tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315692121798534112024-03-12T19:36:54.955-04:00PearlEsq.Pearls of Wisdom from a crafty kind of gal with a twist...Let's see, PearlEsq, rhymes with Burlesque-the definition: an artistic composition, esp. literary or dramatic, that, for the sake of laughter, vulgarizes lofty material or treats ordinary material with mock dignity. Seems appropriate, hmm?Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-68007164507610962992009-03-02T10:50:00.007-05:002009-03-02T11:32:02.084-05:00Celebrate National Craft Month with Margot Potter & Donna Dewberry, and "MOORE"!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308628473682564258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz3_Nr4p6U1Oi9ckBD59LPtFBCq9vwUMe229D-RNCaIQxwelVswKJPp2PLUSgD_zCzFfMfE7ax9yNqRhiXVqFhYpjCeAuFr-AME5C4_zyj-S86FyRXMik21dQgHJnEH9mcFk66P0VVkg/s320/Pop_Art_Poppy_Necklace%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, all of those in the Blogosphere! </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Well, I can't believe it's March 2 and there's over a foot of *$&%^# snow (and it's still falling!) out my front door. Thus, I'm working from home. The usual 1 hour, 20 minute commute would have been of epic proportions if I tried it...thank goodness for the Internet!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Anyway, I wanted to pass on some awesome stuff going on at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.acmoore.com"><span style="color:#663300;">A.C. Moore</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> in celebration of National Craft Month! There's Demonstrations or Make & Takes every Saturday!</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="color:#663300;">Saturday, March 7, 2009: Beadalon(r) Springy Swingy Earrings-these are fun Quick Link earrings designed by the mahvelous </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.margotpottertheimpatientcrafter.blogspot.com"><span style="color:#663300;">Ms. Margot Potter</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! They are fun and easy to make. </span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#663300;">Saturday, March 14, 2009: Thomas the Tank "Magical" Make & Take-I knew Thomas was popular, but I never knew HOW popular! The manufacturer of this licensed line, </span><a href="http://learningcurve.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Learning Curve</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, donates plain wooden Thomas cars for the kids to decorate. They are going to do a resist with Crayola white crayons and ink...should be fun! See, even kids get to do neat inky techniques!</span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#663300;">Saturday, March 21, 2009: </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.crayola.com"><span style="color:#663300;">Crayola(r) </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Beginnings "Hands On" Demonstration: kids get to play with the neat and fun inky, stampy and painty things they have for toddlers, although any age would have fun with them. I can attest to that because they're in my office and everyone picks them up to try them out!</span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#663300;">Sunday, March 28, 2009: </span><a href="http://plaidonline.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Plaid(r) </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">FolkArt Chalkboard Paint Demonstration: Okay, demo came about due to my being nosy...I wanted to know if this paint really creates a chalkboard...well, it does! It also comes in bunches of fun colors. Stop by and check this out</span></li></ul><p><span style="color:#663300;">Even more wonderful news, is the Grand Re-opening of the </span><a href="http://www.acmoore.com/e-acm.StoreLocator.aspx?City=Moorestown&State=NJ&StoreLocator=1"><span style="color:#663300;">Moorestown </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">store. It's really over the border in Mt. Laurel, NJ, but the first A.C. Moore was at the Moorestown store until the early 90's when there was a fire in that part of the mall. The store relocated to East Gate Shopping Plaza; the new store is now two doors down at 1190 Nixon Drive; it's now open(although in a freaking snow storm!)...but what is so great is that there will be so many people coming to demo and teach classes. </span><br /></p><ul><li><span style="color:#663300;">Saturday, March 7, 2009: THE Margot Potter will actually be doing the Make & Take that she designed at the store! After the 1-3PM Make & Take, Margot will be teaching an awesome class from 3:30-5-Pop Art Poppy Necklace! It's only $25 and includes all but one supply that will be available at the store. </span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#663300;">Saturday, March 14, 2009: In addition to the Thomas the Tank Make & Take, there will be the beginning of our "Register to Win" prizes; many of the prizes will be at a total of 20 neighboring stores in the South Jersey/Phila. area, but many are unique to this store. Win a chance for 4-pack tickets to </span><a href="http://www.crayola.com/Factory/"><span style="color:#663300;">the Crayola Factory</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, </span><a href="http://dutchwonderland.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Dutch Wonderland</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, featuring Thomas & Friends(r) live show and Day Out with Thomas at the </span><a href="http://strasburgrailroad.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Strasburg Railroad</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! There's also some great prizes from Crayola, </span><a href="http://www.badgerairbrush.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Badger Airbrush</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, a </span><a href="http://www.whatdoyudu.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Yudu</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Machine from Provo(!) and tons more! There will also be demos from </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.rangerink.com"><span style="color:#663300;">Ranger</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, </span><a href="http://www.sizzix.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Sizzix</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and more that I probably can't remember. </span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#663300;">Sunday, March 15, 2009: this is the day of days...there will be demos from Provo with the Yudu machine as well as </span><a href="http://www.generation-t.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Generation T </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">author Megan Nicolay and other demos through the store. This store will have a new Hobby Shop (Trains, models, etc.) and there's also a Digital Crafting Section where you can get stuff personalized with photos...I can't believe all you can get done! There will probably be 8-10 demos going on, mostly between 12-3, as well as all-day hourly Gift Card giveaways. My Lead Fiskateers buddy </span><a href="http://fiskateers.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Rebecca Peck</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> will also be in attendance! YAY!</span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#663300;">Saturday, March 21, 2009: More Demos!</span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#663300;">Sunday, March 22, 2009: </span><a href="http://www.hellocupcakebook.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, Cupcake</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> authors Karen Tack and Alan Richardson will be here as well as demos from </span><a href="http://perlerbeads.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Fun Fusion </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">(Perler Beads), Dimensions Punch Needle, and again, more that I can't recall!</span></li></ul><p><span style="color:#663300;">Last but not least, </span><a href="http://www.dewberrycrafts.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Donna Dewberry</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> will be at the store for TWO DAYS! She is a doll and very funny. You've got to try and stop by and be sure to sign up for her classes. They're only $20 plus the cost of supplies....</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#663300;">Friday, March 27, 2009 12-2pm She'll demo Studio(tm) by </span><a href="http://sculpey.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Sculpey(r)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and from 2-4pm she's teaching a class!</span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#663300;">Saturday, March 28, 2009 12-2pm One Stroke Demo and 2-4pm a One Stroke Class.</span></li></ul><p><span style="color:#663300;">I'm really excited about everyone that'll be at the store this coming month. It's worth the drive as so many manufacturers can answer questions and be there. I'll make sure to pull my most recent list of events and will try and post it this week.</span><br /></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">I'm even going to demo, Friday, March 19, 2009 from 6-8...watch out!</span><br /></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">Happy Snow Day, everyone!</span><br /></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span></p>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-85290136550388421962009-02-01T10:05:00.006-05:002009-02-01T10:34:05.919-05:00I KNOW! I KNOW! Tsk, Tsk, Tsk!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlma5rDuQ9Wz1HF8p1cI20b9kr1us0Oh22PkV7_zuJmb2bl3hIQjHuxmvUQYf8KdzFdtdZusqcCCYRFz3J9xQWqw3lpQ18j1J3Xa0irZB9UbcAtpbFypIFUrrEDDkRUIpzgNQwVMrCO8E/s1600-h/valentine1%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297847082346564498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 365px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlma5rDuQ9Wz1HF8p1cI20b9kr1us0Oh22PkV7_zuJmb2bl3hIQjHuxmvUQYf8KdzFdtdZusqcCCYRFz3J9xQWqw3lpQ18j1J3Xa0irZB9UbcAtpbFypIFUrrEDDkRUIpzgNQwVMrCO8E/s320/valentine1%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Happy February Everyone! It's been such a whirlwind of work and commuting it's all I've been able to do to just sleep! I even passed on CHA this year for the first time in like 10 years...yikes! All is well, just busy, busy, busy! But I'm loving it at </span><a href="http://www.acmoore.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">A.C. Moore</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">For those that live near <span style="color:#663300;">an </span><a href="http://www.acmoore.com/e-acm.StoreLocator.aspx"><span style="color:#663300;">A.C. Moore</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">,</span> make sure to stop by this coming Saturday, February 7, 2009 from 1:00pm-4:00pm. It's Scrapbook Saturday! It's a chance to "play" and try out some of the newer Scrapbooking and Papercrafting products in the stores, such as: </span><br /><ul><li><span style="color:#663300;">-</span><a href="http://hamptonart.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Hampton Art </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Studio G Valentine's Stamps (and a fun idea on how to store them!)</span></li><li><span style="color:#663300;">-</span><a href="http://fiskars.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Fiskars</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Fingertip Craft Knife</span></li><li><span style="color:#663300;">-</span><a href="http://diecutswithaview.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Die Cuts with a View</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> New Paper Packs</span></li><li><span style="color:#663300;">-</span><a href="http://nicolecrafts.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Nicolecrafts </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Acrylic Word Albums</span></li><li><span style="color:#663300;">-</span><a href="http://www.provocraft.com/index.php"><span style="color:#663300;">Provo Craft's</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Cricut Vinyl Home Decor (I've got some that I did in my office...it's awesome!)</span></li><li><span style="color:#663300;">-</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.whyslice.com"><span style="color:#663300;">Making Memories </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Slice Machine</span></li></ul><p><span style="color:#663300;">When you're all done getting to try out these products, you'll either have samples along with Features & Benefits/Project Pages from each manufacturer that you'll get to bind into a </span><a href="http://www.provocraft.com/products/index.products.php?cl=yourstory"><span style="color:#663300;">YourStory</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Book Binder and Laminator. </span></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">In all honesty, the pre-made albums don't do much for me, but the plain albums are great. I've already binded many, many, many albums (a long story in itself) and as long as you allow the album to cool in the cooling rack (it allows for the pages to cool and for gravity to do its thing so the pages sink into the spine's adhesive) you're good to go! </span></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">In cleaning out the house, I found a bunch of my mom's scrapbooks from middle school through high school and my plan is to pull out what I can and to laminate and bind pages into some books for my nieces and nephew. That will be added onto my "to do" list. </span></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">I'm still in Neptune and commuting, but I'm getting there. I vow to keep up with everyone more often! I've got lots of things to show, as I'm trying to become "a crafter of all trades" so that I understand the other craft categories that I haven't worked with in the past. </span></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">Enjoy your February...I will be back more often!</span></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">Crafty Hugs, </span></p><p><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span></p>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-32769573895098832562008-11-27T11:38:00.005-05:002008-11-27T12:05:03.799-05:00Thankfulness Abounding!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaZNvr-3RjzZZZt_nYk4lTIRSatlWzJg2PMmegsccmar4BhxwPFUZKRmtn9qSjYqVSrygow4fKDreuTuIrL0fTuRzgesSHnDFTNU46THZ1oaTtGArwJpK7AOUwJxHARMbvSyheXF4bFM/s1600-h/thanksgiving-by-rockwell%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273380161812200834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 379px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaZNvr-3RjzZZZt_nYk4lTIRSatlWzJg2PMmegsccmar4BhxwPFUZKRmtn9qSjYqVSrygow4fKDreuTuIrL0fTuRzgesSHnDFTNU46THZ1oaTtGArwJpK7AOUwJxHARMbvSyheXF4bFM/s400/thanksgiving-by-rockwell%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#663300;">Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! It's getting harder and harder to get bloggin'...time just goes by. I can't believe it will be 3 months next week since I started with </span><a href="http://www.acmoore.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">A.C. Moore</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! I'm absolutely loving it. I'm also through the first step of getting closer to selling my house. I've got the 50+ years of my grandparent's and my stuff emptied out! If you ever need to have stuff moved out...I would highly recommend the company I used-</span><a href="http://www.hitmencleanouts.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Hitmen Cleanouts</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! Ginger and her son were unbelievable. It now looks like the aftermath of the Grinch after he cleaned out the houses! At least in the garage, basement, attic, patio, back bedroom and living room! It's quite amazing...now onto some repairs and listing the house. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulCv6qNjLLfEHj6bpGb9HYQI5FZsAkq7VGhon1r14U0Kpj9gcmGIVDfW1k9JM7YMpS6NojI0wd4vrqAAODuDse9c_WDysQ7rq-UrPZZFXTgyucek3putopb0MXv8SMSmNafK7WYt2diA/s1600-h/Grinch-cartoon-01%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273379336852510834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulCv6qNjLLfEHj6bpGb9HYQI5FZsAkq7VGhon1r14U0Kpj9gcmGIVDfW1k9JM7YMpS6NojI0wd4vrqAAODuDse9c_WDysQ7rq-UrPZZFXTgyucek3putopb0MXv8SMSmNafK7WYt2diA/s200/Grinch-cartoon-01%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulCv6qNjLLfEHj6bpGb9HYQI5FZsAkq7VGhon1r14U0Kpj9gcmGIVDfW1k9JM7YMpS6NojI0wd4vrqAAODuDse9c_WDysQ7rq-UrPZZFXTgyucek3putopb0MXv8SMSmNafK7WYt2diA/s1600-h/Grinch-cartoon-01%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"></span></a> </div><div><span style="color:#663300;">I just wanted to wish everyone the best Holiday Season. It has been quite the year and "thankful" is truly my word of the year. I'm thankful for my friends, my family, everyone who has been supportive of me...it means so much! I'm most thankful for Brian who's put up with all of this craziness over the past six months! Inky and Beady have been awesome. I</span><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=lurve"><span style="color:#663300;"> lurve </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">you all! </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Happy Turkey Day...and come on over to A.C. Moore tomorrow...I'll be helping out bright and early at the Shrewsbury store!</span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-10954087355194918782008-10-17T14:12:00.014-04:002008-10-17T15:02:27.250-04:00Knit and Crochet for a Cause! And Margot's "in the House" (okay, in NJ!)<a href="http://www.naturallycaron.com/"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258191764603633426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTD9i0Ro5bP0gKfGPa-7VLxs_atJB28YAxuFQQnya0Fko3geVoQWyy6GgfGlI_3vR-os8nOzYHmNSbi4JIxiNZVa6jxGZtsMh5HI2bmF2ePgxUPaX41wiCpFb6VPovVN5LKaDZspRotjg/s400/Caron+Contest.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Hello, Bloggers! No more excuses, the bottom line is that time is not my friend anymore. I'm just too busy. I am working from home today due to a flat tire at 7am (thank goodness I was not far from home and that I'm a member of </span><a href="http://www.aaa.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">AAA</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">!). I'm busy typing away and getting the word out on some great appearances by artists and a wonderful contest. </span><br /><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://www.naturallycaron.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">NaturallyCaron.com</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> is sponsoring a contest with </span><a href="http://www.acmoore.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">A.C. Moore</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">-just click on the icon next to me and you'll see what it's all about! Knit or Crochet a baby blanket with Naturally Caron Spa or Country Yarn and send a picture of it to Caron with the usual, obligatory information, and you get a chance to win an A.C. Moore Gift Card. Two Grand Prize Winners, one for Knit, the other Crochet, will win a card valued at $300, two First Runners up, $100 and 12 Runner's up, $25. The "cuddly" part of the contest is that for every entry submitted, Caron will donate $1 to </span><a href="http://www.projectlinus.org/"><span style="color:#663300;">Project Linus.</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Volunteer "blanketeers" make blankets that go all over the place to hospitals, shelters, etc. to give traumatized, ill children a "hug" by way of a blanket. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I honestly had never heard of this organization until it was discussed with Caron. It turns out my mom is a blanketeer! Now that my mom's retired, she's been crocheting and knitting up a storm when she goes to the beach and at home. She said they were being donated. I didn't know to whom until I mentioned Project Linus and she confirmed-"that's where they are going!" </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I've actually purchased some of the yarn and when I was visiting the </span><a href="http://www.acmoore.com/classschedule.aspx?sid=93"><span style="color:#663300;">Holbrook, NY store</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, that I took a class from Theresa, who showed me the right way to do a fun shell stitch...and every night before I go to bed I get a few rows done. My goal is to get it done and donated with my mom's blankets to Project Linus!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">So for anyone who was interested in knitting or crochet or don't think they can do it, believe me, if I can do it, so can you! Take a shot and get some yarn and who knows? You may win and be able to get MORE stuff! </span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VrTBEIiqQ8QQaBQkUw-DZRCbX3esrmX_Eb5d-WiOyWkut-CDUOwEw4VYXWiIEI-gRihf-WpmsnRv3Rh97doul9xqIl8adryi6CpnYrEkXHjgnPjFG0ArMEFWSFtitrvN37-akajq3Ys/s1600-h/Impatient+Beader+Book+Cover+Small.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258197350105609554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VrTBEIiqQ8QQaBQkUw-DZRCbX3esrmX_Eb5d-WiOyWkut-CDUOwEw4VYXWiIEI-gRihf-WpmsnRv3Rh97doul9xqIl8adryi6CpnYrEkXHjgnPjFG0ArMEFWSFtitrvN37-akajq3Ys/s200/Impatient+Beader+Book+Cover+Small.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOIC_c6mbUnmFQXkQzvrLJkzi5zrSdCeLBTAdOKdxzRRnoNltXUND52_Uc1J7ORtU_iNvJ3n6JbVAgjRAqXk2IGGVgTwUg86Z-WoEEpmdv4TWPvZ0sTehzHcUbvohPfBq9Gx2ye6Gy_I/s1600-h/ImpBeadInspired.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258197344408121586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOIC_c6mbUnmFQXkQzvrLJkzi5zrSdCeLBTAdOKdxzRRnoNltXUND52_Uc1J7ORtU_iNvJ3n6JbVAgjRAqXk2IGGVgTwUg86Z-WoEEpmdv4TWPvZ0sTehzHcUbvohPfBq9Gx2ye6Gy_I/s200/ImpBeadInspired.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZOpRO4n4jtrdt9P1exTSfwB4fRbOV7Zqhqioq2Oj6x_jlkEZKbE7x8Iv6qj8oFM3X6buUwo9doLGd3rXgY3cyxSEF18opM0wbT_zUTSl3WjZKUdtlDKd-C2a1Dgwx-ilpg3SRWjK2xs/s1600-h/sparkletastic2.JPG"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258197351493809394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZOpRO4n4jtrdt9P1exTSfwB4fRbOV7Zqhqioq2Oj6x_jlkEZKbE7x8Iv6qj8oFM3X6buUwo9doLGd3rXgY3cyxSEF18opM0wbT_zUTSl3WjZKUdtlDKd-C2a1Dgwx-ilpg3SRWjK2xs/s200/sparkletastic2.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEW3D6vPB8_1VvpjSMbm0S7UY5YLHvx4_boeNvhLHYfupXlhiMr4yn4UCoM0dgjkXz2lWP7irxpuOu-9mlZO2n6ozSm-RQ346qt2eD1lTG7H4W3p3idcYX6hn4a3fQjeeCaHMLGilqyw/s1600-h/Margot+Potter+Bio+1.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258198277993207586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEW3D6vPB8_1VvpjSMbm0S7UY5YLHvx4_boeNvhLHYfupXlhiMr4yn4UCoM0dgjkXz2lWP7irxpuOu-9mlZO2n6ozSm-RQ346qt2eD1lTG7H4W3p3idcYX6hn4a3fQjeeCaHMLGilqyw/s200/Margot+Potter+Bio+1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37Ig7hjz8yvyZPSDoXOCun2yJVWBHzIGi2uvZgy_nl2t5hEhaSjkS-NtX3I4_TT45VBdBX6PKaWpFODJ8mXIv90K2hdiV_6mTpgJOlqg9g7lRKd9XoIpq_U2CQzvKMGUwQ_8RXZpfRQI/s1600-h/Margot+Potter+Bio+1.jpg"></a><span style="color:#663300;"><br />I also wanted to let you know that my bestest of crafty friends, </span><a href="http://www.margotpottertheimpatientcrafter.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Margot Potter</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, will be at the </span><a href="http://www.acmoore.com/e-acm.StoreLocator.aspx?City=Middletown&State=NJ&StoreLocator=1#"><span style="color:#663300;">Middletown, NJ A.C. Moore</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> store tomorrow, Noon to 2! Stop by, buy one (or all-what the heck!) of Margot's books and let her show you how to do some basic jewelry making. While I may say that I know how to make jewelry, I must confess that last year when I met up with Margot at another book signing, I learned some very good info on how to PROPERLY open and close a jump ring...I actually said out loud, "I didn't know that!", embarrassing myself as usual. So stop by and see what she's up to. Also check out her new blog...click on her name, or check it out on the top of my fave blog list...she is truly the Impatient Crafter, but I must say she just says out loud what all of us are thinking to ourselves, right!?<br /><br /></span><div><span style="color:#663300;">Okay, everybody...get knitting, crocheting and visiting (Margot!-hey, I'll be there, too!). </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Crafty Hugs, </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span></div></div></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-12097029651799414602008-09-20T20:58:00.006-04:002008-09-20T21:40:22.796-04:00What a Roller Coaster!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUANLezig1yh0oiWoF6DBq5L6GnSZvP2ohQqmBLO_V5_z6gsakKL6-m34ekhXazl8qBrKDLzMMdMU7OG5L90uu18j-Dh97GopQBdcx4U1LiyzGf7Gm7TwjN5i8n1efCwli10a1sh9m9U/s1600-h/2547841620_0189aa6c85%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248273085453525794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUANLezig1yh0oiWoF6DBq5L6GnSZvP2ohQqmBLO_V5_z6gsakKL6-m34ekhXazl8qBrKDLzMMdMU7OG5L90uu18j-Dh97GopQBdcx4U1LiyzGf7Gm7TwjN5i8n1efCwli10a1sh9m9U/s320/2547841620_0189aa6c85%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, all of you in Blogger Land! Can you believe it's been three weeks already that I've been at </span><a href="http://acmoore.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">ACMoore</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">? <span style="font-size:78%;">(Roller Coaster <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/8088692@N03/2547841620/">Credit</a>) </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Little by little, I'm finding some normalcy in my schedule. A lot different than being 7 miles from my job...! Up at 6am, on the road by 7am, at the office by 8:30am, then in a snap, it's between 5pm and 7pm when I leave, getting home between 6:30pm and 9pm. The first weekend, I think I just slept...by this weekend, I'm finally getting some things accomplished, but still not enough. </span><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">It made me think of a roller coaster, with the ups and downs, but not in a bad way. Just when you feel that drop, you know there's going to be another "up" again!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">On the Down Side: Driving 1-1/2 hours until I get my house sold and move.<br />On the Up Side: I'm so catching up with people on the cell phone! Thank goodness for Rollover minutes and Bluetooth!<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">On the Down Side: So much to learn!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">On the Up Side: So much to learn! (See, it evens out!)</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">On the Down Side: I'm still catching up on my sleep!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">On the Up Side: But, boy, do I sleep!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">On the Down Side: I still have so much stuff to get rid of!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">On the Up Side: That may mean one more last "Stamp and other Stuff" Sale!?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">On the Down Side: Wait....there is NO Down Side! I'm so enjoying the challenge of "what can be". I'm lucky to have some wonderful people to work with that are as excited as I am to make ACMoore the best it can be with education. I'm getting to work with so many people in the Crafts Industry more closely that I've only been able to peripherally deal with in the past, which is such a rush! I'm also learning about more than just papercrafts and jewelry...kids' crafts, floral, needlecrafts-sometimes I think my head is going to explode!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">If you get a chance, check out ACMoore's </span><a href="http://www.acmoore.com/forum/"><span style="color:#663300;">Forum</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">-it's only in its infancy, but you may be surprised at what you can learn. I'm also working with the Forum Guru in getting more information on there by way of tips and trips from various manufacturers and I've even designed some projects on there...</span><a href="http://www.acmoore.com/forum/yaf_forum13_Crafting-With-Robin--Fun-Project-Ideas.aspx"><span style="color:#663300;">check 'em out</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! They're all in the usual format that you've seen when I create project instructions. And they're all not papercrafts!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_x1GTkwNH0KDAisapX7hbMdQD8Vmxzwv2fs08myyujjMYBTWSUkCw8PxS-jWIYciRL8LL1E73VuVNrqGPDS9UCIkk39Uw-JvOkEx03XB3rXLF16h1DOOVj8j_JbZ-b9UtlWH0MFYeS8o/s1600-h/Crochet+for+a+cause.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248280837639236402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 138px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" height="191" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_x1GTkwNH0KDAisapX7hbMdQD8Vmxzwv2fs08myyujjMYBTWSUkCw8PxS-jWIYciRL8LL1E73VuVNrqGPDS9UCIkk39Uw-JvOkEx03XB3rXLF16h1DOOVj8j_JbZ-b9UtlWH0MFYeS8o/s320/Crochet+for+a+cause.jpg" width="164" border="0" /></span></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_x1GTkwNH0KDAisapX7hbMdQD8Vmxzwv2fs08myyujjMYBTWSUkCw8PxS-jWIYciRL8LL1E73VuVNrqGPDS9UCIkk39Uw-JvOkEx03XB3rXLF16h1DOOVj8j_JbZ-b9UtlWH0MFYeS8o/s1600-h/Crochet+for+a+cause.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"></span></a><br /><span style="color:#663300;">For those that are near ACMoore next Saturday is a Crochet Demo for the October- </span><a href="http://nbcam.org/"><span style="color:#663300;">Breast Cancer Awareness Month</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! I'm sure everyone has dealt with or been touched by someone they love that has had breast <span style="color:#663300;">cancer. Take care of yourselves and get checked! </span><a href="http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/pg.fcgi"><span style="color:#663300;">Lion Brand(r) Yarns </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">was kind enough to donate fun "Crochet for a Cause" scarf kits Two people per store will get the chance to win one and there will be someone there to help you get started. If you've ever wanted to try to crochet, this is a great way to learn</span>. I actually made the scarf; if I can do it, so can anyone!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I can actually say I know two different stitches now, which is quite the feat!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Finally, I also wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you to all those that have posted the lovely comments, emailed and even "snail mailed" me! It makes me even more energized to push harder and make things happen!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">As my new employer says: Dream it. Create it. Share it. That's what I want to do!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Enjoy your weekend!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-86563310803266777632008-09-02T20:11:00.010-04:002008-09-02T23:40:49.446-04:00The Next Chapter...This is really becoming quite the treatise!<div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAx0goRRoK6N3V2IzrN47xLWXLgg7tJsz_gtJFQuRnr4bYK-JCV1EUlhiuzvMDhXXRuBql7iEZAW_00mJqFOgZylXG4LcfGJs-zbVdxfgh-Z1sT-GBT_3LqHj2q0cSErugSREIyARd6U/s1600-h/pic31442_md%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241631940978874786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAx0goRRoK6N3V2IzrN47xLWXLgg7tJsz_gtJFQuRnr4bYK-JCV1EUlhiuzvMDhXXRuBql7iEZAW_00mJqFOgZylXG4LcfGJs-zbVdxfgh-Z1sT-GBT_3LqHj2q0cSErugSREIyARd6U/s320/pic31442_md%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, Everyone! Here's the scoop. As you know, it's been quite the summer. Many changes, new adventures. I've been so thrilled this spring and summer to have been given the opportunity to work wi</span><span style="color:#663300;">th </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzZnh0fjEdSm65BN0e07PiK4Zx-eTXU1pRe0-3Mcna8LrygpAWUWB2RN-pnCN6OOP4jE9VcDjOiUEVLA0JPAcgfcPzWT4ESljmFInBIEDw2rnKqXHaSYuddrgUhGQPyMF12NtigoqaDg/s1600-h/pic90082_md%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241632154029874178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzZnh0fjEdSm65BN0e07PiK4Zx-eTXU1pRe0-3Mcna8LrygpAWUWB2RN-pnCN6OOP4jE9VcDjOiUEVLA0JPAcgfcPzWT4ESljmFInBIEDw2rnKqXHaSYuddrgUhGQPyMF12NtigoqaDg/s200/pic90082_md%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">companies such as </span><a href="http://clearsnap.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Clearsnap</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, </span><a href="http://www.amatestudios.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Amate Studios</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, </span><a href="http://hamptonart.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Hampton Art</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, </span><a href="http://teresacollinsdesigns.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Teresa Collins Designs</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> as well as </span><a href="http://www.streuter.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Streuter</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#663300;">. It was fun</span> to teach and demo CHA Summer in July. Next chapter...<br /><br />I've been offered a wonderful position </span><span style="color:#663300;">with </span><a href="http://acmoore.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">A.C. Moore</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#663300;"> as</span> their new Director of Education. Day One is now under my belt with Day Two starting </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rh53OIm_F0VkwGo0mt6e53mwoshwIkdXfIu3DJLQvAoPchiNLenDNYJjSUvDj4hWMRdEB8RS-QpKuLURxWrb9hUUaSETlOBUA3YzLH1yZXonuu8RUM6VJkfDR-8jaltzeI0lQIG1zu4/s1600-h/pic90083_md%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241632837362410626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rh53OIm_F0VkwGo0mt6e53mwoshwIkdXfIu3DJLQvAoPchiNLenDNYJjSUvDj4hWMRdEB8RS-QpKuLURxWrb9hUUaSETlOBUA3YzLH1yZXonuu8RUM6VJkfDR-8jaltzeI0lQIG1zu4/s200/pic90083_md%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">with my new schedule of waking up at 6:00 a.m., driving 1-1/2 hours to </span><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=Berlin+NJ&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title"><span style="color:#663300;">Berlin, NJ</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> with the reverse trip at the end of the day. This'll be going on until I get my house emptied out and sold. If anyone wants to check out my stamp stash, let me know. I've already shared it with the local stamp club and I'd be willing to offer up my garage for picking at reasonable prices again! </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6PnyXAJiUqdnlLkIrGtlbeEeJJuhFB13PyEPD8bdQWIAG3_8eC0pWD-ZAjG9qbbOnkAYbAfRrUm1Gbxn0b-qoDxi8x_t9GDYxX2YNvnxiWlgN_NmcJZXg0JunTxrVb12XsIJptpMMyU/s1600-h/pic90084_md%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241632523785510770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6PnyXAJiUqdnlLkIrGtlbeEeJJuhFB13PyEPD8bdQWIAG3_8eC0pWD-ZAjG9qbbOnkAYbAfRrUm1Gbxn0b-qoDxi8x_t9GDYxX2YNvnxiWlgN_NmcJZXg0JunTxrVb12XsIJptpMMyU/s200/pic90084_md%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIjVg_KTXHaM7K6tfWCobyayGRCBeDZ0svxKH_lXq5s1NStBtz8mQKeNSqtDFaYt8QvaAMs1Z2b0OsSWRw5hcOfs-DKiDfJeqWr-QSU_soJo83pn3ziii9myhCkgPA219aRzROLiKrzA/s1600-h/pic90082_md%5B1%5D.jpg"></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">You have to realize that this was my grandparents' house; they purchased and moved into this house in or around 1951, so, in addition to all of my "stuff", there's 50+ years of more "stuff" still in this house...yikes!<br /><br /></span><div><span style="color:#663300;">Next chapter...this blog will be evolving as my life is...I will be making this more "A.C. Moore-centric" as that's what my focus is going to be. I will not be teaching anymore---too much to do (!!!) but will be looking for teachers in all areas of crafts to consider teaching at one of the 130+ stores up and down the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_seaboard"><span style="color:#663300;">Eastern Seaboard</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. I truly believe that if new crafters are invited to try out new crafts with a good curriculum and great teachers, they will want to learn more, which will also lead them to the independents. Each will help support the other, all keeping us busy!</span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#663300;">I can't thank everyone that has been by my side through the last few months. You know who you are and where you stand in my book! Big Hugs to you!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I welcome you to follow me on the next leg of my excursion!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Inky Hugs,<br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-457325541865100832008-08-29T15:00:00.014-04:002008-08-29T16:11:05.499-04:00"When Creativity Knocks" and the Bandanna Technique!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoodCQkdy8CDaurEYAaNMofcvNeI48a0nw2pHRUSUnFeeGxV8lPdyZ9NL_nervLoV7f7BowJ6iZu0ZuZ7Weu8SHpwW0KPIoQ7dfjZRjabkjGytBN9dYPkIzlg0gL7gZxmtrr8GlzQ0T8M/s1600-h/Extreme+Closeup+Love+You+Necklace.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240028486562195890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoodCQkdy8CDaurEYAaNMofcvNeI48a0nw2pHRUSUnFeeGxV8lPdyZ9NL_nervLoV7f7BowJ6iZu0ZuZ7Weu8SHpwW0KPIoQ7dfjZRjabkjGytBN9dYPkIzlg0gL7gZxmtrr8GlzQ0T8M/s320/Extreme+Closeup+Love+You+Necklace.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, Everyone! Sorry I've been remiss in posting. A lot is going on in my life that I will be able to talk about shortly. I've been busy, busy, busy!</span><br /><div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">At the </span><a href="http://craftandhobby.org/"><span style="color:#663300;">Winter CHA Show</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, when I was still with </span><a href="http://rangerink.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Ranger</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, I taped a segment of "</span><a href="http://whencreativityknocks.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">When Creativity Knocks</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">", an online craft show hosted by my dear friend, Ana Araujo and her daughter, Megan. <a href="http://www.whencreativityknocks.com/craft-and-hobby-episodes/videodirectlink-25.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Check out the link</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! There's</span> a bunch of techniques, including using the Ink Blending Tool and Adirondack(r) Pigment Inks and Inkssentials(tm) White Opaque Pen to create Bandanna Memory Glass(tm) Jewelry. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAYxIkF9QwdMqPJDfcu_keDYCE5o689XJFpdqPdpbFlliPwuf7ZgY3GPniyqm7738v_DyxkY9J4Ql-KmPfze-JEcK8Io-rwSMk0BHpcjUt3pS4Hkrfo86SnQxBpe3KiN8dBIKwHFYtM8/s1600-h/Step+Out+12.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240030752604898610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAYxIkF9QwdMqPJDfcu_keDYCE5o689XJFpdqPdpbFlliPwuf7ZgY3GPniyqm7738v_DyxkY9J4Ql-KmPfze-JEcK8Io-rwSMk0BHpcjUt3pS4Hkrfo86SnQxBpe3KiN8dBIKwHFYtM8/s320/Step+Out+12.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Make sure to sign up on the site and check out the other tapings. When you sign up, they'll update you when there's another, new video up. I really think that Ana and Megan have such a great idea for their show, so be sure to show your support!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">I honestly cannot believe that it is the Labor Day Weekend? Where did the summer go? I'm really looking forward to my next "chapter" and I promise I'll update you soon!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Bandanna Hugs,<br /><br />Robin</span></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-43571974516293160262008-08-05T19:57:00.014-04:002008-08-05T22:22:48.269-04:00Stepping up with a "Faux Enamel" Step Out!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zHhHkJQoO8E2aBbZuz7L18nrUblMab64EylX4QJWthLkhn9kz35Q6DIE3KKb56CffBGnFsNLyhr3yzeU2dxZ0sM8LVH6uRKJG9kFHW7wtvc-DIB4t4X0Lbyckw4YMpPHQWRBUxjsHfE/s1600-h/Step+10+Finished+Pendant.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231213086420493938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zHhHkJQoO8E2aBbZuz7L18nrUblMab64EylX4QJWthLkhn9kz35Q6DIE3KKb56CffBGnFsNLyhr3yzeU2dxZ0sM8LVH6uRKJG9kFHW7wtvc-DIB4t4X0Lbyckw4YMpPHQWRBUxjsHfE/s320/Step+10+Finished+Pendant.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, Everyone! I've been busy working on samples, reading and some organizing. Little by little! I cannot believe that it is August. Where does the time go? There have been some people that have asked me about working with the </span><a href="http://streuter.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Streuter Gluefoil(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. I figured it was time to do a step out...a how to! These are so darn addictive to create. </span></div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><p><span style="color:#663300;">The Basic Supplies<br />Gluefoilā¢, Copper, </span><a href="http://www.streuter.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid=307"><span style="color:#663300;">Streuter Technologies<br /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Grungeboardā¢ Plain and Mixed Minis, </span><a href="http://issuu.com/advantus_corp/docs/2008_chaw_th_for_upload/29?mode=embed&documentId=080729180222-094066eab31b4ce2a96aa1180bb509f1&layout=grey"><span style="color:#663300;">Tim Holtzā¢ Ideaology</span></a><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Craft Iron (B68SP), </span><a href="http://clover-usa.com/catalog.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Clover</span></a><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Precision File Set (MET-643), </span><a href="http://www.basicgrey.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=47&products_id=897"><span style="color:#663300;">Basic Greyā¢</span></a><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Cuttlebugā¢ and Dies, 2 x 2 Hearts (37-1213), </span><a href="http://www.provocraft.com/products/detail.php?cl=cuttlebug&scl=dies&cat=&item=37-1213"><span style="color:#663300;">Provo Craft<br /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Dual Tip Stylus Detail Tip (56067097), </span><a href="http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_dual-tip-stylus-detail-tip.aspx"><span style="color:#663300;">Fiskars</span></a><br /><span style="color:#663300;">AdirondackĀ® Acrylic Paint Dabber, </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_paint_adirondackdab.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Ranger</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"><br />Glue Stick<br />High Gloss Acrylic Varnish, </span><a href="http://www.liquitex.com/Products/varhighgloss.cfm"><span style="color:#663300;">Liquitex</span></a><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Niji Waterbrush, </span><a href="http://www.shopatron.com/index/407.0.14715.14741.0.0.0"><span style="color:#663300;">Yasutomo</span></a><br /></p><br /><p><span style="color:#663300;">First start out by creating a template for the </span><a href="http://amatestudios.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Amate Studios</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Pendant Tray. I've been making them with Grungeboard(tm)-they are easier to save, sand and create the most accurate template for additional designs. Mark the top of the template.</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231213873808395714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFl1OwzmhCSyAwFOsvOwS3dmiFo9XuS-YdxKkm8srvXMOiiia-ylzguZIc-hSoaimX5IUxg9CtPNjvDsRU_bVKHQdh5-GpBclgUu7rMcPa3j-A_wIs8AHdy6hgc3u_xr3-wFQWXhLSlc/s200/Step+1+Make+Template+for+Pendant+Tray.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231213874819724626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe3hds8vBdP2I8BbSSGqhaG_p0pMUcRy929ksfbyJl4wJCc2G79LDGMJe-3CMH-TT45GqO_l0XVzDCXFsrEWkXgI2vP7LThe6pt5-LjuLNwhN6We4AeWPKkGi_mcVjeYywgQxhLXL734/s200/Step+1a+Make+sure+template+fits+in+Pendant+tray.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231213877533775202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nY2pW38Sx0oQNoWvhcjeESzcQnXjuj739gLnVGNUsYkgEwfn2xjE1yAGRl1Y3FrD0x9KwqLt7S_bwWKzVqhJP1CnWepwC2dUYzDzkiwq8AH4NhVxuxVlSmF38KRuamMdt1WhADTtqjw/s200/Step+1b+Cut+out+Grungeboard+from+Template.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="color:#663300;">For the design, I used the smallest of the </span><a href="http://www.provocraft.com/products/detail.php?cl=cuttlebug&scl=dies&cat=&item=37-1213"><span style="color:#663300;">hearts dies </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">and ran it through the </span><a href="http://www.provocraft.com/products/index.products.php?cl=cuttlebug"><span style="color:#663300;">Cuttlebug(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. It's important to note that Grungeboard is not the "ideal" material to run through the Cuttlebug. It can be done, with smaller pieces, but if trying to run Grungeboard through an Embossing Folder that is the size of the Embossing Folder, you are taking a chance. Just warning you! I also love to use the </span><a href="http://issuu.com/advantus_corp/docs/2008_chaw_th_for_upload/29?mode=embed&documentId=080729180222-094066eab31b4ce2a96aa1180bb509f1&layout=grey"><span style="color:#663300;">Grungeboard Mixed Minis </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">that are already the perfect size for these pendants. You'll see that I used the smallest crown and after snipping off an area of the heart, so that the crown will sit flush against the heart. Glue the pieces onto the base with a glue stick. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231215878805167122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-szt37AVKy_kdJqMOGwyxLooQkLwoftsExlrrkArTrZXAkc4MUU7XaEAqg_079osqqu5KM2qaBiwepyhdk5RNoUsudM0kB3du8kZXHo7PfweaTJKnc1A5zTMK1nZvUF1mfP1A4Gvhij8/s200/Step+2a+Run+Die+and+grungeboard+through+Cuttlebug.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231215875359281858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpzmTWSrIqgrYY4UI2rohgl-3y4P6YilH0mee3GBUkapj4DjebfD0zHOPpeEw33dUruFmLewmdFOHtbKGU0ISNQZjfUnbQMuWNTc7hm4wjbOcaBhfEGMvqMcNFJEdNu_B5H1mFwcVpkQ/s200/Step+2+Use+Cuttlebug+with+Grungeboard+and+Heart+Die.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231216840186003346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtftlsBd_vlObcS6NFCWFSVl558P7bBFYwZ5vw7Bk06FesKzmiZqCWKPIvlWtooiJlPy9k4YwqN1DDKYTttp8G03Ay9kQIyNdmHwR-i-Q6NZESFuzOY7uBsVyvmk461iYuZuZWpVB2EY/s200/Step+2b+Cuttlebug+cuts+Grungeboard.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231216842814709058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsHE60GVQ72iV6LDQImrOVD8mj5lyy3DOKeAj7vHmqLyZv0bgWay7GSLiwr_QlT48VVyDQtpe2EdLCawabYqdgeMOM8uzqxtd-0Byi_zyLGwb4lgN8uKHGFxBNIIbRcExFNKU9u83axg/s200/Step+3+Use+Grungeboard+Mixed+Minis.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231216849911148050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEZByPexLcdlYb5zRoVUqTp_annMB8aj8HCtkdviRyuOcpvIkX5jMXApdPl2KODh7rcI2G7vjSK0qLSc0IYzSKIiyDLNRekTdNzXRodnv7VtQ-NZtCX-oqPdsj_hsUHmJXtvnPXLilYM/s200/Step+4+Cut+Gluefoil+slightly+larger+than+Grungeboard.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#663300;">Cut a piece of Gluefoil just a smidge bigger than the base, the dull side (which is the glue side) facing against the design. The next step is also important-when working with Gluefoil, it's important to use a craft iron-whether it's the </span><a href="http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=B68SP/181.0"><span style="color:#663300;">Clover Craft Iron</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> or </span><a href="http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=9100/181.0"><span style="color:#663300;">Mini Iron</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, not a Heat Tool. The iron plate will heat the glue and also help to adhere the foil down evenly. Initially press the iron down (don't move it back and forth) and allow it to heat. Remove the iron and press down onto the heated area with a towel (don't use your hand on the heated metal!). </span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231217415328514658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN99ctxnM9mUPcIYaabsZQfKjJiWQsw3W6UkQQw2KpjOi_e4TXvrpjQRthZBCKTzdvIaAXmD0vN_BABNXmTnMiPpB-dge0kQuxe2pxJLwoUYeW_yIaiD594fQ3D_GilTFKDh_03f_Xj5Y/s200/Step+5+Use+Craft+Iron+to+Adhere+Gluefoil+to+Grungeboard.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#663300;">When cool enough to touch, move your finger around to press down the foil so you see the basic outline. Use the large side of a Detail Stylus to outline the design, followed by the smaller end of the stylus. It's better to do this as noted to avoid poking a hole (believe me, if you think you can start with the smaller end of the detail stylus, I warned you!).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231217417904502114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0MKaJMZxGiBYVmJP2o41dN-IE71tY_cWibkvnSbFhLlm6fRCMOTlMX2MlknsgUZvsRiOb2Hjg0G8GWTrdRQPaKx-BEbVLumEtv7lKhQigEexbEwF6JzSOIwjvdKuzwVIHm5-AY_zJg0/s200/Step+5a+Use+finger+to+push+down+to+see+design.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231219708319787314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eF5PALOF3mCtN-v-fzcHEvk-xJKMH2p5F3KbL6jtBqYZ4Jo1AlRLIMxwfT4detuazd5JZ0H38FdMsZQOjzjqpAWujnXvQkDvTDoQ7h79FZoaD_i-8wdG1kt_zCizCRqJhfOQwDqFTB4/s200/Step+5b+Use+Detail+Stylus+to+outline+design.jpg" border="0" /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231217423683893202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBt7MTsT7kz8EuS2A56seHHEhvyV1r_QeegqYK2Ts9UQNJHRoSnbZqRKFXXa9up_xB3ugCRIoybpPpzqffjVXlzTqUhomnWD1qPLRPMr4cRhxBbwZgI9PBW3KLLEkuNqkS3dZGpdQFN8/s200/Step+5c+Iron+around+Background.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231223934981462530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8q7AY4tOK0RH-srCFytmpNZUS9hKEjhQFMRfixehtPCoe-YL7sIsl_HgbObfiX71kJNFvUg6mjK4R6LjksqD8GdhTY8G9L7oO8-hiOZRxJ3ZZUniMCMB7ZBA5V_vsKxI7vF_jTXofl8/s200/Step+6+file+around+edges+to+assure+adhesion+of+Craftfoil+to+Grungeboard.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#663300;">Go back to using the iron to adhere the "background" portion of the foil down; with the design having been outlined with the stylus, it's easier to get into the nooks and crannies of the design with the pointed end of iron. Follow by adding design to the background of the design as well as with the design itself. This is the fun of using the Grungeboard and foil together, because they both have "give" so that the designs can be further embellished. Dots, squiggles, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatching"><span style="color:#663300;">cross-hatchings</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">...use your imagination! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231220500519940978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qsnPm8fCts_On8HkBjsw2B1757p9JdSmFUSAZXtrhdjAy0I8plsMOCyy7pQmfeD-CwXJ7lQOVI4BMEln5Fovs5pWZHsO3MCgfEsrV1HiLtYmebuDgzYHf0ngyJ1jeqCxOfTqOd8tJxE/s200/Step+7+Detail+with+Stylus.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231220505573810226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_4lfy1vgt0KGqB8NO0uLKsr2Gwj_aZ_i-IuP0I5xU-DDumZiZfthXBdTl5lAiLk0bPvmwq2jBLBXW44zEgH4VkKhN8y-4m5ySOAutIze8Rx9bTTGLdIxOdCZ0fsVxgOJ-R-CjfPncC0/s200/Step+7a+Detail+with+Stylus.jpg" border="0" /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231220511323616562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8pwA7-EULJ13JejQ1kv8yjEghgDt09ZFoIUJxffL23Lj7mTyZTka4mbo4c1jeU0yyLwhWiRS38cIlqTHFmXNx4R0fF185Ul0pBlH8t1NWJLFAtDnlfGegmo9K7hVSWoKNONvVWUYaGI/s200/Step+7b+Detail+with+Stylus.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#663300;">You may think that these are a lot of instructions, but if you know me, I like to give you as much info as I can so that you really understand all the "fine tuning" that will result in your having success in your creations. Also remember that you are working with small pieces, so it goes quite fast! Now the </span><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persnickety"><span style="color:#663300;">persnickety </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">part. Use a medium and fine grit file (I've been having fun with the Basic Grey file set) on the edges of the design, ironing around the edges again as needed. The key is to make sure the edges are completely adhered down. Filing helps that happen. </span><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Now's the fun part. If you want to just create an "antiqued" look, coat the entire surface with Pitch Black Paint Dabber. Allow to dry for a few minutes, then wipe off with a damp towel, just leaving enough paint in the grooves, etc. that you've created. If using the copper Gluefoil, cover with Pool Paint Dabber; when rubbed off it will create a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patina"><span style="color:#663300;">patina-like</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> effect. What I did for this sample was paint in using a Waterbrush. Just paint it in and allow to dry. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I then very lightly sanded with a fine grit sandpaper, then painted the heart back in so that did not have the entire design looking "distressed."<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231221405127103378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhQVpMG9p5wZ5xOgpBTVT9D1Pm5ODZIcbPOoGxpfe6DiQP6lBcLwLzA663aRGivp6TGMbMHxA0Bd639CzcPKKj202cWsbTaH9MmVBO3pafXjAXVx8CdI5rJMOMvdVCHEN6L3ShLTAJZM/s200/Step+8+Paint+with+Dabber+paint+and+Waterbrush.jpg" border="0" /></span><span style="color:#663300;">I found that the Liquitex Acrylic varnish works easily and well. I've only used the High Gloss at the moment, but will get around to trying the matte. I like to paint on two layers, making sure it is dry between layers. Glue it in with either a heavy duty glue or </span><a href="http://streuter.com/content/view/72/212/"><span style="color:#663300;">Gluefilm(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, which works extremely well into the metal pendant tray. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">When finished, have fun by placing it on a beaded necklace or a simple chain. I call these "faux enamel", and it's fun to make admirers of your jewelry wonder "how did you do that!?"</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">This technique is similar to what is done with the bangles and some Bind-it-all Covers that I created with </span><a href="http://teresacollinsdesigns.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Teresa Collins Designs</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. The key is patience and enjoy where the creativity takes you!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-35079784699397683272008-07-24T18:59:00.013-04:002008-12-09T21:22:58.311-05:00Lights, Camera, Action! CHA Summer has come and gone!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBHVlENOTTYDMBVK-9eLzkQrSR1lrhi5zKVV5RNm_SGDwRAsaujbptZzpjZ4_wINSuhbU3g9t4-UUMRK0ddhY0e2-nJ7vil2hYI7_-SkmdafSRdbZf76pK57rHeB0zcloICebrTR-9Pw/s1600-h/IMG_2647.JPG"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226725519604460370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBHVlENOTTYDMBVK-9eLzkQrSR1lrhi5zKVV5RNm_SGDwRAsaujbptZzpjZ4_wINSuhbU3g9t4-UUMRK0ddhY0e2-nJ7vil2hYI7_-SkmdafSRdbZf76pK57rHeB0zcloICebrTR-9Pw/s320/IMG_2647.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Happy Thursday, Everyone! Wow, I'll say it now and I'll say it again, these trade shows are like weddings. You prepare, worry, plan and with the snap of a finger, it's over. It was a pivotal show for me. The first in 8-9 Winter Shows and about 4 Summer Shows that I was not with Ranger...I was me! Thank you to everyone who came by to see me at </span><a href="http://www.streuter.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Streuter</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> or </span><a href="http://www.amatestudios.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Amate</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, and to those who hunted me down. It meant a lot to me.<br /><br /></span><div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma"><span style="color:#663300;">Karma </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">also played well into this show. Getting to work with the Streuter </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP-P75zFpfw8KUjW3L7JF2rXGug0WJ0CsDacW6w_ZR-DRXS_2y6YYufrXxG6gwVBE74Ww4u5ThjaakF1NDvt3xFPVhF5fU4ixehKmh8L6tfjwnD6S7CeHNeU12alAZOTC9bDFVDhWgEc/s1600-h/Boo+to+You+Cover.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226724822462989170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP-P75zFpfw8KUjW3L7JF2rXGug0WJ0CsDacW6w_ZR-DRXS_2y6YYufrXxG6gwVBE74Ww4u5ThjaakF1NDvt3xFPVhF5fU4ixehKmh8L6tfjwnD6S7CeHNeU12alAZOTC9bDFVDhWgEc/s320/Boo+to+You+Cover.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Gluefilm(tm) and Gluefoil(tm) with the Amate Pendant Trays, as well as the </span><a href="http://diybangles.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">DIY Bangles</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> resulted in my being able to show new and fun ways to create jewelry that will equate into many new classes for store owners and educators to teach, and to me, that's what it is all about! It was also funny-I had been hooked up with the </span><a href="http://papercraftsource.com/c-155-zutter-innovative-products-bind-it-all.aspx"><span style="color:#663300;">Bind-it-all(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and </span><a href="http://teresacollinsdesigns.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Teresa Collins</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">' new paper lines and if I was able to make any samples with them, it would be great. I was so short with time, but was determined to make something. I ended up making covers for a book with the Copper Gluefoil along the lines of the "embossed" bangles that I showed off in my previous post, beating it to death with </span><a href="http://www.timholtzonline.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=85"><span style="color:#663300;">Tim's Texture Hammer</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and aging it with Pitch Black Adirondack(r) Paint. It turned out great...of course I took a quick, horrendous pic of it. I'm going <span style="color:#663300;">to try and get a better one. Well, everyone over at Teresa and </span><a href="http://www.productperformers.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Product Performers</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">' booth</span> loved the book and we ended up fielding tons of questions at Streuter of "how'd you do that?" </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I am in the process of working on another cover and will also do one with a complete step-out. There were also a bunch of embossed Grunge "charms" that hung off the binding of the book. The inside of the book was my first "solo" attempt at using the Bind-it-all, and I can tell you I could have done a lot better. Subsequent tries were perfect. </span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRt_BrpBdbojLl-LQbWflNYfo91z6YzuMIVsBq0OixIUdQYF9jGdVkAziZ6C1HWP510YbZUYIO4T3ywoXR9KyN9K_65QfWZ73_NdDXYmKGpsb5SiKVdu64zImdGTEryBuxKRdembbdLs/s1600-h/IMG_2648.JPG"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226731354472031906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRt_BrpBdbojLl-LQbWflNYfo91z6YzuMIVsBq0OixIUdQYF9jGdVkAziZ6C1HWP510YbZUYIO4T3ywoXR9KyN9K_65QfWZ73_NdDXYmKGpsb5SiKVdu64zImdGTEryBuxKRdembbdLs/s320/IMG_2648.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;"><br /></span><div><span style="color:#663300;">As you can also see by the photos, I was chosen by my dear friend, Ana Araujo as one of "Ana's Picks" for </span><a href="http://www.whencreativityknocks.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">When Creativity Knocks</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, co-hosted by her daughter, Megan, with camera work and editing by Scott Pfeiffer. I've known Ana for over a dozen years and she is clever, crafty and with Megan, they are a crafty powerhouse to watch! They did a quick taping at the Streuter Booth on Friday. I look like a goof in many of the pics because I was supposed to be acting "naturally" and just to "do my thing", which</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OF67-hDy27ym1lOMk1ASAOsNm-Ps1NaV8jUaC-Wh1cjDbwqwjOqfix6WuCBPrj0hfAktWYKyLqB-v8B4Rq6qRc1AEE6MuEXeEHCTU3DrQEB8h3zSEUzyJL3uxTpGOj1ooSKhlQ-y0bk/s1600-h/IMG_2649.JPG"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226731693367553362" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OF67-hDy27ym1lOMk1ASAOsNm-Ps1NaV8jUaC-Wh1cjDbwqwjOqfix6WuCBPrj0hfAktWYKyLqB-v8B4Rq6qRc1AEE6MuEXeEHCTU3DrQEB8h3zSEUzyJL3uxTpGOj1ooSKhlQ-y0bk/s320/IMG_2649.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> was to work on one of the projects I was demoing. You can see that I used a vintage, wooden dress hem marker to display the finished bangles, as well as </span><a href="http://vintagegirlmodernworld.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Rebecca</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">'s vintage bird cage for bandannaed </span><a href="http://www.mayaroad.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Maya Road </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">chipboard glued with Streuter's Gluefilm and finally, some white bird-themed jewelry display stands from </span><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp;jsessionid=6FB988BD555C6134DE63C4F9831DE3B3.app12-node8?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&id=14780613&parentid=A_FURN_PRETTY_JEWELRY&sortProperties=+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=35&navAction=poppushpushpush&color="><span style="color:#663300;">Urban Outfitters</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, which worked out wonderfully for the show!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I'm not sure when this video is going to air on their site, but in the meantime, check out Megan's insightful interview regarding the Orphan Works legislation with </span><a href="http://www.brendapinnickdesigns.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Brenda Pinnick</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and </span><a href="http://www.lakeside-design.com/flash/index.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Joanne Fink</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">I ended up busier than ever at this show, so took no pictures (shame on me!). I'm going to have to rely on my friends that did take some pics to share (pretty please?!). </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span> </div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#663300;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#663300;">This weekend I'm teaching Melt Art(r) with Amate Pendants at </span><a href="http://scrapperscove.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Scrapper's Cove</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> in Milltown</span>, NJ. There's still openings, so contact them to see if you can make it to the 3-hour class from 10am-1pm. You'll learn some great techniques on creating professional looking pendants, as well as some basic jewelry making tips, creating necklaces that will be ready to wear by the end of the class!</span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Enjoy your weekend! </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"><br />Robin</span></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-47202718545495889872008-07-14T01:26:00.008-04:002008-12-09T21:23:00.842-05:00A Gaggle of Bangles!<div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNb07f_YwQ6k1EP2ODKDkmQadaSKGHsWyPFUyDmRVX9PHmXUF7rFMPS3JPGDi5b95d39ItZexp7eotMPMdokHhMvvws_JOoMpyxDZf0uDklZKurwn1cbk6l7Z8yx4mv6NyVbvDVPr_WE/s1600-h/Vintage+Hem+Marker+with+Bangles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222743683232333122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNb07f_YwQ6k1EP2ODKDkmQadaSKGHsWyPFUyDmRVX9PHmXUF7rFMPS3JPGDi5b95d39ItZexp7eotMPMdokHhMvvws_JOoMpyxDZf0uDklZKurwn1cbk6l7Z8yx4mv6NyVbvDVPr_WE/s320/Vintage+Hem+Marker+with+Bangles.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#663300;">More techniques! I'm so glad you liked what I've shown so far. I've made bunches more, but also have been working with bangles from </span><a href="http://www.diybangles.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">DIY Bangles</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. Thanks so much to </span><a href="http://arthappenswithlovelylinda.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Lovely Linda Crofton</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> for initially hooking me up with some bangles. I've been having a blast. </span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Using the </span><a href="http://www.streuter.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Streuter Glue Foil</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, I've made some wonderful takes on the metal embossing, using Tim's </span><a href="http://timholtzonline.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Grungeboard(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. I've either glued on some of the Grungeboard mini letters or shapes or die cut plain Grungeboard through the Cuttlebug, then glue them on, using Glue Stick (if I use the Glue Film, it will reheat and come off of the bangle that I'm trying to get the foil onto!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD-mmGF0eMyYaYol4O1FdQiao3k32dIz4_Vb2jr9QhkHtlqavoNIMlGeza58D4_8rxbSglK7eBkqmSkMLjKz6CNztrwJZNzcUR2p7DpSdQaiHBJGjvG66FJRCxa5dC57guJIgY2Ggdos/s1600-h/Three+Bangles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222745066530877346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD-mmGF0eMyYaYol4O1FdQiao3k32dIz4_Vb2jr9QhkHtlqavoNIMlGeza58D4_8rxbSglK7eBkqmSkMLjKz6CNztrwJZNzcUR2p7DpSdQaiHBJGjvG66FJRCxa5dC57guJIgY2Ggdos/s320/Three+Bangles.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I use a Craft Iron to heat the Glue Foil onto the bangle, then use my finger to make the basic shape visible to then outline with a burnisher. Then make lines or squiggles on the flattened areas and iron it down, which will heat the rest of the glue and attach it to the wooden bangle. I've found that the key to the edges of the foil not coming up is to sand the edges down. It seems to thin the metal and level out to the side of the bangles. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cMuqHVeTv1J-Uzj6bm0jfF_9_h0vertPUhI8AgenexGWUd0VCW9i4oGM5vIqjCziuzBcdh-6tNj7xmpNID-qzpAolOm1pzypJinVLf5avg50dKbvpggs8KAxrA0ycG-eM20_3rn7t1o/s1600-h/Hearts+and+Paisley+Bangle+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222744482640031170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cMuqHVeTv1J-Uzj6bm0jfF_9_h0vertPUhI8AgenexGWUd0VCW9i4oGM5vIqjCziuzBcdh-6tNj7xmpNID-qzpAolOm1pzypJinVLf5avg50dKbvpggs8KAxrA0ycG-eM20_3rn7t1o/s320/Hearts+and+Paisley+Bangle+2.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Then paint! You can either create a distressed effect by coating the entire metal area with paint, wait a little bit and wipe off the excess with a damp towel. Some of the paint will stay in the deeper grooves...I was so psyched how it looked when finished. Some I just painted and sanded a bit. The skinny bangle was made along the lines of the Cuttlebug embossed pendants that were shown in my previous blog post. </span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGMJx4S4ZLwSC_jxuu8v_4gTrNqFQQyj4rGggiCuvIqoiXlDA-Ot_GLNZcaMLo63IRC_GvFqjfcUX0FAB8P70fFq4Mtzxg1OaCteOAmvEo1qngNXPWL1P35K7AKtZx8x2O7TxJKYc5hc/s1600-h/Floral+Bangle+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222746213324559618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGMJx4S4ZLwSC_jxuu8v_4gTrNqFQQyj4rGggiCuvIqoiXlDA-Ot_GLNZcaMLo63IRC_GvFqjfcUX0FAB8P70fFq4Mtzxg1OaCteOAmvEo1qngNXPWL1P35K7AKtZx8x2O7TxJKYc5hc/s320/Floral+Bangle+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I know that this is just the tip of the iceberg of what else can be made with this Glue Foil...for those that will be at the show, I'll demoing at Streuter, Booth 933 Friday 10-12 and 3-4, Saturday 10-11 and 1-3 and Sunday 10-12; If you can't get to Streuter, check me out at </span><a href="http://www.amatestudios.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Amate Studios</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, Booth 3051 on Friday 1-3 and Saturday 3-5. Otherwise, I hope to see you somewhere in between! I have had such a blast working with my buddy </span><a href="http://vintagegirlmodernworld.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Inky</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> (Miss Rebecca Peck); thank goodness for unlimited long distance!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Well, it's 3 days to go until Chicago...I'll report on how things go upon my return!</span></div><div><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Inky Hugs, Robin</span></div></div></div></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-51454631881856974562008-07-05T14:20:00.010-04:002008-12-09T21:23:02.419-05:00CHA Technique Sneak Peek!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bv-bO-dWu0B-huBkKbd_ZZjCoYhDMkkvUzctHOlv8EVloOzA6pMzwewAUO8vgo0hjEKEWnJcyhrbve_AypzRPygaN_thv14itbS1-B9jdq0-sz2wDXnap8Knc61yIUhwTOQ1UnvHQao/s1600-h/Adirondack+Cuttlebug+Pendant.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219624105414494946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bv-bO-dWu0B-huBkKbd_ZZjCoYhDMkkvUzctHOlv8EVloOzA6pMzwewAUO8vgo0hjEKEWnJcyhrbve_AypzRPygaN_thv14itbS1-B9jdq0-sz2wDXnap8Knc61yIUhwTOQ1UnvHQao/s320/Adirondack+Cuttlebug+Pendant.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Happy 4th of July weekend, everyone! I know, I've really really bad with my bloggin' habits. I've actually been busy! No excuse, though. I've got a bunch of things that I'm going to be posting soon. I want to thank everyone again for the wonderfully upbeat and supportive emails. I know that something's out there...!<br /><br />I'm getting ready with samples for </span><a href="http://craftandhobby.org/"><span style="color:#663300;">CHA</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. In addition to demonstrating for </span><a href="http://www.streuter.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Streuter</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, I'm also scheduled to do some demos at </span><a href="http://amatestudios.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Amate Studios</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> with their pendants that I love soooo much! I've also been playing with </span><a href="http://diybangles.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">DIY Bangles</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and making up some great looks using the Streuter Glue Foil and Glue Film. What's Glue Foil? Well, as Streuter describes, it's a "Glue Film Laminated Metal Foil"...what I think it is...COOL! Using dies, </span><a href="http://www.timholtzonline.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPRODGROUP&ID=2"><span style="color:#663300;">Grungeboard(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, the </span><a href="http://www.provocraft.com/products/catalog.php?cl=cuttlebug&scl=Embossing"><span style="color:#663300;">Cuttlebug(tm) and Embossing Folders and Dies</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and the Glue Foil, I'm doing my take on Tim's Brayered Embossing and then some with the use of the </span><a href="http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=B68SP/181.0"><span style="color:#663300;">Clover Craft Iron</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. Glue Film is just that, a sheet of glue that is malleable and easy to work with; you can glue an entire piece of paper down onto chipboard or another surface and not worry about corners peeling up, etc. I'm really having fun with this product.<br /></span><div><div><div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I'm going to share a few tidbits of some of the pendants I'm working on. My goal is to do a small video or step by step down the line so you can make these awesome (at least I think so) jewelry, as well as other projects, such as custom journal or notebook covers with the </span><a href="http://papercraftsource.com/p-1149-zutter-bind-it-all.aspx"><span style="color:#663300;">Bind-it-all(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, which is my other new, favorite toy! The first sample is in an Amate Pendant. The silver Glue Foil was heated to attach to the Grungeboard, which is a great thickness for the pendants; sometimes I use a second layer to make it flush with the pendant. I then ran it through the Cuttlebug with the </span><a href="http://www.provocraft.com/products/detail.php?cl=cuttlebug&scl=embossing&cat=&item=37-1232"><span style="color:#663300;">Stylized Flowers</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> folder, followed by painting it in with a </span><a href="http://www.shopatron.com/index/407.0.14715.14741.0.0.0"><span style="color:#663300;">Waterbrush</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and Tim's </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_alcoholink_adirondack.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Adirondack(r) Alcohol Inks</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. Heat the pendant with a Heat Tool and place a piece of Glue Film into it; it will immediately liquefy, ready for the finished design to be glued in...and it's not going to come out!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXrlpVDlHLiwRm3ukcQgB_1T2Y736zAjcrJtjpNBFB8QXWHF0xrkB19QBfmMj1Ncq_2qccJv10S-pN8udWHBUrBprMbSgQ1iCLcueb1RK6rE78W3xhapLs_D4om_WlmM0TQ3g_Z-t8Uc/s1600-h/Bubble+Pendant.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219618151300900402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXrlpVDlHLiwRm3ukcQgB_1T2Y736zAjcrJtjpNBFB8QXWHF0xrkB19QBfmMj1Ncq_2qccJv10S-pN8udWHBUrBprMbSgQ1iCLcueb1RK6rE78W3xhapLs_D4om_WlmM0TQ3g_Z-t8Uc/s320/Bubble+Pendant.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">This next sample is </span><a href="http://vintagegirlmodernworld.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Rebecca's</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> favorite, so I made this pendant for her (as an aside, Congrats to Inky for being one of the new lead </span><a href="http://fiskateers.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Fiskateers</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">...check it out!). So, I heated some silver Glue Foil onto Grungeboard and ran it through the </span><a href="http://www.provocraft.com/products/detail.php?cl=cuttlebug&scl=embossing&cat=&item=37-1229"><span style="color:#663300;">Tiny Bubbles</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Cuttlebug Embossing Folder. I colored it with the Alcohol Inks, but then it was calling out to be made more "bubbly", so I added random dots of </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_inkssentials_glossy.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Glossy Accents(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> to the embossed bubbles...one thing I found is not to add the Glossy Accents too close to one another...they seem to want to run to each other! You can't really tell until I show you a different view...like this one! </span></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVV8jSlOaGLr6IWZ2UP-SJcf5CUfqA357uaGi4wFgyMgaeYaC9X__GSVVODwvOIczLRgf7eXUmF-eJKp4AAoFEN5jtHaaUM8hzQEMpHBTRhdwCXW9_7ftp1PeJ7ZvbJTO8FtJT42S0pUE/s1600-h/Bubble+Pendant+2.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219620025655245074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVV8jSlOaGLr6IWZ2UP-SJcf5CUfqA357uaGi4wFgyMgaeYaC9X__GSVVODwvOIczLRgf7eXUmF-eJKp4AAoFEN5jtHaaUM8hzQEMpHBTRhdwCXW9_7ftp1PeJ7ZvbJTO8FtJT42S0pUE/s200/Bubble+Pendant+2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> I then finished all of these pieces off with something new that I've not tried before...</span><a href="http://www.liquitex.com/Products/varhighgloss.cfm"><span style="color:#663300;">Liquitex High Gloss Varnish</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. I'm not sure how or why it works, all I know is that it has not taken any of the alcohol inks or paints off of any of the pieces I've made and it just gives it a "high end" look when done. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIoAClZHCXec_UsK5quaBrog1RqwOV8XmJMT3NJzfYa7T8QqW9J1-Ks5ckDc-gZHqtSXlrXpyScLBroHBdJ_RYckobxZitf5YGbu3wCUfaxjUo1k_dDsqY8LCv68C494GzaitNjIKfCw/s1600-h/Flower+Circle+Pendant.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219622609587309394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIoAClZHCXec_UsK5quaBrog1RqwOV8XmJMT3NJzfYa7T8QqW9J1-Ks5ckDc-gZHqtSXlrXpyScLBroHBdJ_RYckobxZitf5YGbu3wCUfaxjUo1k_dDsqY8LCv68C494GzaitNjIKfCw/s320/Flower+Circle+Pendant.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Here's one last sneak peek...how lucky was I that the large flower center of the </span><a href="http://www.provocraft.com/products/detail.php?cl=cuttlebug&scl=combo&cat=&item=37-1698"><span style="color:#663300;">Build-a-Flower</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Combo Die/Embossing set would fit perfectly in the circle pendant from Amate? Talk about karma! You can tell I added my own little lines and dots to the image to give it a little more depth. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Well, off to finish up some more pieces. I'm also finishing up my last few samples for the class I'm also teaching at CHA...see, I'm staying out of trouble! </span><a href="http://clearsnap.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Clearsnap</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> asked me to design and teach their class and I've been having fun doing that!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I hope everyone has an enjoyable rest of the weekend. In less than 2 weeks I hope to see many of you in </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nicknames_for_Chicago"><span style="color:#663300;">Chi-town</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">!<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Embossed and Inky Hugs, Robin</span></div></div></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-62779319319597938732008-06-16T11:45:00.012-04:002008-12-09T21:23:03.794-05:00Rivolis, not Raviolis<div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ov1adAaPpphTX3fuhRzGgAvQ27JHKUP_w0_R6ZGvq_qA95760ti25wkHvWEog4mPkByIqrcE50cXkNWsn4sUCydNdwNBDEkDNdzNH37TtP74HrVvFfZXfU60t9scllKihHBR3T8eMBI/s1600-h/Volcano+Necklace+Super+Closeup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212511325472869186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ov1adAaPpphTX3fuhRzGgAvQ27JHKUP_w0_R6ZGvq_qA95760ti25wkHvWEog4mPkByIqrcE50cXkNWsn4sUCydNdwNBDEkDNdzNH37TtP74HrVvFfZXfU60t9scllKihHBR3T8eMBI/s400/Volcano+Necklace+Super+Closeup.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, Everyone! I just want to thank you ALL for the wonderful comments and emails that you've posted or sent me. I truly appreciate it and it has really given me such support and solace in what has been a crazy few weeks.<br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">I have been actually very busy! I've still got a lot to sort through with all of my "stuff" and believe me, it's a lot! I may be having one of my famous, or "infamous" stamp sales at my house down the line. You won't believe how many stamps I have. I didn't realize </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWMfQSTnTLFRdFUFa3mpB0DujezGgPY5IpCD6qq2AbYQrTT1TVOw7LnJU1U73PjOIW5viWYhZU7xOqS8m-PkuLpwX6V8I4g3apvSLAVx9v2MezoOHc3ctQ_FYcL1j3zCEQ2ldmLf0oOQ/s1600-h/Volcano+Necklace.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212513518997253922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWMfQSTnTLFRdFUFa3mpB0DujezGgPY5IpCD6qq2AbYQrTT1TVOw7LnJU1U73PjOIW5viWYhZU7xOqS8m-PkuLpwX6V8I4g3apvSLAVx9v2MezoOHc3ctQ_FYcL1j3zCEQ2ldmLf0oOQ/s320/Volcano+Necklace.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">how many I'd brought to the office over the past 8 years. But it will be a good deal for anyone who wants to make a trip to see me in NJ! But that will be later this summer. </span></div><div><br /><span style="color:#663300;">In the meantime I have been doing a lot more beading and I wanted to share some of what I've been doing. I had shown in an earlier posting some of the necklaces I had made with a </span><a href="http://www.create-your-style.com/website.php?id=/products/productfinder.php&pid=1028"><span style="color:#663300;">Swarovski Rivoli</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. Many have been beading with these lately and I just love the look and sparkle of them. Using </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Crystal-Jewelry-Swarovski-Sparkling/dp/158923345X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213632044&sr=8-2"><span style="color:#663300;">Laura McCabe's </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">book as an initial reference, I've been having a blast and have been getting back to my bead crochet necklaces as well. I used some awesome </span><a href="http://www.7beads.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=BM50"><span style="color:#663300;">Designer Bead Mixes</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> from the Beadwrangler. </span></div><div><br /><span style="color:#663300;">The color of the first photo's Rivoli is called Volcano, which has reds, purples...it's absolutely amazing when you see all of the color and sparkle that is one crystal! The small 3mm Bicone Swarovski Crystals are Fuchsia in color and have been incorporated into the spral necklace, </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1VtjUy_ohLRj1c_V6OAkRjB0BGxKGwJdfWf-_21JUQ34EpkPkfL6IoJns0UHbvbYiHn-ekxqQQMVEurtOhrzRBZl4sFNGU9J1xhgFO_JtywSs239w51kRoe8RcMKgIJ85noMFGKxOO4/s1600-h/Coral+Necklace.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212515107448455698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1VtjUy_ohLRj1c_V6OAkRjB0BGxKGwJdfWf-_21JUQ34EpkPkfL6IoJns0UHbvbYiHn-ekxqQQMVEurtOhrzRBZl4sFNGU9J1xhgFO_JtywSs239w51kRoe8RcMKgIJ85noMFGKxOO4/s320/Coral+Necklace.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">using both matte black, silver and some other colors what work together. I just sit down with my beads, separated by color and just keep pulling and comparing to see</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xvbJ0Efgfcrn14ntTEykbX8rHIyzr5khdsJ0gY00FBqcBvCHni9gway6WzbHm10p8_eTyafHidlzIkMXl_9dPgv85o_vfo9UMY6v0kgGljtKs_Ix3ZHIapmAnrvcI4YylDxaiTkok9M/s1600-h/Coral+Necklace+Closeup.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212515578023596546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xvbJ0Efgfcrn14ntTEykbX8rHIyzr5khdsJ0gY00FBqcBvCHni9gway6WzbHm10p8_eTyafHidlzIkMXl_9dPgv85o_vfo9UMY6v0kgGljtKs_Ix3ZHIapmAnrvcI4YylDxaiTkok9M/s320/Coral+Necklace+Closeup.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> what looks good. I definitely use my </span><a href="http://ott-lite.com/Cms/home.aspx"><span style="color:#663300;">Ott-Lite</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> to see what I'm doing! I don't know what I'd do without it.<br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">The next necklace is with one of the Beadwrangler Mixes...a color that I don't usually go to, but loved....</span><a href="http://www.7beads.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MX-COR30-50&Category_Code=BM50"><span style="color:#663300;">Coral Sea</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. I created a crochet necklace and then used the colors for the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bezel_setting"><span style="color:#663300;">bezel</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padparadscha"><span style="color:#663300;">Padparadscha </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">(I can't say the name, but I sure like the color!) Swarovski Crystals. The Rivoli is Crystal AB (</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_Borealis"><span style="color:#663300;">Aurora Borealis</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">), one of my favorites, because it goes with everything!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfW-vkYlUSf50pmjuwgUvq6B54fHsB82Kcb9MaZ0NebygdTusslw423_MNg_ZHeBDx50dNWIM-uKVNRZH_B0t-iwDCofE5zMeZN9ffEx3bv-VQJ3q1Ld3irvjC89UYrhnsQ6UX0vQO7E/s1600-h/Turquiose+Necklace+Closeup.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212517193011809426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfW-vkYlUSf50pmjuwgUvq6B54fHsB82Kcb9MaZ0NebygdTusslw423_MNg_ZHeBDx50dNWIM-uKVNRZH_B0t-iwDCofE5zMeZN9ffEx3bv-VQJ3q1Ld3irvjC89UYrhnsQ6UX0vQO7E/s320/Turquiose+Necklace+Closeup.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">For this focal Rivoli I used another Beadwranger Mix, </span><a href="http://www.7beads.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MX-SEA10-50&Category_Code=BM50"><span style="color:#663300;">Sea Foam</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and Jet Black AB2X Crystals. It doesn't look Jet Black, but with the magic of the various coatings they put on the crystals, it's perfect with these colors. This particular bead mix has some really fun small beads with green stripes on them, which make the mix all the more fun. I've got the finished necklace now, but didn't get a chance to take a picture of it. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaFV7TJftTkCsLOSFsBUdmBKEUssj1ejd8NrWb9aT0maCEzMuYglRaePyI3w79-Q6IyzhVSUDNiAnWtcOJeQQLMSdNknHa5PGAR-nJl2xbFMURosxdjL60bHqD9sgGEa-fVdbjggTS6A/s1600-h/Montana+Necklace.jpg"></a><br /></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">I've had so much fun making these and have a few more finished but have just not had the chance to take the pictures...I'm actually busy, busy, busy working on samples for CHA Summer. </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#663300;">I'll continue to keep everyone posted as to what I'm up to. I've got so many idead in my brain, and not enough time. </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Wishing everyone a great week!</span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span></div></div></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-26943775466582275382008-06-05T15:01:00.008-04:002008-12-09T21:23:04.221-05:00When One Door Closes....and that Darn Tunnel!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9WW6dcccPqOhGdmIQrEKkZFzRDiOH0UoGhwXsJLi1C6xqDT7DU-WwpzHWFXMF241Iw655FrO9I0IWsH7MzEC8laHklRzyJCIP8vTJmcSNB6L_28pVt3rBp8Vggaz0dfWxXAIjpSAQG8/s1600-h/452589382_75761d8055%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208474973680711314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9WW6dcccPqOhGdmIQrEKkZFzRDiOH0UoGhwXsJLi1C6xqDT7DU-WwpzHWFXMF241Iw655FrO9I0IWsH7MzEC8laHklRzyJCIP8vTJmcSNB6L_28pVt3rBp8Vggaz0dfWxXAIjpSAQG8/s400/452589382_75761d8055%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, Everyone!</span><span style="color:#663300;"> I know it's been a loooooong time since I've posted. I'm at the point that I can talk about what's going on with my <span style="color:#663300;">life! </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/97968921@N00/452589382/"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#663300;">Door Photo Credit</span></a></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">For those of you that have not heard it through the grapevine, I am no longer with Ranger. As of May 20th, I was let go due to a restructure/reorganization of the Marketing and Sales Departments. Needless to say, it's a big change for me! For the first time in my 33+ years of working (since I was 13) I'm without an official job. I so appreciate the opportunity that the owners that hired me 8 years ago, Anne and Vince, gave me, seeing that I had something to offer to the company and the industry...and I will miss working day to day with so many. But, as everyone says, "when one door closes, another opens"...right?</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I liked this photo because it shows another door as well as "the light at the end of the tunnel." I'm making my way through! I appreciate the well wishes I've received from those that heard the news. </span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">As <span style="color:#663300;">most know, moss does not grow under my feet for long. I will be at CHA, demoing with my buddy </span><a href="http://vintagegirlmodernworld.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Inky</span></a></span><span style="color:#663300;"> for </span><a href="http://streuter.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Streuter</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, and there's a few other things that I'm working on that I'll let you know down the line. </span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Regarding the Bandanna Contest, it is still a go! I will be taking photos and I think that I'm going to change the rules and pick the winner myself....I loved what everyone did. It was wonderful getting such colorful mail during my recovery from my knee!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Regarding my knee, I'm definitely on the road to recovery. Still going to physical therapy and the doctor was pleased with my progress so far. I just have to remember to get up from time to time from my desk, otherwise my knee reminds me of what I did to it the next day! So, lots of iced tea and water...that will force me to take a break, if you know what I mean!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">So, if anyone wants to contact me, use the email connected with my blog. If anyone wants to hire me, I'm looking! :-)</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Inky Hugs, </span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Note: I thank everyone so much for your thoughts. For the record, though, while I am still not released from my doctor's care, I had returned to work on Monday, May 19th, after recuperating home for three weeks from my knee surgery. </span>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-70091921612846122122008-05-12T19:22:00.009-04:002008-12-09T21:23:05.004-05:00What I did during my Recovery..no idle hands here!<div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19CnAqzvfVuf02op4LeyEaR9b-2RrRqDwSqfUP8cmX7WuR2gGAoQ4C4wvApn9dL9TPdmli02yMHaFjyk3r3QbmeFA2lvwSoM1xIj-bGolNSE58F9Hz6gcz1e0sY7GRQS0JSCveuDeTYU/s1600-h/What+I+did.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199637957669352738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19CnAqzvfVuf02op4LeyEaR9b-2RrRqDwSqfUP8cmX7WuR2gGAoQ4C4wvApn9dL9TPdmli02yMHaFjyk3r3QbmeFA2lvwSoM1xIj-bGolNSE58F9Hz6gcz1e0sY7GRQS0JSCveuDeTYU/s400/What+I+did.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, Everyone! I know, I know, I've been remiss from posting, but I'm getting back on my feet, almost ready for getting back to work next week. My knee looks like it had a huge staple removed out of it, but is healing! The doctor is pleased with my recovery and I started physical therapy today. I'll be gimping back two more days this week and will then follow up after work next week. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments and thoughts. It is much appreciated!<br /><br /></span><div><span style="color:#663300;">So, what does one do when stuck in bed with a knee connected to a </span><a href="http://www.breg.com/products/cold_therapy/polar_care_300/default.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Polar Care Knee Brace</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">? Well, inking is not in the cards. Also, being on the computer is also not practical when the knee has to be up and your computer is on a desk. Thus, we head back to what can be done in bed between naps...beading and crocheting, both yarn and crochet. So, needless to say, I'm on a bead kick again. </span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"> </div></span><div><span style="color:#663300;">My mom was always a knitter and I was able to do some basics...then she learned this crochet stitch and has been making blankets like a madwoman. So, like mother, like daughter. This is my second go; the first one I made was for my friend Danielle's absolutely adorable son, Kieran. My mom picked this Country Basket colored </span><a href="http://caron.com/color_cards/cc_onepound.html"><span style="color:#663300;">yarn</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> up for me and I've been working on this blanket from time to time. it's fun to do when I don't need much to think about. </span></div><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199653887703053650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSgXqXoQIh2GvGsD_EAPO6_4vBiShPmJjuDs96ZZJtd248e0Q4JHqUoaefenDZUlEB6n4FRAC9cyRkIpLkxIFIHE9f5GNGOUOjTmFXihoARggyf7dGp_qc6KTIcVp42ECBk1eFkT26_w/s320/Closeup+Anklet+and+Necklace.jpg" border="0" />I also got in some new bead mixes and finished up one of my bead crochet ropes. I'll then be ready to put something on it for a necklace down the line. Can you see a blue theme here? Many have asked me about the bead crochet. It's actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. It just becomes whether you want to do a more intricate pattern, which involves stringing them on one at a time in a certain order, or just going for the bead soup. For a wonderful reference and coolio </span><a href="http://www.7beads.com/info/beadmixinfo.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">bead mixes</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, check out the </span><a href="http://beadcrochet.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">BeadWrangler</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">!<br /><br /></span><div><span style="color:#663300;">I also finally got to work on some of my </span><a href="http://www.create-your-style.com/website.php?id=/index.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Swarovski </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">stash. I worked with my </span><a href="http://moondancedesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=moondance&Screen=SRCH&Search=CLC-"><span style="color:#663300;">C-Lon cord </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">that is in a bazillion colors and works great for macrame and some </span><a href="http://www.dreambell.com/product_info.php?products_id=2250"><span style="color:#663300;">top drill Bicone Crystal AB Swarovskis </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">that have been burning a hole in my crystal horde. A super reference for some jewelry macrame is from </span><a href="http://www.sherrihaab.com/index.php?generalbooks"><span style="color:#663300;">Sherri Haab, Beaded Macrame Jewelry</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. This resulted in an anklet for me, one for my mom (Happy Mother's Day), a bracelet for my niece as part of her First Communion present...now with requests for more!</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWd-dJJHnPaDbI5TJXNSMER-CV9Jkr_-tirnf6XhR7rkOjv4LAeSAUkWNtRR9_cUT9WTS5er7oHpl6N42aB1v2DPrawjAyWXWDrqV2Lvc6-fB1xk1AmNDv71ANKQMi9H-u4PjuNYifZQ/s1600-h/Closeup+Rivoli+Necklace.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199647943468315954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWd-dJJHnPaDbI5TJXNSMER-CV9Jkr_-tirnf6XhR7rkOjv4LAeSAUkWNtRR9_cUT9WTS5er7oHpl6N42aB1v2DPrawjAyWXWDrqV2Lvc6-fB1xk1AmNDv71ANKQMi9H-u4PjuNYifZQ/s320/Closeup+Rivoli+Necklace.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Rivolis are the latest rage and before my surgery I picked up this wonderful book from </span><a href="http://www.justletmebead.com/default.asp"><span style="color:#663300;">Laura McCabe</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. The instructions are clear, the graphics understandable and most of all, blingy! The first one I made was using various matte and shiny black seed beads, Jet Black 3mm Swarovski bicone crystals and a </span><a href="https://www.rings-things.com/cgi-bin/hazel/hazel.cgi?action=detail&item=01-122-12-02"><span style="color:#663300;">Crystal AB Rivoli</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. The Montana </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgF-W2NDHzvWGUAQVlgLStwbtk5Qum3FyGs6vQuJYOPEx-yFQOzKxyEYmVHBv8Irrof7NG4oCmr7WedCvYlerSQYzPq0SScQ_lhbBf94BtSm_MxBbtZTr1szZX-BXSdDrH2Uj4SzmtHU/s1600-h/Closeup+Montana+Rivoli+Necklace.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199650271340590402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgF-W2NDHzvWGUAQVlgLStwbtk5Qum3FyGs6vQuJYOPEx-yFQOzKxyEYmVHBv8Irrof7NG4oCmr7WedCvYlerSQYzPq0SScQ_lhbBf94BtSm_MxBbtZTr1szZX-BXSdDrH2Uj4SzmtHU/s320/Closeup+Montana+Rivoli+Necklace.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">(denim-y blue) one is still a work in process. I'm working on the necklace still, but am so psyched as to how the hanging dangly </span><a href="https://www.rings-things.com/cgi-bin/hazel/hazel.cgi?action=detail&item=01-122-12-26"><span style="color:#663300;">rivolis</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> turned out! I also totally agree with Laura's recommendation to use </span><a href="http://moondancedesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=moondance&Screen=SRCH&Search=PP-FL"><span style="color:#663300;">Fireline</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> wire for beading. because the crystals can sometimes end up cutting event the toughest beading threads, this stuff will really hold up!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">So, between naps, doctor's visits and icing, icing, icing of my knee, I've been keeping my hands busy while my knee is healing. Since my knee is really showing good signs of recovering, my keeping my a*$ in bed was with a very positive result!</span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Once I get back, it will be non-stop-Ranger U and Summer CHA! No rest for the weary, my friends!</span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Inky Hugs, Robin</span></div></div></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-60600281372961599722008-05-01T11:01:00.003-04:002008-12-09T21:23:05.104-05:00On the Road to Recovery<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4AcUUJ5HDaWvYECW3txHCIb84u6f-L9d1d_002o6B-f0s-5DTK2COgNutpgkalxMOTsccXqMEUsGBerEHjsC1oZVDpCjRdY-fmrt6MoSYsCTT8l9ngRryBm7W37vUMsp41hoYrXbhR0/s1600-h/2280681712_8a36b4034a[1].jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195425107835926050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4AcUUJ5HDaWvYECW3txHCIb84u6f-L9d1d_002o6B-f0s-5DTK2COgNutpgkalxMOTsccXqMEUsGBerEHjsC1oZVDpCjRdY-fmrt6MoSYsCTT8l9ngRryBm7W37vUMsp41hoYrXbhR0/s320/2280681712_8a36b4034a%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Hello, Everyone! I wanted to touch base and thank everyone for the well wishes. The surgery went well and I'm hanging out in my bed, hooked to a cooler that feeds icy water through a tube to a wrap around my knee and drugs (yay, Percocet!). <span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo Credit: <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/23954282@N05/2280681712/"><span style="color:#663300;">sick doggie</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">)</span></span></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">The surgical center and surgeon were stellar. Everyone could not have been nicer, answering all of my questions and making me comfortable. They followed up yesterday with phone calls to see how I was doing and making sure that I was following my instructions (believe me, I am!).</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Brian's been my hero, filling my ice bucket and bringing me coffee in the morning, keeping me company and bringing me dinner. What a guy!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">My goal at this point is to make it another day without a shower. Tomorrow is THE day...I'm dreaming of taking a shower, really! Then more rest until I follow up with the doctor next week. I'm just doing a lot of sleeping and keeping my knee raised. </span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Don't forget about the </span><a href="http://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-about-bandanna-technique-card.html"><span style="color:#663300;">contest</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! I can't wait to see what makes its way to me!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Hugs! Robin</span>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-78077064349581677592008-04-23T21:51:00.011-04:002008-12-09T21:23:05.207-05:00How about a Bandanna Technique Card Contest???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSrwAn7gAv2y4tqqZ9ScWZfeN0UA4lx9nTQ-uJuws50iOoTKZpIk6RIYusx-HwfXau25rjlEapeOX7ydVzrN0udwTpRItB7li4Ta2iuuITHzbqMqXRqpCoJxSZCcbaygnxSaXzzAbswU/s1600-h/Button+Art.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192632777798104578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px" height="261" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSrwAn7gAv2y4tqqZ9ScWZfeN0UA4lx9nTQ-uJuws50iOoTKZpIk6RIYusx-HwfXau25rjlEapeOX7ydVzrN0udwTpRItB7li4Ta2iuuITHzbqMqXRqpCoJxSZCcbaygnxSaXzzAbswU/s400/Button+Art.jpg" width="246" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone is well. I was cleared for my surgery, so I'm getting ready, trying to get as much done at work as possible. It's a busy week with </span><a href="http://claudinehellmuth.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Claudine</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> here, but things are coming along so well! I had a blast playing with Claudine today and I'm really stoked on what's coming down the pike this summer! I'm going to be up late tonight finishing up my prepping for the Scrapbook Cupboard classes and tomorrow night, dinner with Miss Claudine and </span><a href="http://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2007/10/foofy-toesare-you-smiling-yet.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Foofie Toes'</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Mommy (</span><a href="http://portraitsbynadine.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Nadine</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">!). </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">I figured that during my recovery from my arthroscopic knee surgery, it would be fun to have a contest...what do you think? Here's the rules: </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">1. Create a card that features the Bandanna Technique! For those that don't know what that is, I'm going to post the "official" directions below. The key to "bandanna-ing" is using the </span><a href="http://rangerink.com/products/prod_inkssentials_whitepen.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Inkssentials(tm) White Opaque Pen</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">-it can be over pre-printed scrapbook paper, over </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_paint_distresscrackle.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Distress Crackle Paint(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_pigment_adirondack.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Adirondack(r) Pigment Ink</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, or even </span><a href="http://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2007/09/technique-of-week-3.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Tim's Wrinkle Free Distress Technique</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#663300;">2. Mail the card to Ranger's office as follows: </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;">Robin's Bandanna Technique Card Contest</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;">c/o Ranger Industries</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;">15 Park Road</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;">Tinton Falls, NJ 07724</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#663300;">Since I don't have a P.O. box, this is the next best thing and I'll have someone from my office mail the cards home to me. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#663300;">3. Make as many as you want! If possible, mail separately so I can keep track of what I get from whom. PUT YOUR NAME ON IT! I know, I'm my own worst enemy of this, but don't forget to do this. Even though this is my personal contest, who knows? It could end up as a sample at </span><a href="http://craftandhobby.org/"><span style="color:#663300;">CHA</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">?! Hint: since it's no surprise that I work at Ranger, it wouldn't hurt to use </span><a href="http://rangerink.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Ranger</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> product????? </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#663300;">4. Have all cards to me by <span style="color:#330033;">FRIDAY, MAY 17th, 2008</span>. My plan is to go through them all and while home, from time to time post some of them (not necessarily will be what's picked as the winners, but just go show all the neat stuff that (I hope!) is coming in!</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#663300;">5. I will (possibly with some help from my cats Minnie and Oliver, who'll be home keeping me company, and maybe even Brian) pick 8-10 "finalists". I'll then set up a poll for you to vote for the winner!</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#663300;">6. I'm still figuring out what you can win. I may contact a few of my author friends to see if they want to cough up some stuff, but I think what the "grand prize" will be.....hmmmm....how about a FULL set of Ranger Adirondack(r) Pigment Ink Stamp Pad and reinkers? That's 20 stamp pads and 20 reinkers...not bad, huh? (Note: this is my contest...I'm going to be buying this from Ranger-wholesale, but still, it's going to be from ME!) Second and Third Places will be a $25 Amazon gift certificate and Third Place-will be a surprise (which means I'm not sure what yet). </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#663300;">So, what do you think? Tell EVERYONE!!!! The more the merrier. PLEASE give me something to ogle and look at while I'm recovering from my knee surgery!</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#663300;">Here's the "official" Bandanna Technique Instructions! Feel free to share...</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">Bandanna Backgrounds</span><br /></div><p align="left"><span style="color:#663300;"><strong>Supplies:</strong><br />Tim Holtzā¢ Distress Inkā¢ Dye Stamp Pads, Ranger Industries<br />Inkssentialsā¢ Non-Stick Craft Sheet, Ranger Industries<br />Inkssentialsā¢ Mini Misterā¢, Ranger Industries<br />Inkssentialsā¢ Heatitā¢ Craft Tool, Ranger Industries<br />Inkssentialsā¢ White Opaque Pen, Ranger Industries<br />AdirondackĀ® Pitch Black Dabber or Pigment Pad or Archivalā¢ Jet Black, Ranger Industries<br />Rubber Stamps (flourishes work especially well)<br />Watercolor Paper, Strathmore Series 400<br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br />Creating the Wrinkle Free Distress background:<br />1. For this technique, the key is what you do after you create the background. Thus, you can use ink or paint. My favorites are using either Tim Holtzā Wrinkle Free Distress Techniques or painting a Distress Crackle Paint or Adirondack Pigment Ink background.<br />2. For Wrinkle Free Distress, use watercolor paper cut into 4ā squares or postcard size (5-1/2ā x 4-1/4ā).<br />3. Rub colors of Distress Ink on the Non-Stick Craft Sheet. Place the ink next to and not on top of one another to keep the ink colors as pristine as possible.<br />4. Spritz ink with water with Mini Mister; more water is better. If you use too little water, you will end up with āblocksā of color.<br />5. Press paper on the inks; āsqueegeeā your hand over the back of the paper (move your hand, not the paper, moving the ink outward). Turn over and dry with the Craft Tool. (Option: blot the wetter areas with a paper towel, which creates wonderful ink spots and helps the paper dry faster!)<br />6. Note how Distress Inks, when wet, create different tones of the same color.<br />7. Lightly tap dry inked paper over remaining ink drops on Craft Sheet to build layers of color. Dry with Craft Tool. Note: if you donāt dry the ink between āpressingsā, it will muddy.<br />8. Repeat until desired look is achieved.<br />9. For Distress Crackle Paint background, paint manila tag or cardstock with Crackle Paint. Shake paint; medium coats create smaller cracks; heavier coats create larger cracks. Allow to dry on own; use Craft Tool to speed drying only after it has started to crack.<br />Bandanna it!<br />10. Stamp images with either paint dabber, pigment ink or Archival ink over surface. Use Craft Tool to speed drying. The types of stamps that are best are more graphic ones or ones that have medium to heavier ālinesā so they can be embellished.<br />11. Nowās the fun part! Have fun doodling over and around the images with the white pen. Use your imagination; donāt be shy; add embellishments over or around the lines of the stamp, which is your doodling guide!</span><br /></p><p align="left"><span style="color:#663300;">Happy Bandanna-ing!</span><br /></p><p align="left"><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span></p>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-81690239476119956762008-04-20T12:27:00.005-04:002008-12-09T21:23:05.506-05:00Hazel, I'm not!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4-PyiEUDEOLstICru9qGJh-xcrZshfyV-DTS879GN7yiSHZsnER95pQPBBm6baxxHJ-RahQyB4Ok89nTt1LYp1mYn7nKguBkkBwMe55u1AjUCy9Q4MKgVik2FztrhN59iissLPQ99P4/s1600-h/hazel%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191367180178399394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4-PyiEUDEOLstICru9qGJh-xcrZshfyV-DTS879GN7yiSHZsnER95pQPBBm6baxxHJ-RahQyB4Ok89nTt1LYp1mYn7nKguBkkBwMe55u1AjUCy9Q4MKgVik2FztrhN59iissLPQ99P4/s320/hazel%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Happy Sunday, Everyone! Boy, am I whooped. I did a major "cleaning of the house." By no means is this my favorite job. I wish I had the ability to just snap my fingers and it be done, but alas, that doesn't happen. But I'm working on getting organized and cleaned up because next week I'm teaching at </span><a href="http://scrapbookcupboard.net/"><span style="color:#663300;">Scrapbook Cupboard</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> in MA and the Tuesday after that I'm having my right knee surgery!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">This week will be busy with </span><a href="http://claudinehellmuth.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Claudine Hellmuth</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> coming to NJ to work on her new product line with </span><a href="http://rangerink.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Ranger</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. That will be great, but busy!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">So now I'm off to finish prepping for the classes, so I'll be ready to go. Enjoy this weeks bevy of beadbabe bloggers!<br /><br />So clean on my friends!</span><br /><ul><li><a href="http://jewelrymaking.about.com/b/2008/04/12/recent-jewelry-related-reviews.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">About.com Jewelry Making</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Catch up on some jewelry product reviews and sign up for the About.com Jewelry Making bi-weekly newsletter. </span></li><li><a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/04/beadmaker-interview-lynn-davis.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Art Bead Scene</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Step into the world of faux-tiques and impossible objects. It isn't Alice in Wonderland, it's the world of Lynn Davis! </span></li><li><a href="http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/2008/04/ads-and-space-and-messes.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Earthenwood Studio Chronicles</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Melanie offers a rare glimpse into an even rarer sight: her clean beading</span></li><li><a href="http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/2008/04/15/treasure-chest-a-basic-bead-embroidered-project/"><span style="color:#663300;">Jewelry & Beading</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Need a new idea for bead embroidery? "Treasure Chest" will have you running for your stash! studio! </span></li><li><a href="http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/04/simply-beads-sneak-peek.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Katie's Beading Blog</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Make these Butterfly Bliss earrings in an evening (okay, so they're really moths...) </span></li><li><a href="http://cs.makeitminemag.com/mimcs/blogs/makeitmine/2008/04/15/video-tuesday-shrink-plastic-coloring-options.aspx"><span style="color:#663300;">Make It Mine Magazine</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> New online content: shrink art videos and a downloadable pendant project </span></li><li><a href="http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2008/04/subversive-for-target-i-bet-justin.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Naughty Secretary Club</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> The king of the chain gang, Justin Giuntaās Subversive Jewelry comes to a Target near you. </span></li><li><a href="http://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2008/04/creatively-unique-massaustraliranger.html"><span style="color:#663300;">PearlEsq.</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> What a Hoot! Check out the artfully individual Owls of Massaustraliranger. HUH?! </span></li><li><a href="http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2008/04/pearl-market.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Savvy Crafter</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> It's a Pearl! Click over to Candie's blog to see where pearls come from and a pair of earrings! </span></li><li><a href="http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/04/my-bracelet-and-earring-set-photod-by.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> My cool bracelet which I made with wonderful components by Green Girl Studios! </span></li><li><a href="http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2008/04/tokyotokyocome-in-tokyo.html"><span style="color:#663300;">The Impatient Blogger</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Madge is off to Japan for a designer exchange between the CHA and the HAJ! Check out this e-newsletter excerpt for the 411. </span></li></ul>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-86020854546049587962008-04-16T20:47:00.011-04:002008-12-09T21:23:07.810-05:00The Creatively Unique Massaustraliranger Owls!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WSU6NI05g_iYr6BDGgu_VVY5sUnfusySfAUi7Et0T5ZJzxQzFKx8MndraehMJ0vhaT1k30lQKll0NXkii_zWBMsbWD9menu8IFLNk3k1gidduLCjWsCtszy44kFS7LEEzntg7qUQ3fw/s1600-h/Owl+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190013042278946642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WSU6NI05g_iYr6BDGgu_VVY5sUnfusySfAUi7Et0T5ZJzxQzFKx8MndraehMJ0vhaT1k30lQKll0NXkii_zWBMsbWD9menu8IFLNk3k1gidduLCjWsCtszy44kFS7LEEzntg7qUQ3fw/s320/Owl+5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Happy Wednesday! Now that I'm back on the road to health again, I wanted to share some more of my pics from </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M2kXf63QfWZJ7z-yIT15aQ5tFgIDyMYMLhTiYCgBNAGASDxf-LpjqOGH7ivUdvSNX4o8yDYJVCn8alDo_hdVZmW-tBILcbuwsP-42cWezfOm5v2rs2xGI1dgXg4oUr20GMvcQ5XqsTw/s1600-h/Owl+3.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190014201920116642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M2kXf63QfWZJ7z-yIT15aQ5tFgIDyMYMLhTiYCgBNAGASDxf-LpjqOGH7ivUdvSNX4o8yDYJVCn8alDo_hdVZmW-tBILcbuwsP-42cWezfOm5v2rs2xGI1dgXg4oUr20GMvcQ5XqsTw/s200/Owl+3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">my </span><a href="http://absolutelyeverythingblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Absolutely Everything</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> trip. One of my favorite parts of the "Birds of a Feather" Class was decorating </span><a href="http://members.westnet.com.au/collections/"><span style="color:#663300;">Julie Van Oosten's Collections </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Owls!<br /><br />I was so psyched that after I demoed </span><a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Tim's</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Wrinkle-Free </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_dyeink_distresspads.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Distress</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and the Bandanna technique with the </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_inkssentials_whitepen.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Inkssentials(tm) White Opaque Pen </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">as well as tips and techniques on </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_paint_distresscrackle.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Distress Crackle Paint(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_paint_adirondackdab.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Adirondack(r) Acrylic Paint Dabbers</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, etc., everyone did their own thing! Every owl was so unique and individualistic. That just makes my day. Years ago when I would teach card classes and students would ask what I exactly </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaXVm59qkPI3gKAOl_bhDiBET3xyDu7WdAHU9dXI6ybqumslKeMMzLTfFhOZ0V6oI9Cuo3HWl-wcw84A4qmtxAAgVPbm50NnA8YOxb7VpORS-eaVljt7_DDmGTvriXBj0D38ilQcJU2s/s1600-h/Owl+2.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190013424531036018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaXVm59qkPI3gKAOl_bhDiBET3xyDu7WdAHU9dXI6ybqumslKeMMzLTfFhOZ0V6oI9Cuo3HWl-wcw84A4qmtxAAgVPbm50NnA8YOxb7VpORS-eaVljt7_DDmGTvriXBj0D38ilQcJU2s/s200/Owl+2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">used, sometimes I wouldn't tell (I'm so bad!). I really want everyone to experiment and </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz7aLubBltfN3j5DunEMwwKpDy6sEAH1OK_NV5KvmE8pjfYQwTHz-TQN8yqT_zpuwmxKP-H09mPcou8MwYHlNgjd_GDwmh9eEuWwNxhme3h8OByarwwplsV4rW_2-NJB-8zGfCeWzAoo/s1600-h/Owl+1.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190015009373968354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz7aLubBltfN3j5DunEMwwKpDy6sEAH1OK_NV5KvmE8pjfYQwTHz-TQN8yqT_zpuwmxKP-H09mPcou8MwYHlNgjd_GDwmh9eEuWwNxhme3h8OByarwwplsV4rW_2-NJB-8zGfCeWzAoo/s200/Owl+1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">enjoy and not worry! I think everyone also enjoyed what they made, and that's what it's all about! </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJwQ1Arf9W_9L0x4tEZ1WnXuE_Vq8wRbrz2-o4cOQgXkgYT5dAgZnsH5Lkhq4f6CTiBnk7-stK-P5yH6UfElkrQmjheHDXsBm-b-nfO5xCTOqNBSq-tzCzzsiLHnbH7fy6ohYDdQbWog/s1600-h/Owl+6.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190014468208089010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJwQ1Arf9W_9L0x4tEZ1WnXuE_Vq8wRbrz2-o4cOQgXkgYT5dAgZnsH5Lkhq4f6CTiBnk7-stK-P5yH6UfElkrQmjheHDXsBm-b-nfO5xCTOqNBSq-tzCzzsiLHnbH7fy6ohYDdQbWog/s200/Owl+6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeJQnGtlqWQbEuHvhUvMJ3y5UQ9gEXoIWxlSgp02c54FzF2q3SBtznlIvxet8b6x750o6eJVUsqhs6BRDwbfz9ip8aMnZFaHi5OYFJaHX_bkinwqd0EEOcOl9MyUpWUf5uIczVUd072Q/s1600-h/Owl+7.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190014824690374610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeJQnGtlqWQbEuHvhUvMJ3y5UQ9gEXoIWxlSgp02c54FzF2q3SBtznlIvxet8b6x750o6eJVUsqhs6BRDwbfz9ip8aMnZFaHi5OYFJaHX_bkinwqd0EEOcOl9MyUpWUf5uIczVUd072Q/s200/Owl+7.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">I really do have fun with the birds and owls following that's going on with art, and these "blingy"-eyed </span><a href="http://swarovski.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Swarovksi</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EcyuZZFPof13lfr9oVN38I_67IlZuLrJbZcWU0uSDE4VVMGtDwr04uiP8NtxZloV1ewflRQTe8KmvBDvuUSnGEvgkCIE0Y9kNfiREUVY3aI_KoPQCC_WGClQO-2ubZmtDVbHa_UD1zk/s1600-h/Owl+8.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190014816100440002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EcyuZZFPof13lfr9oVN38I_67IlZuLrJbZcWU0uSDE4VVMGtDwr04uiP8NtxZloV1ewflRQTe8KmvBDvuUSnGEvgkCIE0Y9kNfiREUVY3aI_KoPQCC_WGClQO-2ubZmtDVbHa_UD1zk/s200/Owl+8.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Owls are so creative! As you can probably tell, this "species" of artsy owl came via Australia (Julie) to Kate's (Topsfield, MA) and, of course, "Rangerized" ala, moi!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU_3bITrzK2E3siy_kmKJFoqAmaZe5Z7eNJpeKbUexQr7fY_TbD_reewU8__-rCahC_Fqk1rGmHzFRz4UkqnOiRk7FOU42_-U4lOCwM3yXOsuv4mIHyVRbtvf9RWdYINBTCleUKn77LA/s1600-h/Owl+4.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190013772423387026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU_3bITrzK2E3siy_kmKJFoqAmaZe5Z7eNJpeKbUexQr7fY_TbD_reewU8__-rCahC_Fqk1rGmHzFRz4UkqnOiRk7FOU42_-U4lOCwM3yXOsuv4mIHyVRbtvf9RWdYINBTCleUKn77LA/s200/Owl+4.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">This weekend will be spent getting prepped for my last week of classes at </span><a href="http://www.scrapbookcupboard.net/index.php?pr=Robin_Beam_Classes_-_April_25-26"><span style="color:#663300;">Scrapbook Cupboard</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, (check it out!) before my right knee medial meniscectomy, which will put me out a few weeks, but it's all good, because then I'll be ready to roll!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Have a Hootie Blast!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyoC1T2vf1j1PRUKjELZltFPNvycMvvOAv9JQ4GgVY5S3DPBRkbL7i2-2lJHrJQBYc8iaxVKXwukron4bRePJ4qjsfreZp_phS4PBsX955DScY7c9V44mlHLoTpbLRgAEbfOxp5sn81k/s1600-h/Owl+3.jpg"></a>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-45411033498307732652008-04-14T12:40:00.012-04:002008-12-09T21:23:08.976-05:00Taking a stab at...Needle Felting!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb9sA97QZJ1R3B9uubsOOnnhlkprCfdHOHiDRHf-xGi6_pIOn9UDYQJrTjMhymfZwr8zhtMHNBUttbBWTv5qM9BeMk8keoGoluBJfT4WUOq-fQyXA4tZishiiZfd8qEnQD84kRew6zms/s1600-h/Felted+Kitty+6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189152528401323778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="308" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb9sA97QZJ1R3B9uubsOOnnhlkprCfdHOHiDRHf-xGi6_pIOn9UDYQJrTjMhymfZwr8zhtMHNBUttbBWTv5qM9BeMk8keoGoluBJfT4WUOq-fQyXA4tZishiiZfd8qEnQD84kRew6zms/s400/Felted+Kitty+6.jpg" width="352" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, Everyone! Hope you had a good weekend. It was bound to happen, but I succumbed to a cold and have been out for the count for the past 5 days. What a bummer. It really kicked my butt. Brian took good care of me, though, bringing me lots of soup! I'll be back to work tomorrow, but I'm just keeping quiet so as not to have a coughing fit. Ugh!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">In the interim, since my trip to </span><a href="http://absolutelyeverythingblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Absolutely Everything</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, one of the things that I got sucked into was needle felting. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdee5Ue5LiSqbTP-wpudnpNs7KlTMwJ9XOzLMqZzBRpOtkbRErIdpQit_4585PSFN4bcIGICdpyta197kobJkI2lo_p4WlPoLHDkqYBI5SkxAArHR_cdmXVglSB6_MAdp_9cgmYAprycQ/s1600-h/swirly+felted+bead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189152932128249618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 107px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px" height="135" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdee5Ue5LiSqbTP-wpudnpNs7KlTMwJ9XOzLMqZzBRpOtkbRErIdpQit_4585PSFN4bcIGICdpyta197kobJkI2lo_p4WlPoLHDkqYBI5SkxAArHR_cdmXVglSB6_MAdp_9cgmYAprycQ/s200/swirly+felted+bead.jpg" width="131" border="0" /></a>I've seen a few projects in magazines, on line, as well as the new products that </span><a href="http://clover-usa.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Clover</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> has unveiled this year. Kate had some felting needles, roving, etc. and she gave me a quick lesson. My first go 'round was a felted bead from </span><a href="http://artgirlz.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Art Girlz</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> to which I added some swirlies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbhwW-GZvfY0kqBpNZ6N7gmuLGHi05vY6WYWEOnNGhlkTo7S16EyRU4xbuITvs-PR-Yyn7_gUKyihZR810dGLJD7sSVVIXpXfGYQ3hJMyklhCcMT-CKln-w0tnrZdldsbCFQkx0vpykI/s1600-h/Bear+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189153855546218274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 114px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 119px" height="161" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbhwW-GZvfY0kqBpNZ6N7gmuLGHi05vY6WYWEOnNGhlkTo7S16EyRU4xbuITvs-PR-Yyn7_gUKyihZR810dGLJD7sSVVIXpXfGYQ3hJMyklhCcMT-CKln-w0tnrZdldsbCFQkx0vpykI/s320/Bear+1.jpg" width="152" border="0" /></a>. It looks like a furry marble. I never do anything half way, so I then began going onto the 'net looking for more information. I purchased a great pattern for needle felting a </span><a href="http://www.feltingforum.com/classes/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=181&zenid=bb58d80470e691917dcfe0e851ae7dab"><span style="color:#663300;">bear</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> from </span><a href="http://www.livingfelt.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Marie Spaulding</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, so I took<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJjNd90X-uaSKw924etCa0YeN9OnSZiM_KrIZo0kHx7ISJXW56-5oHxpM2eJQ9wzvnOz6t6dgwLZodZeWJ4ZDBIZOzIEIWQZzU6SzLYC_sNKZHb3oLcTwx_fTeC6hJyga0VFTbU4AVGk/s1600-h/Bear+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189154976532682546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJjNd90X-uaSKw924etCa0YeN9OnSZiM_KrIZo0kHx7ISJXW56-5oHxpM2eJQ9wzvnOz6t6dgwLZodZeWJ4ZDBIZOzIEIWQZzU6SzLYC_sNKZHb3oLcTwx_fTeC6hJyga0VFTbU4AVGk/s320/Bear+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> a shot at it. The bear head was pretty cool, but I ran out of the matching roving and his body looked too thin, so it almost looks like a short </span><a href="http://www.pez.com/default.asp"><span style="color:#663300;">Pez</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I then attempted a cat. I used what I had, which was some multi-colored greenish roving. I worked on it here and there, but at least I finished it. For my first attempt, not bad, but I could critique the bejeebers out of it. Of course I then ordered more stuff to improve on this. I will definitely get working on some fun decorated felt beads, and who knows, maybe some felted kitty beads!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUMLHvx7Gv7lt5CUf2yisv3gjpYYqxcabdQOOyqgC7IHw9bV5nB7z-bqYXDyN6QaLtwgzgBVI-pvywoGEOCfG933ejz24tsYZuGs8C7Cp2b78vYBNS_X2XPZqUMIMXdTScqt34n5dRV4/s1600-h/Felted+Kitty+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189155552058300226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="187" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUMLHvx7Gv7lt5CUf2yisv3gjpYYqxcabdQOOyqgC7IHw9bV5nB7z-bqYXDyN6QaLtwgzgBVI-pvywoGEOCfG933ejz24tsYZuGs8C7Cp2b78vYBNS_X2XPZqUMIMXdTScqt34n5dRV4/s320/Felted+Kitty+2.jpg" width="180" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I also </span><span style="color:#663300;">wanted you to go and check out </span><a href="http://heroarts.com/blogs/club/2008/04/11/fun-fridaya-fantabulous-day-to-share/"><span style="color:#663300;">Hero Arts'</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#663300;"> new blog. </span><a href="http://shari-design.blogspot.com/search/label/mixed%20media"><span style="color:#663300;">Shari Carroll </span></a>asked me to create a card for her blog, which she posted last Friday. It was fun to do..."bandannaed", of course!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Because of being away and then with my cold I was remiss with my beadbloggers! Please check out these wonderful blogs! There's some new additions...so click away!</span><br /><p><a href="http://jewelrymaking.about.com/b/2008/04/08/jewelry-makings-turn-to-copper.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">About.com Jewelry Making</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> With the cost of metals on the rise, many jewelry makers are turning to copper. Here are some copper connections for you. </span><br /><a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/04/free-friday-project-bundled-pods.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Art Bead Scene</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Free Project at ABS! </span><br /><a href="http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/2008/04/hearts-and-bones.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Earthenwood Studio Chronicles</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Melanie digs in deep and picks at the heart and bones of her creative process. </span><br /><a href="http://jenniferjangles.blogspot.com/2008/04/polka-dot-fun.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Jennifer Jangles Blog</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Jennifer shows a sneak peek of a project from her new book, Ceramic Bead Jewelry, due out June 3rd. </span><br /><a href="http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/2008/04/08/making-a-cherry-donutnecklace/"><span style="color:#663300;">Jewelry & Beading</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> What do cherry donuts have to do with jewelry? Come find out ;-) </span><br /><a href="http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/04/crocus-necklace.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Katie's Beading Blog</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Look what happens when spring fever meets beads! A colorful necklace is born. </span><br /><a href="http://cs.makeitminemag.com/mimcs/blogs/makeitmine/2008/04/10/your-challenge-transform-an-unpurselike-item-into-a-purse.aspx"><span style="color:#663300;">Make It Mine Magazine</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> A challenge: transform something unpurselike into a purse </span><br /><a href="http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2008/03/bead-simple-essential-techniques-for.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Naughty Secretary Club</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Bead Simple: Essential Techniques for Making Jewelry Just the Way You Want It - A book report by Jen. </span><br /><a href="http://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2008/04/absolutely-everythingtruly-has.html"><span style="color:#663300;">PearlEsq.</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Robin reports on her fun trip to Absolutely Everything and her "Kate's Neighborhood" Creation! </span><br /><a href="http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2008/04/all-wrapped-up.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Savvy Crafter</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Hey Everybody, it's a wrap! Candie shows some finished pendants from the wire wrapping workshop. </span><br /><a href="http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/04/interview-melanie-brooks-lukacs-for.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Jean interviewed Melanie Brooks Lukacs for Jean's book, Links, as Melanie is a terrific ceramic artist! </span><br /><a href="http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2008/04/olly-oxen-freetake-chance-on-me.html"><span style="color:#663300;">The Impatient Blogger</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> What's your Googleability Factor? Madge coins a new phrase and discovers that she's quite Googleable. Help her select a new promo photo too!</span> </p>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-10694176818403581762008-04-07T16:05:00.016-04:002008-12-09T21:23:11.172-05:00Absolutely Everything....truly has Absolutely Everything!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7EfynZZ9PAlNi3W6JRMPiCd5gTCuZlM_0JzGej5ZSjlzEgmMtbrd29HlexrGnZQJqCTfUEW-JSLrcmMHvMEw8VF4udUmW4j6JF04gg_W_JTyyCEpcovy-gEeOvQu2FEXU7l52YZX7uw/s1600-h/Kate"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186728199574296354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7EfynZZ9PAlNi3W6JRMPiCd5gTCuZlM_0JzGej5ZSjlzEgmMtbrd29HlexrGnZQJqCTfUEW-JSLrcmMHvMEw8VF4udUmW4j6JF04gg_W_JTyyCEpcovy-gEeOvQu2FEXU7l52YZX7uw/s320/Kate's+Neighborhood.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#663300;">Hello, Everyone in Blogger Land! Boy, it was a busy week or so away, but a blast, as usual. The classes went well at </span><a href="http://susangilman.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Sue Gilman's </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Show. Thank you to all that were patient with my "gimpyness"...and to all of those that wished me the Happy Birthday Wishes. Sue was sweet enough to have birthday cake for me on Saturday evening when we were doing the Make and Takes. But wouldn't you know it, the only time I got up to go to the ladies room, THAT'S when they they brought the cake out. </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy"><span style="color:#663300;">Murphy's Law</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, as usual!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">By the end of Monday, I packed up my car and followed Kate to her house, where we crashed! I took the next day off, relaxing and vegging out in front of the television. I almost felt guilty...almost! The rest of the week was a blast. I've known Kate from over the years with CHA, Sue Gilman's Show, as well as from attending Tim's Retreats. We have such fun laughing! She had always been asking me to come and teach, but the schedules did not always work out. This time it did. I was there to help her with her Bus Tour. 4-5 stores each had a bus that went all across Massachusetts. It was a chance to cross-promote one another's businesses and to see what everyone else had. While Kate has just about </span><a href="http://absolutelyeverything.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Absolutely Everything</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, there's still a few different things in some of the other stores....There were make and takes and demos at each store as well as snacks and fun. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;">As for the Make and Take, we had a good one with a </span><a href="http://www.mayaroad.com/new/newsite/index.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Maya Road</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> chipboard house coated with the new </span><a href="http://rangerink.com/products/prod_pigment_adirondack.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Adirondack</span><span style="color:#663300;">(r) Pigment Ink</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, stamped with a </span><a href="http://www.heroarts.com/products/productInfo.cfm?ItemNo=K4923"><span style="color:#663300;">Hero Arts </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">stamp and pigment ink, then bandannaed with the new </span><a href="http://rangerink.com/products/prod_inkssentials_whitepen.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Inkssentials(tm) White Opaque Pen</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#663300;">(a real</span> shocker, huh!?). (As an<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHayOjNa-fY8Ycj6tlq9PKH-LRObnv2Fxx_Qtzl5ZcdBVUkdyjzRjbQOgU7rQBYNHV6DyZ7usDAaYA-g50yNYi4Ho7f6v4X81-yF4byembXXUtngoCV-M0m4VSziY2BOvEOogk6jcVax8/s1600-h/house+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186726743580382962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHayOjNa-fY8Ycj6tlq9PKH-LRObnv2Fxx_Qtzl5ZcdBVUkdyjzRjbQOgU7rQBYNHV6DyZ7usDAaYA-g50yNYi4Ho7f6v4X81-yF4byembXXUtngoCV-M0m4VSziY2BOvEOogk6jcVax8/s200/house+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWBkIA8rPcpB44dTJtUSTt-uagsSa2ss5h2Yfa_V4fhRUEUIzZfa72qH7qs3mRz8WQYZLwET_nR8CqIpWM5f1eHWu1mS9EbiBUnoB62ImkxoyCZUxavf1aLW07KaexBSKgv_N7sUy3pE/s1600-h/house+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186728899653965618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWBkIA8rPcpB44dTJtUSTt-uagsSa2ss5h2Yfa_V4fhRUEUIzZfa72qH7qs3mRz8WQYZLwET_nR8CqIpWM5f1eHWu1mS9EbiBUnoB62ImkxoyCZUxavf1aLW07KaexBSKgv_N7sUy3pE/s200/house+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="color:#663300;"><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186726580371625698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kAaUHMoYLRPrwsY3knZA0rWbCXSGmIHI4ZpxgCYL8xB4r5H-1ofh03qo4XCoUJHCOnhu2w7ssSaEBpcSTZG5jxwWGRccOzV25phe1AmmAeJbDW58xguyCyuBMqzG8uMXWHrZc6VFzvU/s200/house+2.jpg" border="0" /> aside, check out </span></p><a href="http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/2008/03/inkssentials-white-pigment-pen-vs-signo.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Roni Johnson's </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">side-by-side comparison of some of the most popular pens....pictures tell a thousand words!). Everyone had fun with it, and once everyone got set up with the Make and Take, I headed over to another table where I had </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/melt_art.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Melt Art(r)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> set up and proceeded to show what you can do with </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_UTEE_emboss.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">UTEE(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_inkssentials_memoryframes.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Memory Frames(tm)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and </span><a href="http://amatestudios.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Amate </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Pendants...it was exciting to show "newbies" the world of Melt Art and now we'll be looking at when I can come back to teach again! I will be headed back to Massachusetts in about three weeks, teaching with Melt Art Jewelry, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXoo51hWZ56SRKO8F4japqvXoTz2Jnu7q6Mmj_DRSVl_gtfcLYLMeCKqAsKkQBfFnn6hn_NPyIgJZSg81H56PHNR99JvRmFk3lAbPhVzB543xuCGjuVcFEw28M_w7CuavlKpARE41jTo/s1600-h/Flower.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186726172349732514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXoo51hWZ56SRKO8F4japqvXoTz2Jnu7q6Mmj_DRSVl_gtfcLYLMeCKqAsKkQBfFnn6hn_NPyIgJZSg81H56PHNR99JvRmFk3lAbPhVzB543xuCGjuVcFEw28M_w7CuavlKpARE41jTo/s200/Flower.jpg" border="0" /></a>the Bandanna Technique and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlulsITVU6VWvrpbu5Ua6E2VEpkg8c4_Y7IENXmkNs1izddt0Tor2nEBeN35k59vqAq4I2TnVnPyVynEh5JsiGnFQLbnBlE2NgU3Bw8ukkZ0He-oRRTZSsCw6wbpwP486wdeQIaTSSYk/s1600-h/Sun.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186726168054765202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlulsITVU6VWvrpbu5Ua6E2VEpkg8c4_Y7IENXmkNs1izddt0Tor2nEBeN35k59vqAq4I2TnVnPyVynEh5JsiGnFQLbnBlE2NgU3Bw8ukkZ0He-oRRTZSsCw6wbpwP486wdeQIaTSSYk/s200/Sun.jpg" border="0" /></a>Pigment Inks (3 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBtR3dNhcLsIbf9eJpmpw6bE5iTzaoCsPitxSbPdNf1WbYi0YQae-y2zpHHG7inTvDGG_hSNN0dE0rlF2PrGoDgI9O0ygtU9ctm44k9zAN0Sy0CcZyhc4ITrBDhz2jiZcaVZxB2NQgbY/s1600-h/Ladybug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186726288313849538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBtR3dNhcLsIbf9eJpmpw6bE5iTzaoCsPitxSbPdNf1WbYi0YQae-y2zpHHG7inTvDGG_hSNN0dE0rlF2PrGoDgI9O0ygtU9ctm44k9zAN0Sy0CcZyhc4ITrBDhz2jiZcaVZxB2NQgbY/s200/Ladybug.jpg" border="0" /></a>different classes, not one!) at Scrapbook Cupboard, which will also be a lot of fun!</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgbkI79P9OUdRtGWvyZzXyqHP99MZ0w3G9CGo0q2YAqP6Gf9ElUGF0GMjas1iYquOO1optWI5q9OxUKHzyVE8PDcrZQi0NWLIPD_YhZ1TmgaLVDxWcHGfVdVxqpFDf8JFU9u6RruuTis/s1600-h/She+who+must+be+Obeyed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186726176644699826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgbkI79P9OUdRtGWvyZzXyqHP99MZ0w3G9CGo0q2YAqP6Gf9ElUGF0GMjas1iYquOO1optWI5q9OxUKHzyVE8PDcrZQi0NWLIPD_YhZ1TmgaLVDxWcHGfVdVxqpFDf8JFU9u6RruuTis/s200/She+who+must+be+Obeyed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I also taught classes...Bandanna Memory Glass, Chipboard and Background Techniques Calendar and "Birds of a Feather", which was different types of birds and tons of techniques. Kate has a great customer base and a fabulous staff. And lots of laughs, jokes and goofiness abounding. LOVE YA, KATE!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I had also come to learn that Kate has the various visiting teachers put a little of their art on her<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij098IVWZEB5a0hZk86MdiKJrDclZkaS9xi_QWKP7IFeSfXTyF9X8Hbk3zhe6rjDga9FL51Uya_laixdseyBsb6WYnIcQ7cP4gtboe4h2AnGGxNnd8-3JkNDvQ-NYqSwqjWVzVCGxV-OU/s1600-h/Owl+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186727203141883666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij098IVWZEB5a0hZk86MdiKJrDclZkaS9xi_QWKP7IFeSfXTyF9X8Hbk3zhe6rjDga9FL51Uya_laixdseyBsb6WYnIcQ7cP4gtboe4h2AnGGxNnd8-3JkNDvQ-NYqSwqjWVzVCGxV-OU/s200/Owl+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji30QlsXbeZK_ZhgRthHOnVrywSUg_Nlsk6E3tbqLKRpQwamr9PEa3oJQW7lZ0WDleqHisdB6v8w_vfIzOW3tk5GR8J90DrE-hjfTvfgkJ-ZcOP4eQ8Fc8-X6Xakmjex_jeIVJzfGI3Q/s1600-h/Owl+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186727044228093698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji30QlsXbeZK_ZhgRthHOnVrywSUg_Nlsk6E3tbqLKRpQwamr9PEa3oJQW7lZ0WDleqHisdB6v8w_vfIzOW3tk5GR8J90DrE-hjfTvfgkJ-ZcOP4eQ8Fc8-X6Xakmjex_jeIVJzfGI3Q/s200/Owl+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>wall...and I had to come up with something! How can I compete with <a href="http://www.mikaarts.com/viewnews.php">Laura Mika</a>, <a href="http://timholtz.com/">Tim Holtz</a>, <a href="http://artgirlz.com/">Artgirlz</a>, etc.? Well, with my usual silly slant on things, and since I was doing so much with chipboard, I created...tah dah!!!!!: Kate's Neighborhood. I painted the little world of sky, grass and sun with the <a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_paint_adirondackdab.htm">Adirondack(r) Acrylic Paint Dabbers</a> (which worked wonderfully on the walls, by the way!) and then pigmented, stamped and bandannaed a bunch of Maya Road houses, letters, bugs, flowers, tag and a crown (of course!). I also had a blast with a newer stamp line, <a href="http://www.paperrelics.com/">Paper Relics</a>...thanks HRH Patti Euler! I also adorned the skies with <a href="http://members.westnet.com.au/collections/">Julie Van Oosten's </a>absolutely awesome Owls. They were part of one of my classes, but I'll share those in depth in a future blog and show off the many different owly looks that were created!</span><p><span style="color:#663300;">Enjoy the wall! Robin</span></p>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-65171381088932468862008-03-27T00:15:00.006-04:002008-12-09T21:23:11.336-05:00Spinning Straw into Gold...or Inky Paper!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigptGPe-NTh6MiwhSC5u6YvcLlaAusuEK3LISpybrTJs6PQ2uaqxPdb_CRZvsqDciA7m7TRRXbkc2l4Yx6dZVBLlFNY9l1PaolVODu1kYSRznxjT-gD4y8GH_ah4Z4TgsNysE8eFNYSmM/s1600-h/589537823_5e9e67478d%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182274464517232242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigptGPe-NTh6MiwhSC5u6YvcLlaAusuEK3LISpybrTJs6PQ2uaqxPdb_CRZvsqDciA7m7TRRXbkc2l4Yx6dZVBLlFNY9l1PaolVODu1kYSRznxjT-gD4y8GH_ah4Z4TgsNysE8eFNYSmM/s320/589537823_5e9e67478d%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Happy Wednesday (uhm, okay, almost Thursday!)! A quick email and some <span style="color:#663300;">updates! </span><a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Tim</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and</span> I have been spinning straw into gold, as </span><a href="http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Miss Margot</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> would say, but in this case, into class kits! It's tough having to reach out to so many vendors for product. I have to say that I am extremely lucky to have such a great relationship with so many in the industry, but with everyone located all over the place, it's never enough time, even though I started to source this weeks and weeks ago, to get all the product in and orchestrated. It's </span><span style="color:#663300;">finally all coming together nicely, though, with one day to spare! <span style="font-size:78%;">(<span style="color:#663300;">Photo: </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/5thscharf/589537823/"><span style="color:#663300;">Rapunzel</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">)</span></span></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Check out </span><a href="http://absolutelyeverything.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Absolutely Everything</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> for their latest Email Updates...Kate's posted some tidbits and samples of the classes I'm teaching at her store Thursday, April 3-6th. If you're in the </span><a href="http://www.topsfield-ma.gov/"><span style="color:#663300;">Topsfield, MA</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> area, come by! </span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I was also thrilled to see that my friends at </span><a href="http://amatestudios.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Amate Studio's</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Site is UP! I was pleasantly surprised to see my <span style="color:#663300;">samples of </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_UTEE_emboss.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">UTEE </span></a>marbleized pendants as the first photo! My friend </span><a href="http://www.themoonroseartstamps.com/home/"><span style="color:#663300;">Diana Kovacs' </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">got her bracelet there, as well. She is so talented! And she blames me (for no reason...hee hee) for her </span><a href="http://webkinz.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Webkinz</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> addiction!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">I'll probably be MIA for the next week or so because I'll be in MA, but I'll be back with many stories, I am sure! I'm also thinking of a </span><a href="http://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2007/11/thanksgiving-leftoversbetter-than-ever.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Bandanna Backgrounds </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Card Contest. I'll give a few more weeks of the pens getting "out there" and will come up with something...this could be a LOT of fun! I really need to do a "formal" instruction of the bandanna technique for everyone. I'll get on that, but one thing at a time!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">For those that will be at the </span><a href="http://susangilman.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Sue Gilman </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">event this weekend! I'm looking forward to seeing you...be ready to get inky!!!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Inky Hugs, Robin</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">P.S. March 29, 1962. Do the Math. Ugh!</span>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-10263316846478525952008-03-23T10:16:00.003-04:002008-12-09T21:23:11.612-05:00Hoppy Easter!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5zrU6sV9duaO3fcAej6uYaMGqsobleRvQ75O-kL7D5tssewVCLVhlryktlgnL3dADQ6ArbP1AKJKysc0eN9Zv4khq8Rr9LJjLkaAsl1zEeQDeDTPNsvWZ-3fuwQy_WLrJICVc_5Yr1g/s1600-h/129738420_3ff2a25f6a%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180941375388030562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5zrU6sV9duaO3fcAej6uYaMGqsobleRvQ75O-kL7D5tssewVCLVhlryktlgnL3dADQ6ArbP1AKJKysc0eN9Zv4khq8Rr9LJjLkaAsl1zEeQDeDTPNsvWZ-3fuwQy_WLrJICVc_5Yr1g/s320/129738420_3ff2a25f6a%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Happy Sunday, everyone! <span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo Credit: <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/23796207@N00/129738420/">Bunny</a>)</span>A quiet day for me, hopefully a nice family day for you! A busy week <span style="color:#663300;">ahead; </span><a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Mr. Tim</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> is on his way to NJ. We've got another week of prep and</span> work ahead getting ready for Sue Gilman. I've been inking away this weekend, which is always good!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">There's been some new additions to the Jewelry Making Mavens of Beady Goodness! Check 'em out! Enjoy your day!</span><br /><ul><li><a href="http://jewelrymaking.about.com/b/2008/03/18/dealing-with-metal-costs.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">About.com Jewelry Making</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Are metal costs are going through the roof these days! How are you coping with the cost of metals when it comes to designing jewelry? </span></li><li><a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/03/bead-biz-information-is-power.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Art Bead Scene</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Knowledge is power! Learn tips to improve your jewelry business. </span></li><li><a href="http://jenniferjangles.blogspot.com/2008/03/springy-necklace.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Jennifer Jangles Blog</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Jennifer's designed a pollen free flower necklace for spring. </span></li><li><a href="http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/2008/03/18/guest-tutorial-by-leah-hitchcock-ybarra-felted-bead-earrings/"><span style="color:#663300;">Jewelry & Beading</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Leah Hitchcock-Ybarra shows how to make a pair of felted ball earrings! This is the perfect beginner project, and Leah is the perfect guest tutor! </span></li><li><a href="http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/03/spring-color-mania.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Katie's Beading Blog</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Need some spring color inspiration? Read Katie's post for a review of some yummy color resources. </span></li><li><a href="http://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2008/03/moving-into-video-age.html"><span style="color:#663300;">PearlEsq.</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Robin has added video editing to her repertoire...check out new Ranger licensed designer Claudine Hellmuth's cool transfer technique that can work on lots of different surfaces and for jewlery or papercraft projects! </span></li><li><a href="http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2008/03/down-the-bunny.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Savvy Crafter</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Hop on down the bunny trail at Candie's blog to see some Springy bunny bling! </span></li><li><a href="http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/03/we-have-couple-of-new-beadbloggerbabes.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Jean wants to formally introduce you all to the super new members of this fun group!</span></li><li><a href="http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2008/03/impatient-beader-goes-dutch.html"><span style="color:#663300;">The Impatient Beader (Goes Dutch!)</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Madge is heading off to a book shoot and a trip to the city that shall not be named again, but before she left she wanted to share this sunny little jewelry set. Check out her newly translated first book in...Dutch!</span> </li></ul>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-89377651764383723462008-03-19T20:59:00.007-04:002008-03-19T21:28:08.824-04:00Moving into the Video Age!<span style="color:#663300;">Happy Wednesday! Just a quick bloggie...for those that may not know it, </span><a href="http://rangerink.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Ranger</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">'s added a new Licensed Designer to the fold...</span><a href="http://claudinehellmuth.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Claudine Hellmuth</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">! For those that don't know Claudine, you should! What I think Claudine does is take all the confusion and mystery out of what many term "mixed media." I'll be the first in line to learn about how to use all that stuff that you usually see in the "Fine Arts" section of a craft store. </span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="color:#663300;">While at </span><a href="http://craftandhobby.org/"><span style="color:#663300;">CHA</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, one of the women helping us with sales at the booth became a director...with </span><a href="http://www.theflip.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Flip Video</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> in hand! Unbeknownst to me, weeks later, I would become an editor/producer. Whoda' thunk it!? I took on the job of trying to piece together various tapings into something cohesive. Ranger's first video has been <span style="color:#663300;">put on </span><a href="http://youtube.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Youtube</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and</span> will also be linked to our site. I thought I'd just make it easy for you and bring it to you right here! Claudine creates some awesome magic by creating the look of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tintype"><span style="color:#663300;">tin type</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> images with<span style="color:#663300;"> </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_paint_adirondackmetallicdab.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Adirondack(r) Acrylic Paint</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> on</span> tags! I have to tell you, I really am going to try this...after I get everything else on my list done, of course! Enjoy!<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/R9mL5hk6ieQ&hl=" width="425" height="355" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed></span></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-63380045067405461272008-03-18T21:43:00.008-04:002008-12-09T21:23:12.526-05:00Welcome to the 40's and....more Memory Glass!!!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznvCjF2jKl_lQc58KeImH3J33q87YYw_Xt5FOAb6bXrFXUXLiSaNtEu0Kvd0Moo7n6k1PysUPTc1sZUYqm6JDm2MVDcI8SzO_wweCbMYXbcvdhX2sDa-hqf8uNXGShdoPdRSgSqFi3rI/s1600-h/Beams+copy.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179263533405261106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznvCjF2jKl_lQc58KeImH3J33q87YYw_Xt5FOAb6bXrFXUXLiSaNtEu0Kvd0Moo7n6k1PysUPTc1sZUYqm6JDm2MVDcI8SzO_wweCbMYXbcvdhX2sDa-hqf8uNXGShdoPdRSgSqFi3rI/s320/Beams+copy.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Hey, Readers of Blogginess! I hope all is well. I'm tired. The word of the week is PREP. All I've been doing is prepping, prepping, prepping for classes at the end of the month for Sue Gilman in MA. So that I can then spend this weekend getting all my class samples and kitting done for my classes at </span><a href="http://absolutelyeverything.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Absolutely Everything</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. It will be such a blast, but I have to get soooo much more done. Hey, it keeps me out of trouble, right? </span><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Before I forget, a milestone is going to take place tomorrow. My youngest sister, Stephanie, will be turning 40.......HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE!!!!! This is a picture of my family...I'm the oldest and I must have been maybe...10? So Stephanie, the one in the middle was 4 and my middle sister, on the left, Tracy, 8. Around 1972...yikes! </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">I love this picture for one reason. Stephanie. She's got one of those detachable jacket hoods on her head...upside down AND backwards. And I think a little bit too proud of it. She is a great mom and wife to my fave Brother-in-Law Chris, who is more like a brother to me. I don't get to see them enough, with my nieces so busy, but I'll be sure to make "the" phone call (as noted in my blog entry for my Mom's birthday) and maybe some flowers. Oh, and of course a bunch of obnoxious email birthday cards via </span><a href="http://americangreetings.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">American Greetings</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">Okay, enough gloating about my sister...hehehe. I was able to download and tweak the most <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvVOPp6cVm1F1NXUtP2fXqW2X5Iaxt-J3yot5fBwDD20rKIvuzUP7GjcCQptqN_iodoB18mQRsy6e6VwE8tx3YeztKF8ZOX0_Y7_b58QLTtrQUcJH_56HPWqBi1S1Ry8sBPpbLwFmccc/s1600-h/Pigment+Wrinkle+Free+Bandanna+Bird.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179269554949410114" style="WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" height="277" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvVOPp6cVm1F1NXUtP2fXqW2X5Iaxt-J3yot5fBwDD20rKIvuzUP7GjcCQptqN_iodoB18mQRsy6e6VwE8tx3YeztKF8ZOX0_Y7_b58QLTtrQUcJH_56HPWqBi1S1Ry8sBPpbLwFmccc/s320/Pigment+Wrinkle+Free+Bandanna+Bird.JPG" width="223" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xfgGFkbpc7v_hzXvfzyKlAN2yJDs9VdJGXg1J9lX_I80SFurggQxysLyLjz2Noq1LyaKx9a-PbT88I1zCVYCPS-TCR_hacwVffNGHTagW-6DCHeUVz4niW8St1OwiSDpr54huM1oU5A/s1600-h/Crown+Numbers+Pigment+Bandanna+Frame.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179269572129279330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xfgGFkbpc7v_hzXvfzyKlAN2yJDs9VdJGXg1J9lX_I80SFurggQxysLyLjz2Noq1LyaKx9a-PbT88I1zCVYCPS-TCR_hacwVffNGHTagW-6DCHeUVz4niW8St1OwiSDpr54huM1oU5A/s320/Crown+Numbers+Pigment+Bandanna+Frame.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEgdk63E3QGY60Gar3L3CPaq6IGEDjiY4bKi61mhhg7IU08_-2T-zOMUehEJZQWHPihyOjYSHd6dEKk3HNB6aakbTkYTMwhhwWs-Vpz8XM34k3RZKAy_QtifhrvihJf4CMiWVBb5Tb3A/s1600-h/Swallow+Wrinkle+Free+Bird.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179269567834312018" style="WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px" height="185" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEgdk63E3QGY60Gar3L3CPaq6IGEDjiY4bKi61mhhg7IU08_-2T-zOMUehEJZQWHPihyOjYSHd6dEKk3HNB6aakbTkYTMwhhwWs-Vpz8XM34k3RZKAy_QtifhrvihJf4CMiWVBb5Tb3A/s320/Swallow+Wrinkle+Free+Bird.jpg" width="173" border="0" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPZnxnpdVm2dolzGk96c818PkqTR7N-RQ-z-mkIvZTmVcLa9rAJWRg7as2XHWvBEiq9JRc0XmWCTJRsILyJb_d6wZDw2IfmOc_6flSkFE_ELyZuI7gx5-l0PpuiOaFeuItaCPilhf46w/s1600-h/Medallion+Bandanna.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179269580719213938" style="WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" height="170" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPZnxnpdVm2dolzGk96c818PkqTR7N-RQ-z-mkIvZTmVcLa9rAJWRg7as2XHWvBEiq9JRc0XmWCTJRsILyJb_d6wZDw2IfmOc_6flSkFE_ELyZuI7gx5-l0PpuiOaFeuItaCPilhf46w/s320/Medallion+Bandanna.jpg" width="115" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">recent samples of </span><a href="http://www.rangerink.com/memory.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Memory Glass and Memory Frames</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. As</span> usual, a lot of Wrinkle Free Distress, new </span><a href="http://rangerink.com/products/prod_pigment_adirondack.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Adirondack(r) Pigment Ink</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, Bandannaed images with THE </span><a href="http://rangerink.com/products/prod_inkssentials_whitepen.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">Ranger White Pen</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">. I love the </span><a href="http://hamptonart.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">blue bird</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> and the addition of a little "bling"-German Scrap from </span><a href="http://shop.paperartsy.co.uk/german-scrap-37-c.asp"><span style="color:#663300;">Paper</a><a href="http://shop.paperartsy.co.uk/german-scrap-37-c.asp"> </span><span style="color:#663300;">Artsy</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#663300;">. I'm</span> having so much fun using old book pages for the backgrounds, and I'm just so into the birdies! I <span style="color:#663300;">guess</span> it works with my name, huh!? The crown and 1" x 1" Medallion image is also from Hampton, the numbers are from </span><a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/02/new-stamp-image.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Tim's</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> new collection (love, love them!). The birds in the blooming tree and the "flourish-ey" Bird is </span><a href="http://heroarts.com/"><span style="color:#663300;">Hero Arts</span></a><span style="color:#663300;">, of course. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#663300;">I hope you enjoy these and I'll be bloggin' soon!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663300;">Robin</span></div></div>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231569212179853411.post-90391657896831127922008-03-16T11:27:00.004-04:002008-12-09T21:23:12.703-05:00Sunday, Beady Sunday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI4PDVugrS5eyNQzi8QcxoJPFcAfWKvx3cAqlYKEg4k40_c1-sXaMM5vvTTB2jlRxDgGXghOsWZTj5EwFq6FReoTct3ukaxHhRHWOsInE4ybb7GnovRR-RkrkhU5TqvkfqNH4BUT16Z4/s1600-h/operahouse%5B1%5D.jpg"><span style="color:#663300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178380303445609762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI4PDVugrS5eyNQzi8QcxoJPFcAfWKvx3cAqlYKEg4k40_c1-sXaMM5vvTTB2jlRxDgGXghOsWZTj5EwFq6FReoTct3ukaxHhRHWOsInE4ybb7GnovRR-RkrkhU5TqvkfqNH4BUT16Z4/s320/operahouse%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Happy Sunday! Was busy all day yesterday prepping for a trade educational event at the end of the month, boy am I pooped! More to do today, so just a quick, fun blog linky and the beady links of the week!<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Check out my friend </span><a href="http://rachelgreig.typepad.com/thedarkroom/2008/03/from-flat-stanl.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Rachel Greig's </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">blog...she was kind enough to take my niece Madison's </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Stanley"><span style="color:#663300;">Flat Stanley</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> for a trip around Sydney. Check out the pics she sent Madison. I sent her kids a bunch of Flat Stanley books. They didn't know about him... and they're going to hopefully make a Flat Stanley of their own to send to us in NJ! We'll take them to the beach, and who else knows where!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Enjoy the wonderful beady links!</span><br /><ul><li><a href="http://jewelrymaking.about.com/b/2008/03/10/another-on-line-jewelry-selling-outlet.htm"><span style="color:#663300;">About.com Jewelry Making</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Tammy has discovered another outlet to sell your jewelry on-line. This is really a place for other crafters too. </span></li><li><a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2008/03/studio-saturdays-rainbow-suggestion.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Art Bead Scene</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> What's the best suggestion you ever received? ABS Editor Cindy Gimbrone's was The Rainbow Suggestion. ABS readers weigh in and tell us theirs! </span></li><li><a href="http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/2008/03/11/bead-embroidery-techniques-2/"><span style="color:#663300;">Jewelry & Beading</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Cyndi details the products and methods she likes best for creating her bead-embroidered necklaces. </span></li><li><a href="http://katiehacker.blogspot.com/2008/03/beading-for-good.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Katie's Beading Blog</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Here's another opportunity to use your beady powers for good. Read Katie's blog to find out about Beads of CourageĀ®. </span></li><li><a href="http://pearlesq.blogspot.com/2008/03/through-looking-glasswith-memory-glass.html"><span style="color:#663300;">PearlEsq.</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Robin's got some great news, tips and samples on everything Memory Glass! </span></li><li><a href="http://candiecooper.typepad.com/savvycrafter/2008/03/bead-hunting.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Savvy Crafter</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> The Savvy Crafter is in the Philippines this week. Candie's Travel Tip: Look beyond the everyday souvenir and you will find beads! </span></li><li><a href="http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/03/i-am-beading-daily-with-exclamation.html"><span style="color:#663300;">Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!</span></a><span style="color:#663300;"> Jean hand made a chain maille double standed bracelet with some very special names on it: her two grandsons! It is offered as a free project in Beading Daily online! </span></li><li><a href="http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2008/03/calling-biker-crafts-magazine.html"><span style="color:#663300;">The Impatient Beader </span></a><span style="color:#663300;">Ever wonder how a designer comes up with new ideas? Get a peek inside the creative mind of Margot Potter as she shares two bitchin' and bad ass new designs, paging Biker Crafts Magazine!</span></li></ul>Robin Beamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12047703832179249112noreply@blogger.com2