Kandra's Blog

More new beads!

2012-01-28T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Just a little note to let you know that Kandra has lots of gorgeous new beads in stock! The two-hole Twin Preciosa seed bead range is expanding all the time. There are some more great colours in the Tila beads and Magatama Drops from Miyuki. The exciting new 5181 Keystone beads from Swarovski have now been added and there are also some very interesting Czech glass Spike beads (I can't wait to have a little play with this fun new shape!). To see the full range you need to head on over to Kandra's Beads but just to whet your appetite I have created a little collage of some of the new beads - don't you just want to dive into that picture?

As usual, you can buy the new beads direct from the store or on-line and if you have any queries or special requests, just use the contact page.

Twinkling Tilas!

2012-01-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I am pleased to tell you that throughout the coming year, Kandra will be teaching my projects in her store! The classes will be sponsored by the store which means that you don't pay for Kandra's teaching time, you simply purchase the pattern and whatever beads you choose for your project. The majority of my patterns are priced at just $10 and the store carries a wide range of very reasonably priced materials, so this is obviously a great offer. The first class is my Twinkling Tilas project and it will be on Saturday February 4th 2012 from 10am until 2pm. Places are limited and so you will need to reserve a place by going to the Classes and Events page, clicking on the shopping basket next to Twinkling Tilas and completing the form or alternatively contact the store. This is a beginner to intermediate level class and the project is very versatile as the individual components can be made into a simple but stylish pair of earrings, or you can keep on beading and turn them into a single row bracelet or choker or make even more and create this elegant double cuff style bracelet.

Don't forget that Kandra sells CD's of my patterns in her store and by mail order, or if you would prefer a PDF of one of my patterns to be emailed to you, you can buy them directly from my website where you can also read all the details of each pattern.

As always, if you have any queries please either contact Kandra or myself.

More two-hole Twin seed beads from Preciosa!

2012-01-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Just dropping by to tell you the exciting news that Kandra has now taken delivery of over 30 new colours in the two-hole Twin seed beads from Preciosa! I know that lots of you were patiently waiting for these to arrive so that you could begin experimenting with these intriguing beads and start to incorporate them into your new designs. The collage below shows a selection of the colours in stock and there are even more on the way - just click on this link to go directly to the two-hole Twin seed beads page at Kandra's Beads or follow this link to see the full range of products available from the on-line store.

These beads are quite different to the single hole beads that we are all familiar with, so if you need a few ideas to get you started, the folks over at Preciosa have added some great free projects to the top of this page of their website to help get your ideas flowing.

Loyalty card news!

2012-01-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone and Happy New Year to you!

Well here we are at the beginning of 2012 and already Kandra has started putting some of her ideas into place to make the new Kandra's Beads store an even more exciting place to visit, whether in person or on-line. Today I'd like to tell you about the new loyalty card scheme but I think it is best explained by Kandra herself and so this is what she says:

"Hi Everyone,

I am very excited to be offering a new promotion in my store – a Savings Punch Card! But I didn’t want to leave out all of my wonderful online customers so I am going to offer an Online Savings Punch Card too!

So here are the guidelines:

You will receive 1 punch for every $10.00 you spend. This excludes Class Fees, you can not receive punches for Class Fees and wholesale customers. When you accumulate 25 punches this card may be redeemed for $25.00 off your next purchase of $25 or more. Shipping charges will not be included in the totals.

Any amount over a $10.00 increment will not be included in your next purchase (you cannot combine orders). So, for example, if you make a purchase of $26.50 (not including shipping) you will receive 2 punches – the remaining $6.50 does not go towards your next punch card total.

I will keep your punch cards on file and every order I process I will punch your card for you. When you get to your 25 punches I will call or email you to let you know.

If you have any questions please let me know!

Kandra"

Doesn't this sound like a great idea? Not that we need any encouragement to spend money on beads, but this way, the more you spend at Kandra's Beads the more you save. There is no expiry date so you can take your time and not miss out on this great offer and you don't have to worry about mislaying your card and remembering to use it each time as the store will keep track and Kandra will let you know when your card is full and you have that lovely $25 bonus to spend!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

As 2011 comes to a close, Kandra and I would like to thank everyone for supporting the new store and for following the website and blog. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, we would both like to wish you a happy holiday season and health and happiness for 2012. We hope that you will continue to stay with us throughout 2012 as we have some very exciting things planned for the coming months!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Kandra and Kerrie

More classes!

2011-12-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Kandra has been busy teaching more classes at the new store and once again I am going to let the pictures do the talking! I don't know about you, but although I am eager to see what the students are beading, I can't take my eyes off all the incredible beads and beadwork around the walls!

The class schedule for January to March 2012 is now available to view on the website and includes some very helpful 'Clean out your project box' workshops, where Kandra will do her best to help you complete any of those hard to finish projects that you might be struggling with so that you can move on to the next exciting project. Kandra will also be teaching her wonderful Grape Baby on March 17th and 18th so make sure that you book early!

Grape Baby!

Upcoming classes!

2011-12-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

As I write, Kandra is busy working on the schedule for 2012 lining up a variety of exciting classes that will cover a whole range of techniques and skill levels, but here's news that C. R. Radding will be returning to the store in March 2012! C.R. will be teaching this beautiful Wire Beaded Necklace in a full day class on Saturday March 3rd and she will also be teaching a half day class on Sunday March 4th showing you how to create these gorgeous Basket Weave Earrings.

Contact Kandra if you would like to book a place or if you need further details.

Beads!

2011-11-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

I don't think I need to say much this week. I think I will let the pictures do the talking. Kandra has new beads in the store and LOTS of them! Can you imagine getting your beady paws on some of these? I think the ammonite shaped beads are my absolute favourite, but really I could just sit and stare at any of them all day long!

And how is this for a picture? Don't you just want to reach out and run your fingers through that mound of gorgeous glassiness? Am I dreaming?

If you want to make any of these beads your own, either drop into the store or contact Kandra!

New two-hole Twin seed beads from Preciosa!

2011-11-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Just a quick post today to let you all know that Kandra now has the new two-hole Twin seed beads from Preciosa in stock. The finishes currently available are black, matte black, clear and matte clear and a selection of the other colours should be in stock within the next few weeks. The beads measure 2.5 by 5mm and they offer a host of exciting new design possibilities!

These beads are in the store and not on Kandra's website yet, but if you can't get to the store and would like to purchase some of these wonderful new beads just use the contact form!

Ever Bloomin' Cuff!

2011-11-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

We are still trying to catch up on the blog with all the exciting events that have recently been taking place at Kandra's Beads as the new store gets established. A couple of weeks ago C. R. Radding taught a class for her stunning wirework project 'Ever Bloomin' Cuff'. From the pictures below it looks like the students had a lot of fun and went away with some beautiful everlasting gardens to adorn their wrists!

There's always something going on at Kandra's store and there are some great plans in the pipeline - from trunk shows to classes on the basics of a beading technique or some more challenging project workshops which will be taught by a line-up of national and international teachers. So make sure you keep a beady eye on the 'Classes and Events' page of Kandra's website!

Third Wednesday!

2011-11-14T03:31:00.000-08:00

You know by now that Kandra has a new bead store in Solvang CA right? But do you know about Solvang Third Wednesday? On the third Wednesday of every month over 60 stores (including Kandra's Beads) in Solvang stay open until 8pm and many of them offer special discounts or sales. There's a great atmosphere with lots of exciting activities and attractions throughout the town including wine tasting, live music and fun contests. In October there was a pumpkin carving contest and the music was provided by trio 'KAT and the fiddle' and in the pictures below you can see the girls doing their thing right outside Kandra's store!

So of course the 16th of November will be the third Wednesday of the month and once again, Solvang will be celebrating. This time as well as all the usual offers and events there will be a scarecrow contest, so why not pay Solvang a visit this Wednesday and don't forget to drop in to Kandra's Beads and mention 'Third Wednesday' for a 10% discount on your purchases!

Jenny's trunk show!

2011-11-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

Following my introduction in the previous post, we have lots of catching up to do regarding all the exciting events that have been going on at Kandra's Beads! After weeks of hard work decorating the store and stocking the shelves, on August the 1st 2011 Kandra took a deep breath, turned the sign and the new store at 1539A Mission Drive, Solvang, CA was 'Open'.

Just a month later, the store hosted its first trunk show of Jenny Friske-Baer's beautiful handmade lampwork beads and glass. You can see more of Jenny's work on her website Divine Spark Designs but the pictures below give you some idea of the delights that were on offer!

Shows like this will be a regular event, so be sure to keep a close eye on Kandra's 'Classes and Events' page!

A helping hand

2011-11-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! My name is Kerrie Slade and I am a beader living and working in England. Despite living over 5000 miles away from Kandra, we recently became firm friends via the wonders of modern technology. During our chats, it became obvious that since she opened the new bead store in Solvang CA, Kandra has a LOT on her plate and so I have offered to help out by keeping her blog up to date for her. Although I have never physically walked through the door of her new store, I have been given a tour of the interior via Skype and it is such a vibrant and exciting place with so many things going on that I felt the world should know about it! So, although there is a new voice around here, it's still all about Kandra and her beads and I hope you will become a regular visitor to her blog.

Moving Along With The New Store

2011-07-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

I ran out of room on the walls so I am putting the Delicas on a rack, I can get 176 different colors on each side and it's 3-sided! I can get more containers on the rack if I have to but I don't want to go that low.

This is standing up front looking to the back of the store. You can see I have a lot of the seed beads up on the walls.

I will have the racks with the glass on the other side of the shop.

This is a view of the shop from the back.

Working on the Shop!

2011-07-17T20:51:00.001-07:00

Dennis took the wood off the back wall so I will be able to put up shelves and this is going to be the wall of seed beads. The address is 1539A Mission Drive Solvang, CA I don't get my phone number until Wednesday. Starting to fill up the racks with pressed glass beads.

Dennis hard at work, I could not be doing this with out him!!!

Another shot of the seed bead wall you can see in the upper right corner I have 2 different containers of beads on the shelf, only eight thousand more to go!

New Bead Store in Solvang, California

2011-07-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the front of the shop.

Here is a picture of the inside standing in the front looking to the back.

This is a picture of the back room and back door.

Here is a picture of the shop from the back looking to the front.

Here is a picture of the building with the other two tenants.

Copper Art Clay

2011-06-05T09:16:00.001-07:00

As we left Arroyo Grande and headed down the highway (with GPS in the window) toward Escondido all we could talk about was our up coming class and stopping at Creative Castle to see Carole. After our two and a half hour trip to Creative Castle we had breakfast at IHop with Carole and then went into her shop where I just had to look at her classes. Now I will be taking a class there in August! Ha-Ha Back on the road we go heading toward Escondido and thinking how much I hate driving in LA traffic! When we hit Valley Center I call Jayne Furman a friend of mine and she meets us off the highway to take us up to her house. Our GPS is having a heart attack at this point telling us when it is safe to make a u-turn, then head back the other way. Jayne lives on top of a mountain with an incredible view! It is a winding road that I would always have to drive or I would get car sick. We pull up to Jayne's house and as I thought it would be, it is beautiful just like her! It was great to see Stu her handsome husband and Martini her beautiful dog. After a few hours we follow Jayne and Stu back down the hill to Jonna's house where we all go to dinner at a wonderful French restaurant, we have to walk in because Friday night in Escondido is cruising night and did we see some wonderful old cars! After dinner off we go to the hotel to get a good night sleep before our wonderful class starts with Jonna! Here are a few pictures I took while I was working away with my Copper Clay! All said, it was a wonderful weekend and a wonderful time with good friends! I will be going back down there very soon to be with some truly good friends!

Last Day of Flat Face Class

2011-05-15T08:36:00.001-07:00

This beautiful woman and her beaded face is Carolyn. This beautiful picture is Carolyn being a brat!

This beautiful woman and her beaded face is Caryn.

This beautiful woman and her beaded face is Gerrie.

This beautiful woman and her beaded face is Julie.

This beautiful woman and her beaded face is Maral.

This beautiful woman and her beaded face is Melissa.

This beautiful woman and her beaded face is Ofelia.

This beautiful woman and her beaded face is Sally. She wanted to restart her face so not much is done but you can already tell that it will be beautiful.

This beautiful woman and her beaded face is Sharon.

This beautiful woman and her beaded face is Terri.

Flat Face Class

2011-05-08T12:15:00.001-07:00

This was such a fun class for me I hope my students enjoyed it as much as I did. Not teaching for so long and now starting to teach again made me realize how much I enjoy teaching and seeing all the beautiful things that people make. This is Gerri holding The Girls, she tried to take her home but she wouldn't fit in her purse. :) ha-ha This beautiful young lady is Terri. In this photo are Sharon, Carolyn and Melissa.

In this photo is Caryn and Ofelia.

In this photo (counter clock wise) are Sharon, Carolyn, Melissa, Terri, Gerri, Julie and Elizabeth.

In this photo Elizabeth, Sally Caryn and Ofelia.

In this photo Gerri, Julie, Elizabeth, Sharon and Carolyn.

This is all the girls beading away and next week when we have the second class I will take pictures of every ones faces! I want to thank every one for taking my class and allowing me the honor of spending the day with you!

San Luis Obispo

2011-05-04T09:53:00.001-07:00

There is so much to do in San Luis Obispo that it would take weeks to see it all. The History Center is a good place to start and then across the street is the Art Museum which always has wonderful exhibits.

Then what is a visit to San Luis Obispo without going by the Mission. It is so beautiful inside and out.

There is a beautiful fountain in front of the Mission that is called "Yack Ka". You really need to see it in person it is wonderful.

There are many wonderful bronze sculptures placed around downtown San Luis Obispo. I will try to take pictures of each one everytime I drive into town and put them on my blog, they are wonderful!

Then there is the creek that runs through San Luis Obispo, I love walking along it looking at the birds, fish, childern and dogs playing in it.

I love eating at Novo's because you can sit outside right on the creek and eat. It is so peaceful and they have great food!

In the winter when it rains hard our little creek turns into a raging creek, looking at it now it's hard to believe that.

There are so many quaint shops and restaurants in town and it is so peaceful just walking around looking at everything.

I think we live in a little bit of heaven!

The Beautiful Ocean Again

2011-05-04T09:46:00.001-07:00

I drove into San Luis Obispo yesterday and had to stop in Shell Beach and take some pictures of the ocean and flowers. What a wonderful combination of two wonderful things.

It was a beautiful day with the wind blowing, and lots of little bees in the flowers.

The water was a little choppy from all the wind but it was still beautiful, I never get tired of looking at the ocean, so nice to be back by the water.

Superior Dairy in Hanford

2011-05-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

When you go to Superior Dairy for ice cream you had better be hungry! I have never, ever seen ice cream a large as they serve there. Dennis and I split a banana split and we couldn't finish all of it and was it good all for the price of $6.39 that's with the tax added in.

As other people around us ordered and received their ice cream I was jumping up taking pictures of it. The sundae with the umbrella was huge the picture really doesn't show the size very well.

The picture with the two sundaes is really cute because the sundaes are larger than the little boys head! They really were that large.

If you are in the area it really is a must stop place!

Tachi Palace

2011-05-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a gambler but when Dennis is over at Lemoore sometimes I go over and stay the night at Tachi Palace. This hotel is so nice that I think a bead retreat would be fun there, the food is good and the pool is heaven! You can get a massage and pamper yourself or you can gamble. Sitting by the pool beading would be heaven to me!

Here are some fun shots of this wonderful place.

I went out by the pool just as the sun was going down and the lights on the hotel were changing colors so I had to take some pictures of that for you.

The pool picture has a glare, sorry I was in my room looking down on the pool and it was so beautiful I look the picture even thought there was a glare.

Easter

2011-04-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

We had a nice relaxing morning with our Granddaughter Ashley at brunch. We went to Steamers which is right on the cliffs over looking the ocean I took some shots from our window seats of the ocean and the pier in Pismo Beach. Such a wonderful morning!

We need to do this more often!

Vista Point Artists

2011-04-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

Went down to Thousand Oaks this weekend for my Master Class Group meeting. We don't call ourselves the Master Class any more it is Vista Point Artists (VPA). It was a fun weekend and wonderful to see everyone again, it's been at least 3 years since I went to a meeting. Now that I'm back on the coast I will get involved again.

It was wonderful seeing every one's projects and to catch up on what they have been doing for 3 years. Liz Smith wasn't able to make it because she broke her arm, we all need to send her good energy!

I took a few pictures of everyone and a few projects, so enjoy the pictures.

Margaret Fleming did the beautiful beaded picture that I tried to take home and she wouldn't let me!

The beaded vessel is being worked on by Melanie Doerman and I won't try and take it until she is done! Ha-ha

Vicki and Pam are working away at there table and Chris and Judy stood up to pose for me.

I wasn't thinking because I didn't get pictures of everyone or their projects, sorry. Next time I will be better about getting everyone.

Jenny's Trunk Show at The Joy of Beading

2011-03-28T19:46:00.001-07:00

It was a fun three days with Jenny and all of her wonderful beads! Jenny came with a lot of beads and left with a lot less. I will put all of the pictures on my Face Book page so everyone can enjoy all of them. Her big bowl of beads was a hit with everyone, they would take it and spend at least 30 minutes with it if not more, looking for the perfect bead. Jenny's website is http://www.divinesparkdesigns.com/ She mails her beads all over the world! Jenny's beads are just as beautiful as her, make sure to go to her website and check it out.

The Joy of Beading

2011-03-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

I sold my shop in Grover Beach to Debbie and then she sold it to Joyce St Aubin. I must say that Joyce has a beautiful shop here are just a few pictures of her store I will put all of them on my Face Book Page. If you are in the area it is a must stop Bead Store! She has tons of seed beads, every shape and size and lots of shiny crystals plus great classes!

Her address is 1010 West Grand Avenue, Suite B Grover Beach, CA 93483 805-489-6544

My Granddaughter Olivia!

2011-03-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well I flew up to Washington by myself! To those that do not know me I hate to fly but so see my little Olivia it was worth it.

I had a wonderful time with my new family, I had not met Leslie's family yet and I must tell you they are wonderful! I had a great time and can't wait to see them again.

Here are a few pictures of my son Paul and of course Olivia.

More Faces Done!

2011-03-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

I've started a new one and will try to get pictures of it on my blog, but won't happen until I get back from seeing Olivia.

Hope you enjoy her!

Flying to Oregon

2011-03-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

I am leaving for Oregon on the 21 of March and I can't believe I'm getting a sore throat! I'm going to get to see my sweet little Olivia who will be 1 year old on the 16th of March. She is my new granddaughter. I have only seen her once because she lives in Ketchikan, Alaska. If any one knows me they know that I am afraid to fly! So you know that I really want to see her if I am going to fly by myself up there. Our time just changed and I hope our weather will start getting a little warmer, then I can be out side a lot more making beads and maybe a little weeding! ha-ha

A Fun Day Making Beads

2011-02-02T21:58:00.000-08:00

The last two days have been just wonderful making beads! I'm calling these beads my Under Sea Beads. I hope you enjoy looking at them because I really enjoyed making them!

A Beautiful Day!

2011-01-25T21:48:00.000-08:00

I needed to feed my soul and body with the ocean Sunday! What a beautiful day it was, it felt like summer and the water was wonderful.

I have felt very drained lately, like it is even hard to get out of bed. I do but I would stay in bed of I could. This is not at all like me.

Just to much going on in my life right now. I need to focus on the good and not the bad. I have set some goals in my life for my days and I hope that I can keep them. Maybe this will help to get me out of my funk!

Any way here are some really beautiful pictures of the ocean!

The Ugly In The World

2011-01-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

My heart is heavy with the killings in Tucson! This world is turning into something so ugly that my heart hurts, I can't believe someone could just walk up and kill innocent people. I know it happens every day but it still makes me sick to my stomach! I really do believe that I do not belong on this plant of such violence, what has happened to loving your neighbor and helping each other. How about just treating everyone else like you would like to be treated. Sorry to go on and I usually don't say much on anything, but this innocent little girl who had just had her first communion is now dead and my heart hurts for her and her family. My heart hurts for everyone who has to deal with the ugly of the world from other peoples craziness. Who cares what someone believes, do we have to make everyone believe the same way? Why can't people just be happy with themselves and happy for other people? When something wonderful happens to other people I am truly happy for them not envious and jealous. Why can't people be happy for each other? Why do we have to push our beliefs on other people and why do they have to do that to other people? Who cares what race, color or beliefs people have, people have a right to believe what they want, but not to hurt other people to make them believe what they do! No one has a right to hurt another person! Hurt yourself but leave innocent people alone! Sorry I could just keep going on but I will stop for now. Everyone out there please start treating everyone else like you would like to be treated, maybe with love and respect!

Sagittarius

2010-12-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

Sagittarius, the sign of the Centaur, the archer who is half man and half beast, is the ninth sign of the Zodiac. You need demanding physical or intellectual exercise in order to fulfill your potential. Being a Sagittarian, you should guard against restlessness, and develop a sense of purpose. This will ensure that you possess the continuity of effort required for a full expression of your potential, and thus your psychological fulfillment. You are likely to be one of the explorers and travelers of the Zodiac-both in mind and in body. You are willing to take risks, but must control a gambling spirit that can occasionally get out of hand. Sagittarian characteristics: Fire Element. Colors are rich purples and dark blues. Flowers: Dandelions, lime-flowers, carnations, and pink are all flowers traditionally associated with Sagittarius. Herbs: Lemon Balm. Trees: Sagittarian trees include the oak, birch, lime, mulberry, chestnut and ash. Spices: No spices are particularly associated with Sagittarius, but allspice is sometimes mentioned in connection with this sign. Gems: Topaz is the Sagittarian gem. To be used as a talisman, it should always come from Spain, a Sagittarian country. Metal: The Sagittarian metal is traditionally said to be tin; it is especially relevant to the sign when it is highly polished and shining. Animals: All animals related to hunting, including big and small game and horses, fall under the dominion of Sagittarius Happy-Go-Lucky Sagittarians give the impression that they have not a care in the world. They are always ready to offer a friendly smile and a word of encouragement to less positive people. Sagittarians are at their best when challenged. Your positive mind will allow you to grasp the overall structure of a situation and assess the best way of solving a problem, whatever the difficulties. Jupiter, the Roman god of philosophy and languages, represents the Sagittarian ruling plant. It can make its subjects optimistic and loyal, but sometimes conceited. Travel: Hungary, Australia, and Spain are among the countries rules by Sagittarius. Spain is a big favorite for Sagittarian vacations. Reading: Sagittarians are eternal students who love to study - especially foreign languages. You will therefore enjoy reading. Hunting curios: As the hunters of the Zodiac, Sagittarians often enjoy searching for bargains and for unusual or exotic articles. Any Sagittarian home will feel very roomy, perhaps because of a clever use of mirrors. This is just as well, because furniture, books, ornaments, and china will occupy every spare corner. You will be happiest in a career that can be planned in advance. Predictability does not have other appeal, however, and you must be free to do things in your own way. It is excellent if your work involves travel. The Sagittarian body organ is the liver. You should therefore make an effort to learn what does and does not agree with you, and find out exactly what your food and drink limits are.

The Art of Mosaic

2010-12-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how much fun I had this weekend! I went to a class in Grover Beach that is the best kept secret in the Central Cost Area! It is called Passiflora Mosaics, the owners Fred and Donnell Pasion are great teachers and hosts! It was an incredible two days, starting with introducing our selves (everyone in the class), then picking out our glass and starting to mosaic our pieces. The first day went so quick that I don't think anyone stopped for lunch, but I was so busy cutting my glass and applying it to my mushroom that I don't think I even looked around. When I got home the first night I went to bed at 7 pm I was so tired (a wonderful tired)! The next morning we started to clean our pieces and then then apply the grout. Then to let our piece dry and clean it up. Last night I had a hard time going to sleep my head was so full of ideas and when I finally did go to sleep I was up at 3:40 am. It is so hard when you can't turn your head off, but, oh what wonderful ideas are in my head. If you live in this area or you are coming to visit you need to make sure you drive by their house, where the classes are held and look at their yard, it is like Disney Land to me. It is just incredible, stepping stones, mushrooms, wall hangings, bird baths, tables, even the crack in the driveway is mosaic! It is eye candy and unbelievable to behold. The address is 330 N. 10th Street in Grover Beach. Fred and Donnell's next classes start in January please go to their website for information about the classes, you will truly be happy that you took a class from these two wonderful and very talented people. This class has pulled me out of my depression since I have moved back to this area and I feel it was a wonderful blessing for me to take this class, I feel like I have my grove back. Thank you so much Fred and Donnell! Here is a picture of my mushroom, mind you not a very good one but you can get an idea of what fun I had! The website is http://www.passifloramosaics.com/

Beautiful December Sunset

2010-12-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

As I was setting at my desk last evening looking out the window I saw the sky starting to turn the most beautiful colors, so what could I do but grab my camera and run outside to start taking pictures. With the scattered clouds in the sky it was just incredible. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as me.

Glanzer's Garden Nursery

2010-10-16T19:37:00.001-07:00

His succulent garden that is on a piece of lava rock is just fascinating, I can't believe how the plants just grow on the rock. He has a plant bed when you walk in that is just how I want my back yard to be so watch out Larry (my son) you will be redoing the back yard as soon as I get the flat rocks that I need. He even told me where I can get the flat rocks that he used in his garden. Then I will be taking another trip to the nursery and get all of my plants from him because they are healthy, happy plants and I want to give my business to him!

On the way to the Gem show we found the most wonderful Nursery in Cayucos! If you are in the area it is a must stop place, the address is 101 13th street Cayucos 805-995-0238 We were greeted by a sweet little dog and then walked over to see an incredible koi pond brimming with beautiful, very large koi fish. As we walked around the owner who was very gracious I might add, answered questions and showed us his beautiful nursery. The plants are very healthy and the cost is half of what you would pay at a regular store for plants. The aromas coming from the different plants were wonderful, we could of stayed there all afternoon walking around or just sitting by the koi pond. It was so peaceful and relaxing at this nursery, I just can't stress enough that this is a wonderful place to visit.

Trip to Gem Show

2010-10-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our trip to Cayucos and the Gem Show, small but packed with wonderful crystals and beads.

The view to Morro Bay was wonderful even though it was over cast and gray.

Loved walking out on the pier and smelling the wonderful aroma of the ocean, nothing like it!

Foggy Morning!

2010-10-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

I was walking Coco the other morning and it was really foggy when I spotted this spider web with dew on it, just had to take a picture of it to share with everyone.

Not much going on just working a lot and stringing crystals in strands of 24 to sell. I'll be doing a quilt show in April and want to get them all strung and not wait till the last minute. The quilt show is The Best of The Valley show.

I'm going to a gem show (small one) this morning so I will take my camera and get some shots to post! Wish me happy rock hunting.

Central California Bead Society Show 2010

2010-09-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

As you can see Dennis is hard at work! Sandy came and helped me set up the booth and work all day with me, THANK YOU! This was a see if I like doing shows and how long it takes to set everything up show and then how long does it take to pack it all up! Answer a long time! I really did enjoy myself and it was fun to see old acquaintances and to make new ones. Lots of wonderful beads and the weather was not so hot, which is a good thing. It is so wonderful how the energy in a room full of people who love beads can be so electrifying. I love to just sit and watch people look at beads and see the looks on their faces when they spot the perfect bead or beads that is just right for them. I brought six racks of beads, crystal, findings, needles and threads. I went home with a lot less of everything. Thank you to all who bought beads from me. Now I have to think about if I want to do more shows, but I think the answer will be yes. It really was a lot of fun.

Time! Time! Time!

2010-09-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

Time has really gotten away from me. It seems like all I do is work on this up coming bead show in Fresno, Sept 19. Trying to get the seed beads ready and the rivolis. The rivolis look really pretty hanging on the racks instead of in the cases. You can really see them now, what a beautiful sight! Love those crystals! Not much to report other than work and the weather is wonderful here, it's been in the high 60's sometimes sunny and sometimes foggy. I'm going to try and make myself swim in our pool at least 3 times a week, it's heated and wonderful but I just won't let myself take the time. I think I need to stop and smell the roses! Speaking of roses the @!!@!!@ gophers ate one of my rose bushes, the little butt heads! I won't put bait out because I have 2 dogs and the neighbors have cats that come in my yard and I don't want to hurt them I just want them to go into the big field by my house and stay out of my yard. For some reason they just won't listen to me! ha-ha Next year I'm planting very large sunflowers in my back yard, I just love the way they look! I also want to put in a lemon tree, I miss the one I had in Clovis. I use lemons a lot in my cooking so if anyone has any ideas on which kind of lemon tree I should get please send me an email. I didn't know there were so many different kinds! The fog has rolled back in I can't even see the ocean now, but it will go away by 11 am tomorrow and then I will be able to look out at my wonderful ocean! Enough of my going on about not much, hope everyone is doing great and I will see a lot of you in Fresno on the 19th of September for the big bead show at the Ramada Inn at Shaw and Freeway 41. Love, Kandra

Taco Temple Morro Bay

2010-07-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

I took a break and went to lunch with Susan who owns Beads By The Bay and where did we go you ask, my favorite place Taco Temple in Morro Bay. If you have not been there you really must stop and eat. You need to have cash because they don't take credit cards. There food is mouth watering and delicious! My favorite is the chili relleno and the carrot cake. You eat the chili relleno and you take the cake home to eat and two people could share this wonderful cake!

Susan had a taco and I had the chili relleno.

Beads By The Bay 2

2010-07-03T17:29:00.001-07:00

And the journey continues in the garden in the back! As you walk out the back door you see this quaint old building in the back and if you walk closer you will see that this is Susan's class room and what a wonderful, peaceful setting. If you look to the right you will see herbs and plants of all kinds for sell and such an incredible selection of hard to find plants, like the kool aid plant she has for sell, it smells like grape kool aid. I will be buying one of those when I finish unpacking (a year from now) ha-ha. The Koi pond is my favorite in the back yard as I am partial to koi fish. You can sit by the pond and feel how peaceful it is in the back yard of Susan's shop, the energy is wonderful. I am sure as I was walking around taking pictures the little Faries in her back yard were peeking out of the plants laughing at me! I will post all of the pictures that I took of her shop on my Facebook page so everyone can enjoy them. This is a must stop place if you are anywhere near Morro Bay, I promise you will not be disappointed!

Beads By The Bay

2010-07-03T17:13:00.001-07:00

Beads By The Bay is a beautiful bead store tucked away in Morro Bay the address is 333 Morro Bay Blvd Morro Bay, CA 93442 805-772-3338 When you see the front of this shop you think what a cute little shop, but when you walk in you are greeted by the beautiful Miss Lily and then the adventure begins! As you walk around this charming bead store you will not believe how many beads are in there! They are tucked into every nook and cranny of this shop. The glass on the wall is incredible with every color you can think of and shape. Then you walk a little ways and you will see pearls like you have never seen. Then the seed beads are of course beautiful hanging on the wall. But then it gets better, Susan has a wonderful selection of crystals in all shapes and sizes to pick from. They are just magnificent tucked all over the shop and then you walk out into the back and it is like you are in Fairy Land! I will continue on a different page so I can add more pictures.

Betty's Fabrics San Luis Obispo

2010-06-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

Went to Betty's Fabrics today in San Luis Obispo they have the best selection of Ultra Suede I have ever seen! They have many colors and patterns to chose from. Of course the minute I walk in I want to start quilting and I don't have the time right now to even think about that, but I must say if you walk into that store you will want to start sewing even if you don't know how! Ha Ha Buttons and Buttons, they have a whole aisle with just buttons! I didn't get a shot of that but when I go back in I will try to remember to take a picture of the button aisle so you can see all of there beautiful buttons. If you are in this area it is worth a stop! The address is 1229 Carmel San Luis Obispo, CA 805-543-1990 Had to get some ultra suede for a project I want to start and of course I bought more than I needed because the colors were so nice. You can never have to much ultra suede! Well back to unpacking I just wanted to share Betty's with everyone. Love, Kandra

Still Unpacking

2010-06-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Yes I'm still unpacking and I must say I'm getting pretty sick of it. I'm down to 10 boxes in the dining room, living room and office. Sounds great right, well then I still need to unpack my pressed glass at the bead warehouse. Then I need to unpack my glass studio which will take at least a week to do. :(

On a lighter note, I have tried to add a free pattern to the blog which I must say almost kicked my butt! I wish with all my heart that I was good with computer stuff but this is the best I could do. If you click on the pattern picture and then click on it again it gets larger and then click print and you should be able to print it out in a size that you can read. Let me know if this works for everyone. I will now try to add a picture of the bracelet I made with this pattern, hope it works.

I used delicas and three colors of purple (light, medium and dark) then I used the good gold of course for the background. The edging is 15/0 seed beads in 462D and 465.

Hope everyone enjoys this bracelet pattern it is one of my bargello patterns and I have made a lot of them up. I love the way bargello looks and the way the colors blend together. One of the colors of purple is a matte color because I like to put matte with shiny beads because it gives your piece depth.

Again please let me know if the printing out of the pattern works and by the way I did this piece in peyote stitch. I used snaps as the closure because it is easy to get on and off.

Love, Kandra

The Ocean

2010-06-27T19:09:00.001-07:00

I stopped unpacking for a while to go down to Shell Beach and look at the ocean. To sit and watch the ocean moving and churning is so awe-inspiring. I never tire looking at the ocean and enjoying the wonderful smell, even on a foggy day like today. Up on the Mesa where I live the sun has come out and then went away as the fog would move in and out. I started setting up the deck today with my patio furniture, had to stop and go to the store to get covers for the chairs. I didn't need them in Clovis but here the fog comes in at night and the chairs will be wet if I don't cover them. Hope you enjoy the pictures it was a wonderful 65 degrees here today!

My Little Dove

2010-05-15T16:40:00.001-07:00

I have a little dove that has made a nest right outside my bedroom window. She is so sweet I can't believe she made a nest in that empty basket. She had one egg in the nest yesterday I stood on a chair in my bedroom and looked in when she went to get some food. I wonder if she will have any more? When I go outside to the studio she lays flat in the nest so I won't see her. She is so beautiful! I will keep everyone up dated on her nesting!

Trunk Show with Jenny

2010-04-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

We had a good time at the trunk show and loved visting with old friends and new ones. Jenny will be back next year with all of her beautiful beads! I want to thank Jacquie Carlson for sending me the pictures of the open house, I was so busy I never had a chance to take any pictures.

New Etsy Shop

2010-04-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

With the help of Sandy I finally have an Etsy Shop! I am selling all of my handmade Dichroic Cabs. Please stop by my Etsy Shop to check out all the cabs my busy little fingers have been creating. I have my Open House coming up this Sunday with Jenny Friske-Baer, don't miss out on this great event!

Have a great week!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandraJoy

Love Saturday Morning!

2010-04-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

I am going to mail off a few orders and then I'm heading into my studio for a day of glass, nothing better!

Back to watching Zoe on Fridays, I missed my little Zoe Bug she is getting so cute and loves to laugh.

I have had such a busy few weeks, we had Melanie Doerman here to teach for two days for the Central California Bead Society. What a wonderful two days of beading and talking with friends.

Then the next weekend I had Jamie Cloud Eakin to my house for a class and when she left I couldn't sleep because my head was swimming with ideas for bead projects. She is also a wonderful teacher and she will be teaching for our bead society in October.

After Jamie being here Melanie Doerman came back up to spend a few days with me and we spent a day in old town Clovis which was a lot of fun. We ate at North India Grill two days in a row and then she called me when she got home to let me know that she found another Indian restaurant on the way home. Here is a picture of our day in Clovis.

I found a cookbook from 1928 and I plan on making a lot of recipes from this book. Melanie and I were reading this cookbook laughing at the way they wrote a recipe in that time frame.

Melanie found a lot of keys and tin type pictures I'm not sure if I'm spelling that correct but they are metal pictures, she uses them in her jewerly.

Clovis is a fun town to look for antiques.

Well off to the post office and then to glass hope all of you have a great weekend.

Saturday Morning

2010-03-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful morning, walked Coco, made a smoothie and I'm going out into the studio for a wonderful day of glass! I think I am going to start making sets of beads for a while because friends have asked for them. I have a new Granddaughter Olivia she is a sweet thing 6 pounds 5 ounces. Now I have 3 granddaughters and 2 grandsons, lucky me! Next weekend is our class with Melanie Doerman it will be great to see her, what a great teacher she is! Our bead society brings some great teachers to teach, in August Marcia DeCoster will be here for 3 days of beading. Well off to the studio and a bliss full day of glass!

A Fun Day With Glass

2010-03-16T21:24:00.001-07:00

Some fun beads and cabs, I would like nothing better than to just do glass, so sad I have to work need to win the Lotto!

Can't Wait

2010-03-09T07:33:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to see Melanie Doerman and take her classes, our Central California Bead Society is bringing her here March 27-28, 2010. Melanie is a wonderful teacher and our 2 days of beading will be wonderful! I already picked out my colors and started my netted rope for the Dragon Tears class. My time is so limited that I wanted to get a start on the time consuming part like the netted rope made with 15/0 seed beads. ha-ha I want to get out in my studio and make cabs, I made a lot of beads the other day but ran out of time for the cabs, maybe tomorrow. If I could just get more time in the day that would be wonderful!

April 25, 2010 Jenny Friske-Baer will be here for a trunk show with her beautiful Lamp Work Beads and I will open up the garage to everyone who comes, it will be a wonderful day of good food, friends and beads it can't get any better! It will start at 10am and go until 5pm, call me or email me for directions to my house. A picture of just a few of her beads.

Saturday Morning

2010-03-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

Can't sleep to much going on in my head, I just hate those times. I think I will work with my glass all day, I want to try out some new colors with my beads and I have some new dichroic glass I want to fuse and make cabs with. This just sounds like the perfect day to me and I can't even be tempted to live home because Dennis took my car to the coast so I am without a car. I love the way my beads have been coming out it is so wonderful to create something from a rod of glass and not really know what the color will be the first time. Sylvia really likes the black with the raku frit on them of course those are my favorite ones also I love the way the raku frit changes color. Well off to the torch for a fun day. Love, Kandra

Home Home Home!

2010-02-13T19:49:00.001-08:00

I am so glad to be home, my knee was really hurting me by the end of each day. I saw a lot of people and saw a lot of beads it was a great time! I will be taking pictures of glass beads and putting them on my website for weeks. It is a good thing that I was in a booth and not going around shopping or I would really be in trouble! ha-ha I already added a lot of new beads to my website so make sure you check it out and a lot more will be added daily. I ordered some new bead molds for my birthday, Sandy went in half for my birthday gift. I can't wait to get them and try them out. They are not presses but a mold to roll your glass in to get the shape, I really like them. I can't believe I'm going to be 60, I sure don't feel like it or act like it but then I don't know how 60 is suppose to act. Sandy is taking me to the Tea House in Clovis for my birthday Saturday, I haven't been there in a long time and I love their tea and sandwiches! Sylvia is taking me to the Cheese Cake Factory Friday for my birthday, between the two places life can't get any better! I get to see Zoe, my granddaughter tomorrow night, I am babysitting so George and Susan can go out for dinner. I can't wait to give her kisses and hugs! I need to get caught up with orders and making beads, I feel like it has been months since I sat at my torch and it has only been 3 weeks. I do love making beads! I need to take the time to make some glass cabs, I haven't done any fusing for a long time to busy making glass beads. Well I hope everyone has a great weekend! Love, Kandra

Home at last!

2010-02-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

Jerry talking to some one and part of our booth.

More pictures of venders around us.

Here are some more pictures of the show.

After a Hard Day in Tucson!

2010-02-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

After a hard day in the booth Jenn and I go next door to The Loop, Jenn has a beer and I have my ice tea.

More of Tucson

2010-02-06T20:55:00.001-08:00

More booths around us and our Toho seedbead samples in our booth.

More Tucson

2010-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

More pictures of booths around us. It is almost the end of the day and all of us are very tired after a hard days work!

Guadalajara Restaurant

2010-02-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

After a long day standing on our feet Nichole is having a very large drink and well earned! Jenn and Jerry with their drinks.

Jenn, Jerry, Nichole, David and Sung.

More Tucson

2010-02-02T19:09:00.001-08:00

These are just more pictures of our booth as we were loading up on the glass!

Tucson - Grant Inn

2010-02-02T19:02:00.000-08:00

The day started with David trying to get the van started, always there is a problem. Then David and Jenn setting up the computers at the show. We spent the whle day from 9am until 8pm setting up the booth, I have never put out this much glass in my life. Lisa worked all day just on the 4mm fire polish. The rest of the pictures are of the booth.

A Beautiful Purse

2010-01-26T08:48:00.000-08:00

Sandy's husband Jeff made me such a beautiful leather purse! He made it with love and I just love it. If anyone is interested in a custom made purse email Jeff or Sandy at spiveyfam@yahoo.com

I am finally getting excited about going to Tucson. I hope to bring back lots of beautiful beads and can't wait to start looking for them. I haven't gone anywhere for 2 years except for my 4 days in the hospital and now I will be gone for 18 days.

Jonna and Pat had a great time with their Art Clay class this past weekend in Arroyo Grande I hope I will be able to make the next one, Jonna is such a wonderful teacher! Her next class will be March 27 & 28, 2010 in Arroyo Grande. Jonna will be teaching her Panel Bracelet if you are interested call Pat at 805-489-3061. You can go to Jonna's website to see a picture of the project www.jonnafaulkner.com

Almost ready to go!

2010-01-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

I have been running around like a nut trying to get ready for the Tucson show! When you are going to be gone for 18 days there is a lot to do. I hope to come back with lots of new beads, I can hardly wait. Here is a picture of the sun catchers I have been making, they are so much fun!

I am making the big center bead and now I am making seven smaller beads for the fringe and a larger one for the top loop. When I get back from Tucson I should have another one made and I will try to get it posted.

Remember I will be back February 15th so you can order but It won't get shipped until I get back from Tucson.

Love, Kandra

Zoe

2010-01-19T21:39:00.001-08:00

This is such a cute picture of my granddaughter that I had to post it!

I am busy getting ready for Tucson a million things to think about and pack. I can't forget projects to work on in the evening because if I had to just sit in a hotel room at night and do nothing I would go crazy!

I think I am going to take some sun catchers to work on. I'm making the big center bead and then making smaller beads for the fringe and the top hanger, they are my lampwork beads. They are fun to make and I get to use many different sizes of seed beads and Czech beads, so I never get bored making them because they are always different. I will try to get a picture taken of one and post it before I go.

It's been raining a lot here and am I glad we really need the rain. Well off to bed I go so I can get up early and pull orders and then watch my little Zoe, I will really miss her when I am gone to Tucson.

Another Week

2010-01-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

Another week has gone by time seems to fly! I really like the pick of the week choice, it's my new 2.8mm drops. They are so small and sweet they will look great in fringe and edging. I felt it would be a good way to introduce them.

I'm starting to get excited about Tucson I will be there for 14 days! I will be closed while I'm gone, you can email orders but nothing will happen until I get back, I will post it on my website soon. I hope I find lots of great goodies!

I just finished a sun catcher and it came out really nice. I made some beads to make 3 more sun catchers, can't wait to get started on them, I think I will take them to Tucson to work on in the evening.

Have a great week, Kandra

A New Year 2010!

2010-01-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's 2010, where does the time go? I am hoping for a wonderful year for myself and everyone else! I am going to be having a special every week, I am calling it the "Pick of the Week Special". There will be 10 containers of beads and I will put them in a little plastic box which will be great for storing projects. I will be taking 20% off of the total on all 10 containers, which is a great deal.

I am also going to have a drawing every week. Everyone who orders with me during the week, I will put their name in the drawing and the end of the week (Sunday) I will draw a name, whoever wins will get the Pick of the Week Special for the coming week free! I will email them to let them know and I will post it on my front page.

I have been making beads again and I am having so much fun! I have a new bead press coming I hope it gets here tomorrow. Sandy gave me a bead press for Christmas, it is a wiggle press and I had to make a few to get the hang of the press, here is a picture of them. It is a large bead to me it is almost 2 inches long.

Cooler Days

2009-09-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Finally the heat has left us and we are having cooler days! Guess I will tackle the garage today because I need to stock the shelves and place orders for beads. I am so behind from my surgery I hope to catch up some day! It's been 3 months since my knee replacement and I have not felt like beading. It's OK I have been making beads with my new press and reading. Last night I got out a project that I have been working on for a long time and it felt good to be beading. I feel like I am finally getting back into the groove of things. It really felt good to be beading! Well off to stock and order beads!! I will be getting in some new beads in a few weeks so be watching. Love, Kandra

Starting to feel normal

2009-09-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

It's been a long 2 months and I am finally starting to feel better. I was even out in my glass studio for about 45 minutes, just cleaning until my knee swelled up and I had to come in and ice it. Having knee replacement is not for the faint of heart. I must say it kicked my ass! I always thought I had a high tolerance for pain but I guess I am a baby because it hurt like hell. As I try to get caught up with my business I will also try to start blogging again. I will be at the Central California Bead Society Show selling some of my beads if you can make it come by. The day is September 20, 2009, time is 9 am to 5 pm the cost is $3.00 and the parking is free. There will be at least 32 vendors there and it will be a lot of fun, we are going to have a raffle also. I really feel out of the loop so if there is anything going on I need to know let me know, I lost a few months. Ha-ha

Cleaning

2009-06-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

Trying to get things cleaned up and in order. It is so much easier to pull things out than to put things back and dusting lets not even go there! ha-ha All I have been doing is quilting, I have 4 quilts going right now one is for Zoe my granddaughter and one is for Jack a new beautiful little boy. The other two are for me and Jenny she gets the fall colored one. I will have plenty of time to work on my journal pages the next few months, I'm having a total knee replacement July 1 and will be sitting a lot so I will finally get caught up with my pages. The problem is I need to pull all the beads I want to use for my 4 projects and that will take at least two days. I fill a tray with beads then look at it for a while and then I add or take away. I hope everyone is doing great and I will try to post one more thing before surgery. Love, Kandra

Finally adding something

2009-06-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy, I finally finished my daugther-in-laws baby shower and now I feel like I can do some of my own work. I am working on four quilts and of course my bead journal pages, always behind with that project. I am also out in the studio making beads again! It feels so good to be doing glass again, I forgot how much I love making beads it had been over three years. Hope to get so pictures taken of the quilt tops and then I will post them on the blog. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Love, Kandra

Another Face Done!

2009-05-08T13:55:00.001-07:00

I want all of you to know how much I love doing the faces. Each one takes on its own personality, guiding me along as I bead. I know this sound crazy but with me it is the truth.

She is done is shades of green and silver, with keshi pearls in the fringe. I can't wait to get them framed. I have to decide if I want each one in its own frame or if I want to put multiple faces in one frame.

Open to any suggestions out there about framing them.

Now to start the next face I already have three more picked out and attached to the stiff stuff. I need to pick out the beads and get started. I think the next one will be with purples and teals with a touch of gold in it.

A Tip About FireLine

2009-05-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

This is a tip about FireLine from Cecilia Gast. Don't now if you are like me, but I love FireLine, mostly #6 and #8 lb, because of the body it lends to beadwork. However, I hate, loathe and despise the gunk on my hands and around the holes of seed beads, crystals, etc. I have tried just about every printed and suggested method of getting rid of it, even some of my own. Most were just okay. I kept thinking there had to be something better. Then I thought of baby wipes. I figured if they could clean dried stuff off a baby, they'd clean anything. They WORK! Method-- Fold the wipe in half. Place doubled thread or a couple of lengths inside the fold. Hold between forefinger and thumb with one hand and pull the end with the other. Repeat a time or two. You will be amazed at the amount of gunk that comes off. Condition with wax or whatever as you normally would. Drying time isn't necessary. Two other uses (Cecilia's) for wipes-- 1. Clean the dirt from sandals with baby wipes, clean the inside of those that are made of vinyl rather than leather. They look like new. 2. As odd as this sounds, wipes clean skin oils off of banisters and wooden chair arms beautifully. You know how the stuff builds up, making the wood look dull and dirty. The wipes take it right off, leaving a nice shine. And finally, the new fused Fireline (as opposed to the braided) is super. It kinks and knots even less, if at all. Sorry, one more finally--I used the cheap wipes put out by WalMart called Parent's Choice, but feel certain any will do. So here you have it and thank you so much Cissy for your great tip of the day!

Open House with Jenny Friske-Baer

2009-05-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun! I love Jenny's beads! We had good food and wonderful beads and wonderful people at the open house.

It had been so long since I had seen Jenny's beads, but they were just as beautiful as always.

Becky from Beads Etc in Clovis was hogging the table, if anyone came close she would elbow them. Just kidding, but she did buy a lot of beads.

When everyone went into the garage for seed beads there was a lot of oohs and aahs. Becky managed to get into my personal stash and tried to buy them. I told her no way and to back off! We love trying to take other peoples beads if we can get away with it.

A nice quiet day

2009-05-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been going nonstop for days and I have. Today I mailed out some orders and then took pictures most of the day. I even watched some old movies tonight, what a joy. I just bought The Thin Man collection, what wonderful movies I wish they made movies like that now. Tomorrow I will put the new items on my website, those are the pictures that I took all day. Then off to the camera shop with Sandy, always on the look out for something new. I hope my spree bead presses come soon, I have the new glass and frit now I just need the press so I can try and master it. I love the look of the spree shape, when I get some made I will post them on my blog. I think I enjoy doing to many things, but I can never say that I am bored or that I have nothing to do! ha-ha Hope everyone has a great evening and a good day tomorrow. Love, Kandra

Diane Mahan and Her Necklace

2009-05-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here is another bead artist from the Bead Society, her necklace is just beautiful. She was inspired by Sue McKechnie and her beautiful bead work.

Pat Potter and Her Grape Bracelet

2009-05-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

I am upset at myself because the picture of her bracelet came out a little blurry. I still think you can tell how pretty it is and a job well done Pat.

Central California Bead Society

2009-05-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

We had our meeting at the new location - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno CA, SE corner of Fresno and Barstow Streets.

We had a good time and Rhonda taught us how to make a beautiful braided looking bracelet, good job Rhonda!

We would love to have new members come to our meetings, if you are interested please come and check out a meeting, we meet on the 4th Saturday of the month at 9am.

Here are some photos of a few of us at the meeting.

Trip to Harbor Freight

2009-04-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

Off Sandy and I went to Harbor Freight! What a fun day this was. First we stopped at Sweet Tomatoes for lunch and planned what we would look for. Walking into Harbor Freight was wonderful! I love that store, it has so many things to look at and I love tools, so does Sandy. We managed to buy a lot of things for working with our Art Clay. Jonna was here and taught a class and that got me fired up again and Sandy is now hooked on Art Clay. She bought her first kiln (note I said first kiln) a few days ago, and can't wait to play with it. Jonna will be back the first part of June to teach another class, I can't wait. We will be working with leaves and twigs, what fun! I will try to get some pictures taken of the Art Clay pieces that Sandy and I have been making.

Another one done!

2009-04-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

Funny me thinking when I sold my shop and just had my online bead store that I would have all this time to do my art work! I need another day inside a day to get everything done that I want to do.

I started another face and I really like the why the colors are coming out. Yes I am hooked on beading the faces right now but I have always loved faces, they can say so much without even talking.

I went to a wonderful tea shop in Clovis the other day. I can't believe I had never heard about it, I took pictures and will try to get them into the computer so everyone can see how nice it is.

Well another one down and only 7 more to go!

Working on my new page

2009-02-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

I'm working on my new page and this is where I am at so far. I want to add more pearls, I like my pieces to be organic looking with a lot going on. Maybe some flowers hanging down off her or some grapes. We shall see.

Work sure does get in the way of having fun! I have been busy taking pictures and adding new beads to my website. I hope to take pictures tomorrow of some new faces that I got in because so many of you have wanted faces now.

Wish me luck on having time to bead.

Love, Kandra

Faces

2009-01-30T19:51:00.000-08:00

I just love beading the faces! I have always liked faces and doing this one has made me only want to do more. I have picked out more faces and will be beading them soon.

The next face looks like a Fairy and I can't wait to get started with her. I think I will be starting tomorrow night.

Love Kandra

Off to the yarn shop

2009-01-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

I seem to have an obsession with socks right now. I just finished 3 pairs of socks and I just started my fourth pair. I'm telling you there is something about making socks that is great, maybe it is that they are fast. So off to the Ancient Pathways I go today to knit and gab. One pair of socks that I made have beads in the cuff of course. Started them 2 years ago but was afraid to do the toe without my knit group that I left in San Luis Obispo. Thanks to Meg at Ancient Pathways I have made 2 pairs and finished the socks with the beaded cuffs. www.ancientpathways.net I will be teaching a class on the beaded face this weekend at Beads Etc. in Clovis CA. This is a two day class and will be a lot of fun. I just love Becky, the owner she is a sweetie! I'm also thinking about having classes at my house this year and have some guest artist come and teach classes the first one will be with Jonna Faulkner, she does the most beautiful Art Clay work I have ever seen. She is also one of the best teachers I have ever taken a class with. I will let everyone know the dates as soon as she gets back with me. Have a great day! Love, Kandra

First Day of Blogging

2009-01-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

I need to thank Arline for helping me with the blog. I did not know how to set this up or what to do.

I have my September, October and November pages done but I haven't even started my December or January pages. I sure need to get my tush in gear!

Today is a overcast day and it feels like I should be making soup and some bread.

I had to put my Cloud on because every cloud has a silver lining.