tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90969377283302443122024-03-13T21:02:03.415-05:00Japanese Beading BluesSharing what I've learned about Japanese-style beading. I'm including resources and links that I have found to assist others who are interested in this craft.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-74184792582749073652014-01-30T16:13:00.001-06:002014-01-30T16:13:38.220-06:00Holy Cow! An Update!Greetings!<br />
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Just a quick update to some links on the left. <br />
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I'll be revising more soon.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-20076690726952780002012-03-24T09:26:00.001-05:002012-03-24T09:26:25.830-05:00Deal of the Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/books/complexbeads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/books/complexbeads.jpg" width="164" /></a></div>
During a regular search on eBay, I turned up one of the most sought after bead books: Complex Beads by Shizuya offered for $24.99 (plus shipping.) This book is full of awesome patterns, including the <a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/beads014.jpg" target="_blank">skull pendant</a>, <a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/beads426.jpg" target="_blank">heart pendant</a> and several awesome gothic cross patterns. <br />
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The listing is <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Bead-Craft-Book-14-Complex-Bead-Creations-/300683203261?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item46021d92bd" target="_blank">here</a>. I have never purchased from this eBay vendor,<span style="font-size: small;"> Japanese Culture Books & Artifact. They have been a vendor for a long time, though, and have offered bead books before, simply at prices I thought were outrageous. I'm shocked that they are vendor offering this book at this price. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Good luck. This is a worthy book to add to any japanese beads book collection. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Totally random note: I dreamt I met Yoko Yamada at her home last night. Think what you must. ;) </span>LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-10759366271757266032011-12-26T09:07:00.002-06:002011-12-26T09:09:40.998-06:00G-Clef Motif<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9jDkkIXARk/TviLOLgV-8I/AAAAAAAAAIo/4GPQjvEZOTk/s1600/bead+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9jDkkIXARk/TviLOLgV-8I/AAAAAAAAAIo/4GPQjvEZOTk/s320/bead+006.JPG" width="241" /></a></div>
The picture at left is a G-Clef motif designed by Tomoko Yoshikawa. The pattern is available in her book, <a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/books/31402406.jpg" target="_blank">"Beads Story," </a><br />
This has actually been made for a while, but it was a Christmas gift for the director of our church's bell choir, so I kept it under wraps.<br />
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It was a lot of fun to make (I listened to "Oliver Twist" while making it,) and Yoshikawa's documentation is very easy to follow. <br />
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Here is another picture <a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/bead008.jpg" target="_blank">on my mannequin.</a><br />
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I've added a link to Yoshikawa's site on the left menu bar. LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-89910519409308329322011-12-24T08:16:00.000-06:002011-12-26T09:17:00.386-06:00Come, thou long awaited book . . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/books/51S2BYxndc4L_SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/books/51S2BYxndc4L_SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As much as I grumble about my child's predilection for Japanese games, this time it advanced my interests as well. YesAsia had the cheapest price for Final Fantasy Type 0, so I figured, since I was ordering anyway, I might as well maximize shipping and get a book I've wanted for months. <br />
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I finally got Naomi Yogo's Swarovski Wire Mode book. This is my first book by Yogo, although I've been aware of her for years. She had a lot of ads in for her workshops in my bead books. (She's very pretty and usually had a dog in her picture.)<br />
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This book was created in collaboration with Swarovski, so every items is drenched in crystals. What I was most interested in, though, is her technique of <a href="http://www.naomiyogo.com/works/images/worksph1_81.jpg" target="_blank">wrapping rhinestone chain around fancy stones in settings</a>. Thanks to the excellent photos and documentation, now I know the secret. All the works are gorgeous.<br />
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I've added a link to Naomi's site on the left menu bar. Take a stroll. She makes far more than jewelry with wire. It's quite impressive. <br />
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Today is Christmas Eve. I've made a couple of bead-related gifts I need to photograph and share. I'll try to get it done.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-66521495876123327112011-10-31T14:29:00.002-05:002011-10-31T14:29:33.247-05:00Deal of the Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pExdkO6bL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pExdkO6bL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
Occasionally, I get emails asking about the availability and price range of certain books. So when I saw <u>Beads Style Cool 2</u> by Shizuya for sale at Traplett's shop on Etsy, I had to share. This is a pretty hard to come by book, and the price is excellent.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75025074/japanese-craft-pattern-book-jewelry?ref=sr_gallery_22&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=japanese+beading+books&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=">Beads Style Cool 2 for $24 plus shipping </a><br />
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Good luck. <br />LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-77680556905953356272011-09-26T14:56:00.000-05:002011-09-30T14:19:31.438-05:00New Beans Okinawa Tutorial Video<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4yw0Bu_aL3k?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
Beans Okinawa has posted a new video. This one shows the stitching pattern for one of her newer designs, Trico.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-82984429062138761462011-04-19T15:18:00.004-05:002011-04-19T15:43:26.541-05:00My Powerful Ojo<span style="font-style: italic;">Ojo </span>is technically "eye" in Spanish, but culturally it is the "evil eye." It's like a jinx. You say one thing, you put a jinx on it so the opposite happens.<br /><br />Well, my Perles Report entry used my powerful <span style="font-style: italic;">ojo</span> to get Swarovski sew on settings in brass from a US dealer.<br /><br />Browsing on Etsy today, I saw that <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Flowerchylde">Flowerchyld</a>e now carries 10 and 12mm settings for 4470s in raw brass. No, it's not the selection available at Perles, but you have to start somewhere!LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-42505652153772178152011-03-27T10:04:00.003-05:002011-03-27T10:10:13.537-05:00Beans-Okinawa Free Recipe UpdateDuring my regular stroll through fave Japanese bead sites, I noticed Yaeko Kuwano (nee Yamada. I'm guessing felicitations are in order?) has updated her site with four new free recipes. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.beans-okinawa.com/freerecepi/index.php">Enjoy! </a>LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-69426906631867041382011-02-11T08:40:00.005-06:002011-02-11T08:59:48.913-06:00What I've been Doing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIYm2dXlh22BA6MX77FgoPqd7hCV2aLHACDbZ-pz7Ox313OJyQnNGR3rlHprCZ3RKG9AjfUAhpf9uaK0cc_zedTVIenFSsgOeIPPii03XT2tinadCMenQMlLXL7FZbsmtvaOzDv3RuxSo/s1600/beads+430.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIYm2dXlh22BA6MX77FgoPqd7hCV2aLHACDbZ-pz7Ox313OJyQnNGR3rlHprCZ3RKG9AjfUAhpf9uaK0cc_zedTVIenFSsgOeIPPii03XT2tinadCMenQMlLXL7FZbsmtvaOzDv3RuxSo/s200/beads+430.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572444876587915106" border="0" /></a><br />Last November, my sister in law, Julie, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her good friend and co-worker approached me with the idea of making support bracelets and suggested black leather and pink pearl bracelets. I added some custom made SS charms with Julie's name and a pink ribbon charm. Left is a picture of the bracelet I made for Julie. It's a triple wrap bracelet.<br /><br />I had the hardest time getting the pearls, if you can believe it. My first order was for five hundred pearls with Shipwreck Beads. They reduced my order to 200 <span style="font-style: italic;">with no explanation. </span>No "sorry this is all we've got", "we didn't believe you really wanted 500"--<span style="font-style: italic;">nothing</span>. This is a site that actually charges <span style="font-style: italic;">handling</span>. If you're going to charge me for handling, you'd better handle my order properly. Reducing my order with no comment makes it look like you're just out to get more handling charges. Shipwreck Beads will not have my custom again.<br /><br />My second vendor was <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/waltersbeads">Waltersbeads</a> on Etsy. There was again a quantity snafu, but Walter was extremely responsive and apologetic and made swift reparation. Walter will be getting my custom again.<br /><br />It's hard to get excited about beading right now thanks to my cat and his sudden change in . . . habits. Because of this, I have to leave my closet door closed which makes it hella freezing in there. The recent cold snaps mean all the space heaters have already been snapped up. This cold can't last forever, right? This is <span style="font-style: italic;">Houston</span>, after all.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-85783402411129278952011-01-12T17:00:00.009-06:002011-01-12T17:17:54.052-06:00The Perles Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pbB-x6MdgQ4jY5ALi40eazR_LBZ337pPXdB5-fSLXYrSwHHaTcpDet8anmxuGaBMo-If7pO23k-HWcvBJOcLsNN7pREbtB1Sx6esvMoxDZ0n3gjfC_aqEdc9rXVpV5hpgSqV7TEtAB7w/s1600/beads+409.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pbB-x6MdgQ4jY5ALi40eazR_LBZ337pPXdB5-fSLXYrSwHHaTcpDet8anmxuGaBMo-If7pO23k-HWcvBJOcLsNN7pREbtB1Sx6esvMoxDZ0n3gjfC_aqEdc9rXVpV5hpgSqV7TEtAB7w/s200/beads+409.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561440969307913634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I got my package in the mail today from France. Yay! Well worth the short wait.<br /><br />As you can see, it came packaged to travel across the Pond. :D<br /><br /><br /><br />Feast your eyes on something I cannot get from a US vendor: Swarovski sew-on setting in vintage brass.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2-05e-ntmcDx9vs2aIonoWIqP11jYh14ldyII7JFCFYg7c-u8Pjxhd8AnUi_2dVpigJcUsdELhuy4xAn37P_wvtcSVYwWBSzFiKlZA_37lR9vaREav-qnFw0BZDOIi0wLlYoa8hxTnoN/s1600/beads+410.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2-05e-ntmcDx9vs2aIonoWIqP11jYh14ldyII7JFCFYg7c-u8Pjxhd8AnUi_2dVpigJcUsdELhuy4xAn37P_wvtcSVYwWBSzFiKlZA_37lR9vaREav-qnFw0BZDOIi0wLlYoa8hxTnoN/s320/beads+410.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561438670580810322" border="0" /></a><br />I've been looking at these in my bead books for years, and have searched through I-don't-know how many pages of Google searches. Gold and silver plate sew-on settings not impossible to find. You want a 4470 setting in vintage brass? Give it up domestically. They're on Japanese sites, of course, but there's more of a language barrier (can you trust Google Translate?) and most sites do not seem to ship overseas. But Perles & Co. has their site available in English and lists internationally shipping charges up front.<br /><br /><br />Look at these beautiful 4470s in crystal:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj2ss6UT4s1Hsc0oh73nMPu0xMHpjH3GDGlnkjqobe8b0i9docZE8CWUKw2KVlZakyRP9ORhI3PII-o3cgrnlX_0LoDIZDY53YGWLPMR722UehJG8_5Ips5cztZxcToaNOvbIVsxhFyyg/s1600/beads+411.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj2ss6UT4s1Hsc0oh73nMPu0xMHpjH3GDGlnkjqobe8b0i9docZE8CWUKw2KVlZakyRP9ORhI3PII-o3cgrnlX_0LoDIZDY53YGWLPMR722UehJG8_5Ips5cztZxcToaNOvbIVsxhFyyg/s320/beads+411.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561440132353112786" border="0" /></a>I also got some 6mm dentelles in crystal and Pacific Opal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoydBVTZUY6oOPkEenavIJuSZxvSL5tXnbNVqqfUq3lBBuCsTwSWDmLvP2-TOj467mBvYgvveXpybyc9aLHFmB3pKMUtqHI4s5FRJ6zY3gqkDbI3ownx8z1T4zwQ-K3b_hA8oWLuG11unl/s1600/beads+412.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoydBVTZUY6oOPkEenavIJuSZxvSL5tXnbNVqqfUq3lBBuCsTwSWDmLvP2-TOj467mBvYgvveXpybyc9aLHFmB3pKMUtqHI4s5FRJ6zY3gqkDbI3ownx8z1T4zwQ-K3b_hA8oWLuG11unl/s320/beads+412.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561440600758226530" border="0" /></a><br />I'm completely thrilled with my order. I will be using <a href="http://www.perlesandco.com/index.php">Perles & Co.</a> again. Now all I want to do is bead, but my children must be fed--again! My son has conned me into making chicken fried steak with his baby blues, so I have to go cook.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-8126068240991263022011-01-07T17:00:00.004-06:002011-01-07T17:44:49.755-06:00Happy New Year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho3gB-YtNrNhk1GYACVOi0izNLAIDCOYi8HZIPyF3XhZQ5vyEdRdPkpXYBFkBCl0ikotPm39D71i8qixg83PIggH9d7cWXLmpYJm1emXGHkQjCpX2xVUdOnivu-Nry4nfErdk6OwOS8oZ/s1600/il_570xN.206365532.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho3gB-YtNrNhk1GYACVOi0izNLAIDCOYi8HZIPyF3XhZQ5vyEdRdPkpXYBFkBCl0ikotPm39D71i8qixg83PIggH9d7cWXLmpYJm1emXGHkQjCpX2xVUdOnivu-Nry4nfErdk6OwOS8oZ/s320/il_570xN.206365532.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559593718497097138" border="0" /></a><br />A very happy new year to anyone reading. As usual, I've let this blog die, and must now use herculean measures to resurrect it!<br /><br />*loud noises, scraping, grunting*<br /><br />Now that done, on to the news!<br /><br />Again I traveled to San Francisco to visit Kimberly and BABE. Ben Franklin was wrong. There are three things certain in this life: death, taxes and having a utterly FABULOUS time visiting Kimberly! Total and complete fun. There was bead stores, beading, tomato bisque, bloody marys and chicken fried steak--and that's just a rough outline. Trust me, it was invigorating, reviving and just downright uber fun. ZOMG--and her puppies and kitty! Words fail. I'll just say TOO MUCH FUN again in all caps, and you'll get the idea.<br /><br />Kimberly had a house party she called a "Handmade H00-Ha." She invited a few of her crafting friends to bring over their stuff and extra friends to shop. There was hors d'oeurvres, bloody marys, mimosas, girl talk and shopping. A splendid time was had by all, plus I sold lots of jewelry! YAY! Money to spend on more beads!<br /><br />We (of course) went to Japantown and had the BEST noodle soup. I picked up only two books this year; the selection was slim. I had really really really hoped they would have Yoko Shimizu's newest. As it was, I picked up a new Beads Bee and a new Best of Best Beads Bee. I shall probably have to be a naughty girl again and order from Amazon.co.jp if I want Yoko's new book.<br /><br />I did win an auction on eBay and got the <a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/books/top.jpg">Beads Book Special</a> for a $13, including shipping. This has come up for sale many times, but I couldn't quite pull the trigger on it. I was thrilled to see for auction at that price.<br /><br />I also have screwed my courage to the sticking place and ordered from <a href="http://www.perlesandco.com/">Perles & Co.</a> They carry Swarovski settings in different sizes and finishes. I've got a bunch of 4470 settings in antique brass coming. *quivers* So excited. I'll let you know how that transaction works out.<br /><br />Also, I've finally updated my photostream to reflect my new books. It was sorely out of date.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-78848643932710915002010-10-06T07:50:00.004-05:002010-10-06T08:04:12.007-05:00Pink Camouflage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/beads379.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/beads379.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made a new camouflage bracelet for this year's Ducks Unlimited banquet. I departed from SAKISS's pattern more this year, making the camouflage pattern cover the entire bracelet and added a magnetic rhinestone clasp. Daren thinks the clasp looks out of place, but I like it. It glams up the bracelet IMO.<br /><br />The picture's not all that crisp, but I must say that while I don't enjoy making this, it does turn out to be a very compelling piece of jewelry on your wrist. It's a very wide bracelet. If I do it next year, maybe I'll use 3mm bicones. <br /><br />Yes, I will not be happy until my eyesight is completely gone! <br /><br />I booked my trip to San Francisco. YAY! I can't wait.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-91037207111659582302010-09-15T07:31:00.004-05:002010-09-15T07:40:32.417-05:00A Bit of Success<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeWHPufu-KKYFgKQvJGjpENXBeg3ZOLWdRm109s_m05hm9O_kED-wBbXrNxs3jwrpQUjxwqh9RbEULXlt5U7M-4wgtSBQYD1K4Je2x5zWDjeaNjjAb-LIWvq5PowxC191MV5nyLrKp8qZ/s1600/beads+365.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeWHPufu-KKYFgKQvJGjpENXBeg3ZOLWdRm109s_m05hm9O_kED-wBbXrNxs3jwrpQUjxwqh9RbEULXlt5U7M-4wgtSBQYD1K4Je2x5zWDjeaNjjAb-LIWvq5PowxC191MV5nyLrKp8qZ/s200/beads+365.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517118442841020034" border="0" /></a><br />I got an order on Etsy to copy an item for four bridesmaids' necklaces. Had a bit of a scare getting the beads in time. Note to self: when you really, really need something according to a particular time frame, it will probably take its sweet time just to see how much stress you I can take.<br /><br />Fortunately, it all turned out well. She hasn't left feedback on Etsy, but she did convo me to let me know they arrived. She didn't express disappointment, so I guess they were fine.<br /><br />I also sold several pieces at a home show my friend, Pam, held. I'm pretty flush with beads money right now, which is great since my BABE trip is coming up. *quivers with excitement*<br /><br />I'm hoping to make it to Big Stone Beads Friday to get the crystals I need to make another camouflage bracelet for Daren's DU banquet. Going to go pink this time. ;)LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-43877832958209412982010-06-10T15:25:00.006-05:002010-06-10T15:50:05.752-05:00Look. At. This.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvfcX5CUay7B9F-EYNO8xFdO4MhD5yYXYQx6AWGCWYVmrouurPG7AETUvk97bOvFL-_1j0PlK1vYBtfekcQfDAuoA1zSH1Qlduv7O-XgXSfJ1AMdHMxEjJ3Haygcn9gHtFNw43qotOTfX/s1600/changeable+ring+finding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvfcX5CUay7B9F-EYNO8xFdO4MhD5yYXYQx6AWGCWYVmrouurPG7AETUvk97bOvFL-_1j0PlK1vYBtfekcQfDAuoA1zSH1Qlduv7O-XgXSfJ1AMdHMxEjJ3Haygcn9gHtFNw43qotOTfX/s200/changeable+ring+finding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481244915553446770" border="0" /></a><br />Yeah, yeah, it's me. You know, the girl who never blogs . . . except when there's something hella cool to share! See that pic on the left? That's a new design by Yaeko Yamada from Bean's Okinawa.<br /><br />Check out this vid to see what you can't in the picture.<br /><object style="background-image: url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/W0Y9RbQ5neQ/hqdefault.jpg);" height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W0Y9RbQ5neQ&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W0Y9RbQ5neQ&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="295" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br />How cool is that? A changeable ring finding. Can I just curse the Pacific Ocean again for coming between me and the coolest bead stuff eva? Honestly, this will take ten years to make it to the US.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-54751937604243595322010-03-24T14:43:00.004-05:002010-03-24T15:13:34.857-05:00Bad Girl.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2RMocG3GGWSYVSfllsmtJ4dbj2PNnmE1xz2AyT8JPilGM7f_Sq7YhOzNuWDe-RCEOR77F5DWHhoN6cYM0a23IrY8U7TUEeSclxlS55DtdKT0qWGV6USFYnQp5l7u-655XVqAmQ3LYNw_/s1600/Button.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2RMocG3GGWSYVSfllsmtJ4dbj2PNnmE1xz2AyT8JPilGM7f_Sq7YhOzNuWDe-RCEOR77F5DWHhoN6cYM0a23IrY8U7TUEeSclxlS55DtdKT0qWGV6USFYnQp5l7u-655XVqAmQ3LYNw_/s200/Button.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452294267391104674" /></a><br />I went to Amazon.com.jp yesterday and bought four new books. Yep. FOUR. Yoko Shimizu has had a new book out for months, and it's been eating me alive. I had hoped to pick it up in San Fran last November, but Kinokuniya didn't have it. <br /><br />So I took it upon myself to get my own copy, and if I have to pay exorbitant shipping, it might as well be worth it, ne? So I also got a Best of Beads Bee, another book by the author of Beads Story, and a complete impulse purchase of a book I've never seen before but feature button jewelry. Its cover is this entry's photo. <br /><br />While the shipping is expensive, I have to say it's <span style="font-style:italic;">good</span> shipping, so they should be here in a week. <br /><br />I also added new items to my shop on Etsy.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-29175621361874796242010-01-23T10:45:00.004-06:002010-01-23T11:08:27.326-06:00Update Melange . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZpe1VIFiX1_X5iYhpIN5N7eaOWm-wUOKBZJf94tjm-Awp_mn_mzyokJtOp9wLjLVSDM7Di6tQj2oaKo0l4r5H6-wv9Gslvbpb1P2Y6BOPC6MsDaT4Zm8UC7tYsOyqkXGmE5EBK1UcFPz/s1600-h/beads+014.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZpe1VIFiX1_X5iYhpIN5N7eaOWm-wUOKBZJf94tjm-Awp_mn_mzyokJtOp9wLjLVSDM7Di6tQj2oaKo0l4r5H6-wv9Gslvbpb1P2Y6BOPC6MsDaT4Zm8UC7tYsOyqkXGmE5EBK1UcFPz/s200/beads+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429979230841072578" /></a><br />Just a quick entry to catch up on things that I haven't blogged about.<br /><br />As you can see from the picture, I have finally completed Shizuya's "Nightmare" from Complex Beads. This has been--for some reason--a drawn out project. Shizuya's documentation is normally impeccable. However, this variation called for a 14mm 2070 cabochon, a size that seemed far too small for the completed project. I downsized from size 8 hex beads (3mm) to size 10 in an effort to reduce the face size. I finally was happy with an 18 mm 2070. While I'm not a goth type, this piece is just too cool to not wear occasionally. <br /><br />My friend, Pam (who sells Beijo bags) and I shared a table again at the Taylor HS "prom extravaganza" which is a fashion show and fundraiser. I spent a lot of time making things I thought were "young" and at a price point that would be comfortable. Didn't. Sell. One. Thing. Neither did Pam. Some people did pick up my card and asked if I could to custom work to match a dress that hadn't been picked out yet, so perhaps I might get some business from that. I'm not hopeful. Pam and I decided that this show was scheduled waaay to early for people to acually buy, so we may not do it next year. <br /><br />And last, I went to the International Gem and Jewelry Show at the Reliant Center. I brought my sales tax license so I was able to go into the wholesale area. It was wonderful! I wish I'd had more money to spend, but as it was I feel I got some needed supplies at great prices. Sadly, it was $16.00 just to attend between admission and parking, but it was an eye opening experience. <br /><br />I know I still haven't posted information about my new books. I haven't forgotten!LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-88730293077019232272009-12-12T11:05:00.004-06:002009-12-12T11:27:15.321-06:00And the title for World's Worst Blogger goes to:Me.<br /><br />Yeah, I know, I generally suck at keeping on top of this blog, even when I have wonderful and neat things to show you.<br /><br />Like my annual trek to San Francisco! Yes, life (and my husband *blows kisses*) were good to me again this year, and I got to visit my BFF Kimberly in San Fran again for BABE. Despite a SNAFU at the very start (I'm not saying!) it was even more wonderful than last year! First, we found a fabulous new bead store to visit! <a href="http://www.kiowarose.com/">Kiowa Rose</a> in Fremont, CA rocks! They have an Awesome Selection of Czech glass! It was tough to control ourselves, I must say. It was that Awesome. Check out the link, and I'm sure you'll agree that it's a must-visit if you're in the area. They have a drawing where you win a selection of beads, then create something to enter into another competition. Kimberly won! She blogs about it <a href="http://kimberlyscraftini.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/kiowa-rose-bead-challenge/">here</a>, and shows you pictures of the beads and her creation. Very lovely.<br /><br />We went to Japantown again, and Kinokuniya, the Japanese book store came through again. I know have two new Beads Bee's and two new My Beads Style's and a new 50 Beads book. A little disappointed they didn't have Yoko Shimizu's new book, but Beads Bee Vol. 23 features Yoko's work with a few recipes. I'll detail in another entry. I also got my hands on some new ceramics at Shiki, and some fabulous new containers at a new "dollar-fifty store" in the mall.<br /><br />Other than beading--which, let's face it, is reason enough--there was other fabulous shopping, eating, and we had a great time taking Taffy, her new dog, on walks in a vain attempt to wear her out. We have found the perpetual motion machine, and it's name is Taffy!<br /><br />Thanks, Kimberly, for letting me come! It was PERFECT!LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-62190304554421645262009-09-12T17:56:00.011-05:002010-12-25T20:14:46.808-06:00Beading for Hunters . . . .Well, my husband recently signed on to be the area chairman for our local Ducks Unlimited chapter. He asked me to make a couple of things for their banquet auction.<br /><br />My first though was a duck pattern from Motif Beads by Keiko Kitamura. Trouble is, she documents like no other artist, and I've never really figured it out. I was determined however, and once I put my mind to it I figured it out. I actually think it's easier to follow than most animal since the circular nature can be tough to follow.<br /><br />Here he is. He's going on a leather cord to be a pendant because Daren thinks it should be "jewelry", but I think he's cute as is.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-1nSPL4LfxIXUgBxZFMfN73gFn19VRattY6yg4DW1A_KwTGpUfyyhMpC6iIxqprAbRlYbG8Hv6GYRms-Qq6tXbi157k6zi4lDEfminRYLlSiDJRy8TI8faS2rQdS-oRc3u3KIGJJn5Qo/s1600-h/bead+016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-1nSPL4LfxIXUgBxZFMfN73gFn19VRattY6yg4DW1A_KwTGpUfyyhMpC6iIxqprAbRlYbG8Hv6GYRms-Qq6tXbi157k6zi4lDEfminRYLlSiDJRy8TI8faS2rQdS-oRc3u3KIGJJn5Qo/s200/bead+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380726886616147826" border="0" /></a><br />Those are 3mm bicones, so he's a little bigger than a quarter. :D<br /><br />The second piece I made is Sakiko Kusinagi's "Camouflage Bracelet" from her second book, "Favorite Beads Jewelry." I like Sakiss, but her documentation leaves much to be desired. 400 4mm crystals, in varying shades of green, all documented in a black and white drawing with shades of grey to tell me the color pattern. Did I mention the drawing was less than scale? Let me just say I won't be disappointed to never make another one. Actually, I can't make another one since Swarovski discontinued two of the colors. I was wondering how it might look in <span style="font-style:italic;">pink </span>camouflage? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqawW4Wkev4lzK2pcyqkO8G1wdmnB5oyI4ipmBb-dl9x4tmVfTCkutz_DzQ330FgkUc0J9WkoRVJBptWQz-u8pveOvM1Xiz4dtFmTxnm_55GT9-JQA5vRg7pCV_YaXgm1pGFoed9XxxUK/s1600-h/bead+015.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqawW4Wkev4lzK2pcyqkO8G1wdmnB5oyI4ipmBb-dl9x4tmVfTCkutz_DzQ330FgkUc0J9WkoRVJBptWQz-u8pveOvM1Xiz4dtFmTxnm_55GT9-JQA5vRg7pCV_YaXgm1pGFoed9XxxUK/s200/bead+015.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380727777289258754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ravEVE-U7NVGDHrqOWKpT_iPLxb_gR7OcDVgIRruowa7NjFdoibIhaOBZbjVVzfG9-fy2h5KuCWXCFN8XR6PFmDWN6LKxFv30pGH29fEsRS4OnNJu6JfPhOvxNxMwdTRTDplA5ITRWTy/s1600-h/bead+014.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ravEVE-U7NVGDHrqOWKpT_iPLxb_gR7OcDVgIRruowa7NjFdoibIhaOBZbjVVzfG9-fy2h5KuCWXCFN8XR6PFmDWN6LKxFv30pGH29fEsRS4OnNJu6JfPhOvxNxMwdTRTDplA5ITRWTy/s320/bead+014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380728542227955474" /></a>LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-59241550575990857072009-07-21T16:01:00.009-05:002009-07-21T16:09:31.346-05:00New WorksA few pics of recent projects. Most are going for consignment, but a couple will be in my Etsy shop. I'm having a real hard time letting go of the moonstone/smoky quartz stuff. I think it's some of the pretties stuff I've every made. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cPZjCxBAh6aYxfGhtwbvfSCcOZxiUQXwGKYqY9bz702S4PB4r2E52s425FSIQxfUZHFcdaUEA_-RZHm5NgYwQWckcHccz4rModhMoO0XoCDYvVt2R97D-XkInEqCBOziXJdZ8MaAV5ne/s1600-h/IMGP1161.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cPZjCxBAh6aYxfGhtwbvfSCcOZxiUQXwGKYqY9bz702S4PB4r2E52s425FSIQxfUZHFcdaUEA_-RZHm5NgYwQWckcHccz4rModhMoO0XoCDYvVt2R97D-XkInEqCBOziXJdZ8MaAV5ne/s200/IMGP1161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361023008187823730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhG532_LASXnNDU1Y77GGcHIFEJKcMTC_UanycnLNaiFnMoiFqLomCM2oB7k6ZP_puqueq2XyCUjVzK1jMeabzmkqRxNs6OUKRB5PLlcz1qIfNH6g3ix9R7Qftw6RZowHm-6KuoSu0Ot7/s1600-h/IMGP1141.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhG532_LASXnNDU1Y77GGcHIFEJKcMTC_UanycnLNaiFnMoiFqLomCM2oB7k6ZP_puqueq2XyCUjVzK1jMeabzmkqRxNs6OUKRB5PLlcz1qIfNH6g3ix9R7Qftw6RZowHm-6KuoSu0Ot7/s200/IMGP1141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361022859263293186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFkAFtNOdByBuqRP9xeYFgg3-fcAHwT0EFot_e9wRy2V5sS3uNWKFpZC_tqmCZXlOZjTP9wWT_JA2G17HFAD0xzoMBRq8kaqBsfWLNGxYB-3I5sAEiurQxnbzMG7k9GiAnbxTYjpOHsUR/s1600-h/IMGP1146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFkAFtNOdByBuqRP9xeYFgg3-fcAHwT0EFot_e9wRy2V5sS3uNWKFpZC_tqmCZXlOZjTP9wWT_JA2G17HFAD0xzoMBRq8kaqBsfWLNGxYB-3I5sAEiurQxnbzMG7k9GiAnbxTYjpOHsUR/s200/IMGP1146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361022741453683842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfK4_K6DUnRowtSs9IPMHqPKvtn-FkmBWFR_OfAXSZ6BpXxdLoyYZ3GxxuQLM4LzpdXu7qiMNqlpivFuIi9bN6Zt3edM4-rKvG8lhaTiQ9K_4diIv3xRanJ9uVSqOL5h9sJ4da08TXWZb/s1600-h/IMGP1148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfK4_K6DUnRowtSs9IPMHqPKvtn-FkmBWFR_OfAXSZ6BpXxdLoyYZ3GxxuQLM4LzpdXu7qiMNqlpivFuIi9bN6Zt3edM4-rKvG8lhaTiQ9K_4diIv3xRanJ9uVSqOL5h9sJ4da08TXWZb/s200/IMGP1148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361022546139087634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAk8oSOo369J8EDvtD0D3HLZTAQHTVPHMYwGioRHSQlaNUTmOCN7w4amyplzGXop1VJ2LFc06y2ICVToaDL8a8OUKQ071UnvcidTDTtJJsEa_HIUrhLin-RPiUpVCfkgpX0RUwHPfHW4u/s1600-h/IMGP1137.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAk8oSOo369J8EDvtD0D3HLZTAQHTVPHMYwGioRHSQlaNUTmOCN7w4amyplzGXop1VJ2LFc06y2ICVToaDL8a8OUKQ071UnvcidTDTtJJsEa_HIUrhLin-RPiUpVCfkgpX0RUwHPfHW4u/s200/IMGP1137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361022372373518338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlFpip6sKspvXnWegmEjFWcMcyK0FYd6Q8pJ0w_Co3mEnrJd8Yn1qMK4sc7ihvojihuRljbWmV5bmwgFwGoqmp1trBYaZwOfVa52CDq0ESGo6prVZJsPRXRtbE9ClPZ2BNgAWGDuPz0Az/s1600-h/IMGP1132a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlFpip6sKspvXnWegmEjFWcMcyK0FYd6Q8pJ0w_Co3mEnrJd8Yn1qMK4sc7ihvojihuRljbWmV5bmwgFwGoqmp1trBYaZwOfVa52CDq0ESGo6prVZJsPRXRtbE9ClPZ2BNgAWGDuPz0Az/s200/IMGP1132a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361022153063170690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VTZaQKX63g-f8n8mh0KLk0DtNrl2HR90HUw5jk8kwH3tYDod4gHyZYJyXAnphxeLOuV52UuycHBqPm87nVIkf6_2yIupeoSGo50O5a_D4JTe6p5B7QWe0VXlsMSCPdhVkPsALzOJ7dv5/s1600-h/IMGP1127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VTZaQKX63g-f8n8mh0KLk0DtNrl2HR90HUw5jk8kwH3tYDod4gHyZYJyXAnphxeLOuV52UuycHBqPm87nVIkf6_2yIupeoSGo50O5a_D4JTe6p5B7QWe0VXlsMSCPdhVkPsALzOJ7dv5/s200/IMGP1127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361021840307418930" border="0" /></a>LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-73373870591279825172009-07-13T08:54:00.005-05:002013-02-17T16:34:10.589-06:00New Books!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tnTy1LC3rGHZNxxDrxkrVqbNbNaKOXj6XwzOCqCassaVnEuk75kC3ApztbjwUEbZXVs_X4bOGaSQWffL4m1DHf_-P-_dDHOQ-RYcfBltYvZua73LuZWjFph1dO7sIgDl2GEnj8sMu7zp/s1600-h/Beads_story.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357943003826254994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tnTy1LC3rGHZNxxDrxkrVqbNbNaKOXj6XwzOCqCassaVnEuk75kC3ApztbjwUEbZXVs_X4bOGaSQWffL4m1DHf_-P-_dDHOQ-RYcfBltYvZua73LuZWjFph1dO7sIgDl2GEnj8sMu7zp/s200/Beads_story.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
I've been remiss in sharing my new books. One the left is one I'm pretty excited about, Beads Story byTomoko Yoshikawa . At this point in my collecting, I've got to be pretty stunned by something to really want a book, (unless it's one of my fave five, natch.) This book has the most <span style="font-style: italic;">amazing </span>treble clef motif. Truly stunning. It's a well photographed and documented book, with both jewelry and petit motifs like you see at the left. This author has a new book out this month, and already I'm watching for it to hit my sellers. *shakes fist at Amazon.jp for raising shipping rates*<br />
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The second book is one by the inimitable Yoko, another wedding book--"White Beads Jewerly for Happy Wedding." This book is interesting because it's published by Mook as a part of the "My Beads Style" series, so the size and documentation are the same as that series. I can't say as I prefer it to her earlier "boutique" books. I've not a big fan of using people to model the jewelry in pictures. It seems to result in less jewerly-oriented pictures in my opinion. The works are stunning, as usual though, and it amazes me how many American brides get married with either nothing or a boring strand of pearls when their jewelry could be as special as that dress they spent weeks picking out and <span style="font-style: italic;">beaucoup </span>bucks buying. I've added a link to Yoko's site, <a href="http://www.laciq.com/">Laciq Beads</a> on the left sidebar.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-27049443025651214782009-07-07T08:20:00.004-05:002009-07-07T08:32:55.221-05:00She replied!Wow.<br /><br />I got a reply from Yaeko the next day. She said she has never shipped overseas but was willing to give it a try. Her cart system does not accept international credit cards though, so I will need to do it all by mail with a USPS money order. <br /><br />She was so nice, and her English is excellent. She went to school in the US years ago, she said, and apologized for her "bad English" since she hadn't used it in years. :D<br /><br />I want to order <a href="http://www.beans-okinawa.com/detail/1003.shtml">Daybreak</a> because I LOVE IT and because it displays some of the techniques I'm trying to figure out . I want to order another kit because shipping will be EMS ($20) and want to get the most out of it. I'd like it to be something more "everyday" that I can wear more often. Maybe <a href="http://www.beans-okinawa.com/detail/080930.shtml#%E3%83%8D%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B9">this one?<br /></a><br />Of course the yen is climbing, so I need to order soon.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-51004165853177826362009-06-23T15:31:00.003-05:002009-06-23T15:40:07.422-05:00Yeah, that's my courage on the sticking post!I finally got enough nerve to email Yaeko Yamada of Bean's Okinawa to ask if she will ship her kits to the USA. <br /><br />Why I'm worried about looking foolish for emailing someone in Japan in English is beyond me. I will never be fortunate enough to meet Yamada-san. Even if my dreams come true and we go to Japan, we probably will not journey to Okinawa. The odds of her saying "you're the little gai-jin who emailed me in English! Tut-tut!" are smaller than me winning an Oscar. <br /><br />Still, I angst. But nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh? Maybe I'll be lucky and get an email back saying "of course we ship our kits to the USA! Which ones would you like?" <br /><br />If that happens, my virtual friends, you will be the first to know!LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-76014234124614152492009-05-12T09:44:00.004-05:002009-05-12T09:52:20.529-05:00Early Wedding Pics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PUGk2Zs96jSXx_rybrC7deSfbHUKJWZOG5DEYAIP6HU-3sCk4xhR5WwaQLu994fkKD3UFlmU0plQkEJqkvOnB_zhGgjgNU39fOvzFS18sa6T6uyQhPNebrwXvrskbQeaO2gpQYFdw3lI/s1600-h/3497606188_3111858faf_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PUGk2Zs96jSXx_rybrC7deSfbHUKJWZOG5DEYAIP6HU-3sCk4xhR5WwaQLu994fkKD3UFlmU0plQkEJqkvOnB_zhGgjgNU39fOvzFS18sa6T6uyQhPNebrwXvrskbQeaO2gpQYFdw3lI/s200/3497606188_3111858faf_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334949906784403858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Julie hired a fabulous photographer to take her wedding pictures. Here's just a sneak peak of her brilliant work at Julie and Glenn's wedding.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jacquelinereitzphotography.com/blog/?p=567">Jacqueline Reitz Photography</a><br /><br />Congratulations and have a wonderful life, you two.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-11917843806086865112009-04-28T17:36:00.012-05:002009-04-28T17:58:08.021-05:00Wedding Jewerly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhLsC2saByFH6MhGdNc8L08hueY1dIYVOzObk0iICbe_vyh1Wz2YdEfy22xWbz8mz05eP5frHQN-5QisB4O1xkEwX3-zsWDyA9GiJ_6xV9a8PnJdI8QwqRufmH0CG890Rh94WbzYBUNj-/s1600-h/Julie_wedding2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhLsC2saByFH6MhGdNc8L08hueY1dIYVOzObk0iICbe_vyh1Wz2YdEfy22xWbz8mz05eP5frHQN-5QisB4O1xkEwX3-zsWDyA9GiJ_6xV9a8PnJdI8QwqRufmH0CG890Rh94WbzYBUNj-/s200/Julie_wedding2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329879706405184882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0BNX_jjhuC1Pm2kGzKAbnYuITe0Uo4lUnwTPGx_fZrT-GStT6ZIG_AT4mBiBO9t5HQlMmuTArAGTVtxVQcQnpZpubJrzd4A2mvcopmks4G1oIG-KZ9Bo6u7bh6ZGJj-jdOR2La7XJz2R/s1600-h/Julie_wedding1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0BNX_jjhuC1Pm2kGzKAbnYuITe0Uo4lUnwTPGx_fZrT-GStT6ZIG_AT4mBiBO9t5HQlMmuTArAGTVtxVQcQnpZpubJrzd4A2mvcopmks4G1oIG-KZ9Bo6u7bh6ZGJj-jdOR2La7XJz2R/s200/Julie_wedding1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329878766244865330" border="0" /></a><br />My brother, nearing fifty, is finally marrying the woman of his dreams this weekend. I made two pieces of jewelry for Julie to pick from. Her only instructions were "vintage-y." O.o<br /><br />The first shown is made with 3 Swarovski 18x13 pear shape fancy cut crystals in Crystal Moonlight, and Swarovski pearls in the new platinum color. It's made to sit right at the base of the throat. The center motif is made using a perforated brooch finding.<br /><br />This one below Czech fire polish beads and 10mm Swarovski 4470s set in brass. There's a love little brass motif of lovebirds in the center.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzB-iNnGbnA4moKHfpB0k7Vc2UeV0jqcjfQCFGH65W2boUNXp17m5Fk3J5f0FVbYfIvjPftCpMzvoDxJsus_UOO8w2HJEcx7MHQSsV8cu0ynUgwYZFHNRrPydD_ibcKGu36hFGR_CULdp/s1600-h/Julie_wedding4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzB-iNnGbnA4moKHfpB0k7Vc2UeV0jqcjfQCFGH65W2boUNXp17m5Fk3J5f0FVbYfIvjPftCpMzvoDxJsus_UOO8w2HJEcx7MHQSsV8cu0ynUgwYZFHNRrPydD_ibcKGu36hFGR_CULdp/s200/Julie_wedding4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329876840489258290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvezHoAMmMAGV5pkuNs7xT8tc6-nS6IBr3-CRkpXTvd4StxdTGo3F-rry3tD9UTJEZDhIMa_LLhY2LQKUzOF3gxkPZ5Zp2s5v4O9ScZHSuZ7Zo2-LfZdiEGi7Tfx7Z4gtv9jPucvLwKZ7T/s1600-h/Julie_wedding5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvezHoAMmMAGV5pkuNs7xT8tc6-nS6IBr3-CRkpXTvd4StxdTGo3F-rry3tD9UTJEZDhIMa_LLhY2LQKUzOF3gxkPZ5Zp2s5v4O9ScZHSuZ7Zo2-LfZdiEGi7Tfx7Z4gtv9jPucvLwKZ7T/s200/Julie_wedding5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329876711981239986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So here's hoping she likes one. :DLisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096937728330244312.post-73882097434063170482009-04-21T16:18:00.007-05:002009-04-28T18:13:54.408-05:00New Books!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/books/Beads_bee_21.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/books/Beads_bee_21.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I ordered two new bead books: Beads Bee vols.<a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/books/Beads_bee_20.jpg"> 20</a> & 21 (pictured left.)<br /><br />I consider Beads Bee to be the equivalent of the English Bead and Button magazine in that it seems intended for more accomplished beaders. The patterns refect this in that they're not as detailed as the patterns I find in other Japanese magazines or artist's books.<br /><br />I also realized I can recognize five Japanese bead artists on sight. I guess that's a good thing. :D<br /><br />My brother is getting married in two weeks. I have to make jewelry for it. I think I'm going to make two things and let her pick.<br /><br />Consignment update: Have sold a few things, including a <a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/Beads/IMGP0824.jpg">Shizuya heart</a> and <a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/LisaB1138/IMGP0960.jpg">this necklace</a>. I just took her a bunch of new things. It's been two months. I'm going to give it six before I think it's not the right venue for my stuff.LisaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15009931477014137610noreply@blogger.com0