Bead class: Success!

First, I would like to thank Tim at Ranger!! Second, kudos to everyone who attended! How much fun was that!?! Sounds like everyone was happy with the result and plans on making a lot more! If you missed it, here are the class list and video links:
craft sheet
melting pot
clear UTEE
Colored UTEE
bamboo skewers
Bedazzles
any small embellishments you have handy
Paper scraps
Paper trimmer or scissors

Here are the links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH5BLfqOwxM -Gather Supplies and cutting instruction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX-C5d3EpCE -Rollin' rollin' rollin'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utCPMHqiQuo -Clear and gold
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh-E7dr5r_k -Beginning color
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MozkSopTSA4 -Color part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8gEo0hZ6Jw -Extra stuff, end.

Enjoy! Please post a link to your beads in the comments!

Bead class tonight 7pm CST

You can find the class and it's links at: http://www.paperartistsonline.com/PAOChat/beadclass.php

You must be a registered member to have access to the chat. I'll be posting video links starting at 7:30 CST, and I'll get them over here in a few days. Hope to see you there!

Special thanks to Tim at Ranger for making things possible!!

Bead Class preview

Here are a few of the beads (let's be honest, just the good ones) I've done so far to prep for next weekend's class. Gwen came over last night and we played and played. When I first learned to make them I was taught using the embossing gun, but after some trial and error I simplified the process immensely and really believe I've got a foolproof way for everyone to be successful and have a lot of fun.

If you're planning on participating Saturday night, I suggest you roll a bunch of beads ahead of time, so you're ready to go and not held up by the mundane. Don't worry, I'll go over it in class, but to get you started: roll strips of paper around a bamboo skewer securing with a dab of white glue. Text weight works best 1" x 3" or 1 1/2" x 3". If you're going to use patterned scrapbook cardstock it'll be trickier, but still work.

Cold weather + too many sweaters = the best blanket ever!

When I woke up this morning, I had dreams of the children at school and I have the entire day to FINALLY clean the house. I had motivation, I have good reason to get it clean, and I had the time....poof!

Reality, today was one of the coldest days in history and schools were closed. I went into my studio and tripped over a big box. What I found must have been part of a bigger plan. My collection of felted wool sweaters cut into workable pieces of felted fabric. Mittens? a Pill box hat? a blanket!

I spent the day cutting 6x6 squares, sewing them together and finishing them with some yummy Irish wool. I backed it with polyester fleece, so it's not so itchy and now am in love with my blanket! It's extremely heavy, incredibly warm and all mine! I was proud that I actually made something for myself, not a swap, not the kids, just for me. Then Allison found it. No worries, I'll take it back once she falls asleep, and sit down with a nice hot cup of tea. She got a new headband out of it, though.

Thanks for looking!

Little wooden pieces swap

A few months ago I was in Habitat for Humanity and saw boxes of little wooden pieces. I believe they were intended for finishing wooden furniature, but they just called to me. I thought they could be put to alternate uses.
After sending 10 boxes to friends I knew would enjoy the challenge, I was stumped. Today inspiration hit! I have destroyed the house rummaging through supplies that were packed away back in the end of November...remind me never to go that long without making anything...and this little girl was born. She will be on her way to Miss Lynn J. tomorrow. Thanks for looking!

Christmas card ATC speed swap!

OK, here we go, a speed swap!

Take those christmas cards you just got, and cut them into interesting ATCs. DO NOT EMBELLISH just send me cards 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. You will receive as many as you send Maximum 18.

Since there is no embellishment, just backgrounds, you can mail flat and regular envelope, please include stamps to return them to you, and an address sticker would be great!

I'll swap right away and get back to you before February.

I'm cleaning up after Christmas, thinking it's a waste to throw these cards away, but I don't have space to keep them.

If you don't have my address, pm me and I'll pm you back.

Stop the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

What are we coming to when Grandma's baby quilt is considered controband? This is not only vulgar, but obscene. Here is a video from Youtube giving a synopsis:


What can you do? Formal complaints against must be lodged before January 20 2009 Comments must be labelled: Section 102 Mandatory Third-Party Testing of Component Parts'. Please send your complaint HERE

The BILL is located by clicking on this sentence

I'm teaching an online paper bead class January 24

It's paper fondue! I'm so excited, and hoping you'll join me!

This will be a really fun, freeing class! Try to get a few friends together, have each bring a few supplies and you'll really have a good time. We will be making paper beads and decorating them with UTEE. This is not intended to be a costly endeavour, rather use up your itty bitty scraps to create awesome chunky beads you can make into jewelry or decorate your paper creations.

Time of class will be determined closer to the date and I'll let you know. Class format will include videos via youtube, directions via PAO Forum and I'll be live and answering questions inPAO Live chat All class info will be available during and after class, so don't worry if you miss it, it'll be around for awhile.

Please collect and have the following materials ready to go at class time:
Mandatory: a melting pot, ultra thick embossing powder (UTEE), heat resistant craft sheet, skewers (metal or wooden, wood is easiest), varied paper scraps, scissors.

Optional : Colored & metallic embossing powders, micro beads, pearl ex powder, colored thread/fiber, anything itty bitty, colored markers, old book pages, markers, newspaper, magazines. Collect things that are very small and might be easily encorporated.

If you are not already registered at PAO, I suggest you do so before the day of class, and look around a bit to familiarize yourself with it. There is a lot of talent there as well as a gazillion active swaps and inspiration. Passwords must include numbers, little letters and big letters, it's tricky but keeps the spam out. You will need to be registered to have access to the links and videos.

I hope to see you in class!