Keeping a better blog and entering the world of clay!

I've been away for a bit... blogging the last thing on my mind.  Some days I cannot believe how long it's been since I last posted.  Geez Louise!

But that doesn't mean I've not been busy... creating, destashing, designing and learning, learning, learning. My goal for 2013 was to improve upon my clay skills...  something I've longed to do forever, but thought was going to have to drive over an hour to attend classes.  But the Universe gifts... In December, I happened onto the Open Potter's Studio, met the extremely talented potter/teacher/friend Toby Fried and her trusty pup, Lily and I was on my way.  Honestly, I have not been this happy in some time. Artist Betsy Baltzer rounds out our trio of regulars and I pray that her color sense rubs off on me.

The funniest thing I've noticed is that, besides overcoming my unsuspected color issues (decades working in white as a bridal atelier will do that to you) was getting used to my hands being dirty.  Working with delicate fabrics meant no make up, no perfume, no hair products, and, most importantly, clean clean hands!  It felt weird to have clay all over my hands while I work.  But that took a teensy poof of time to get over.  I am no longer a member of the clean hands club.  LOL

When we moved in to our huge apartment, our friends helped us move 45 boxes of fabric and notions.  Those have been sewn or gifted down to two cupboards and several plastic tubs. I now find myself itching to buy glazes!  When I next move, will there be 45 boxes of those? 

So stick around for the misadventures of a new potter... I am quite excited to be among those who play in clay.

Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish to make room for?

Okay, Jamie and crew... you asked for it. What do I wish to make room for? This photo of my storage room may be self explanatory and I should just stop this post at the picture.  haha

Seriously, I am in the midst of a HUGE reorganization that marks the transition from my former career into the new phase of my artistic life.  Tons (well, tiny tons) of special occasion odds and ends have been donated or gifted to those who would better use it. Quilting fabric organized and is on its way to being used up. Setting up space for wire, beads, yarn, paper, bookboards, and the tools necessary for bookbinding and beadmaking. 

Am I tired? Yes. Excited? YES! Exhilarated? Absolutely YES!! Haven't felt like this in forever.  And it is awesome! I am starting to overcome the lethargy and defeat I've felt, but hidden, for many years. Little by little. Ridding myself of the 'afraids' and finally finding Diana.  I kinda like her. :)

So my wish for today is to continue to make room for happiness, confidence and joy, reclaiming a little swagger. It's been a long time.

You can Wishcast for your self on Wednesdays at Jamie Ridler Studios and read her terrific blog every other day of the week.  It will change your life. Honest.

Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish to do one day?

"Friends in Flight"
Diana Mains Welte 2012

I've been away from my computer for a while...working, working, working. Still finishing up the last of the sewing commissions on my worktable. I've missed Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesday very much.

My wish is very simply to be financially self-sufficient with the move into my art career. While my sewing business did very well, it burned me out. Also, I truly have waited a lifetime to be able to return to work with clay and paper that make up my beads, books and little pretties that give me creative joy. Just figuring out an online presence is a challenge but I am close to being Etsy-ble and blog ready.

With Joe in his 60's, he and I would have another steady income that covers the basic bills, should he want to eventually retire. Then I, being in my 50's, could take care of us.  It's getting there. Just a few wishes - and building blocks - more. :)

Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish to learn?

Today Jamie Ridler Studios Wishcasting Wednesday question asks "What do you wish to learn?", which brings up so many more questions for me than answers.  I have always loved learning everything so this one is particularly difficult for me to pare down to a manageable post. 

Safe Landing by Diana Mains Welte 2012

The first thing that comes to mind is that I want to learn how to better use my new kiln. And how to improve upon my skills to make my jewelry better. That is an ongoing process with any work so that is an obvious answer.

Secondly, I really want to learn that food is to live and not to live for food.  I am getting better at that.

I would like to learn how to turn off the talk in my head at night so I can better sleep.  It is mostly creative chatter, very little worry anymore, but insomnia has become an unwelcome habit. 

Lastly, I would like to learn how to make that last little jump to believing that I am worthy of receiving all the blessings I am being given.  I always say 'thank you' so it's getting easier. I am almost there... I can sense it.  Just being able to see it, imagine it, is enough for now, as that was impossible not too long ago.

An odd little collection of wishes today... but there it is. :)  Blesssings to you all for your unending empathy and strong shoulders to whine upon. Thank you, Jamie and all... your kindness and patience is always appreciated.  :)

Bead Soup Blog Party 6 - The Second Reveal!!!

How Lori McDaniel Anderson does it, I will never know... but she must be magic!  With 400 participants and three different dates spaced just a few weeks apart, The Bead Soup Blog Party (in its sixth incarnation) has made its second reveal - of which I am a part. 

From my blog partner, Collette Collins of Firefly Myst Artisan Jewelry, I received two of Collette's beautiful hand-crafted focal beads, a twisted wire toggle clasp, four spacers and three strands of beautiful stones.  What to make... what to make?

I am working on my wirework skills and love the look and feel of rosary chain so I began with the turquoise beads and used some of the black ones too.  Combining this with the silver clasp, the flower focal and some Precosia Ornela beads of my own created a three wrap bracelet that can double as a necklace. 

With the second focal, I made a necklace using the turquoise beads - again making links but from copper wire this time - added leather that just matched the color on the beautiful star bead.  I added another wire-wrapped 'star', a bead 'comet', a few yellow Precosia Ornelas, and entitled this one 'Summer Sky'.   

I believe this will keep me thinking of summer nights long after winter has settled in.

Thank you, Collette, for your lovely creations and for such beautiful Bead Soup!  Now I am off to see what she created with my sendings. You can see all of the Bead Soup Blog Party 6 participants and their offerings to date at http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2012/06/participants-of-6th-bead-soup-blog.html . 

Don't forget the third and last reveal on August 25! 

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs

Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs

Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux

Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade

Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs

Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure

Amy Severino, Amy Beads

Ana Krepel, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey

Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations

Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios

Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess

Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate

Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads

B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios

Barb Fernald, Barbara S. Fernald Jewelry

Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi

Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry

Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box

Carmen Lau, Little Maketto

Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine

Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio

Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry

Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads

Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons

Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures

Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life

Debbie Davis, Natural Treasures by Deb

Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing

Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That

Dhea Powers, Java Bead

Diana Welte, Lilyweeds

Dita Basu, alankarshilpa

Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eleanor Snare, The Magic Square Foundation

Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant

Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs

Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works

Francy Inman, Francy's Studio

Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...

Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland

Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine

Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery

Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog

Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs

Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio

Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads

Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations

Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast

JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin

Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery

Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads

Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element

Kim Dworak, CianciBlue

Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals

Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae

Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs

Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs

Lennis Carrier, Windbent

Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More

Linda Florian, Lilys of the Valley Jewelry Creations

Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead

Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders

Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays

Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?

Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead

Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog

Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental

Lori Callahan, Dancing Wire and Beads by Lori

Lori Finney, Using My Beads

Marcia Dunne, The Alternative Foundry

Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja

Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads

Marian Hertzog, M's Place

Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8

Martha Aleo, Ornamento

Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder

Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor

Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.

Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads

Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox

Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

Pam DeBoer, Purple Notes from the Studio

Pam Farren, re-maker

Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs

Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams

Patty Miller, CabariBeads

Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres

Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates

Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle

Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel

Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos

Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul

Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!

Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl

Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins

Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss

Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper

Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads

Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium

Tammie Everly, TTE Designs

Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

Tanya Wiles, Tenebrous Hollow Studio

Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures

Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess

Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs

Valerie Norton, Hot Art

Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish to create?

Wishcasting this week is easy peasey... I wish to create things of beauty.

After following Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesdays, doing my Julie Cameron morning pages and a lot of very good business soul searching from Tory Johnson, I've realized that I was born with the motto 'I am here to make things beautiful'.

Somehow, through circumstances (and an upbringing that impressed duty, duty, duty), that little voice in my head began to tell me 'you're here to make everyone else happy'.  Lots of  'it's your fault' and 'if only you would' followed.  They picked up their friends 'everyone else is more important than you' and 'this isn't a real job' and moved right on in. 

Interesting how one listens to all the wrong things and but won't fight for a personal truth.

So... no elaboration today... I was born to make things beautiful.  Going forward my art, my smile and my life will create that beauty.  Yay!  (Thanks, Jamie!)

Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish to share?

As you can see from my storage room, I have a LOT that fits into Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesday question of the week: What do you have to share? 

Well, I'm sharing a lot... with the people of Goodwill.  :)  Good things, happy things... things. Things. THINGS.There are things that I don't need anymore, things out of style, things I didn't enjoy doing, things someone else will love. 

We haven't had a Goodwill store for very long.  Just a couple of years.  But I have done several cullings of my things... things that I have gradually released after our move eight years ago from our home of twenty-one years.  It was a traumatic move... one none of us wanted to make, but had to nonetheless.  A sad leaving for sad reasons.  But in the end, a freeing one, a better one that just took time and distance to see. 

Getting rid of all the THINGS was another story.  I held on to way too much and way too many things just to keep a connection no longer helpful.  Emotions that weren't healthy.  I wasn't a horder. Yes, I know that picture looks like I am, but moving from a 13 room house to a two bedroom apartment took some finesse, believe me.    

This is the last major sharing... well-timed with Jamie's question. The Goodwill trips are all about the odds and ends, the books and craft supplies someone else will love, clothes and the like. What am I sharing?  Supplies, fun, the joy that these items brought me when I got them, and love - of craft, of creating and of home.  :)