Friday, May 8, 2009

Another Face Done!

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.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

A Tip About FireLine

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!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Open House with Jenny Friske-Baer

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.

Monday, May 4, 2009

A nice quiet day

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

Friday, May 1, 2009

Diane Mahan and Her Necklace

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

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

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.