantastic response to the release of Snaptatic: Clicking Your Way To Beautiful Jewelry Photos. I am gitty everytime I see a new student registration or eBook download. I couldn't be more excited about the adventure we are going to have!! If you haven't signed up, you should.

Second, I have ANOTHER surprise for you! My box of ArtBliss supplies arrived and I have just a few kits left from the retreat. If you hop on over to Kits & Supplies, Oh MY! you'll see three new kit offerings. I have a couple of those coveted ArtBliss Bang Gal sets, some new Split Personalities in BRIGHTS (one of which I made in the studio today and I love it), and lastly there is the Flying Trapeze pendant too. With all that I have on my plate over the next several week, these will be the last new things (kits/beads/jewelry) that will be posted on my website until Decemeber.

The Snaptastic eCourse & eBook

2011-09-28T09:00:00.004-04:00

Oh my stars... I am full of that nervous energy and butterflies that come with an exciting announcement and putting yourself out there in a vulnerable way. This is my 1500 post on this blog and I can't think of a better way to celebrate that than with something I am incredibly thrilled to share with you. Deep breath... strong heart... let's do this!

Snaptastic:

Clicking Your Way To Beautiful Jewelry Photos

In this fast paced digital age and highly competitive market, beautiful photos are a must if you are looking to sell your jewelry. If you have been struggling with your digital camera, and just can't seem to achieve the images you are hoping for, then this is the class for you. I am thrilled to offer my first eCourse and eBook in the form of Snaptastic: Clicking Your Way To Beautiful Jewelry Photos, a beginner's guide to setting up, styling, and editing jewelry pictures. I'll be sharing my knowledge of jewelry photography in a way that is fun and informative. We'll cover everything from how to set up an inexpensive photo booth in your home studio, to tips and tricks on taking unique shots that grab attention, to talk about props and product styling, and I'll walk you through the various settings on your camera for getting the types of images you are looking for. Plus the class will cover instruction on photo editing in both free and professional grade programs. It is time to stop taking photos on your kitchen counter! This is truly a must-take class for jewelers looking to take their digital presence to the next level.

*IMPORTANT NOTE*

This class is designed for BEGINNER to ADVANCED BEGINNER students!

I am offering Snaptastic 3 ways.

Option 1 - The eCourse! - $75

The Snaptastic eCourse is run over a 5 week time frame. Once registered, you will receive an email before the start of class inviting you to log into the private blog where class will be hosted. If you do not have one already, you will need to register for a free Google password to log in. (Please email if you need information on how to do this.) Posts will appear daily on the blog, Monday - Saturday. Your access to this private classroom will never be closed, so you can work through the content at my pace or your own. You will also receive an invitation to share photos on a private Flickr group created just for Snaptastic students.

After my recent live version of this class, I am now expanding some of the content and going even deeper into what students really want to know!! There will be more on shooting in Manual Mode, a glossary of photography terms, additional comparison photos, and so much more.

Class will begin October 17th 2011 and run through November 20th 2011. Once class ends, you will still have access to the private classroom! So keep coming back to read the posts, classmate comments, and visit the class Flickr group.

*Special Note* - I will close the eCourse comments on December 10th. Any questions that come up after that time can be sent directly to me. Remember, you will still be able to read all the comments and responses which will be loaded with information.

Option 2 - The eBook! - $25

The Snaptastic eBook is a 100 page PDF version of the content that will be shared in class. With more than 140 photos, this comprehensive guide to digital jewelry photography and photo editing is a must have for those that want to take beautiful photos of their designs.

Option 3 - The Combo Pack! - $90

Sign up for both the eCourse and eBook and save! You will have the same unlimited access to the private blog and Flickr group while also having the content PDF to use as a reference guide.

Some FAQ's -

How do you register? Visit the Snaptastic page on my website. Check out as you would in any other online shop. You will receive an order confirmation and before class begins, I will send all your class log in information. If adding the eBook to your order, you will automatically be redirected to a download page where you can save the book to your computer.

What are the benefits to choosing the eCourse instead of just the eBook? Within the daily eCourse posts you will have the opportunity to comment and ask questions. I will be replying to your comments and also creating comprehensive Q&A posts. Although I will be available to answer questions that may come up via email, these Q&A posts will not be available in the eBook. In class, we'll be digging a little deeper and expanding on some of the topics and having discussion on thing not covered in the eBook as well.

Can you still register for class even though the first 5 weeks have passed? YES! The way that this course is set up, you can join at any time. Comments may be closed, but I will always be available via email to answer your questions and you will have unlimited access to the site so you can work at your own pace.

Is this a MAC friendly eCourse? YES! I have viewed the two editing programs I use in the eCourse and eBook on a MAC and they work the same. Sweet!

I truly could not be more excited about this new offering! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send me a message at kerry(at)kabsconcepts(dot)com. It is going to be a Snaptastic few weeks, my friends. I hope you'll join me!

PS... Help me spread the word about Snaptastic with a badge for your blog! Simply highlight the text in the box below and paste it into an HTML gadget on your blog!!

A Glimpse At Bliss

2011-09-27T07:58:00.004-04:00

As promised, today I'm sharing a little glimpse into my short time at ArtBliss this past weekend. Cindy and Jeanette really put on a wonderful event. The instructors are fantastic, the atmosphere lively, and the inspiration is endless. I think everyone there have already marked their calendars for next year.I know I have!

The thing about being caught up in a wonderful experience though... you are so in the moment that you often forget to take pictures!! (This from the teacher of the photography class, oops.) I took my camera out just a couple of times for blog shots. During my Snaptastic class I took over 100 photos, but that is different. So you'll just have to make do with these few and read the recap words to relive the experience instead.

My plane left a little after 10am on Friday and after an hour that just flew right by (pun intended), I found myself in the Dullas airport grabbing the shuttle to the event hotel. I couldn't wait to see venue I had heard so much about in phone calls with Cindy through out the year. Lots of hugs were exchanged as well as little gifts, then we were all swept up in the hussle and bussle of the retreat. There was happy hour drinks, setting up for the Meet & Greet, introductions to new-to-me instructors and quick catch-ups with those from last year.

A few of my favorite Friday moments...

:: meeting Diane Cook in person and getting the inevitible comment about my height! (Cindy made the same comment the first time we met too. I'm not that tall, people.) Diane is an absolute sweetheart. I just love her!!
:: meeting Robert Dancik and having him tell me several times that melting glass is the sexiest medium. Oh yes, glass is sexy. He also gifted me a couple of tools to test out which will come in very handy for my OOAK Show prep.
:: meeting Richard Salley and talking all things books. He is one cool, laid back, dude. Richard's wife was teaching at the retreat as well, but unfortunately she was across the room and I didn't get a chance to chat with her.
:: finally getting to meet Christine Damm in person!! She is such a memorable character and so great to talk to. She is feisty and fun, and oh my stars, seeing her work in person... it is incredibly amazing.
:: seeing Deryn Mentock again and getting to hear an intriguing bit about toilet paper being a mezmorizing tool in her class earlier that day.

Yikes... so many memories are flooding back from the weekend that I fear this post is going to turn into a novel! Oh well, feel free to click away if you need to. Otherwise, it is time to tell you about Saturday!

If you asked Ron about the ride to the airport on Friday, he would tell you I was a nervous wreck. And not about flying, that doesn't bother me. It was all about Saturday. I love to teach, but, this time was different. I was debuting a class I had never taught before and the jitters about presenting that newness had the butterflies fluttering like crazy in my stomach. Friday night's fun was a great distraction from those jitters and Saturday morning, I threw on my new Fuzzy Ink Picturesque t-shirt and set out to set up the classroom. (Yes, I bought a t-shirt that had a camera on it for my class... wouldn't you?)

Once things got rolling, class really went by in a flash. I think deciding to make this a full day instead of a short 3 hours was the right move. And my Saturday night DeFindings class was just the right length too. Ya gotta love it when you follow your gut and it works out. So, some interesting things from Snaptastic...

:: every student was shooting with a Canon DSLR! I shoot with a Nikon, and both are great cameras. The great thing is that they were all digital slrs and that students were eager to shoot in manual mode.
:: although it is wonderful to shoot right along with students to show them exactly how I would take a photo, I really think this is going to translate wonderfully to the eCourse. (more info on that coming very very soon)
:: I'm thankful to have worked with real life students and hear their questions and feedback. It is going to make the online version of the class that much better.

There was a short break between Snaptastic and DeFindings where a few of us made a quick run to Wegmans. Living in the Rochester area, the hometown of the founder of Wegmans, I find it hilarious what a novelty our grocery store is down south of here. I have about 20 Wegmans stores with in 20 minutes of me, with the closest being less than a mile from my house. I go anytime. In the south though, shoppers will drive hours just to go to Wegmans! Wild.

But, I digress.

DeFindings was a slightly larger class with 9 students. I think it went really well. The three hour time frame was perfect. I was able to spend an hour on each of the three findings I wanted to cover: clasps, earwires, and extras. I was so bummed at the end of class when I realized I didn't take any photos. I would have loved to snap a group shot! Sorry gang! Y'all gotta come back next year so I can take it then.

Saturday really was a long long day. I was in my classroom from 8am until 10pm. I really loved it though and would have happily done it again on Sunday! Alas, it was time to go home. Before I left, I shapped those few Instagrams pics I shared yesterday. Then, it was time to grab the shuttle back to the airport and head back to my family. You see what I mean about it being a whirlwind of a trip?

I have some good news for you! Remember the kits I was showing you last week? The ones you were emailing me about? Well, I have a few left!! As soon as my supplies arrive back here, I'll post the goodies on my website. I have a couple of the Limited Edition ArtBliss kits, as well as the new Split Personality kits and Flying Trapeze pendants. These will be the last new items posted until after the big show in Decemeber. Until the box arrives, I'll be heading to the studio to start prepping for my next adventure coming up in October. I'm heading to NYC to shoot the process shots for Rustic Wrappings. Won't that be fun?!?

Insta-monday

2011-09-26T07:18:00.001-04:00

:: I have lots to tell you about my adventures at ArtBliss, but I am still too sleepy.
:: It was over in an instant, so I'm sharing a few Instagrams!
:: FYI: Instagrams are fun Iphone/Ipod images that you can tweet or facebook like little instant messages, except they are photos. Its an app, check it out.
:: Clockwise from the top... with Lori Anderson (of course I tinted it pink to match her hair!), with Christine Damm (such a feisty lady, I love her!), with Diane Cook (I kept giving her hugs, she is so awesome!), and with Lori and Cindy Wimmer (wish these pals lived closer so I could have play dates with them more often!)
:: Oh how I love staying up in a hotel room whispering over pie until well after 1am.
:: Staying up past 1am, sleeping restlessly, then rising & shining by 6am can't be sustained for more than a few days though... no matter how much pie you eat.
:: Wishing I had stayed to take a class on Sunday, but happy to hold hands with my hubby as he gave me a tour of the gardening he did while I was gone.
:: It would seem that in the instant that ArtBliss happened, Fall happened here. Photo evidence below.
:: Despite the orange and yellow trees, it is going up and over 80 today. Indian summer on the 4th day of Fall?
:: More tomorrow on ArtBliss... then, time to switch to the next big event.
:: Time sure flies during my favorite time of year.

ArtBliss

2011-09-25T00:16:00.000-04:00

Just a quick pic to say... HEY! We're having a wonderful time!!

What's to come...

2011-09-20T07:44:00.002-04:00

I really couldn't be more excited to be previewing this project with you!! This right here, these few pictures, are a sneak peek at what Brandi Hussey and I have been working on for the past month. Back in August, after I a rather frustrating few days at the computer, I tweeted a cry for help in the design department and oh boy how she came to the rescue! Thank you, Brandi, for helping make my vision come to life. You ROCK my friend. Truly peps, if you need graphic design work done, she is your gal!

As you might have guessed (since I have mentioned it so often recently), this preview goes along with my new class, Snaptastic, that I'll be debuting at ArtBliss this weekend. There are still spaces open in class if you would like to join us. Today is the last day of online registration and after that, you can register at the door. I am about to tell you about my future plans for this class, but I want to stress, nothing is ever as good as being there, in person, learning hands on, asking questions, and bonding with other students. So, get there if you can!!

Now, back to these pages... they are from the eBook written to coincide with my new class. What I first thought would be simple slide show presentation splash pages evolved into a full blown eBook. I figured if I was prepping the content anyway, why not really bring it all together? I have had several emails and a few comments here on the blog too asking for this to be released in another form other than a retreat class.

I am thrilled to tell you that is going to happen... in two ways.

There are still a few details to work out, but the first of the two ways this will be release is as an eCourse. I am a bit of an eCourse junky. I have lost track of how many I have actually taken. And the good thing about that is that I have been exposed to many different styles of eCourse. I know what I like, and I know what I don't like about them. So, in building mine, I have been able to take all my favorite elements and build the best eClassroom I can.

It will be hosted on a private blog over a 5 week timeline. Once registration opens and when class begins, you will be sent an invitation to the virtual classroom. Each day through out the week, new content will be posted. You'll be able to ask questions in the comment area and on Saturday I'll post a summary of the most frequently asked questions from the week. We'll also have a private Flickr group where we can share photos and have encouraging critiques. When I return from Washington DC, I will narrow down the dates for the class, and set up a registration page.

Along with the interactive eCourse, I will release the eBook. For those that don't have time to commit to checking into a blog daily, you will have the eBook as a comprehensive reference guide for taking great jewelry photos. The eBook is 99 pages, with more than 140 photos, and it details exactly how I approach my jewelry photography. I share with you step by step everything from how to create a stage to take your photos to how to edit them after they come off the camera.

Now, why take the eCourse instead of just getting the eBook? It will be that fantastic Q&A component and having my undivided attention. The eBook will be the exact same content as the eCourse, minus the question and answer piece. And yes, you'll be able to send me a question if something comes up, but I will be hosting an eCourse and it may take time to get to it.

After the first 5 week run, I won't be taking down the eCourse site. It will remain available indefinitely so that you can come back at any time and follow the content at your own pace. Life gets crazy, I for one know that! And I want you to know you won't miss out. I will close comments after the eCourse ends but you will still be able to read them and have access to the Q&As. It also means that people will be able to join Snaptastic at anytime. If eCourse students would like the eBook to have for quick reference, that will be an option too.

This is a thrilling new adventure for me and I can't wait for you to join me on it. If you are ready to stop taking blurry photos with your flash washing out and over exposing them while having a piece of jewelry your proud of sitting on a kitchen counter... well then, you won't want to miss this!! I truly believe anyone can take great photos and you don't have to spend a fortune to do it. Now, who's with me?

Beads and other things...

2011-09-19T07:31:00.003-04:00

If you are looking for my Bead Soup Blog Party post, click this link to see what I made with Diane Cook's ingredients. A huge thank you to everyone taking the time to comment. Y'all are lovely.

:: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM TODAY!!! Hi MOM!
:: I am sipping coffee on the kind of morning that makes it very hard to come out from under the five heavy blankets on my bed.
:: I really busted butt last week to be ready for ArtBliss, and all my stuff is in a box on its way to Washington DC as we speak.
:: Along with the new kits I'll be releasing, I ran-sacked the studio and made over 40 beady grab bags!! Fun... and thanks for that idea, Cindy.
:: Went out antiquing with my Mom and Sister this weekend and it was a total bust. I'm so bummed.
:: I was gonna get my hair trimmed and do something fun with the color on Wednesday, but I think I might cancel that appointment.
:: I wonder if I will ever have time to knit again.
:: Maybe I can cast on for a hat or something else quick n' easy.

:: OH OH, my Snaptastic ebook is nearly finished!! I can't wait to share it with students this weekend.
:: 99 pages, people. Ninety-nine.
:: Been working on it with Brandi over at http://www.brandigirlblog.com/. Can't rave about her enough!!
:: I was thinking recently that I should brainstorm doing a 2012 calendar of my work. Anyone interested?
:: Just looked out the window and the sun is shining so brightly on a patch of leave turning a beautiful shade of red.
:: I <3 Fall.
:: I think I'll take my run outside this morning.

Welcome Soup Lovers!

2011-09-17T00:00:00.032-04:00

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog on your way around the international Bead Soup Blog Party! I had the extreme honor of working with soup ingredients sent to me by vintage inspired guru, Diane Cook. Please be sure to hop hop hop on over to her blog and see what goodies she has dished out.

If you have a moment, I have a treat for you!! I made a VLOG about the necklace I created with a stunning chandelier pendant, sari silk ribbon, garnets, and wire. For those of you short on time, scroll down for images of my project.

Enjoy...

I was actually able to make 3 projects and have enough leftovers for a few more treats too. Diane was so generous! I am going to stash these yummy things away for a rainy day. Oh how I love vintage shiny things.

Per the blog hop rules, I used both my focal and my clasp! Just not in the same piece. The focal takes center stage in the necklace seen in the video and shown below. As for the clasp, it is in the peachy bracelet accented by fresh water pearls, seed beads, and more sari silk. You might remember my Soup Arrival video, yes? I told you I would save the ribbon that I untied from the boxes!! One piece is part of the bracelet.

My third piece is a simply sweet pair of earrings. Sometimes sweet and simple is just the right touch.

I knew from the beginning that I would combine the burgundy silk with the focal. The braid idea wove itself into my head and I just couldn't get it out. I did a practice braid with the silk last week and when I sat down to finally make it... all the design work was done in my head so bringing it to life left so smooth and natural. I am in love.
I hope you have had a good time here in Kitchen Kerry! Happy BSBP Hopping!! You can find the master list of participate blogs at Lori Anderson's official Bead Soup Blog Party post. Thank you fearless leader!! YOU ROCK!

My Freshman

2011-09-16T06:19:00.000-04:00

He so rarely lets me take his photo anymore. Oh how he can fill me with pride and worry all at the same time.

Bliss Kits Preview

2011-09-15T07:39:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I was right the first time... the Bead Soup Blog Party isn't until this Saturday. I couldn't leave you hanging though!! So here is a peek at the finished sets of Bang Gal kit beads. This color combo has been created exclusively for ArtBliss visitors!! (If by chance there are sets still available after the show, they will be available on my website.) You can see in the final photo the sample bracelet. I decided to pair these with brass wire. I love the look, and I love that I don't have to charge an arm and a leg to cover the cost of sterling silver. Something really special about these? I made each set truly unique with a new Peacock feather design I have been working on. I started making these feathers several months ago for a super secret behind the scenes project. I hope you like them! I love making them.

I have been torching like a mad woman! I will also be releasing the Split Personality kits and Flying Trapeze as well. If you are wondering which projects those are, grab your copy of Totally Twisted to check them out!! I am also hoping to make loads of head pins today to make the I <3 Wire necklace seen in Easy Wire 2011 available too. Wish me luck!!

Exciting News!

2011-09-13T18:24:00.001-04:00

To see more information about the show, check out The One Of A Kind Show Chicago website. I really couldn't be more excited about this, but, alas, I am under a deadline and have too much to do!! I'll tell you more about some of the feelings behind this soon.

And, something to think about, if you can get to Chicago in December, I NEED AN ASSISTANT FOR THE SHOW!! My sister will not be able to work this event with me. So I will need some support. If you are available, send me an email.

Nothing Normal About It

2011-09-12T07:26:00.002-04:00

:: gotta love random mondays where i hit you with all the goings on in our house in just a few words
:: my visit with kelley was wonderful, and too short
:: i was able to finish the aging on our new bed frame and we installed it this weekend... it is absolutely wonderful!
:: we were inspired to make this project by this post on deep thoughts by cynthia, and we used this tutorial, though we had to modify it to make it king size
:: i slept like a baby the first night in our new bed
:: this was our old bed, and yes, i rearranged the room... this is our "fall" layout
:: next period of free time i have will be spent making pretty throw pillows, our linens and pillows are rather lacking
:: we also decided to tackle another home improvement project... a leaky bathroom
:: we found the source of that pool of water collecting on the basement floor by my treadmill
:: leaks don't always come from pipes, old tile walls with crumbling grout will leak too
:: by this time tomorrow, the kids should be able to use their shower again
:: speaking of tackling... jacob had his first football game last thursday... he is an animal this season
:: oh how i love to watch my boy do what he loves
:: and oh how i miss doing what i love!
:: so so so excited to get to the studio today and work
:: work work work!!
:: the bead soup blog party is fast approaching, artbliss goodies need making, i'm finishing up my snaptastic ebook for students, and then some
:: i was so looking forward to things getting "back to normal" when school started back up... it has been anything but normal

My New Studio Companion

2011-09-09T09:33:00.001-04:00

She still needs a name, but more about this antique mall find will be shared soon!

Stash Bash!

2011-09-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

It is time for me to put my author hat on, just for a moment. My publisher, Interweave, has a fun new promotion going on that I am taking part in. All are welcome to participate, so come join the party!! You could even win prizes!! This party is a Stash Bash and it is running in conjunction with their new Post-Labor Day Stash Buster Sale!! (Yeah, they are letting you raid their stash of books so you can bust your stash of supplies, ha!)

"What is a Stash Bash?", you ask. Well, it isn't like the Mustashio Bashio that my sister went to with out me a few years ago. That was the party where everyone shows up with a fake mustash. No, this part is all about sharing photos of your stashes at home. (or in my case, at my studio) Your stash is your stuff! Whether it is your 80 rolls of colored wire, or 1 billion strands of beads, or miles of yarn waiting to be knit. Really, it is anything you love to collect for your crafting and arting. Plus, this party is about sharing the creative ways to store your stash as well. Interweave has created a Flickr Group:: Stash Bash as a forum to share those stash photos.

I still feel like my studio space is in its fledgling stages. I feel like I tweak it things a bit every time I am there, but I have lots of things stashed there. I love my small collection of old books collected from local estate sales. The cover designs really speak to me and at 50 cents to a dollar each, I can't resist them. Their pages are perfect for resin projects too. And hey, I'll let you in on a tiny secret... there is a resin project in my new book Rustic Wrappings!!

I showed you this past Spring the beautiful cabinet Ron found for me with the dozens of sorting drawers. Slowly but surely I have been filling up those drawers with some of my beading goodies. There is the drawer for my Sari Silk, the one with my brass spacers, the one with my paper scraps... there are 54 drawers, I could go on. The cabinet itself it kind of a stash item. I love collecting antique cabinets and cases for organizing.

Other bits from my studio stash is my collection of colored wire from Parawire in every color I can get my hands on, I'm still collecting vintage enamel pins (and earrings too), and oh my glass!! Oh how I love glass and finding new colors to add to my stash!! *sigh* All this talk about all my favorite things has me wishing I could be in my studio right this minute!! (but, alas I am in the throws of a wonderful visit with my bestie, so studio time will have to wait until Monday.)

Okay, so there is a little peek into my stash. Time to share your stashes!! Load your photos to your flickr streams, join the Stash Bash flickr group, and start sharing. Interweave will be selecting winners at random to receive complimentary copies of a few of the different books set to release this Fall!!

While you are waiting to see if you win, head on over to Interweave's Stash Buster Sale and add a few new goodies to your book stash. You can even find my book Totally Twisted in the sale (at an awesome price!). If you can't wait for the book to ship, you can now get the ebook version as an instant download.

2011-09-07T07:48:00.002-04:00

...and they are off to school.

and then, time ran away with me...

2011-09-06T16:01:00.001-04:00

I had an inkling this would happen. I knew once September hit time would wrap into hyperdrive. And it did. How in the heck did it get to be the 6th already? The eve of school starting again!! The Christmas Eve of Small Biz Stay At Home Moms. (Not that I speak for everyone mind you, I am sure there are plenty of you dreading the start of school.) I have very little reason to believe time will slow before late October. This week my best friend Kelley will be here! Next week I prep for ArtBliss!! The following week IS ArtBliss!!! (it sucks only having one week of prep time, ugh) Then, when I get back, I prep for the Rustic Wrappings photoshoot!!!! Then, the following week IS the Rustic Wrappings photoshoot!!!!! Holy crow, I get tired just thinking about it.

I hope you'll join me for the whirlwind of a ride. It should be an interesting one.

PS... I decided on Sunday that Ron and I should build ourselves a new bed frame on top of everything else. Cuz, that's how I roll.

Finding Corbitt's Glen

2011-09-02T07:11:00.001-04:00

It seems like ages ago that I shared our before-summer-ends list, but really it was less than two week ago. We have been doing lots in these past days. Working away at the list, fighting the bordem, and making just a few more memories.

Here is where the list currently stands:

~~The Strong National Museum of Play (video game exhibit)~~ check
~~Swim at Ontario Beach Park~~ check
~~Play Frisbee Golf at Ellison Park and Picnic~~ check
Bowling
Take a trip to a BIG zoo... The Buffalo Zoo
~~Go camping, or to Aunt Mary's cottage~~ check
Cornmaze or Wickham Farms
Planetarium or Science Center
~~Check out the new Abraham Lincoln Park~~ check
~~Mini golf~~ check
~~Find Corbitt's Glen~~ check
Corning Museum of Glass
~~Meet new school teachers~~ check
Stoneybrook Park
~~Cupcakes @ Dollop~~ check

Checking off "Find Corbitt's Glen" is what we did on Wednesday afternoon and we were joined by good friends. It was a little buggy, but incredibly beautiful! I can't wait to go back, with bug spray, and waterproof shoes. These falls look impressive, but the are really shallow and easily played in.

Today we'll be going mini golfing and to the beach. It is gearing up to be a hot one and a couple hours by the water will be welcome. Just a holiday weekend left to go and we'll be back to school! Can't freaking wait.

Limited Edition Preview

2011-09-01T07:33:00.000-04:00

I mentioned the other day how excited I am about the new color combination for the Limited Edition Bang Gals Kit that I'll be taking to ArtBliss this year. The sets are only halfway through there construction, but I thought I would give you a little peek.

Dark red brown, transparent ink blue/purple, new lavender, transparent 14karat, RAKU!, and a yummy yellow color that I forgot the name of.

They have a crisp Fall feel that I am totally in love with. The purple brown yellow palette really hums together. And you throw in the touches of blue/green that the raku is giving off and gosh, I want a sweater and soup. I am mixing in some new surface designs too. In place of random dot patterns, I have raked the dots into falling leaf shapes. And there is one other design I am keeping top secret until the sets are complete. It is a design I have made several times for behind-the-scenes projects over the past few months. I am looking forward to sharing it with you.

This is just the beginning of the new kit colors I'll be rolling out! It feels good to be in the swing of thinking creatively in a beady way. School hasn't started yet (5 more days!), but I am sneaking up to work at the studio anytime I can. Stay tuned... it should be an inspiring ride on the way to ArtBliss!

Day & Night

2011-08-30T10:53:00.001-04:00

Trying our hand at disc golf at the park by day and torching at the studio while discussing AP-Prep English summer reading homework by night. Yesterday was a full one.

soul satisfying sunrise and...

2011-08-29T07:50:00.000-04:00

:: i saved the best photos from last week for today...
:: we were treated to the most beautiful sunrise e.v.e.r. on wednesday morning, or rather, the most beautiful half hour before the sun shown
:: i sat in awe
:: it was just last summer, at this same lake, that i learned i am a sunrise girl, not a sunset one... i still am
:: it really was a relaxing few days... wonderful weather, antiquing and wine tasting, a microbrewery, new friends (HI KATHERINE!), and memories made
:: it was bittersweet without Jacob though... it isn't a family photo without him
:: and in retrospect, i went over board with the national museum of play photos, oops... hope you weren't too bored!
:: time flies when you are having fun and i'm thankful for that! just 9 more days until school starts
:: i finish knitting my ruched sweater and i am head over heels in love with it
:: my friend makes the best grape pie ever and i may send my hubby to help hers with chopping trees more often if it will get me another slice
:: i hope my east coast friends made it through the big storms... i've been thinking of you
:: while the winds whipped, i spent an incredibly magical time in my studio on sunday... seriously, it was nothing short of magical... for my heart and soul
:: three solid hours at the torch and kit making for artbliss is officially underway
:: wait til you see the new color combo for the limited edition kits! do you remember the ones i made last year?
:: speaking of color... i wish i could pour the colors of that sunrise into a rod of glass
:: until that rod is invented, i'll wait, reveal in the warmth of torch toasted cheeks, and hold onto the threads of joy that were spun onto mandrels
:: it was down right invigorating
:: i hope i can sneak back to the studio tonight

(note, if you are into vacation photos, there are lots more in my flickr set - keuka 2011. there is so much more to see in the set!)

2011-08-28T08:06:00.001-04:00

One Day Of Play - Part 8

2011-08-27T11:00:00.000-04:00

I am acting as a ghost blogger this week. I am not actually here right now! I am away at a lovely cottage on Keuka Lake. But, magically, posts are going to appear this week. All from just a few hours at our local hot spot, The Strong National Museum of Play. What an awesome awesome time it was!! It has been years since we were there and the place has just exploded with new interactive exhibits. We had a blast!

YOU MADE IT!! Here we are at our last day of Ghost Blogging and I should be back to regular blogging tomorrow. Have you enjoyed our museum time so far? There was one more nook we explored called The Field Of Play. It was full of all sorts of interactive fun...

And, I haven't even shown you half of all the photos I took while we played! You can see the full collection of images here in my Flickr set called The National Museum Of Play. If you have kids, or are just young at heart, I think you should come visit me here in Rochester and we shall go for an adventure to the museum. I know my kids would love to go back!!

And one last thing I had to share. I could help but admire the quotes all through out the building...

One Day Of Play - Part 7

2011-08-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

I am acting as a ghost blogger this week. I am not actually here right now! I am away at a lovely cottage on Keuka Lake. But, magically, posts are going to appear this week. All from just a few hours at our local hot spot, The Strong National Museum of Play. What an awesome awesome time it was!! It has been years since we were there and the place has just exploded with new interactive exhibits. We had a blast!

Can you tell me how to get, how to get to...

SEASAME STREET!! Having been on television for more than 40 years now, I bet this is one childhood memory we all have in common. This is the part of the museum we remember visiting when the kids were toddlers and what fun it was to play here now that they are bigger. I think counting to 20 with The Count was Lauren's favorite part. And Andrew loved whacking the air out of those sounds tubes.

One last stop...

One Day Of Play - Part 6

2011-08-26T16:00:00.000-04:00

One Day Of Play - Part 5

2011-08-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

I am acting as a ghost blogger this week. I am not actually here right now! I am away at a lovely cottage on Keuka Lake. But, magically, posts are going to appear this week. All from just a few hours at our local hot spot, The Strong National Museum of Play. What an awesome awesome time it was!! It has been years since we were there and the place has just exploded with new interactive exhibits. We had a blast!

You might be thinking, "WOW, this place just goes on and on"! And you would be right. We don't think we discovered half of what their was to see! You see why I thought it was way to much for one post now, don't ya?

Where else can you find magic mirrors, upside down house, the cover of every Bernstein Bear's book every written, and play wizarding shadow games? I can't think of another place, can you?

Are you still with me through all these posts? I have a few more things to show you...

One Day Of Play - Part 4

2011-08-26T07:00:00.000-04:00