Bead Show After Party

Who knew there was such a thing? But Tammy at TLD Design Center in Westmont, IL, is hosting an after-party for everyone who might have missed the Suburban Bead Encounter in Naperville on Sunday. My critter beads will be partying it up amongst the lovely creations of Hannah Rosner, Patty Pullium, Julie Rose and Gwen Achilles. Come have a look on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 1 - 8pm and Saturday, Sept. 5, 11am - 6pm.

Friday is on FIRE

New blog, new feature. Every Friday I hope to feature a different Fire Diva. The Fire Divas are a group of lampwork bead artisans that promote the use of artisan-made glass beads. The Fire Divas believe that by promoting one another's work, we all benefit. So here I go . . .

First up is Eileen, from DorsetHillBeads on Etsy. From gorgeous bead sets to scary skulls, and now a line of lampwork jewelry, including earrings, rings and her adorable Littles pendants, Eileen's shop has something to offer everyone. Eileen was even game to answer some totally random questions so you could get to know her better.

How did you find your craft, or did it find you?
I've always been a crafty person from the time I was very young...It runs through my family...My love for glass and beads hit strong in my late teens but we won't say how long ago that was...

Do you have a nickname?
I don't have a nickname now but for a long time as a kid my family and friends called me Enie...Don't ask...

Chocolate or Vanilla? ... Chocolate

Laundry hamper: full or empty? ... Right now, 1/2 full

What did you have for dinner last night? ... Pan seared Talapia, salad wedge and steamed veggies...(I know, very healthy)...

Bed: made or unmade? ... Always made...

Favorite fruit: ... So many, hard to choose...I'd say strawberries...

Last book you read: ... Eleven Minutes

Ever eat Playdoh? ... No...

How do you like your eggs? ... Over easy...

Ever have a perm? ... Nope, naturally curly...

Deep dish or thin crust? ... I prefer thin...

Favorite smell/scent: ... Right now, nag champa for the house...My favorite body/perfume scent is Amazing Grace, Pure Grace, Baby Grace and Falling in Love...I really love all of the Graces except for Inner Grace...

Can you play an instrument? ... Used to play piano...

Pets' names: Beanie

Ever try their (your pets') food? ... No way...

Ever broken a bone? ... Yes, my elbow May 08...

Do you like guacamole? ... Love it...

Most proud of: ... That's a hard question...I'd have to say I am most proud of my boys, my husband and myself for living as positive, loving and supportive life we can through the tough times and easy times...It's a long journey we are on and with love, honesty and faith we will stay strong...

From top to bottom:

Cydney Littles

Fiesta Button

Day of the Dead Orange Man Skull

Frosty Rootbeer

The red hot bead at the top of the post is called Firey Red Hollow

And visit Eileen's blog, Dorset Hill Beads to vote in the Fire Diva's Fall Bead Challenge!

Road Trip!

My beads are headed on a road trip! They'll be in their first ever bead show on Sunday, August 30, from 10 am to 5 pm. The Second Annual Suburban Bead Show will take place at the Holiday Inn Select Grand Ballroom in Naperville, Illinois. You can find my critter beads at the TLD Design Center table. TLD is where I took my beginner lampworking class and a subsequent class last spring. It's a wonderful place to learn lampwork, and they also offer a wide variety of other art classes - from soap making to weaving.

There should be tons of bead goodies at the show, and I can't wait to have a look around. I've never been to a bead show before, let alone sold my beads in one. I have sold finished pieces and kids stretchy necklaces at holiday bazaars and such, but this will be my first bead show.

Got any advice, suggestions or bead show stories to share?

A Brand New Day, A Brand New Blog

Hi there - this is my brand new blog. It even has that new blog smell. Mmmmm. My former blog - 2sisters4art, which I shared with my sister, is no more. We have decided to part ways. Don't worry, we're still the best of friends - it's a completely amicable blog separation. The original blog was her idea, and we both had every intention of posting regularly and keeping it going. But we weren't exactly consistent in that department. So, we've decided to split up and create new, separate blogs. Once hers is up and running, I'll post a link so you can find her and her fab kid art.

For this blog, I'm hoping to continue posting specials in my Etsy and Artfire shops, random recipes, book recommendations and giveaways.

Thanks for finding me here!