The Savvy Crafter

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!

Birthday Boat Ride...

 

 

It was a good birthday---thank you for all the sweet wishes.  After I did some bead shopping for my book projects in Hong Kong, Butch and I met up for a little shopping.  Then we were sitting next to the water, taking a rest and saw this really cool mysterious boat pull up----the one that looks like a pirate ship.  As it turns out, you could take a spin on it.  And so we did.  Who can resist a boat that looks like the Black Pearl?!? 

The boat had very comfy seats and served drinks.  The only thing missing was Johnny Depp.  By the time the ride was over, we were so relaxed we didn't know what to do with ourselves.  Love it when that happens.  So we headed up to the Intercontinental for an early dinner and watched the sun set on the harbor.  It was a great day.

P.S. Like the first picture?  Make your own with this very cool photo time machine that I stumbled upon today.  Careful, it's addicting.

Swan Link(s)....

I awoke to an email with this picture from my parent's neighbor John.  Thank You John!  My parents live just two houses down and every year these swans come around daily, knocking on cottage doors for bread.  Ok, they don't have to knock.  Are there one or two swan families this year, John?  We usually have a North and South clan...rivals, of course.  We've seen a few gang fights take place out on the middle of the lake too, staking territory.  Oh, I could go for a cup of coffee on Mom and Dad's deck this morning.  We've solved more than a few of the world's troubles looking at that lake and those trees over there....missing you guys today.

About.com Jewelry Making
Wire is a great medium for jewelry making, and with this new DVD review you can findout how you can turn straight wire into super cool bangle bracelets.

Art Bead Scene
Obessing over details leads Cindy Gimbrone to revise her MF Bird. No, she's not frustrated she means Modern Folk Bird.

Jennifer Jangles Blog
See the first ceramic beads Jennifer made.

Jewelry & Beading
What to do with those odd-shaped treasures you pick up on vacation this summer!

Katie's Beading Blog
Feeling the economic pinch in your purse? There are plenty of ways to make cool jewelry with stuff you already have.

Naughty Secretary Club
So many social networking web sites and so little time. Find out how Jen utilizes websites like My Space, Indie Public, Twitter and more to help promote her jewelry business Naughty Secretary Club and spread the crafty gospel.

PearlEsq.
Check out what blingy wonders Robin's been beading while recovering from her knee surgery!

Savvy Crafter
Need a card for your favorite beader? Candie may have just the thing!

Snap out of it Jean! There's beading to be done!
Margot will be posting in a cool crafting group but still visiting here. When I get the url, I will post it for that group. Until then, check out this repost of her fantastic pocketbook which I adore and treasure she made me!

I'm here...

Hey peeps!  Thanks for all the nice messages about the kids' projects.  Their enthusiasm really showed through in the pendants.  There have been a wind fall of random happenings around here.  It's been crazy----toilet troubles, Rocker's vaccination drama, fixing said toilet (I only wish I had enough nerve to show you the plunger I had to buy.  Seriously.  It looked more like an Oscar award than a plunger.), trip to the bead market, and spending every other waking moment back in my little work room.  Rocker is nudging his way under my arm as I type this----he's been pretty dramatic ever since he got his shots Saturday night.  Boy, he can lay it on thick with those puppy dog eyes!!!  Speaking of, it's time to take him down for "last call."  He's got his head on my keyboard now letting me know he's ready.  Ok, Rocker, ol' boy.  Such a doll.  Here's a picture of my new best friend from the bead market yesterday.  I hope you're all having a great day.  I'm off for some zzzzzzS.

Hey...

It's Friday! I still have so many Kathmandu pictures to share and this is one of them.  There are lots of closet like shops lining the alleyways of the city.  This lady was the greeter in front of a fabric shop.  I have to say, sometimes I felt like I also needed a helmet walking down the streets of Kathmandu with all the crazy bikes and motorcycles. So fun. 

Speaking of fun, yesterday a friend texted me, frustrated about somthing and she said "quick, tell me something funny."  It was right when Butch and I were leaving for the gas station (which is only a convenient store that I call a gas station for old times sake) to get a diet coke.  Just a second later, Butch (whose real name is Gary) scoops Rocker up under his arm as he tells him to "get on the bus."  I bust out laughing at the thought of Gary being the bus and Rocker being on it.  Sometimes the Chinese call him Jerry....and so do I.

FYI:  Artgirlz just hopped on the myspace bus and they need some friends.   As of now, they have me and Tom.  I think I forgot to tell you I have a myspace page.  Let's be friends over there too!

Ornament Thursday-Get Lucky!

It's that time again~Ornament Thursday is here.  This month's project was inspired by some little four leaf clover and plastic disc charms I found in Hong Kong.  Lucky is the theme.  Luck.  Get Lucky.  Lucky Charms.  Good Luck.  Just My Luck.  Bad Luck.  Luck Be A Lady. Wish Me Luck.  ...For Good Luck (i.e. a Rabbit's Foot).  Lucky Duck.  Did I miss one?  Leave a comment.  I've always thought of myself as lucky.  I know studies have been done on people who think they're lucky vs. not.  Who knows?!?  I'm also superstitious.

I took a crafty break today and whipped up these earrings.  Yes, I said a crafty break from crafting.  I decoupaged the top layer of the printed napkin to the back with Mod Podge.  Wahhooooo!  I loved the texture that came through.  Lucky I found that cool napkin in my paper stash!

I recommend renting Darby O'Gill and the Little People to watch while you make your earrings.  Although, I warn you that song they sing will be in your head for the rest of your life. 

To celebrate St. Patty's I propose we do a Lucky Charms give-away.  Ok?  Good.  Leave a comment by Monday, March 3rd @ Noon EST.  Here's the charms you'll win...BE Lucky!

Check out some other Lucky OT bloggers....

Art Bead Scene
Lucky ABS! We're part 2 of Lucky Knots!
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/02/lucky-knots.html

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Luck is knotted up in Part 1 of this tutorial                                                                         http://lampworkdiva.blogspot.com/2008/02/knot-with-cindy-finish-with-abs.html

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie is inspired by a lucky Leprechaun to make a fairy tale, treasure filled necklace
http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/2008/02/ornament-thursday-luck-of-leprechaun.html    

Jennifer Heynen of Jangles
Lucky Charms Bracelet...The name says it all. This bracelet has everything to bring you good luck.
http://jenniferjangles.blogspot.com/2008/02/ornament-thursdaylucky.html
Jenny Harada
Jingly Good Luck Charm
http://pomly.livejournal.com/45985.html

Joolz by Lisa
As Luck Would Have It...Lucky Earrings
http://lisaliddy.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/ornament-thursday-luck/  

Katie's Beading Blog
Make your own luck with these fun, swingy earrings!
http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/02/ornament-thursday-lucky-earrings.html    

Labyrinth O' Luck
Hali has created a finger labyrinth journal designed after a 4-leaf clover.
http://labyrinthgal.blogspot.com/2008/02/labyrinth-o-luck.html

Linda Augsburg at Make It Mine magazine
Lucky doesn't begin to describe the adventure I had making this T-shirt...
http://cs.makeitminemag.com/mimcs/blogs/makeitmine/archive/2008/02/26/ornament-thursday-february-luck.aspx
Lucky
Lucky to be... based on a coin holder a friend made for me...
http://fromichelle.blogspot.com/2008/02/ot-teaser-my-emails-completely.html
Lucky To Be Me
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? Well, YOU, of course. No matter who you are when you look into this magical mirror, you'll be reminded you're lucky to be you!
http://art-interrupted.blogspot.com/
Lynn Kvigne - Beading Help Web
Irish Proverb Window Ornament - step by step instructions for making this year-round ornament that may bring luck right through your window!
http://beading.consumerhelpweb.com/blog/2008/02/februarys-ornament-thursday-project_27.html

Melissa J. Lee - Strands of Beads
Good fortune is yours with this cookie-inspired necklace.
http://strandsofbeads.blogspot.com/2008/02/ornament-thursday-luck.html

Savvy Crafter
Get Lucky over on Candie's blog! She's giving away some Lucky charms and see her earrings made with napkins! Bon Appetit!!
http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2008/02/ornament-thursd.html

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
You'll "make Jean's day " if you check out her lucky Pendant with a Clint Eastwood eighties twist
http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/02/ornament-thursday-posted-today-luck.html  

Swelldesigner
Swelldesigner gets lucky this month with some super colorful, sparkly painted bangles
http://swelldesigner.blogspot.com/2008/02/ornament-thursday-luck.html

The Impatient Blogger
Luck starts with a wish...Margot shares an project she created for Simply Beads last August.
http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/

Snowdog...

I made my Dad drive around the block twice so I could get a picture of this...

A ginormous poodle made of snow.  Do you love it?!?!  I'd have to say the tennis ball and the tail are my favorite parts.  Thank you to everyone who still take time to make snowmen and such.  I love seeing them in your yards---so friendly and warm even though it's icy cold outside.

Knock Knock Jokes....just for fun.

I took this picture the other day in Guanzhou.  The first thought that came to my mind when I looked at it was, knock-knock jokes.  Is that sad?  I love the cheesiness of knock knock jokes.  I Googled "knock knock jokes" and here's a couple I found.  You know, just for kicks...and giggles.  Ok, ready?

Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Yo Momma.
Yo momma who?
Seriously it's yo momma---open the damned door!

That one is from this website.  And here's another from this website.

Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Repeat.
Repeat who?
Who Who Who!

Good times, huh?  Seriously.  Someone needs to get out of this country a little more often.  ;-)

Beads On the Beach...

Who doesn't love bead shopping on the beach?  Really!  What's better than having beautiful beads brought to your doorstep?!?!  Vendors at the beach walk around with their baskets of sunglasses, fruits, and my personal fav, pearls and funky shell jewelry.  The last time I was at the beach, I only brought home a few bracelets.  Not this time!  Check out my loot!

Needless to say, I stocked up.  I will stash a few pieces away for gifts and the rest I will cut up and use the parts.  Those green shells in the front are calling my name right now, "Charm bracelet, charm bracelet."

It's always fun to use beads that remind you of a place you visited.  I will associate these with the sounds of waves, the sandy beach, my friends, the cabin where we stayed and so on.  Even though they didn't cost a fortune, I know whatever I make with them will be a treasure of beach-side memories.

Here fishy, fishy, fishy...

You cannot come to Ch!na and not get a little obsessed with gold fish and koi.  Or at least I couldn't.  They are everywhere!  I've even wondered if Rocker needs a pet goldfish.  My aunt always says, "if you keep a goldfish on your kitchen table, it will never die." 

There's something quite soothing about these creatures.  I'm sure it has something to do with how slow and fluid they are in their movements.  Calming.  Here, they are a symbols of wealth and abundance.   

The other day I picked up these hand painted gold fish beads from one of my favorite vendors. 

They are glass bubble like beads where the painting is done on the inside.  Seems very tedious to me.  I've been to this vendor three times and every time he shows me his paintbrush with the tip bent at ninety degrees so he can get inside to paint.  Now, I only wish you could see the paintbrush he claims to use for these super intricate beads.  Seriously, there is no way this brush could do that.  It looks like a road killed paint brush with porcupine needle like bristles.  C'mon dude.  Really, do I have gullible tattooed on my forehead.....in Ch!nese?!?!  However, I always find it a tiny bit amusing that he thinks I believe him.   

And on the other side:

I know I over paid a ton for this one---they guy totally knew how badly I wanted it.  What was that bit about goldfish bringing wealth and abundance.  Worked for the vendor! As for what I'm going to do with them, I have no idea.  I have a small (but growing out of quite fast) box of special beads like this.  I call it my bead bank and it's pretty much a piggy bank of unique beads.  When I need just the right touch for a piece I go to my bead bank.  Or when I have not a clue where to start on a design.  Or a rainy day.

How's That Song Go???

Bliiiiiiiiinded by the light birds....  Revved up like a...(chime in if you want to)

 

Are these suckers bright or what?!?!  I picked them up at Ikea and had I known they were going to make those two points behind your eyebrows go nuts (you're squinting right now just thinking about it), I would have stuck to one.   Seriously, it's as if I'm looking directly into the sun or someone welding. So, yep, no fireworks for me tonight (had enough of those to last me 10 years in February anyways---ok, who am I kidding?!?  I love Roman Candles! And writing my name with Sparklers!).  I'll just be hanging out on the patio with a couple psychedelic, alien-esque blue birds.  Hope you all have a super 4th! 

P.S.  Sorry if Blinded By the Light is stuck in your head the rest of the day (like mine).  I feel terrible. Really.

Back from the Beach...

We took a quick trip to the beach over the weekend with some pals.  Picked up a couple of fun finds from a woman peddling shell goods on the beach.

The first was a couple of these shell bracelets ($1.25 ea.).  I like the irregular and repetitive nature of them.

And the second was this little gem:

Who can pass up a book worm turtle wearing a pink straw hat?!?!  I surely cannot.  So quirky and cute.

More beach pictures to come....  Hope you all had a nice weekend!