simplexities.net

I'll be teaching a class next month:

2010-01-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

Beginning Crochet Class
San Diego Art Institute Conference Room—Tues., Feb 16, 12 noon to 2 PM

Fee: $5 SDAI Members, $10 non-members

Limit: 10 adults

Class will cover basic stitches (chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, triple crochet), and basic foundations—standard chain stitch for flat, square pieces and for “crocheting in the round”, and a ring start for flat circular pieces.

To bring:
1 skein of a smooth, worsted weight yarn in a light or bright color (Red Heart “Super Saver”, “Vanna’s Choice” or similar acrylic yarns; Peaches & Crème or Sugar & Cream cotton yarn).

K, L, M or N hook— aluminum, plastic, wood or bamboo. Note: if you have arthritis or your hands get cold easily—wood or bamboo are better choices.

Usagi Yojimbo 25th Anniv. Project

2009-06-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Well..... The picture of Usagi is done, but am having problems with the background/amulet bag portion. On attempt #3 now.

Have finished a Groo "kopin bag" and a matching water bottle carrier, and have supplies for UY 25th Anniv cell phone charms and DoD items. Now to find the time to make them....

Comic Con prep...

2009-02-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

Got started on my primary "special project" for this year's CCI art show-- drafted a pattern for a "Usagi Yojimbo 25th Anniversary" amulet bag... need to get the beads still. Not sure if I want to do the background in black (hard on the eyes to bead...) with a red UY (per the sticker Stan made) or white with black "ink" to make it look more like a "sumi-e"....

Scanned in Stan's sticker... adjusted the colors... uploaded it to "Easy Bead Patterns 2.0" software... corrected/adjusted the "pixels"... all in all, about a 2 hr process.

Condor Con 2009

2009-02-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

I set up my table at the Condor Con Art Show this afternoon-- 80 pieces, which is less than usual. After setting up, I realized I had forgotten the bid sheets... and since the idea is to sell some of these pieces, I had the option of going home and fetching the beautifully (?) mail-merged and neatly printed out ones that were sitting in front of my computer, or hastily fill out 80 new sheets.... Didn't need to think toooo long. It would have taken longer to fill them out, than a round trip home, and the thought of paying for parking twice (and for the gas) was barely considered compared to the risk of terminal writer's cramp.

Dear, sweet Glen Wooten, the Art Show director, is very patient with this sort of thing.... And the parking attendant didn't charge me for the quick in & out stop, so he's officially a sweetie, too.

Facebook Fan Page

2009-02-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Diego/Simplexities/48685277317

If you have a Facebook account, you can become a "fan" of my page-- I think that will mean you'll get updates when I add anything to the page. Anyway... I put up a few albums of my beadwork and crochet projects.

I am once again reminded I really need to get pictures taken of a lot more....

Homework Project

2008-12-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

This is an art project done in liu of an essay on "Appreciation of Buddhism" for the Ministers' Assistant Program of the Buddhist Churches of America (http://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/).

I'm not sure how long it took to make-- doubtlessly, a lot longer than an essay would have. I still need to mount it properly, but first need to get another "calligraphy board"-- I messed up the one I was going to use for backing when I drilled the holes to wire the hanging bar to it.

Project stats: I designed the pattern; base fabric done in peyote stitch using 11/0 seed beads, 54 beads wide by 75 or so rows (not including hanging loops). Bead appliquet/enhancements done with 15/0 seed beads. "Thread" was Fireline "Crystal", 8# test. Bamboo skewer for hanging bar. Will be mounted on a Japanese calligraphy board-- probably using adhesive "dots", since the wiring attempt was a failure, and the board on a washi "frame" used to display such boards.

UPDATE: the glue dot thingies didn't work, either.... Beadwork is too heavy. Will probably sew it directly to the washi "frame".

First Place Winner-- BSSDC Member Challenge

2008-11-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

"TOO PRECIOUS" Necklace

The "challenge" was to use a baggie of beads-- mostly seed beads-- in various bright "jewel tones": sapphire, fushia, teal, and purple seed beads, and a few other smallish beads. The theme was Deep Jewel Tones. http://sdbeadsociety.org/members/challenges.htm

I added amethyst, apatite, citrine, and peridot gemstones (mostly chips/mini-nuggets), additional glass and paua beads, and the utterly, too precious Hello Kitty acrylic beads I got from Chris Prussing (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5569264). The clasp is Bali silver with a faceted amethyst.

FAQ Answers: No, this one is not for sale. Yes, I wear it. To work. No, I don't have instructions-- I kinda made it up as I went along, and really can't say exactly how I did it... other than that each strand is a different length of strung beads, brought into a single strand to which is attached the clasp. I have no idea how much it cost to make, or where I got anything except the challenge beads and the Hello Kitty beads.... and I don't think Chris has anymore of those (she has some very cool beaded beads, though...).

Happy Birthday, USMC!!

2008-11-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

And Happy Other Birthday, to all you Jarheads!

Art Shows, Crafts Shows, Consignment & other venues

2008-08-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Currently, I sell my beadwork and crocheted items through consignment at the gift shops of the Japanese Friendship Garden and the San Diego Art Institute, in Balboa Park, San Diego, at local Sci-Fi/Fantasy convention art shows (Condor Con, Comic Con, and Conjecture), a couple of gallery shows for bead society/art museum members, and now through Etsy.com. Previously, I sold on consignment at a friend’s shop, until she decided to convert her brick and motar business to an internet business—you can find her on Etsy and eBay as “whatigather”; you may notice she sells some similar “bits and pieces” to what I’ve incorporated in some of my work (yes, I spent a lot of my consignment checks in her shop)…. I also tried a few on-line sites before Etsy, most of which no longer exist. Occasionally, I make “direct” sales and custom items.

For my consignment sales, most buyers are tourists wanting a souvenir that is a bit different than the usual made-in-China gew-gaw, but don’t want to spend much on it. “Under $10” is the “price point” for most of these sales; other buyers, though, are locals looking for something “different” or “arty”—these buyers generally are willing to pay for that uniqueness, especially since the purchase helps support a local artist AND a local non-profit institution.

I’ve participated in a few Crafts’ Shows. The last time, was this past spring, at my workplace (for a fundraiser). It reminded me why I don’t do them…. Even if it hadn’t been the confused “mess” it ended up being (mistakes, miscommunications, and generally poor planning from those in charge of the event), it still would not have been a “good day” for me—I really have a hard time “sitting” for extended periods of time.

Gallery shows—ummm…. Well, I’ve taken part in our bead society’s gallery show every year it has been held. My preferences for “décor” and content generally run counter to the preferences of the “PTBs” of the last few years. “Their way” has been to make it like a “high end”, fine arts gallery show—I sell one or two pieces, and most members don’t sell anything; the PTBs sell “high end” items to their friends and current clients— the gallery show being set up like an extension of their studio shops. The way I prefer—like a fun and happy Bazaar… total sales in terms of number of pieces is higher, more artists have sales, and there is a whole lot more selection of “affordable” items for casual, spur of the moment, walk-in type visitors (the majority of potential buyers). My personal sales income is about the same, but generally it’s several “low to mid” priced items rather than one or two higher priced ones, which to me is “better”. It’s not an extension of “my studio”… which consists of my end of the dining table for beading, and a few canvas bags for crochet WIPs. (We won’t talk about how much space storage takes up…). The other gallery shows I’ve entered were at the SD Art Institute’s “Museum of the Living Artist”—once at one of their fund raiser shows, and last year, for a “Holiday Tree” show (mine sold the first night—before any of my friends got to see it! I have mixed feelings about that…). Still working on “fine art” type projects….

For the art shows… I really haven’t figured out where the main “price point” is. Sales are at low, mid and high ends… although I haven’t done but a couple of really high end pieces for sale, and somehow, I seem to forget to even put those out most of the time, or don’t have room for them. Usually, the highest priced item is under $200. The last show I did (Comic Con), the highest priced item was $165—and it sold. So did $5 cell-phone charms and hair clips, but only a couple of “moderate” priced items….

Things to consider about art shows:

As you may have gathered… I like Art Shows. They aren’t “perfect”, but until I can find a Rich Patron who will pay for all my materials, promotions and showings, and pay me a living wage to “create” as I please… Art Shows will have to do.

Art Shows are “easy”—you set up once and can leave until it’s time to pack out. AS Staff takes care of sales, credit card processing, check guarantees, and paying the Governator his cut of the sales. No resale certificate required (I have one, though).

Art Shows are “cheap”—a display space usually costs much less than vendor space. And… you don’t have to “sit” all day with your “stuff”. You don’t need as many products to fill your space, either.

Art Shows, in my experience, are “safe”—I’ve never had anything “evaporate” at an art show, nor any breakage I did not myself cause (I’m a bit clumsy and tend to drop stuff…). I have had consignment and gallery show items disappear and be broken. You also don’t have gooey-fingered kidlets messing up your pieces, nor people spilling drinks, etc on them.

Art Shows usually have limited space—but so do many Crafts Fairs. Generally, one “space” consists of a 4’ x 4’ vertical panel or a half-table (tables either 6’ or 8’ long x 30”, depending on the venue). Some shows limit the number of spaces per artist, others are “first come, first choice”.

Art Shows usually charge a commission on sales—but they do work for it, and they have to pay the rent on the room. Some Crafts Fairs also charge commissions, as do most gallery shows and consignment shops. Of the art shows I do— Comic Con charges no commission, Condor Con and Conjecture charge 10%, Westercon charged 15%, in addition to the table fees. Most of these shows are three days.

Art Shows aren’t really set up for sales of “production items”—they’re more for one of a kind or limited edition work. This can be a “pro” or a “con”, depending on how you work. Since I can have problems making two earrings in a pair match… “OOAK” inventory works for me.

Comic Con 2008 table

For the amulet bag in the previous post....

2008-08-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

The beading of the pouch portion took probably 20 hours-- part of the reason it took that long, is because I needed to adjust the pattern as I went along to keep the proportions right. Which meant ripping out several rounds at a time, and re-beading them.

The initial graphing took a while, too-- it was done "low tech" (not with a graphing program). To start- you scan a graph onto a transparency, then lay that over your picture, and re-scan with the two together.... Then agonize over each partial square when filling out the paper graph that you use for your working copy, realizing that the "squares" aren't QUITE the same proportions as your beads (in my case, a Delica graph, but I used 15/0 beads).... I had planned to "someday" reverse engineer a pattern from the completed bag, but now that Suzanne has done it... I'll probably use hers if I decide to make another one. Besides, hers looks like it will be fine using 11/0 beads, which are easier than 15/0s.....

I used the same method with the Ruferto bag I made-- which was much more complicated because of the colors, and because even using 15/0 beads, details in the original had to be eliminated because they were "too close together" to make them distinctive in the overall size of the project I wanted. For that one, there were a few more steps using a copier to adjust the size of the original (which was about the same size as the amulet bag) to use for the pattern. Usually, the cartoons I use for patterns are much simpler than Sergio Aragones draws.... Hello Kitty, for example....

"Wa" (Harmony)

2008-08-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Suzanne Cooper for reminding me I had this.... I made it several years ago, by graphing a calligraphy done by my minister-- peyote stitch, 15/0 beads for the bag and fringe, 11/0, fire polished glass, bone and a "cinnabar" bead for the strap. That loop above the toggle is there because I got a knot in it, and I can't get it undone.... Looks almost planned, though.

Check out Suzanne's website: http://suzannecooper.com/ . Not only does she have a version of this character in a pattern that looks good in 11/0 beads (FREE!!), she has many other wonderful designs.

New Stuff

2008-08-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

Mostly recovered from Comic Con and our temple Obon Festival, I got back into the "creation mode" this past week. I even have pictures of some-- despite having to battle the scanner for the past hour (I emerged victorious!!... at least, I finally got scans that didn't "auto crop" out what I was trying to show....). Still can't manage to get the Blogspot upload to arrange them properly... and also have two more crochet projects finished, which are too big to scan....

Day of the Dead bracelets-- the bottom one is nearly a quarter pound... so I made a "Lite" version, as well. Same number of beads, just smaller ones....

Soft sea colors-- A RAW "wiggle" bracelet (instructions in B&B special issue), an "Obon" bracelet-- it started out as another "woolie worm" style, like the DoD bracelets, but it looked "right" after the first pass of enhancements, so I managed to retstrain myself from adding the other rows I had laid out.... Abalone buttons for the closures on both. Also a ring with a peuote st band and a flower and leaf enhancement.

Cell phone charms and some twiddly whatnots that may be used later as components... or not. Anyway, it was easier to make them than sort out the beads and put them away properly.

Tagged!

2008-08-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

I was “tagged” by Michele Cook (http://micheleslife-michele.blogspot.com/), a fellow Esty “eSMARTsTeam” member. Accordingly, I am posting according to the “rules of the game”.

Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Sooo…. I’ve already linked to Michele in the first paragraph. By the way, check out her Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5662253 ), and the rest of the Etsy team’s shops (www.esmartsteam.blogspot.com has a list of members' shops).

My “6 random things about me”:
a. I'm short, too.... Not as short as Michele, though!
b. I was named after my aunt (father's youngest sister), because my father liked that name. Got my mother's first name as a middle name (family tradition), and chose my nick-name myself when I was learning to talk... my mom chose the spelling, though.
c. US Navy vet
d. Two sons-- both "grown up"; no grandbabies (except the furry variety).
e. Hubby's from Hawaii.
f. We're taking our "honeymoon" at the end of the month... just a couple dozen years late. We'll be visiting his mom and sister.

My 6 “victims” (the ones at the bottom of my blog list—meaning they haven’t been heard from as lately as the others):

Anita at http://gahooletreedesigns.blogspot.com/

Jackie and Lara at http://silverlodge-gems.blogspot.com/

Diane at http://feeds.feedburner.com/mygemstoneboxbydiane

Carlotta at http://carlottacreates.blogspot.com/

Julie Ann at http://angelamps.blogspot.com

and our shy member at http://dentedhalo.blogspot.com

Comic Con 2008

2008-07-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

Picture 1: Sergio Aragones at the Quick Draw panel
Picture 2: Mark Evenier, Scott Shaw! and Mike Peters at Quick Draw panel

Picture 3: Sails Pavilion crowd before opening on Thursday
Picture 4: Art Show Staff waiting for opening time....

Comic Con is coming.... SOON!!

2008-07-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Still trying to "make stuff" for the Art Show, and maybe finish the dress I started two years ago??

Naw... probably won't get to the dress. Would have to clear space to set up the sewing machine first... then figure out how to use the beast. It's new-- and a brand I had never heard of before I got it. WARNING: "VISA Rewards" --for Score card points-- does NOT necessarily send you the item you "order" from their catalog... they "reserve the right" to send a similar item of "greater or equal value"... value as determined by them. I haven't taken it out of the box yet. Reviews of the manufacturer (EuroPro-- a Chinese company) are "mixed"-- and I could find only 3 for my specific model via Google. I had ordered a Brother.... Note: Japanese and Chinese are NOT the same! It's like ordering a Mercedes and having a Yugo delivered, 'cuz, gee, they're both cars, and they're both from Europe, right?

Etsy Shop

2008-06-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

FINALLY opened one... www.simplexities.etsy.com

Art Clay Class Projects

2008-03-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

A 25g pack of Art Clay Silver, and 10 min in the "oven" produced these. Fun. Could easily get expensive. Where would I put a kiln .....

North-- to AK

2008-03-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

HK <3 MG!!

Hello Kitty beads in ceramic and yummy candy-colored acrylic are nestled amongst the Spring flowers, along with their Monkey Friend. Heading to the Land of the Midnight Sun....

Show Set-ups

2008-03-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

Table at Condor Con -- the theme this year was "Death & Beyond" Feb 29-Mar 2, 2008

Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden, in Balboa Park, San Diego March 8, 2008

New beadwork-- for Condor Con

2008-02-19T20:15:00.000-08:00

One of my New Year's resolutions is to do more "themed" work.... Condor Con's (http://www.condorcon.org/) theme this year is "Death & Beyond". In addition to some Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) pieces previously made which fit the "Death" part, I've made 3 necklaces reflecting the "Beyond" part....

This one is "Samsara":

The very mortal surfer rides the waves in the Ocean of Birth and Death…. Waves crest and trough, revealing glimpses of treasures and myriads of life forms. An occasional island offers rest and refreshment, but alas, one soon must catch another wave… over and over, until one finds the way to the Other Shore.

Focal: cast metal charm, origin unknown; Czech pressed glass, Chinese porcelain, shell and abalone, “party beads” (acrylic), seed beads (Czech Republic and Taiwan), abalone button.

This is "By the Rainbow Bridge":

From the poem, The Rainbow Bridge, in honor of all the beloved furred, feathered and finny friends and family members who have left this life before us.

Focal: high-fired ceramic vessel (can hold liquid, “smelling salts”, dried herbs) from Peru; Czech pressed glass and fire polished glass, Chinese porcelain and lampwork, Peruvian ceramic, bone button (India), seed beads (Japan and Czech Republic).

And, "Nirvana":

On each side of the Buddha head, are 8 fire polished rounds, representing the “8-Fold Noble Path” leading to the Pure Land, represented by “arahats” (in the carved wood beads) surrounded by lotuses (porcelain beads). Along the “path” to the Pure Land, lotuses (stacks of pressed and fire-polished glass beads) are in various stages of bloom; as Gautama Buddha said, “My followers are like lotus flowers. Some are still tight buds sleeping in the water, some have just emerged, some have started to unfurl and some have fully awakened”.

Focal: high-fired ceramic vessel (can hold liquid, “smelling salts”, dried herbs) from Peru; Czech pressed glass and fire polished glass, vintage Czech glass button, porcelain beads (China), hand carved “bead within a bead” beads (China), seed beads (Japan and Czech Republic).

I also did a couple of "just for fun, because I couldn't resist the beads" pieces:

'60's Revival: Feelin' Groovy (bracelet)

Peace, love, happiness… wearing jeans, getting around in a Bug… stars in your eyes and flowers everywhere…. Which way to San Francisco?

Plastic novelty beads, Czech pressed glass, Czech and Japanese seed beads, novelty button.

Springtime Goth

What can I say… beads with “spring palette” colors, combined with glittery black ones and a skull focal somewhat left of center… what else it be?

Vintage and modern acrylic and resin beads, Czech pressed glass, Czech and Taiwanese seed beads, novelty button (plastic), acrylic charm.

Magic Ball Scrumble

2007-12-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

A "magic ball" is made of yarn scraps tied together. A "scrumble" is a free form crochet piece.

This was made starting with a black flat circle made in dc, then the next round started with the "magic ball". Whenever a new piece of yarn started, I made a ch 3, turn and went back in the opposite direction.

This is a scan of the piece, pretty much centered (quite a bit hanging over the edges of the scanner)-- it looks like a multi colored amoeba. The yarns are various types and weights-- including several novelty yarns. After the "masagic ball" was used up, I made an "outline" round with a white yarn. I have a new "magic ball" started.....

Bodhi Tree and Christmas Vases

2007-12-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

The first picture is of my entry in the SDAI "Holiday Trees" gallery exhibit. I should get at least "third place", seeing as only two other submissions were received by the deadline. The tree frame is from Ikea; 366 leaf beads, three monkeys and a star bead are wired on and the wire is secured to the frame with floral tape. The charm is a genuine Tibetan Buddhist iconograph of Gautama Buddha at the conclusion of the meditation in which he attained Enlightenment.

The second picture is of two of the three "Salong" vases I've beaded, with artificial flower arrangements.

Ikea Style, enhanced

2007-11-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Salong vases, with beaded collars: "Sprout" (green beading on white), "Holiday" (gold beading on red), "Salong, & Thanx 4 the Fish" (black & purple on gray).

Collars are removable, so the vases can be washed, and/or switched to another color vase of the same size/style.

Halloween bracelet

2007-10-08T19:00:00.001-07:00

Novelty buttons, pressed glass, seed beads

Halloweenish

2007-10-08T18:42:00.001-07:00

Middle picture is an ID lariat.

More Day of the Dead jewelry....

2007-10-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Focal/pendant of necklace is a ceramic vessel.

Bead crochet: stringing beads and finished project

2007-09-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

bead crochet: amulet bags, coin purse

2007-09-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

Last picture: top right and left bags are bead crocheted, others are not

Bead Crochet: Amulet bags & purses

2007-09-17T15:52:00.001-07:00

Bead Crochet: purses

2007-09-17T15:49:00.001-07:00

Bead Crochet Items: 2 Bracelets, 1 choker, 2 purses

2007-09-17T15:37:00.001-07:00

new charms...

2007-08-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

... per a request.

Not '70's Macrame

2007-08-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

Posted because somebody asked about it...

... Groo 25th Anniv. stuff...

2007-07-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

For the Groo Crew, supporting Groop(ers/ies), and general fans....

I'll continue to make them until I run out of necessary supplies (probably the "O" beads...) or time, and will be bringing them to CCI (a.k.a., "Groofest").

Beads on the ends: Sergio-- "Rufferto" (at least, it's a dog); Mark-- a Chinese rip-off of Garfeild; Stan-- a rabbit; Tom-- picture jasper; Gordon-- Botswana agate (because it's orange); GG-- an almond; Carolyn-- a small, gray animal with a pointy nose; Sharon-- a cherry blossom (blue, because the pink one didn't look good with orange); two general "fan" versions.

... a necklace...

2007-07-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

... earrings...

2007-07-15T21:15:00.001-07:00

More new charms...

2007-07-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

"Old Stuff"-- pictoral amulet bags and purses

2007-07-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

At the San Diego County Fair:

2007-06-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

The Pogo Purse won a 3d place ribbon for "original design"; my bead crocheted flash drive holder got an Honorable Mention; a crocheted evening jacket got a 1st place ribbon, and a "magic ball" amchine-knit afghan/car blanket got a 3d place ribbon.

More new stuff...

2007-06-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

charms

2007-06-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

new bracelets

2007-06-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

Pogo Purse

2007-06-12T08:51:00.001-07:00

This is what I made with the Pogo Portrait.... The purse is made with some sort of blanket fabric; it needs a lining, but that will have to wait until I get it back from the Fair. I may add some more dangly bits to it, too....

More new stuff.... necklaces & chokers

2007-06-12T08:41:00.001-07:00

Tuxedo Cat: Onyx fan, pressed glass, seed beads, glass button.
Hidden Lagoon: Chinese lampwork, fire polished glass, onyx, Bali silver.Wimsy: Artisan lampwork (sorry-- I forget whose), pressed glass, vermeil & GF, seed beads, glass button.
HOT!: Artisan lampwork (don't know this artist, either), pressed glass, GF, seed beads, glass button.
Bumblebee: Artisan lampwork (Mike Poole of Tillerman Beads, UK), pressed glass, seed beads, glass button.

Cabochon Brooch

2007-06-09T20:12:00.001-07:00

Vintage German (?) cabochon center; 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads; Lacey's Stiff Stuff; Ultrasuede; pin finding; Fireline; Hypotube cement.

A few beads....

2007-05-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

These are most of my beads.... Kinda mixed in with garden stuff and such at the moment, but then, they are out on the patio....

Pogo-- almost done

2007-05-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

Pogo Portrait Progress....

2007-05-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

About 3/4 of the portrait is beaded.... Need to figure out something to back/mount it.

Pogo's Progress, 2

2007-04-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

I think there are about 50 rows done... I keep losing count because my eyes kind of cross and things get blurry.... If you want to try, the way to do it is to count diagonally from the bottom (left side).

Things got delayed because I had to order more "string" (Fireline)online... that which was available locally was almost black in color, instead of light gray like the reel I started with. I'm now using white-- still have a color change line in the semitransparaent beads, but not as bad as the black line the other was making.

Happy New Year! And Pogo....

2007-01-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

Finally started my "art project"-- a peyote stitch portrait of Pogo, from a drawing by Walt Kelly (with permission from his daughter, Carolyn). Looks like it'll be ~5 1/2" wide. Originally, I planned to do this with 15/0 beads and make it an amulet bag, but I couldn't get enough of the colors I wanted-- like multiple shades of gray.... I'm using 11/0s, which means it's "too big" for an amulet bag, and at this point, I'm not sure how it will be presented/mounted/whatever. Hanging "tapestry"? Framed? Sewn to something wearable or an accessory?

After a couple of false starts, and breaking up a couple of dog spats, I finished 17 rows (of ~124). Three hours of beading... ~ 5 yards of Fireline....

I'll post a picture when I have 30 or so rows done.

Maneki-neko

2006-11-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my collection of about 40 or so "beconing cats"-- the bottom two "families" and the top left kitty are New Years decorations. The top right "fat cat" is a very popular new version-- s/he comes in many sizes and colors.

And how does this relate to anything about beading or crafts? Well, it's in answer to a question by a fellow beader... and Yahoo wouldn't let me post on the group.

CCI Art show table, vendor booth statue

2006-08-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Sergio, Stan & Hanna, My art show panel

2006-08-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Trying again to upload pix.... "Admiral Bragg" and Pam

2006-08-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Fine Arts Show

2006-06-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I entered the "C-Note Show" at the San Diego Art Institute (www.sandiego-art.org) . This is the first time I've been in a "fine arts" gallery show.

There was a "jury" of sorts-- the staff member checking stuff in was the "jury", and she said "Oh! Lovely!... is this the only one?" Most people, at least up to when I brought mine in, were entering the max (8 pieces)-- they will be "juried" a bit more strenuously, but everybody entering pieces that meet the general criteria (framed or mounted if not on stretched canvas; wired for hanging if "wall art") will get at least one of their pieces "hung".

Petition re: Austin Hamilton beads

2006-05-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/872722428

"A request that Minek INC state in all their advertisements, auctions and sales listings the country of manufacture of the beads sold by Minek and all subsidiary companies such as Austin Hamilton."

This is to request that the company use "truth in advertising"-- that is, to identify the country of origin (China), rather than imply that they are made by small-studio artisans in Canada. Petition is to be sent to beading magazines that carry advertizing for the company.

ATTN: any US military vets/spouses of vets

2006-05-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.firstgov.gov/veteransinfo.shtml

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently learned that an employee, a data analyst, took home electronic data from the VA, which he was not authorized to do. This behavior was in violation of VA policies. This data contained identifying information including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses, as well as some disability ratings. Importantly, the affected data did not include any of VA's electronic health records nor any financial information. The employee's home was burglarized and this data was stolen. The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.

Museum Shop Sales....

2006-05-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

About 6 weeks ago, I joined the San Diego Art Institute >>www.sandiego-art.org<< as an "associate member", and about a month ago, brought in some of my crochet work for the gift shop. This past week, I found two of the items had sold-- a shrug and one of my bead-crocheted purses. Two more shrugs went in Thursday... by request of the shop director.

It's rather high-priced as a venue... 45% commission + 3 hrs volunteer work/month for members to have items in the gift shop. I also found out (when I got my check), they take out fees for credit card purchases from the artist share of the purchace price. Kinda explains why the prices in the gallery are so high....

Oh, well, I joined for other reasons, really. So far, I've attended 3 of the classes they sponsored-- two on the business side of art (copyright and tax stuff) and one on digital image printing. The next few aren't of much interest, but there is one on framing I plan to attend this Fall. I'll also be entering a piece in a gallery event in June-- they call it a "C-Note Sale". Any "elegible" piece priced at $100, $200 or $300... and sales are split 50/50 with the artist. "Elegible" means it has to be "fine art", which essentially means, it has to be framed to hang on the wall, or mounted to stand on a table.... All their gallery shows are juried, so it'll be wait & see whether I even get in. I am framing a beaded crystal cluster-- it was going to be a brooch or a collar style necklace center, but it's really too big to do either well.

Curly Scarves

2006-04-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

The green and blue scarves use Lion Brand Homespun and Fun Fur yarns. The green one has a "curl" flattened out, the blue one shows how the scarf "drapes" into waves.

The third scan shows a scarf made with Caron Jewel Box and Moda Dea Kickx yarns.

Condor Con 2006

2006-03-26T07:12:00.000-08:00

Art Show Set-up

This is how my table at the art show was set up. Tables were standard hotel issue-- 6' x 30", with a white cloth and dark blue skirt. Sales were through a "silent auction" type process-- at the front of the table, you can see my bid sheets; I group mine in stacks of 10.

Most of my main display pieces are hollow "half torsoes"; these are intended as hanging units, but a brick in the bottom holds them nicely to the table.

"Meadow" Series

2006-02-25T18:30:00.000-08:00

No, they're not the same size.... On the top is an 18" necklace, on the bottom is a 6 3/4" bracelet. Both are based on the theme-word, "meadow". Also in the works is a crocheted shrug, and if I can find a decent green cord, there will probably be a purse.

Both will be part of my display at Condor Con's art show, Mar.3-5, 2006. The shrug, too, if I get it finished.

Happy Year of the Dog!!

2006-01-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

The picture is a scan of an amulet bag I made a few years ago. The subject is Rufferto, the hound who has attached himself to Groo, Sergio Aragones' mendicant warrior.
The bag is made in peyote st using 15/0 seed beads, bead appliquet and simple fringe. The strap (not pictured) attaches with a button and loop closure, and may be worn as a necklace without the bag.
To learn more about Rufferto, or Groo-- go to www.groo.com (a fan club) or to www.povonline.com (run by Mark Evanier, Sergio's partner and writer for the Groo adventures) and click on the link to "Groo the Wanderer".

Scarves... LOTS of scarves...

2005-12-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

... are what I've been making most of December, even after Christmas was over....

The basic instructions are from www.crochet.about.com: http://crochet.about.com/od/easy/ss/easysknyscarf.htm

My changes: ("first generation mutations")
Larger hook-- I used an "N" aluminum hook
"Fancy" yarns, worsted and bulky weights
Did without the fringe (I don't like it)
Shorter length-- I made them about as long as I can stretch out my arms.

Sample combinations:
Lava: Lion Brand “Suede” in black/recycled sari silk (from The Hunger Site store) (not shown)

Midworld: Caron “Jewel Box” in emerald/ Lion Brand ”Fancy Fur” in Spring (top)

Retro: Bernat “Eye Lash: in blush/”Suede” in black (not shown)

Fantasy Fox: “Jewel Box” in jasper/Lion Brand ”Disco” in Mr. Brown (bottom)

(2d generation mutations)-- switched R 1, 2, 5, & 6 sc rows to "sc, ch 1" pattern (sc done in ch 1 space, sc below skipped).

Ashes-- Lion Brand"Suede"/Bernat "Boa" (2d from top)

Spring Garden-- white chenille (unknown brand-- bulky,on a cone) /Patons "Twister" in Fruit Loops (3d from top)

Celtic Night-- "Jewel Box" in amazonite/"Fancy Fur" (black eyelashes with green and turquoise blobs) (not shown)

Jade & Coral Necklace, with instructions

2005-10-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

A substantial necklace.... Focal piece is about 3" long. Directions, and "ingredients" for making this necklace are in "Comments".

04-07 $75

2005-10-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

The latest finished piece- neckpieces modified from a Japanese pattern for Swarovski crystals. My piece has some Swarovski in the stations, but I've substituted malachite and cloisonne for others in the original instructions, and substituted a cloisonne pendant for a focal crystal contruction. Also: reduced number of stations/shortened necklace.

05-34 Camillia $75

Sow's Ear Purse instructions

2005-10-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Sow’s Ear Purse
The yarn was made with recycled sari silk scraps—available from several on-line shops. I got mine through one of the “click to donate” sites—I think the “feed the hungry” one, but it may have been one of the others. These seem to be legit donation sites—and donating is “free”; you just click the “donate” buttons, and advertisers pay for the clicks. Profits from the site shops also go to support the charities. I used less than one 8.5 oz ball.

Other materials:
Mini-canvas bag (from Michaels; intended for fabric painting or other applied decorations).
5 buttons, and a few 8/0 beads
Large holed beads—Indian glass pony beads, a few Czech glass rings, 1/0 seed beads, a fertility symbol
2 key rings
1 snap lock
GSP line to sew on buttons and to reinforce strap (I used 14# test Spiderline “Fusion”)

Size “K” crochet hook

I didn’t really have a pattern—kinda made it up as I went along, but the basic directions are as follows:

Chain a length about 2/3 the width of the bottom of the bag.

Sc along both sides of the chain, with 3 sc in each end chain. Sc around, adding increases at ends until you have a flat oval the size of the bag bottom.

Sc without increasing until the sides of the bag are almost the height of the canvas bag (spiral up, rather than step up each round). At the center front, center back and the center of each side—chain 1, skip one sc, then continue with sc. Do one more round in sc.

Crochet rings in place at sides in next round. Do one more round and end at center back (sl st, cut yarn and pull yarn tail through).

String beads on yarn. Attach yarn at back, 1 st away from where right hand side ring connects. Do 1 row plain sc to other side, stopping 1 st from left-hand ring. Turn.

**Ch 1. Do one row sc, slipping a bead in every few st. Turn.

Ch 2, dc across, stopping at next to last sc of row below. Turn.**

Repeat ** to ** until you have a triangular flap that reaches almost to the bottom of your purse. Ch a short loop, then sc around loop, then up the side of the flap, around the front of the purse opening and down the other side of the flap. Sl st, cut yarn, pull tail through and weave in.

Turn canvas bag inside out. Sew 4 buttons along the top edge—1 at each side, 1 center front and 1 center back. Make a short shank with seed beads for each button. Sew last button to front of crocheted bag at point where flap loop sets.

Insert canvas bag in crocheted purse, slip buttons through ch-1 holes.

Make strap:
Hold ends of yarn and GSP line together, tie to one key ring. Make a slip knot around the ring, then ch st until the strap is “long enough”.
Crochet 2 st around swivel end of snap lock, ch 1.
Sc back to ring, 2 st around ring, 1 ch st, sc back to snap lock.
Cut yarn/GSP line, leaving about 4” of a tail, pull through and end. Wrap around swivel ring of snap lock, tie, then weave into strap.

Conjecture 4 Art Show

2005-10-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

Panel 2

Conjecture 4 Art Show

2005-10-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've set up using panels, rather than a table, for display.

The panels are 4' x 4' pegboards (on a 2x4" frame), and arranged in "bays". I got two panels-- the ones I used were right under a light.

Most of my jewelry was mounted on pieces of ceiling tile, using T-pins and jewelry u-pins. I have a "bin" that holds my business cards. I had planned to use a certain size of hook to hold up the displays, but those hooks did not fit the art show's peg boards, so I had to use bulldog clips to hang them instead.

Credit Card Scam: aka Indonesian Scam

2005-08-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

A fellow beader and blogger gave permission to quote her; please go to her blog site to read the full report, especially if you do internet sales:

>>...In Indonesia, they are very sophisticated; one of the ways they get CC numbers is to run random computer-generated numbers with expiration dates until they get some that go through. They put through charges for tiny amounts that people won't bother to contest, and if the charge goes through, they know it's good. So do watch out for penny amounts showing up on your credit card bills....

Susan Midlarsky, Happy Artist
Aspiring Arts
http://www.aspiring-arts.com
Blog at http://www.aspiring-arts.com/blog/blog.html
http://www.cafepress.com/aspiringarts <<

Eclectic Beadery

2005-06-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Currently, the Eclectic Beadery site is "down", in preparation to change the host. New site expected to be up by July 1.

Please visit my other "shops" in the meantime!

Kaytee

2005-05-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

Green Goddess Necklace

2005-05-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

MOP brooch

Sow's Ear Purse

2005-05-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

A crocheted purse made with recycled sari silk yarn. I just turned this into the Home & Hobbies division for the San Diego County Fair, along with a necklace and an elaborate bead "tassel".
I didn't use a pattern as such for the purse-- just made it "big enough" to cover a pre-made canvas bag, left holes to use as button holes and then mad a simple flap and strap.
Instructions are currently posted on my Yahoo group. I'll try to "cut and paste" them to this blog....
Kaytee
www.simplexities.net

2005-05-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Sow's Ear Purse

2005-05-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Fringies

Another step....

2005-05-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

One more "baby step" on the way to a "real website".

First step was starting a Yahoo group, then registering a domain name. Then transfering the registration to GoDaddy.com.

Last week was a "starter page", set up with GoDaddy's "Website Tonight" option. Now, a blog. Since this one allows posting pictures, I may skip the next planned step of getting a picture hosting site.

Still struggling with Front Page 2003... my first experience with web-building software. Not fun, very frustrating. "Help" is rarely helpful, and the books I've got seem to assume I'm an idiot who already knows about how to set up a webpage and/or use Front Page of an earlier incarnation....