Our second EBEG (Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild) challenge theme is Filigree. I'm presently working on my beadwork, but I'll give you taste by showing my sterling silver plated metal stampings and filigree beads that I'm using.

Hello there! Sorry I haven't posted for awhile. I kept getting an error message. I finally figured it out! I have to log in using internet explorer and not directly. Dah! Who would of known?!? Well, I'll try to bring this up-to-date briefly.

Our first challenge theme for my Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild was "Winter Wonderland", and I finished late, but I'm so happy that I did finish. I didn't think about it at the time but this necklace would make a beautiful winter wedding statement bib necklace too. It's SO pretty. And I hope you like it too. The title is "Snow Angel".

The Legend of the Snow Angel

With the first fallen snow,
the snow Angel's arrive.
Down on a cloud, they will glide.
Their gentle touch in the fluffy snow
leaves an impression, so all will know.
Touched by an Angel is the snow.
by D.M. Baribault

I finally finished one of my projects that was supposed to be done for Christmas to share with my loved one's. I made 13 papier mache Santa's. First time I attempted this craft, and I really enjoyed it. It was so much fun making each mold, trimming the mold or remolding missing parts, hand-painting each piece, and applying the final gel glaze to protect the paint. However, the MOST fun was the crystal glitter!!! Love sparkly bling! Hope you enjoy the pictures. I've also included a photograph of our favorite life-size Santa who's always with us during the holiday's.

In 2011, I made all my granddaughter's (except for one) handmade crochet dresses for their birthday's. Here's a picture of Phoenix and Presley modeling their new dresses.

Many things have occurred since I last posted. Lulu has doubled in size in just a little over a month's time. She was 25 lbs. when we got her on Halloween. Lulu now weighs nearly 50 lbs! Can you believe it? I wasn't aware that Berner puppies grow so fast. Our blended family Christmas was great! It was such a joy to be with my granddaughters once again!!!! I missed them so much! What a blessing they are. It just doesn't seem like Christmas without children around. We had such a fabulous time seeing our grown children and their families. The new identical twin granddaughters (born August 27th) are just darling! Our berner puppy, Lulu, was born on August 23rd. Our 2 year old granddaughter, Bristolyn, bent over and gave Lulu a big kiss! So cute!!!! But too fast for grandma to capture with her camera. Earlier I spotted Bristolyn with one of my favorite porcelain dolls. She was rocking the baby back and forth and giving it kisses. Bristolyn, that girl is a lover already at two!!! Creatively, I was (and am still) working on a project that was to be finished by Christmas. Unfortunately, it didn't happen due to time constraints after being away from home for 6-1/2 months. Oh well, with time and patience all matters come about in their own sweet time.

One of the ladies in our Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild has made a gorgeous handbag. Beadsmith provided the clasp if she would make the accessory. Drop-dead gorgeous.

There's No Place Like Home

Presently, we travel about 6 to 7 months out of the year. I love seeing new places, especially along the coastlines. We just returned home a few days ago, and I'm so happy to be home. Home at last! But now my home is a mess. ha! Stacks and stacks of stuff to put away. But......ask me about my bed!?! I was longing for my bed for many, many months. The most comfortable ever! Ahhh....it's nice to be back. THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
I'm a bead embroidery jewelry designer, and I've been doing everything else BUT hand stitching! I need to be beading for my Etsy challenge. Perhaps the mess will have to wait. I'll try to post a pic of some of the places we travel. Hope you enjoy.