I've spent the last week getting the last of my Christmas gifts ready.

One last set of magnets and a few pairs of earrings.

I also had time to just play around and finish some projects that have been kicking around my studio for a while.

A beaded cuff that just needed the backing attached.

  

Making crazy big rings may become my new obsession for 2012.

Tray of goodies

Here are some of the beaded buttons & magnets I plan to give as gifts this year.

I also made some rings out of some of the smaller ones.

Autumn Cuff

I made this cuff bracelet for my mom for Christmas this year.

We had one of the most beautiful and mild autumns this year. Very little wind and rain meant the changing leaves stayed on the trees longer. I couldn't not be inspired by them.

These also happen to be some of my mom's favorite colors, so I know it's going to a good home.

I'm trying to make most of my Christmas gifts this year. So far it's going pretty well and I hope to be able to post a few more things I've made in the next couple of days.

Well it's been a long cold wet May here in the great Pacific Northwest, perfect weather for sitting inside and beading. With my trusty DVD player and a thermos of hot tea I've been keeping myself busy and making a mess at my table.



For the most part I've been making buttons, to either turn into pin or magnets. I like to keep a few on hand for last minuet gifts, but after all the birthdays this month and last I found my stock was running a little low. So I've challenged myself to make enough to fill this tray with, 50 to be exact.

  Here is a shot of one of my favorites, orange & green is such a springy color combo. If you want to see them all so far you can go to my Flickr page.

Happy Belated Birthday Willie!

In honor of his 78th Birthday here is one of my very favorite Willie Nelson songs.

I love the Spanish influence in this song and if I'm in the right mood it will make me cry.

Gold and Teal Cuff

I had such a good time making the first cuff, I went ahead and made another.

This time I chose teal and gold for my color palette, I love how the warmth of gold is tempered by the coolness of teal. I also used some of my gold charlottes for a some sparkle.



Moon Light Cuff

I can't tell you how long I've wanted to make a beaded cuff. After coming across the bracelet blanks I must have bought years ago, I figured, why not?  

 I wanted to work with a simple color palette, so I went with silver, grey and black.

This was so much fun to make and it really didn't take that long to make. Now I can't wait to wear it!