No Photos Woes...

My computer is having major issues.  I personally like to see photos on the blogs I read and follow.  However here I am unable to add any photos to my own blog.  Everyday I try and finally I consulted Mr. C who is MR. IT!!!  My computer is making him very disgruntled as it is not working no matter what he does to fix the glitch.

I do have lots of photos to share however not today.  I can't even draw a simple stick figure for you to look at, possibility admire or maybe laugh at and bring you some jest.

Thank you faithful followers for sending us some rain last week.  We had more rain in just three days than we had all of February.  Our Spring Pollen was at bay for a short time and is now back in full force.  Our trees and flora and fauna got some much needed moisture.  I was very grateful.  Last Sunday we drove to Lake Tahoe to meet friends for lunch on the lake.  It was very cold and on the drive home there was a huge hail storm.   Now back to the weeding.

Hopefully I can include some photos in my next post.  I have been busy visiting some local events.  Is your schedule in full swing?  Do you have more things to see and do than hours allow?  Hooray for this time of year.  Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...



Update:  Mr. C has worked very long and diligently to restore my photo capabilities.  This is a trial and so far we have success.    This photo is of some surprise iris that have bloomed from some bulbs my friend gave me last year.  So soft and fragile and beautiful.  Thank you Catherine Dear.

Birthday Charm Bracelet...

Everyday I am reminded of just how fortunate I am to be able to walk a few feet to enter my studio and be able to create something with my hands.  This time I have created a bracelet for a birthday gift.  I have a granddaughter who is turning 26 this week.  Her self-chosen nickname is Angel.  Luckily I found these charms in my stash when I sorted and organized my beading supplies.  I tend to buy things when I see them and that is how I have just what I need when I need it...usually.

 In my last post I told you about using magnetic clasps.  Here I have used one again but in a gold tone this time.  I had forgotten to mention my trusty source.  Fire Mountain Gems is a wonderful online source for all things creative in the beading, silver clay, polymer clay, jewelry display realm.  Just click the link to see magnetic clasps.  This will introduce you to an entire new world of supplies.  They are fast and affordable.  You can request a giant catalog for free and it has tons of ideas and how-to's.

Here is another view of this bracelet.  I am quite in love with this creation.  I added the small Swarovski crystals in clear and blue (my favorite color).  The bird chain represents flying which I believe Angels do a lot of.  Happy Birthday Amber Angel.  (I don't think she ever reads my blog so I am posting this early.  It is winging its way to her as we read.)
I like this bracelet so much I would wear it.  It fit me too.  No I won't make another one.  I like to do unique one-of-a-kind pieces.
My list of chores and want-to-makes is rather long.  This time of year there is so much celebrating with friends and family that the time just gets lost.  I am trying to just go-with-the-flow.
Today we are driving to South Lake Tahoe to visit with friends who are visiting there.  We shall enjoy the beautiful weather and brisk sunshine and visiting over lunch at Jakes on the Lake.
If you are still having rain please send it to California as so much of our state is suffering from severe fires.  So far we are spared but living here in the forest does not give me comfort.  Doing my rain dance...
Are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo?

Magnetic Bracelet Closure...

Here is a bracelet I bought several years ago.  Trouble is I could never wear it because I couldn't get it fastened without help.  I very much dislike closures that are not one hand friendly.  What do you prefer?

Here is the original clasp that is the lobster type.  No matter how much I tried or how much help I had the clasp was just difficult.  The other morning I wanted to wear it but got frustrated.  So...

Into the studio I went with just a few minutes to spare before I had to leave.  I got out my trusty jewelry tools and findings.  I selected split rings as they don't come apart easily.  I also selected one of my favorite magnetic clasps.  I used a silver toned because this bracelet has all mixtures of finishings.  Also I have yet to obtain any copper colored magnetic clasps.  In just a couple of minutes I had attached my new magnetic clasp and was able to wear my bracelet.  Super easy and now super one handed friendly.
I have used these clasps for lots of applications.  One of my dear friends who has a difficult time fastening a necklace with a tiny little closure was very happy when I easily replaced it with a magnetic clasp.  Now she can wear her necklace any time she wishes to.
Just a note:  Anyone with a pacemaker should not wear the magnetic clasps.
The magnet on these I like are pretty strong.  In fact, while at a restaurant one day I moved my arm and had a fork attached to the clasp.  Then a spoon and eventually the butter knife.  It really was quite funny and got lots of attention from the table next to us.  I also get attached to the handle of the grocery cart.  I have not yet lost a bracelet to any of these attachments so all is good.
What type of closure clasp do you prefer for your bracelets?  Inquiring minds want to know...
Lots of yard maintenance to do around here.  I am spending many hours on my hands and knees weeding.  Our Winter was so dry and mild that now we are already being warned of high fire danger.  That is my worst fear living in the forest.  We are also having lots of wind this year...more than ever before.  Not a good combo to be certain.  May we all stay safe and be spared.  For those of you still experiencing Winter with Snow and Rain...I will try to send you some of my sunshine.  In fact a trade would be ever so nice as we could use the moisture.
May has arrived all too quickly and my month is filling in to be quite a busy one.  What are you looking forward to this month?
Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts and I do hope you are all getting to be very creative.  Sunshine Smiles...

Treasure Hunting at Home...

These are some shelves in my studio.  I think they look really organized and labeled.  Ahhh...looks can be deceiving.  It is time to organize this area and focus on the beads and charms.

Hmmm...now you can see in this closer view that things are not what they appeared.  In my haste to clear space on my worktable I have the habit of shoving stuff onto the shelves.  In order to contain the small bits and pieces I discovered turning over the lids and using them to contain the stuff.  Now I feel really organized and I have space to work in.  However Mr. C hates this as it isn't neat and correct.

What?  More overturned lids with bits and pieces stuffed into them.  What on earth could be filling these lids?  Time to sort and see what I actually have.

I poured the contents of the lids onto my work table.  This is a true treasure hunt!  I really have no idea what all I have stuffed away.  I hope I am not the only one who does this.  Please tell me I am normal.  :o)  I do get easily overwhelmed so I have to do this in small stages.

Wow!  Treasure hunting resulted in lots of really great finds.  I found purchases I had made on holiday as long as a year ago.  I found beads I thought I needed to buy but fortunately already had.  I found items for special gifts for family and friends.  I realized that I had done a lot of shopping last year.  I also found I was very short on storage space to incorporate some of these treasures.  Well that is another post I am sure.
I didn't take a photo but I can honestly tell you that the lids are now emptied and placed correctly on their boxes.
I better get beading now...
Spring is glorious here.  Our roses are beginning to bud profusely.  Lots of pollen though!  Ah-Choo!!
I spent my day hostessing the local Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.  With this beautiful weather I was surprised I didn't have more visitors.  Actually they were out enjoying the local annual car show, the local home and garden show and lots more activities too numerous to name.  Tomorrow will be my day to enjoy a couple of local events.
Another month of celebrations is coming up so I will be busy in my studio.  Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts.  I do hope you are really happy creating...

Necklace Raffle Donation...

It is fair to say I love beads.  Sometimes I buy beads just because.  That is the case with these black and red lampwork beads.  They are not high end quality however they are nicely colored and fit a theme I was thinking of.  Each year there is a Widder's Ball that is held around Mother's day.  The color theme is always black and red.  If you are familiar with E. Clampus Vitus that will explain more than I can.  I put in a link if you wish to read more.  Back to the beads...  This annual ball is one way the organization earns money for scholarships they give each year to high school students.  I like to help out.  Here is my design board with beads and other elements auditioning.

Here is the final design.  A necklace and earrings set.  All in red and black which are the signature colors.  I have used the lampwork beads, crystals, vintage beads, tassels and findings.  There will be a raffle that determines whose winning ticket gets drawn.  Each year I make something different.  For this group over the top is better!  Lots of old time Gold Rush and Victorian clothing is worn.  One year I created a little purse. One year a lace choker.  And so it goes.  An opportunity for me to create something and share it with others.  That makes me feel very good.
Our Winter was the mildest we have had in 15 years of living here.  This is truly the most beautiful Spring we have ever enjoyed.  The pollen is very high and making it difficult for me but the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing and I am happy.
Maybe this week I will spend time in my wonderful sewing room.  Of course I will also be doing my weed abatement pulling sessions.  I better really get at it as the ground is getting dry and hard very quickly (we have clay soil).  Those tiny little weed roots can get really stubborn.  A weeding we will go...Hi Ho the MerriO...A weeding we will go...
Are you enjoying your days being creative?  Thank you for your wonderful comments.  I read every one of them.  I also wish to welcome my newest followers and hope you enjoy what you see here.  Thank you to my faithful followers whom I cherish and call my friends.  Bless each of you...