Thank you, Shaiha and Melinda!

I just received this lovely clasp in the mail today. Early this month I participated in a blog hop celebrating the Creative Bead Chat (CBC) Facebook group administrators. One generous blogger, Shaiha of Shaiha's Ramblings, offered a special prize to a randomly selected commenter... and I won this beautiful clasp made by the talented Melinda Orr! So thanks to both you ladies... I can't wait to use this wonderful component to enhance a project. I have a few ideas...

Sometimes a nap really hits the spot...

Miss Lucy hopes all you bloggers out there, especially those suffering during this nasty flu season, will follow her example and just TAKE A NAP. You don't necessarily have to sleep on the keyboard and mouse-pad, but a little extra rest during this transition between seasons is good for your immune system. Burning the candle at both ends WILL backfire!

*sigh* If only we could all rest as blissfully unaware as Miss Lucy. She had her "big operation" last week, and by the following morning she was back to chasing her big brother Kramer around the house.

Keeping an eye on the competition. Sharing the basement
window and dreaming of catching birds!

Woo Hoo! The new colours are out!

The Pantone newsletter was sent out today. I always get happily distracted whenever the newest colour report is issued. I immediately sent it off to be printed at Staples (their colour copiers rock!) Now I can daydream in colour to my heart's content. While Tangerine Tango is out, there are not one but TWO orange shades this spring, one for gals and one for guys. How cool is that? If you want your own copy, you can download the PDF by entering your name and email here:

Pantone Fashion Colour Report Spring 2013

Every time I see a new report, I imagine I will make up my own Kato recipes, but in reality I will happily pay for someone else's. Crafts by Chris is one place to buy the package deal (she also makes recipes for Premo and Fimo brands). Another artist who makes her recipes available is Carolyn of 2 Good Claymates, based on her  Clay Colour System , which I use and love.

Seriously, I would get so much more done if I weren't such a colour junkie LOL.

A surprise blessing in my week...

I had a helluva week... well, two weeks, really. Then Wednesday, after a day spent at emergency with my youngest son, I came home to discover THIS in my mailbox. I am participating in the Holiday Bling Blog Hop, hosted by Shelley Graham Turner (Fabric of my Life) and Marlene Cupo (Amazing Designs by Marlene. The reveal day is October 6th. Shelley and Marlene have paired the participants and each has created something especially for the other.

My package could not have come at a better time.
It was so touching to see all the care Jo-Ann
took in wrapping the parcel! I just love her business card
with the little owls, too.

I was so excited! But it was late and I couldn't remember if the rules said to open it right away or wait til the reveal day. Let's just say at this point my head wasn't on too straight!

So the next day I sent off an email to my Swap partner, Jo-Ann Woolverton of It's a Beadiful Creation. Just to check if I had it right. I eagerly unwrapped each layer of Jo-Ann's carefully wrapped parcel, pausing to take lots of pics. (That was hard; I would have preferred to tear right in!) I was like little kid in a candy store... and what I found was so wonderful it took my breath away!

The Bling!

What's that? You can't see what Jo-Ann made for me? Well, I'll just have to post a better picture on October 6th... Hope you'll drop by to see what everyone has created!

Creative Bead Chat Facebook Group Tribute to Administrators

From top left: 1/ Keirsten Giles of Lune Designs; 2/  Karen Totten of Starry
Road Studio; 3/ Marla James of Marlas Mud; 4/ Melinda Orr of ORRTEC;
(not shown: Marla Gibson of Spice Box Designs)

What is Creative Bead Chat? Well the Facebook "about" page reads as follows:

"A home for creative component and jewelry designers to share our new creations, tool tips and help build our creativity and sales! A home for new designers, as well as experienced, to share our experiences and ask questions. Ultimately we are a team and work together towards the goal of being proud of our accomplishments and accomplishing our dreams... welcome to Creative Bead Chat! Only rule...Treat others as you would like to be treated."

As one of those "new designers", I have enjoyed dropping in to this group of talented individuals and absorbing lots of information. The members are a varied and sharing group. I don't comment very often, but when I do, there is always someone to answer my questions. 

Thanks to our intrepid administrators for making sure everything is running smoothly over at Creative Bead Chat (CBC)!

Marla Gibson: Isn't it the most creative photo setting ever??

Marla Gibson of Spice Box Designs (shop temporarily closed)

Melinda Orr of ORRTEC

Marla James of Marla's Mud

Karen Totten of Starry Road Studio

Keirsten Giles of Lune Designs

I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better and hopefully participate instead of just absorbing the awesomeness! You support and encourage each other and that is an inspiration to all.

Anyone interested in checking out the CBC, here's a link:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/CREATIVEBEADCHAT