A Knotty Weekend!

As usual, the weekend is almost over-where does the time really go? I had a blast teaching a group of 9 women from MOCHA, the local Monmouth/Ocean County group of stampers the Knotted Macrame Necklaces. All they had to bring was an Ott Lite, a necessity when you're doing a class with a lot of little beads (I know there were a few from time to time cursing me out about the itty bitty beads!). Everyone really did a great job. I'm glad they all liked the bead mixes...I love to make them to go with specific focal beads. That's my excuse as to why I have so many beads; that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

The first pic shows Arlene, Jamie and Patti knotting away. Below is a close-up of Patti's finished necklace. I had some extra focal beads that I'd collected over the years and Patti picked that one. I get these beads and sometimes never seem to get them, so I offered a certain "pile" of them for sale back; I'm happier seeing them on some, even if it's not me, instead of being in a box. Arlene regaled is with her many true stories of her life. If you ever want to know what a golf ball and a duck have in common, ask Arlene! Here's Oksana on the right. Those that are not used to small beads probably wished they were wearing that magnifier. She had wanted to learn how to do this and her husband apparently thanked me for being able to show her. I'm sure other husbands were rolling their eyes at me when they saw a new craft...but this one you can wear...c'mon!
Yvette was a wild woman. She reminds me of...me! Once she got into the zone, she was on a mission to have a finished piece that she could wear home. She's got the sweater all picked out at home that she's going to wear to temple next week and now can't wait to get some more done. I know, I know, it's very addicting! I have to say, though, that this is one of the fastest ways to get a beautiful focal bead on a beaded necklace. That's why I have so many of these darned necklaces, with another one now a third of the way done!

Patti also did such a great job. They're going to be posting their finished pieces on their Yahoo group site, so I'll be sure to pull more to do a show and tell. I love to teach this class, so anyone interested, just give a holler.

Today "Foofie Toes" and her mommy, Nadine, are on their way down. I'm going to share my Ranger supplies for her class that she's teaching at Lasting Memories, in Somers NY. Although I've just showered, I know I'm going to be "showered" with doggie kisses. Oliver and Minnie know something's up, because I've been cleaning...little do they know!

Everyone have a very knotty, beady and/or inky week! Here's the Beady Links of the Week!

Art Bead Scene Cindy tells us about how she has merged some of her favorite obsessions (beads, books, and blogging) in her new Bead Lit Blog
Bead Arts Bead Arts brings you another artist profile, this time of Olivia Competente's gorgeous mixed media jewelry.

Katie's Beading Blog Check out this idea for a fun, versatile necklace and bracelet set using gemstones and Swarovski crystals.

Naughty Secretary Club In her quest for continuing education in the business world Jen attended a Women in Command breakfast where the key not speaker was jewelry designer Kendra Scott. Read the recap with oodles of tips on running a successful business.

PearlEsq. Robin's got more frames to show off from the recent Ranger U class and some tips and techniques on how to work with your stamps!

Savvy Crafter Candie crochets the day away with her students to make multi-strand necklaces. Bead one, Crochet two, anyone?!?!

The Impatient Blogger Did Margot finish spinning her daunting straw pile before her tropical getaway? Click here to find out and to read about the Swarovski Tucson Event this year!