Update: What I Have Been Doing In The Last 3 Months

Wow!!! I can’t believe that it has been a little over 3 months since my last post. Time can sure fly away from you. I guess I really blew my New Years Resolution to update my blog at least twice a month. However, I am here to correct that and from here on I will try to write at least 2 blog posts every month.

The last time I posted a blog, I was participating in 5 Minutes For Mom’s Ultimate Blog Party. What fun that was. I so enjoyed discovering, reading and posting comments on new and exciting blogs and discovering new blogs to follow. During this week long blog party, I offered a Corraling Technique Necklace as blog party prize (a picture of this necklace can be seen on my “Ultimate Bead Party post”). Beth of “Jus Shar Designs” was the winner of this necklace. I was so very honored when Beth told me that she was going to give the necklace to her mom for Mothers Day. Thank you, Beth!!!

Beth is a very talented fiber artist. She creates beautiful knitted and crochet items. I urge you to checkout all of her beautiful handcrafted goodies. Her website is,
“Jus Shar Designs”
http://www.jusshardesigns.com/

During the blog party, I also offered readers of my blog, 3 free bead patterns that I designed. (A picture of these patterns can also be seen on my “Ultimate Bead Party Post” and if you would like a copy of any or all the patterns contact information for me is also on that post). So, during my 3 month hiatus, I created 2 of the patterns. I made a lovely pair of earrings using the tulip pattern. I used size 11/0 seed beads. Purple beads were used for the tulips, green beads for the leaves and stem, white for the background and copper for the edge and fringe. They turned out beautifully. A picture of the earrings is posted below.

I also made a book hook using the rosebud pattern. For the book hook I used size 8/0 seed beads. Red and dark red beads were used for the rosebud, green beads for the leaves and stem, cream beads for the background, and orange for the edge and fringe accent. I think that the book hook turned out beautifully too. A picture of the book hook can be seen below. I have as yet to make the moon pattern, but creating a pendant using the moon pattern is on my to-do list.

As many of you know, my daughter, Angelina has autism. In addition to creating the tulip earrings and rosebud book hook, I also designed and created some “Autism Support” beadwork. What causes autism is still a mystery, though in some cases, such as Angelina’s, there is a genetic link. Her cousin is also autistic. Autism is a spectrum disorder and the degrees of this disorder vary from person to person. So it is no wonder that a “puzzle piece” is a perfect symbol for autism. Pictures of my “Autism Support” beadwork can be seen on my picture tails site as well as purchasing information.



http://picturetrail.com/bead_between_the_lines

When I wasn’t beading, I was doing all the usual things that single moms do, such as, housework, shopping, running errands, paying bills, taking care and playing with Angelina and my adorable new granddaughter, Anastacia Rachael, etc…

Now that I have updated you, here is what I will be doing in the future. My daughter Charlotte has commissioned me to create a bracelet and necklace for her nieces. The bead store near my house is having a bracelet making contest which I plan to enter. I also have several other beading projects lined up for this summer. And I will be making an earnest effort to update this blog on a regular basis.

I invite you to visit my picturetrail website, “Bead Between The Lines.” You just might find something that you like or something that will inspire you. And, please, take a moment to sign my guestbook.

http://www.picturetrail.com/bead_between_the_lines

Jus Shar Designshttp://www.jusshardesigns.com/