In the state Capital

Erkki and I came to visit FSU on this thanksgiving break. I am surprized at the different landscape. Tallahassee has lots of Hills, and lots of trees. I see why they call it the Other Florida.

Shocked

I am really shocked that it has been so long since I last wrote.. Somehow I feel like I write much more than I actually do... Guess it is just done in my mind.
Last time was after Bead and Button Show.. Just found out that we (Liisa and I ) have been choosen to teach 5 classes there for 2010. Pretty cool... Liisa and Jaani just got back from their vacation to Finland.. Happy to have them back. Linkin has been up to his usual tricks..trouble.. and I hear him running outside now.. Sounds like a herd of horses.. Erkki has been intent on fine tuning his acting, singing, and dancing. Taking lessons at the Craig Wich Studio in Jupiter. Working with a college coach and sunday will start a SAT coach. Plus he puts in 10 hours a week work.. I just saw that Tony Robbins is going to be in Chicago.. OH... my two favortie things outside of beading.. I would love to go.. but then I'd have to do a fire walk and I am afraid.. eating fire and breaking boards is enough for me. But I would really love to go there. I joined the Palm Beach Gardens Kiwanis Club. Very happy. It is a great group and there have been lots of opportunitys for community service. So stop in and see some of the new designs that Liisa and I have created.
Around the block, made of swarovski crystallized elements, and Caught in the net.
I made some really authenic looking christmas tree earrings... I always loved minatures. I am working now on another new design. Liisa's necklace was in the current Bead Style so check that out, and be on the look out for BEAD STAR Magazine.
On a sad note.. Sue will be going back up North so nex Wed the 21 during open bead daynight... from 2-8:00 feel free to stop in to say good bye. We will miss her.

Shannon Hill

I found out today that Shannon passed away on June 21, 2009. I saw this on his web site.

October 29, 1968-June 21, 2009

Shannon's great talent will live on in his beautiful glass work; his love of glass will live on in his students; his heart and soul will live on in his children, family, and friends. We are better for having had him in our lives. Until next time, Obiwan.

The Shannon Hill Project will be unveiled at the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) annual Gathering July 20-26, 2009, in Miami , Florida. The Project is a tribute, and a way for his friends and fellow glass artists to show their appreciation. The Project is a collaborative effort that combines Shannon ’s passion for glass with his love of the sea in the form of an aquarium filled with glass sculptures depicting various ocean creatures and sea life. Many glass artists have graciously agreed to participate in the Project.
go to www.needabead.com for more information.

I am very sad to hear of his passing. I will miss him.

Hello

Well reading some bits of news on the internet... trying to find out if things are getting better or worse.. Reports in both directions.. So I am going to say they are getting better.. Stock market had best three months since 2007. Well that's a good thing right?
Did you know that you can click on the title link to comment on any blogs? I'd like to hear from you, and to know if anyone is out there.. Hello...anyone there?

Spinach smoothies

I was surfing the net the other night and came across a raw food site. They showed a green drink smoothie. We tried it and it was very good, I changed it a bit, here is the recipe. 2 ripe bananas, 1 bag of spinach, a touch of agave nectar, ice and some udo's oil. It is very energizing and took away my coffee desire. A couple of years ago... I don't think I could have downed a green drink, but since we have been drinking our wheat grass 2x's a day.. it is growing on me. Oh I didn't tell you about the wheat grass. Well one of the tapes I was listening to said we really need to get more alkaline in our bodies and one of the best ways is green drinks. Wheat grass is pretty strong.. and usually done best when fresh. A little shot.. however the guy at whole foods told if you can't get it fresh then frozen is 2nd best, and freeze dried from wheat grass juice is 3rd best..
On the beading front.. today I mixed 12 hanks of 6/0 and 7/0 into a tub and then packed them in tubes.. only to later realize that I mixed the two sizes.. Urghh......Well the good news is I remembered that I had a pearl sorting cup that I bought in the beginning of my jewelry making career... And I found it right in the drawer in my bench where I had put it.. and it is working perfectly to help me sort the 2 sizes..!!! I love it when I can use something I have been saving for all these years.. The beads are fantastic... we got in 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 2/0, fire polished picasso 3 cut seed beads.. Jaani will get them up on the web site soon.. they really are fun! Have a great weekend

Summer Beading Class Special

Well I am sure many of you have gotten the email that we started our summer class special early. Book and pay for two classes and then 2nd is 1/2 price. There are some restrictions, like it doesn't apply to guest teacher classes, but it is such a great offer to all the folks who are here in florida for the summer!
Went last night to Erkki's thespian awards banquet. He won an award "Best thespian" along with 13 or so others from the Dryfoos school. I was sad saying good bye to all the seniors. I have seen them performing for so many years now.
So last time I was telling you about AGAVE nectar. Today I read on MSNBC that it is about 50% fructose. Well they did say that since it is sweeter, you need less so in that hand it might be better. Supposed to have a low glycemic index. But now I am not sure..Urrghhhhhh.....
We were mentioned in Beading Daily today under Editor's Blog as a good source for the Swarovski Crystallized Elements. Crystal Sequins...That was cool..
Liisa, and I sent several items into the Bead Star Competition.. and We also sent in one of Sue's pieces she made from our Silver Icicles Class.. The funny thing is now Liisa's metal piece and Sue's metal piece are up against each other,, I have my pair or earring in the under 25. Go to www.beadstar.com and vote...

I am an action person!

Can't believe I actually got in with one try this time.. I have been having a real mess trying to remember sign in names, user names, passwords... and so on and so forth. I tried to have some system but then someone is always saying I need to up date and change it.. or I lock myself out and have to change..

Anyways are you proud of me for attempting to keep up with this..
Good news last weekend I cleaned the garage. which wasn't as bad as I thought.. and I also fixed the garage door.. (that's why I had to clean it first so the guy could come and fix it). and I also fixed the fence. I am an action person for 2009..

Got to watch Tony Robbins this Am on Good Morning America. It was fun. Boy he can speak for even 4 minutes and I hear something worth holding on to. Today I heard.. Events can't determine how you feel... Ok

So at the shop.. We are working on several value classes for the summer..so make sure to be on the look out for that. Also just got in some really neat natural pendants, and beads from the Philippines, some fabulous new seed beads..bigger than normal.. up to size 2 with great new color accents, and some are even like mega charlottes. Those of you who have been waiting for 15/O silver charlottes can rest easy now.. they are in.
Remember there are just a few days left to save $15.00 on Joan Babcock class. We are super lucky to have her come and teach her famous amulet purse with micro macrame accent. It's never been taught before..
Make it a great day!

Not a good time if you are a hypochondriac

Although I like what the CDC says... If you are sick "STAY HOME" Even if it is to buy beads..Hey it's a great time to get familiar with our on line shopping cart. You can find it on the Beadsgonewild web site. Select the shop on line button... then go wild.

Since trying to record Erkki's commercial I have been watching the Marlins's baseball games. I Might become a fan! It's been fun. Not fun for them thought losing their last several games.

Here's something new I discovered.. Agave nectar. It is a sweetener from Cactus. I really like it. We have been using it on our oatmeal, and it is great on plain yogurt. I think it is a healthy alternative.. and I like it better that honey. You probably need to get it at the health food store.

We have taken the "Heavy Metal Band of Beads Class" and made it a 3 hour class and it is now $35.00. That is good news for many people new to metal work. You won't get so tired out and it is a little easier on your wallet.. Check it out. We selected the best 8 beads and so it is a great value and opportunity.

Just in.. Glass Crystal.. There are some really neat sizes, shapes, and colors. The best part is they are very very affordable. And while checking that out be sure to see all the new Klew Beads and Nancy Toby Glass beads, and new sterling silver and stone pendants.

Make it a great weekend
Glenda

Prom

Erkki went to the Dryfoos School of the Arts Prom last night. Of course he looked very sharp in his tux and Abby (his date) looked beautiful as well. The guest teacher and I went down to city place to wait for their limo and to watch all the other attendees. Lots of beautiful dresses. It was fun..Should get some photos up soon..

Many of you have asked for years to get Joan Babcock to come and teach her macrame and suede pouch...The one I often wear around. So guess what? She will be coming to West Palm Beach, Florida this fall to teach at Crystal Creations Bead Institute. Be sure to watch the web site for exact info on the upcoming class.

We got in the new "Alternative Metals" Copper, Antique Copper, Antique Brass and Black in chain, lobsters, tube clasps, headpins, jump rings, chandalier earring parts, bead caps, and more... Just what you have been waiting for...


Some of you asked how to leave a comment... just click on the word comment and then you can leave one..


Have a great week.. Glenda

Finally Cut

A new look:
Well It finally happened.. I cut my hair and donate it to Locks of Love... Erkki and I went on a Disney Cruise during spring break and I just couldn't imagine trying to wash my hair in a tiny ship shower.. as it turned out the Disney ship had pretty spacious showers. We had alot of fun and it was picture perfect weather, and since Liisa just cut my braid off I sat in the beauty shop chair on the ship and got it all trimmed up even.. It is now a little below my shoulders ready to grow again.

Erkki:
See Erkki in the new Marlins commercial. If any of you watch baseball... check out the Marlins games and see Erkki in one of their commercials. He is the "kid who was at a game with his dad... not having fun at first and then talking and having fun"
I had to break down and buy cable so we could watch it ourselves...Humm... got a hair cut and subscribed to cable...all in one month..

Dogs:
Linkin had a sore neck last Saturday, and was supposed to be on "crate rest". We were babysitting Liisa's dog, Sunny, and they all started running around,, Lilly nipped at Linkin.. So back we went to the emergency room for Linkin to get his 6th set of stitches/staples.. He loves the Holidays..Christmas Day, Easter, and late nights...and the emergency room loves us..I think I need to learn how to use that staple gun...

Crystal Creations:
We are getting lots of new classes ready for the summer.. this is the time to start thinking about your holiday gifts. Make jewelry, key chains, eye glass holders, bracelets, rings, beaded ornaments etc...You can make something for everyone on your list. How about taking some classes with your work friends!

If you love lampwork beads we are getting some new shipments in from Nancy Toby. The new metal findings, and chains that just arrived are really cool in Antique Brass, bronze, copper and black metal.. FUN!

Well I Hope everyone has a great weekend.. We have a guest teacher Shelly Nybakke
I am really looking forward to some beading fun! Take care

I can't believe it's the end of March

Ugh.... Well I will try again... It only took me 20 minutes to remember my password Well, what has been going on... I forgot to go to Tuscon.. Really.. I was so proud of myself for being really prepared with badges, and hotel... and everything scheduled.. (except we forgot to put it in the datebook)
I keep thinking that it was getting close to the time to go and when I finally sat down to book my flight I realized that I was supposed to leave in 3 days..Well since we didn't write it in the datebook I was booked with classes and my son had 3 performances that I didn't want to miss.. So I didn't go. However I called all the guys I usually see and some new ones... told my story and of course they all sent me stuff... their best most interesting new stuff.... It's like Christmas every time I open a new box.. so be sure to stop in and see all the new lampwork, stone beads, metal findings (in 4 different metals, like copper, brass, bronze and black) Glass beads, new crystal colors, and tons of new clasps, pendants are on their way and of course we got all the new permanent finish seed beads. Lots and lots of new items!

We have added several new classes Golden Nepal, Vivian's slide, Champagne Bubbles, and Kumihimo Fibers. We have also put several kits up on the web site for all the out of town folks. Today we got an order from Thailand and Sweden.

I have been experimenting with the computer pattern program "Beater's Canvas", It is really amazing. You can take any photo and turn it into a pattern, (peyote, brick, loom, right angle weave, etc) and it will give you all of the bead colors..and step by step graphs. Even more fun is picking out small areas of the photo and getting a tile pattern..

I am getting ready to donate my hair.. probably within this week.. time to let it go..

Thank you for coming in, sharing with us and showing us the creative work you've been doing, and for allowing us to serve you. Have a great week! Glenda

New Year New Year!

Hope everyone had a happy holiday season. I was going to go to Chicago but it was too cold and snowy... so instead we spent the time just doing things around town and inventory. The computer system was supposed to make it easier.. I am not convinced of that yet. I believe in one of my last blogs I said my whole life was beads.. well I have since discovered that I am really a taxi driver in disguise. I drive my son to Guys and Dolls rehersal 3x's a week... It's really 2 guys and all the rest dolls.. Erkki is Sky Masterson. The performance is at the JCC on Feb. 5th, 6th, and 8th...they really need to spread the word so lets get some peoplefor the audience. I also recently spend the day at the South Florida fair with Erkki and his 2 friends who created the band NAFF.. and they won (tied) First place at the "battle of the bands" Pretty interesting since he just started playing the drums about 4 months ago.. The performance was great and there is a video of it on his facebook page. He has an interniship with the Palm Beach Opera, so we go there sometimes 2-3 times a week. And he was doing 3 performances for the district thespian competition. One "Dirt" was a large group musical that he was in and directed, it won a superior, and then he was in a pantomine and a small group musical, the pantomine won critics Choice (the best) so they will perform it at the State Competition. So we had rehersals for that a couple times a week.. Then we squeezed in voice lessons, dance lessons, and acting lessons, oh and a gala at the Maltz theater in Jupiter. I really have to say that we had a couple of very hairy weeks. During this time though I was able to get my new class "Golden Nepal" up and running.. and Liisa, my daughter came up with some very atsounding new classes and samples.. The latest "Broque Movement" is really beautiful. I am looking forward to a very fun and creative year and hope you are also. take care, glenda