Beading 101

I've admitted in my Humor blog that I've been away playing. Grace wanted to take a little introductory two hour beading class. I thought that sounded like fun and decided to do it too. Daughter I-Needa has been making earrings and necklaces for awhile. I just thought it would be fun to learn a little something about making jewelry. With two whole hours under my belt, I can hardly envision myself as capable of this new craft. It was fun, and I did come away with a few new tools and a thought that I'd try it again.

So... this is the bracelet I made. Ta da! I did look at lots of beautiful stones, many that I really liked. I didn't always like the prices that went with the stones. Grade A stones can be a bit pricey, especially when you start getting enough together to make a necklace. I think I'll stick to my stamping addiction for now, but will make a little something once in awhile with my new tools.

More of Grace's Art

I published an interview with Grace about her art on my Humor and Doings site. I wanted to add more pictures and just moved over to my crafting blog to share. I think Grace has such a talent. It is something that she has just learned by herself. She just picked up pen and ink and started sketching on a sketch pad. Then someone gave her a gourd and she started working on that. She has read books and playing around with her talent, doodling she calls it. I know there is lots more doodling in her future.

Grace does her art to be doing it. It is for fun. I think the artist in her just must doodle. Only in the last year or so has she realized that her art is of value to others as well. She had to be pushed gently and prodded into timidly taking her art to a designer. The designer saw what I did and is selling her work. Grace always seems to be amazed when someone buys her art. I think that is humility coming out in Grace.

Well, I like it, and I just wanted to put some on my blog for you to see. I realize the photography isn't the best in the world. I'm not professional. I just went armed with my little point and shoot camera and did the best I could. I think Grace's art stands on its own, photography wonder or not.

How'd They Do That?

It always amazes me when something totally unexpected happens on the Internet. I have one little line under 'A Little Bit of Happiness' about using a quilling strip. Today I was graced by someone posting a comment there. They included an address to their website. I, of course, visited and was amazed at the beautiful work of quilling. I will admit that I had no idea what quilling was when I pulled the quilling strips off the shelves at Hobby Lobby. I just thought they might be useful on cards.

The lady who left a comment has been quilling for over thirty years. A visit to her site will show you how involved she is in this art. I'm including a link here as think it would be well worth the time to head on over and take a look for yourself. After arriving at her site index page, just scroll down and click on the words 'gallery pictures'. Prepare to be amazed. I especially loved the beautiful embellishments to her photo frames.

Head on over to Whimsiquills
You may wonder too..... How'd they do that?
Perhaps I should add a warning. Looking might be dangerous to your addiction.