The Savvy Crafter

Blueberry Fields Forever...

Things aren't slowing down around here.  Thankfully so because it makes the days go so fast.  I was supposed to get on a plane Monday back to China to visit Butch, but I decided to postpone.  Work is busy and I wasn't ready to leave Rocker.  On the other hand, it was a little sad because I miss hubs terribly.  Speaking of hubs, I didn't mean to go this long between posts, but I had some billing issues with Typepad saying my address didn't match the card on file.  Hmmmm?  After three days of trying to solve the mystery with emails to Typepad and phone calls to the bank, Butch called this morning and asked what I was doing.  I said, "being frustrated with our bank or Typepad or both." I explained the situation and then he said, "oh, I changed the address awhile back on-line."  Ah ha!  I'm glad I finally mentioned it to him.  Isn't it weird the telephone banker didn't have that in her records though? 

I promise, I'm going somewhere with this blueberry theme.  Things are coming along on my book.  I am so excited and nervous about this it.  Tomorrow, I'm shipping a box of my hand collected treasures down for the photo shoot.  It's neat to have the opportunity to add another personal element to the book besides the projects.

The past three weekends Grandpa and I have made our way to the Farmer's market.  I truly look forward to it every week.  The one thing I cannot leave behind is blueberries.  Lately I've been freezing them and eating them like popcorn.  So yummy.  Last weekend I made a batch of muffins to take to some folks, and that was fun.  I've missed doing that while living in China and I've got a lot of catching up to do.  You know, nothing says lovin' like fresh muffins straight from the oven...or so I've heard.

-Grandma's Summer Blueberry Muffins-

The thing I love about these muffins are A: they're grandma's homemade blueberry muffins and B: they are not ultra sweet, but more of a delicate sweet...like not steroid sweet.  Know what I'm sayin?

Makes 2 Dozen, Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees

Sift together: 3 C. flour, 1 C. sugar, 4 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp salt

Mix in: 1/2 C. shortening, 2 eggs, 1 C. milk

Gently fold in: 2 C. blueberries

Fill muffin cups at least 1/2 to 3/4 full and sprinkle with a bit of sugar.  Bake 20-25 minutes.

Yum.  That's all I can say.  Obviously because once those babies were pulled from the oven I was eating them...forgot all about taking a picture of a cute little muffin on a summery napkin like I'd planned. Ha! Next time.  Maybe.  ;-) 

The Birds...

 

Birds and Beads...and that's about it.  I rented Alfred Hitchcock's, The Birds this past week.  I've seen it a thousand times, so it's a good movie to have on while I'm working.  I've been switching back and forth between the radio and movies---anything framiliar is fine by me.  Feverishly wrapping up secret projects, so it doesn't leave much to show you.  Someday it will all be out in print and then I can show you.  Surprises are good, but the wait is long!  I have a lot of work to do this weekend, but the big Herb Fest along the Wabash river is going on and then there's a putt putt tournament I've been debating about doing.  I haven't played putt putt since, oh I don't know, 87'? down in Florida (the land of super duper putt putt golf course awesomenesses).  Hmmm.  Decisions.  I'm feeling behind on so much, I think it will be good to hang in down here at the old nest.  

Here are a few links from the Bead Bloggers too!

Katie's Beading Blog
Back to school already? Make summer last a little longer with this fun, jangly necklace from the August issue of Simply Beads.

Carter Seibels for Divali Glass Jewelry
Who says the grass is always greener on the other side? Stop by Carter's blog for a sneak peek at her green and grassy new bead display.

Jewelry & Beading
Wendy Van Camp has written a wonderful tutorial for J&B on how to make adorable earrings!

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Jennifer shows off her very loved tools

Strands of Beads
Melissa cracks some geodes to add to her jewelry making stash.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Looking at some of my fave suppliers

BeadStyle Magazine
New video interview at BeadStyleMag.com: Meet Melissa Cable whose necklace is featured in the September 2008 issue.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy's collected a load of links featuring jewelry related news and events around the web.

Iron-on Love...

Iron-ons.  It's just been in the last year that I've used iron-ons.  Boy, do they fit the instant craftification bill!  I love them!  These particular iron-ons are from the Plaid Make and Take that we did in the afternoon at CHA.  It's a whole line called, "Me and My Peeps!"  They're so new, I can't find a link with the whole line to show you!  CHA Show goers could pick out their whole family including pets and make a t-shirt.  From Mom and Dad with one kid, to brides and grooms, to the Brady Bunch...they were all adorable. 

These are the two shirts I did for my demos.  Mixed media lover that I am, I had to add some chain with a needle and thread (Thank you Embassy Suites for the needle and thread).  If you try this, just be sure that the t-shirt dries pretty quickly after washing or else your chain might get rusty.  Simply, wash it on gentle inside out, and hang in front of a fan.  Done.  These little sweetie Peeps retail for 99 cents and are either in or coming to a major craft store near you.  They were a big hit at the show and a cute and cost friendly way to jazz up a plain T.

I'll Tumble For Ya...

This Children, is the most awesome tumbler in the world!  I'm not sure if my picture really captures that.  Perhaps, I should have added a "Zam!" or "Bam!" or something along with the burst.  Next time.   Anyway, if you do any sort of metal fabrication, you will not regret this purchase.  Flip the switch, walk away, come back in an hour, and Voila!  Polished silver pieces.  I've had this one for about five years and it's still going strong and I think it will for a very long time (knock on wood, of course!). 

RAYTECH ROTARY TUMBLER and I use stainless steel shot with it with a drop of dish soap and tumbling powder that I got from Rio Grande.

Ya, Ya, Ya CHA Rings...

I'm sitting here in the window on this glorious Sunday afternoon listening to a song I'm absolutely hooked on.  Ya Ya Ya by Kassin +2--check out their myspace page and listen to the song here.  With this festive music going, I thought it'd be fun to show you these cute cha-cha rings we did for the Make and Take at CHA in the Plaid booth. The resin charms are from their new FRESH line...that I'm also in love with.  I think I've mentioned that before but...we must savor the good stuff.  Speaking of good stuff, I photographed these on my Luaka Bop cd cover that my friend and fellow designer Fernando-licious gave me.  It's a sampler full of fabulous Brazillian pop including the band I just mentioned.  I've listened to this CD about 100 times this week---not one song to skip! Thank you Nando!

My Roomate...

Rocker.  Good ol' Rocker.  We wake up, go on a long walk and then this is his station allllll day.   He sleeps in his new pillow bed up on the couch.  And I am so envious sometimes.  He's been up clickity clacking around on the wood floors the past two nights.  Last night because I forgot to fill his dish to the brim with water.   The night before because I forgot to bring his food into the bedroom (both Butch's jobs).  And yes, we carry his food in and out from the kitchen to the bedroom nearly everyday.  He's a prince and we live to serve him.  LOL.  He's also a killer because he wakes me up and then I have a hard time falling back to sleep and it seems he can be sawing logs in 2 minutes flat.  Typical man, I guess. ;-)

Red Hot Flower for Ornament Thursday...

It's Ornament Thursday!  This month's theme is Red Hot.  I've never been much of a red hot candy fan.  My grandma always likes to stick a few on the valentine cookies---they look great, I just don't want to take any of those home ;-) LOL.  Red hot.  Today I was annealing some metal to a red hot---I didn't mean too, but I just sort of spaced out.  A Hot Red is one of my favorite colors.  And so my offering for this month is one of which I found in a box last week while looking for my old club wear pans in storage (also a red color).  It is a plexi flower with speaker cover and sterling riveted to the center (circa 2005).  You can buy plexi glass/plastic from plastic fabrication type places---they usually have some great scraps to pick through.  I use a jeweler's saw to saw it out and then sand it with water and wet/dry sand paper to polish.  The only negative is the plastic kind of stinks when it gets hot from the sawing.  But, I do love to saw plastic because it is soooo soft and easy.  With clouds over head, I don't believe it's going to be a red hot day here in Indiana. 

P.S. Love that black Polyester chain by Beadalon!

Moving onward...

Ah, routine...I missed you.  I've never been one for a hard core routine, but I do enjoy my daily rituals.  I need them, really.  The past month has been a roller coaster physically and emotionally so waking up with the same coffee cup these past couple of days has been soothing. 

So many things are familiar and not at the same time which makes things seem sort of surreal.  People are three years older, there are new businesses, and refurbished buildings, new drinks at the gas station even!  Weirdness.  That's the only word that comes to my mind.  I'm really amused at myself with the things I've been appreciating---like the tractor show down the street or the friendly stranger that asks, "taking the boss (Rocker) for a walk?" down on the river walk, driving my car, nice smelling dish soap, and being able to go to any internet site I want.  I took it all for granted and I never want to do that again---that's a tall order, but you know what I mean.

On another note, I wanted to show you these neat new "Fresh" resin charms by Plaid.  We used them at the make and take at CHA and people loved them.  I had a couple in my pocket at the show and when I was cruising by the Kandi-Cane people's booth I asked if they could stick a little crystal on one.  Voila--instant sparkle!  Looks really cute, I think, and boy is it stuck on there!  The silver "hope" charm is one I made awhile back using letter punch stamps on reticulated silver and liver of sulfur patina.  I hope you're all having a great day!

So long...

Just got home from taking Butch to the train station...he's off to China.  Needless to say, it's a little quiet around here, which I'm not really loving.  We spent the night in Chesterton, Indiana where the Dunes state park and train station for the South Shore to Chicago is.  It's a charming little area, if you ever get the chance to visit.  We walked the beach collecting and skipping rocks.  I love the feeling of soft sand between my toes!  I always forget that.  Our dog is in heaven by the way.  Then to top the day off, we hit the Port on the way to the hotel:

This is one of the best root beer stands we've ever been to.  We stuffed ourselves with favorites--cheeseburger, kraut dog, fried mushrooms and of course some root beer in a frosty mug.  All the while with bubbles blowing out the window and the girls playing fun songs on the juke box.  It was all pretty bitter sweet...  Safe travels home, my love.  I'll see you in a few weeks.

10 Years Later...

Well, the big reunion came and went last night.  As you can see from the picture, we didn't have any fun at all.  It was great to catch up.  I'm always a bit nervous at these sort of things, but everyone was so happy to see each other, the anxiety melted away (along with a couple drinks, LOL).  Thank you to our fab photographer classmate, Nicole Howard for taking the pictures.  And thanks everyone for coming!  See you all in 5 years!  XO, c

Oh.My.Gosh.

Hello!  Well.  Here we are!  Safe and sound!  I'm sooooo sorry for falling off the planet the last week.  Good gravy, we've been running around!  We made it into town Sunday afternoon.  It was crazy getting out of China with our dog.  We had to have two men escort us to the airport to make sure Rocker didn't touch Hong Kong soil.  We were then escorted onto the plane (United was fabulous btw) and we tucked Rocker down under the seat.  He was in his little Sherpa bag from 8:30am EST to 4:30pm EST!!!  And he didn't make one mess or a peep!  I was so proud of him.  I don't want to sound crazy, but it's like he "knew"--we all had to just suck it up and do it!  Then we made it to America and the quarentine people stamped our papers and we were free to leave.  Snap!  Just like that he's Chinese-American.  He still can't get over the idea of 'back yards' after living in our high rise apartment.  In the two days I had before leaving for CHA in Chicago, I rented an apartment, bought a car, and got a cell phone.  CHA was great!  Lots of neat people to tell you about.  The past two days I've been unpacking my suitcases.  Lots and lots of organizing (the absolute worse thing about moving).  Other than that, we've been enjoying walks on the river walk and getting settled back into America.  Life is sweet.  Lots of work to do, but it's great to be home!  Thank you everyone for all your positive thoughts and prayers for our safe trip home with Rocky.  It worked!  Hugs to you all!  Stay tuned for pictures of the tractor show going on down the street.  We were walking through the park looking at all these old machines---then Butch said, I wonder what our Chinese friends would think of all this.  A whole new perspective begins....

Count-down...

The hours are turning into minutes as I type!  Time is flying and before long our little family will be on a plane to America----and que Neil Diamond, Coming to America.  The movers came this morning and hauled off 39 boxes....of what I don't really know.  It's all a blur, I just know it seemed like every second box read "handcraft supplies."  I took a cute little picture of Rocker in front of all the boxes, I'll show you later.  Well, stuff to go in my suitcases is still scattered about, so I'm hopping to.  Just wanted to say, bye.  Can't wait to see you in the homeland!  XO, C

P.S. Image from Marie Claire- Idees'.  One of my favorite magazines--even though I can't read a word of it!

I love a good surprise...

A couple of days ago, I stopped and did a search for coffee machines.  I wanted to order it now, so it would be there for me when I got home.  I know I have a mountain of things to do before I leave Monday morning, but I'm a junkie and we need our fixes wherever and whenever.  The Senseo website came up in my search and although I'd never seen one, Adam Curry talked about his all the time on his pod-casting show (used to anyway and he may still) and he was in love with his.  As it turns out, Senseo is doing a promotion with survey.  I thought if you fill out the survey you might have a chance to be entered into a raffle to win a fancy schmancy coffee machine and goodies worth over $70 smackers.  If you win, they ask that you pay the $15 in shipping. Thinking I'm the luckiest person alive, I went for it.  I filled out the survey and little did I know that I simply just qualified to get one of their machines....for free!  Also being the realistic person that I am, I thought, no way!  That simple?  What's the catch?  Seriously.  They said it could take 4-6 weeks to get.  I didn't want to tell you kids before I actually knew if it was legit.  How many stories have you heard with those confusing scratch off lotto tickets---people think they've won, tell everyone they know in 10 minutes only to find out, no, indeed they didn't win.  Being the dweeb that I am, I called the hotline to ask: "is this for real?"  The chipper lady at Sarah Lee/Senseo confirmed.  I hung up the computer (this is how I call America) and thought, I'm a winner....in 4 to 6 weeks!  The next morning I got a tracking number for the Senseo via email, it's currently somewhere in Tennessee.  Lord, I felt and feel like the old man in A Christmas Story,  "it's a major award!!"  Free Senseo coffee at my house!  Give me a shout and I'll make you a cup....apparently the machine is very fast.  Does anyone have one?  At the end of the survey, they asked me for a list of emails of people who might like to do the survey---so here's the link to it.

Beads and Links...

I've been going through magazines, picking out which ones to take back with me.  I came across this yummy bunch of beads---I think they're from Italy.  I especially like the scrunchy one where the fabric has text on it.   Rocker is sitting next to me in his Sherpa bag here on the floor.  He's being so patient...anything for a treat is his motto at this point.  I heard yesterday that his paperwork is ready, so I have to go out and get it next.  Fingers crossed. 

About.com Jewelry Making
Bronze metal clay is one the way! This new medium is the talk of the metal clay community right now.

Art Bead Scene
Whooo is the star of this week's The Trendy Bead?

Barbe Saint John
Steampunk? Learn a little more about gears and brass.

BeadStyle Magazine
Cathy Jakicic talks about Tammy Powley's new book and her gracious gift of a free project download for the BeadStyle.com community.

Jewelry & Beading
Here's what to do with an ugly old elastic bracelet that never gets worn anymore!

Katie's Beading Blog
The Triple Take girls are at it again! Get a sneak peek at Katie's twinkle toes ballet flats for the August issue of Simply Beads.

Naughty Secretary Club
Jen gets asked to go see Loretta Lynn the First Lady of Country in concert and whips herself up the perfect accessory! Learn how to make your own mini cowgirl hat headband!

Savvy Crafter
Stars and Stripes Charm Bracelet! Happy Fourth everyone!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
I was so delighted with how my interview with the fantastic Melissa J. Lee turned out! Come see!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her favorite recycled tools.

All Buttoned Up...

How ironic that the project I'm about to show you is titled, "all buttoned up".  I WISH I had this move all buttoned up, lol.  Actually things are going along pretty well (knock on wood).  I'm making jewelry today and will continue packing tonight.  Katie dropped a line this morning to tell me a project of mine was on the Simply Beads Magazine website.  That was a nice surprise.  It's one of my favs...

All Buttoned Up
Design by Candie Cooper, copyright DRG 

"Combine pretty vintage or vintage-inspired fabrics and some beads to make charming buttons. Simply stitch them in place for a custom-made addition to purchased garments, purses and more. You can also snip the button shank from the back with wire cutters and replace with a tie-tack finding for a unique pin."

You can download the project here. 

Thank you for all the comments and emails of well wishes for our move home.  I can't imagine what this will be like going from a town of 9 million to 12,000, except for.....interesting. 

Rocky's comin' home....and so am I.

 

Well.  The day has come.  We've decided to move Rocker home to America.  This is something we've looked forward to ever since the day we adopted him, so we are glad to finally be executing.  We've been practicing for the plane ride with his Sherpa bag here and things are going pretty well.  Today we are going to see the health off!cials for a check up and more paper work.  There's a lot of stuff that has to be done to get a little dog over to America.  Special border crossing cars, vaccinations, certificates, carrying crates, diet plan for flight day.....I'm tellin' ya.  Don't think I haven't thought about tucking him into an over-sized purse, either.  So Rocky and me will be shacking up back in the States for awhile and Butchy will be here.  Now, the first thing most people wonder, when you hear about husband and wife living on opposite sides of the planet is: is everything ok between you two?  Yes, it is.  But, there are a couple of big reasons for me and Rock to come home now vs. later: 1.  Rocker needs a check up from a vet because he has a small spot on him that we and the vets back home are a little concerned about.  2.  Things in this country have gotten more than complicated with V!sas and a bunch of other stuff.  I'll be coming back to Ch!na a couple of times before the end of the year to see Butch and to go on some big trips we had planned.  It makes me think of that line from the movie "Dan in Real Life" where he talks about life and our plans and in the end, we should just "plan to be surprised." 

It would be a lie to tell you I'm not a little scared about this transition back to the States, especially with Butch still here.  But, in the same breath I'll tell you how thrilled and excited I am about....well, the list is too long.  Now Rocker on the other hand, is not so thrilled about this little box he has to hang out in for the 14 hour plane ride.  We've lured him with stories about the vast green fields of Indiana, ginormous pet stores filled with plush toys and treats, long walks down calm, hornless streets (he hates horns and loud trucks) and doggie parks.  He was interested, but not convinced.  No, the deal wasn't cinched until we told him Grandpa would be there....

We hop a plane one week from today (or Sunday at midnight EST).  Will you please keep us in your thoughts? In the mean time, I'll still be around working on my book projects, CHA stuff, packing....and training Rocker to love his box.  Will I miss this place?  Yes, we've lived here nearly 3 years so I've grown fond of a few things....like cheap beads!  But, I'm ready to be closer to my family and get to know my hilarious 4 year old nephew.  Thank you for reading this blog and checking in on us.  I'm just so thankful for the support and friendships I've made through this and staying connected with you all.  XOXO, Candie  

Fourth of July Charm Bracelet...

Happy Fourth of July!  How about a Stars and Stripes charm bracelet?  Quick to make, this piece makes a real "bang" (sorry couldn't resist) on your wrist!  You need:

• Star or patriotic charms
• Glass discs and loops (Links by Plaid Enterprises, find em' at Michaels)
• Super big jump rings (also by Plaid @ Michaels)
• Bracelet

See photos for connections---trust me, it's easy peasy, kiddies! 

  

Check out Katie's blog for another super star Fourth of July jewelry project!

Now run off and light a sparkler for me---I still like to write my name when I get my hands on one.  Love that hissing crackling noise lit sparklers make too.  Be safe and have a happy day----take it from me who lives in a c()mmun!st country, Independence is a fabulous thing!

Cinna-Love

Clone of a Cinnabon is the start to this story...  I don't know if you can tell, but we're a little deprived on the dessert front over here.  No cupcake bakeries, Amish bakeries (like near our old house back home) or even Cinnabon's in the mall.  We got nothin'!  I've been hungry for a cinnabon, so when I found this, I immediately sent it over to my friend with a note:  "do you want to make these?".  2 minutes later I got a response:  "Oh, yes! Oh,yes! Oh, yes!"  We're dangerous together, I said.

Kris, the neighborhood knitting teacher came over to pitch in and she ended up rolling out the dough and showing me this neat string trick.  We used thin fishing line or nylon filament.  Now, that's a good thing!

Love those spirals! 

 

Cream cheese frosting on golden brown cinnamon buns.....Sinful!  The best part of a cinnabon is the middle, don'tcha think? Super gooey, soft and still very warm.  Yes, yes, we enjoyed those very much.  And did you know the Cinnabon people have a whole list of recipe ideas for how to use their buns....as if they weren't fabulous enough on their own?!?!  Hope you're all gearing up for a fun weekend!  Happy Fourth!

Layers and Links...

 The other night I was a little trigger happy with my camera, snapping pictures of this and that, including my stack of bracelets on my wrist from the night.  I really like wearing my jewelry in layers, pins, necklaces, and bracelets, mmm-hem, and now big rings (one on my index and one on my ring finger).  I only have single pierced ears, but lots of folks look great wearing their earrings stacked up.  If you choose this route of layering your gems, I warn you now, it takes work to assemble the combos.  Give yourself an extra 5 to make it happen in the morning!  And now for some links...

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses beautiful presentation boxes made from origami.

Katie's Beading Blog
Multiple strand necklaces are always in style. Read Katie's blog for tips.

Jewelry & Beading
Just having returned from Italy, Cyndi was inspired by all the suppliers of beautiful Murano beads.

Linda at BeadStyle Magazine
Linda created a necklace for the Ornament Thursday blog group and wanted to share it with everyone!

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Eye Candy, a few new designs from Jennifer Jangles

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie reflects and gives thanks to everyone who helped her out at the Bead & Button Show

Art Bead Scene
Polyester Makes a Comeback in a surprising new way!

About.com Jewelry Making
Think outside the jewelry box and consider other crafting techniques for making jewelry! Crochet is just one example.

Snap out of it , Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean interviews the fabulous Margot Potter for Art Bead Scene!

Savvy Crafter
Rockin' Riveted Ring over on Candie's blog!

 

In case you forgot what we looked like.  I was making photo charms this week and messing around with photoshop tinting.  No idea what I'm doing, but I'm having fun with it.

P.S.  Sometimes I get asked where to buy good metalworking tools, this is one site I really like and they have a nice newsletter with tips too---Contenti.  Rio Grande is also a good option.

Egg Foo Yung!

  

Is it me or does this look like a picture of fake food in the window of an asian style restaurant?  Kinda plasticy.  Oh, well, it's what's for lunch today.  We sliced, we diced, we chopped til' we dropped to make this dish.  Lemme tell you it was all worth it!  We didn't have any meat so it was vegetarian...which we are not, but the delivery boy didn't bring our groceries because it started raining.  No regrets on the meat front though---it was awesome!  Definitely, a sprinkling of green onions on top would add to the aesthetics.  Next time.  I only know Egg Foo Yung from the Chinese restaurants back home---my mom often ordered it, but I was never that excited about it.  Sweet and sour pork, now that's another story.  Funny enough, I've not seen Egg Foo Yung on the menus here so it was a good treat on this rainy gloomy day. 

I hope you're all having a nice weekend!  Here's a link to the recipe.

Retail therapy...

I needed a little retail therapy today---a project was going south and I needed to take a few steps back and think, so I decided to check out Urban Outfitters.  I hadn't been on their site in 2 1/2 years when I bought my brown knee high boots.;..which I still love.  While working on my projects, I've had a lot of time to think.  Wondering about the future and what life will be like when we move home to the States.  Impossible to know everything, but I do know I love funky retro digs.  So many fun things in storage await that I thrifted---probably a lot I've forgotten about!  I immediately fell in love with these bowls that fit the bill, so I snagged them.

They are made from recycled melamine and are very similar to the old ones.  The other thing I'm pretty sure I'll be doing when I get home is baking so I really did need these.......after all, girl's been deprived of a real oven for 2 1/2 years.  Where's the muffin mix already!?!?! 

Write now!

Design Doma has some really cool journals.  Check out their website-click on a journal to see the different pages each one has like this...

I admit, I haven't written a thing in mine because I'm worried about ruining a page.  Dumb.  Use it already, right?  There will be more journals.  And it's possible I might savor the pages even more if there were thoughts and idea scrawls on them. 

There's a typhoon going on right now...actually started in the middle of the night and still going strong.  I'm working in my little room, listening to the wind howl.  Almost finished with a necklace, so I better get back to it...but I wanted to say hello to you folks!  See you then!

Still in disbelief on this...

 

Scary stuff you guys....  We've got to pull together on this. 

Thanks to Brenda Pinnick for making this poster.  You can download it from her blog here. 

Rockin' Ring and Links...

I've been hitting the metal hard the past few months making projects for my new book, but I've not shown you kids a thing.  I like to keep them in my (and my editor's) pocket so it's a big surprise when the book comes out.  But, yesterday, I had to take a moment and stop to play.  It all started when I had to cut up this necklace...

 

I wasn't ready to, but it had to be done.  You know, for the love of the craft.  I cut up a lot of stuff because it's not easy to get on the horn and have some beads sent over here....NOW.  Anywho, I was looking at these beads and one had a pretty big hole---(I think they are from Riverstone Bead company btw).  I stuck a piece of copper tubing in the hole and riveted it.  I love to rivet!  Then I had this ring shank that I'd made awhile back for my felt ball rings (show you those wacky things another time).  Stuck the rock on that thing and riveted in place.  Voila.  Rockin' Ring....and a weapon perhaps. 

 

Speaking of rockin' rings, check out Carmi's big ring she just made.  Carmi, you should totally send this idea into Photojojo. I think they would like it a lot!  ;-)

Strands of Beads
Melissa takes at look at Chinese character name stamps from a crafty point of view.

Savvy Crafter
Candie's definitely been inspired by her Asian adventures---see a Fan-tastic necklace and some fabric she plans to make into a kimono shirt.

Naughty Secretary Club
Get all caught up on the latest office gossip with the Naughty Secretary Club Newsletter.

Katie's Beading Blog
Check out Katie's new video clip from the public television show Beads, Baubles & Jewels!

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Want to know where to buy ceramic supplies? Check out Jennifer's Blog.

BeadStyle Magazine
BeadStyle Senior Editor Naomi talks where her great finds from the Bead&Button Show will turn up next.

Barbe Saint John's Blog
Tool Love-How many pairs of wire cutters can one girl own, and whats the difference between them?

Art Bead Scene
Ahoy Mateys! Cap'n Heather Powers sails us to a new ABS Feature - The Trendy Bead! This week's trend is nautical - no swabbin' the deck required!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy hearts jewelry making! Find a load of heart-themed jewelry projects along with a free e-course designed around the theme of love.

Fan-atic for Fabric...

It's that time again....thinking about what clothes to take home in July.  That sounds obsessive, but the thing is our washer only has one water line running to it and that's hard cold water.  We have no dryer so we hang dry everything (this is all normal here because of the energy it takes to heat water and run a dryer for 1.3 bil people) so you can imagine how "great" our clothes look after six months all crunchy and gray.  This is a con to apartment living in Ch!na, but the upside is you can buy fabric and have clothes tailor made for a pretty low cost. 

I'm working again for Plaid at the Craft and Hobby Association convention doing the jewelry make and take.  Yay!!  I always wear Asian style clothing because I love the styles and cuts...or should I say silhouette like they do on Project Runway.  This snazzy red and white fabric number will be transformed into something kimono-esque.  I've got a whole stack of fabric to take to the tailor.  It's sort of nerve racking because there is no guarantee that the fabric you love will look good in what you want to have made---this is something I take for granted when shopping for clothing back home.  Thank you fashion designers!  Boy, I've had some doozies over the last few years where the clothes just don't look right.  The agony and excitement of scissors and beautiful fabric, I tell ya.

And then of course you need some jewelry to match.  The fan necklace is one of the pieces I made to wear at the show in February featuring Plaid's new Connect line--glass links and beads in fabulous colors.  You can pick your own links up at Michaels.  I glued the silver fan to the square link and added a string of seed beads to tie it on at the top with nylon cord.  The clasp is from Beadalon. I wear this piece all the time and get tons of compliments and it was SO EASY to make!  Somehow that makes the compliments sweeter. Maybe I'll take a picture of all my fabric and show you some before and after shots.... that could be fun.

Open...Sesame.

Yesterday, I was inspired by this little number I put on the dress form.  Is it nerdy that I put stuff on a form to see how it looks together or just to look at?  Love that ruffley net shirt I got for 5.99 on the clearance rack.  The necklace I bought up in pearl town in Suzhou for $3---pleasantly simple with romantic textures and colors.  BUT!  I've had it for 2 years and forgot to wear it!  Oh, brother!!  Sadly, today it has to take one for the team because I need more pearl beaded beads so I'll disassemble it.  Bummer, but what's a girl gonna do?  Take a picture and try to replace it later.....

Ornamentea has some beautiful ribbon in lots of colors---it's called organza (I think.)  Fire Mt.Gems has the pearl beaded beads last I checked.  So, I guess it's safe to start chopping it to pieces.  :-(  I don't know why I'm feeling bad.  I did not wear it once.

Squeezed in a yummy lunch yesterday---yes, that's my kitchen table right now covered in beads and pliers.  I'm working on my book projects in all corners of the apartment at the moment. The lunch was super good and easy to make.  It's peanut sesame noodles from this website.  Just spicy enough with lots of flavor....Mmmmm.  This website has some nice and authentic recipes if you like Ch!nese cooking.  Today I'm making braised tofu.  Tofu:  my new best friend.

Tutti, Fruitti, and Rutie

Here's a little fetish of mine.... Nut Bugs!  Have you ever seen them?  They are so cute with their wiggly legs.  I got my first one as a kid when my grandma had them in her store.  These are from Suzhou and I was thrilled to snatch them up.

I've found more than a bug or two in my fruits and veg here because the produce is picked and put on the shelves, mud and all.  The other day I was cleaning some celery and there was a little red-worm taking a snooze down in the valley of the stalk.  Then there was the time I got a gnat infested head of broccoli and didn't realize it until I saw around 30 gnats floating on the surface of my beautiful soup.  I can laugh about that one now, but at the time....well, you can imagine. 

Really enjoyed this post over at Claire's blog today---I just pretend I can read French, picking out words that sort of look familiar.  The button and twirly wire brooch is magical.

Links and Toffee...

The other day, my friend made a "something, something pie."  Well, that's the way I understood it---she's from London and sometimes (when I haven't had enough coffee), I cannot understand a word she says.  She said the name of the pie about four times before I thought to look at the recipe.  "Ohhhhhhhhh, Banoffee pie," I said.  "Why, what'd you think I said."  "I have no idea, but I'm looking forward to it."  We've had so many of these moments where I'm in the dark and then realization comes and we bust out laughing.  Apparently this is more of an English dessert and her recipe was from the Nestle UK website.  After tasting it, it all made sense; Banana + Toffee, naturally equals "Banoffee".  And boy, was it was lovely! Especially with those ginormous chocolate twirls she thought to put on top.

Bead Blogger Links....

About.com Jewelry Making
Learn to wire wrap your beads and add an extra little something to your jewelry designs.

Art Bead Scene
Wondering what's "in?" Trek on over to ABS to check out the trends!

BeadStyle Magazine
What did Cathy see and do at the Bead&Button show? Read about it and let us know what you bought there.

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Things are growing around here...

Katie's Beading Blog
Take a peek inside Katie's shopping bag!

Naughty Secretary Club
Brand new website, but no sales? Jen helps out a friend by bestowing a bit of the knowledge she has picked up from running her jewelry website Naughty Secretary Club as her full time job for over 5 years.

Savvy Crafter
You've made all that fabulous jewelry, now where to put it?!?! Candie shows a tree-mendous solution!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beadng to be done!
Jean saw a dragonfly striking a pose and made a necklace in its honor!

Strands of Beads
Melissa visits the New York branch of Japanese bead store Toho Shoji.

I have to say, someday, I may have to make the toffee layer and put it on some vanilla bean ice cream.  I tasted it while it was still hot in the pot---Oh Momma!  Could be the perfect hot summer night treat!

Tree-mendous Jewelry Holder...

You can probably imagine how many pieces of jewelry I own.  It's a lot.  You too?  It oozes out of boxes and drawers, I tell ya.  This is one of my storage solution pieces I keep on my night stand.

It's an ever-growing tree that blossoms rings, necklaces, bangles and more.  Confession: I have 3.  One is out in the living room with ornaments and things, the other one I inherited from my pal that moved and it holds my BIG rings collection.  You can pick these dandy things up at Ikea for around $5 dollars I think.

This tree has a potpourri of pieces on it...  I've been collecting jewelry ever since I was in middle school, digging through my grandma's attic and my mom's old stuff.  Then there are a few pieces from my older sister from the 80s.  Yesssss.  But, what I wouldn't do for a slinky bracelet!  Remember those?  They weren't very durable, but they looked cool.  There are also necklaces made by my friends on here.  Anyway, it's another way to have keepsakes out, surrounding yourself with memories of those favorite people and times----which I love.....

Doin' the Mango Shuffle...

I've been curious about mango chutney ever since I tried some at the Indian restaurant.  Mangos are IN season here, so yesterday afternoon, my friends and I gave this recipe a go. 

After a lot of measuring, we got the pot going and discovered we were 7 cups shy on mangos---took 16 cups total!!  So I scurried down to the store and bought 10 more pounds and ended up adding all of them except 2.  2!  I wish you could have seen them all. This is our friendly, emergency mango chopping assembly line.  The recipe makes 240 servings by the way, but I think it was even more after we made it.

Everything simmering away here...bubbling in all it's glory.  I learned a lot yesterday, but the most valuable lesson is this:  It's not a good idea to stand over a pot stirring constantly with 5 chilies in it, taking the vapors in all the while.  911!  My nose was on fire.  My face was on fire.  Not to mention, I got chili oil under my thumb nail from chopping.  Though they are so small and cute and I love the color of them, chilies can be kind of vicious.  But, I'm pretty sure breathing in those spicy vapors warded off that sinus infection that's been lurking.

Now don't these jars look perfect and tidy, like we made just the right quantity to fill each one.  Ha! Yeah right! We had chutney coming out our ears!  Totally unprepared for this, we scrambled to find more jars and tubs---not a drop went to waste.  Does anyone want some?  I've got a load of it in the fridge and it is Yummy!