Scalloped Bracelet

I didn't bead for a couple of days, but now I'm back. This cute little bracelet is from a pattern by Jane Tyson. She uses size 8 beads in hers, but I don't like the look of those, so I used size 11's. I think I'll make a few more in different colors.

I also finished a necklace that I started a while ago and never finished. It just needed a clasp, so I put that on.

Cat

More Patriotic Earrings

Today I made these open ovals from a pattern by Diane Fitzgerald. I used the same silver-lined blue and red Delicas, then embellished with white pearl Japanese seed beads.

I think that's enough 4th of July stuff. I'll start again on regular jewelry tomorrow.

Cat

Patriotic Brick Dangles

I'm still working on my July 4th theme. Hopefully I will sell some of these before the holiday. I've got about ten pairs of earrings made in different designs. Today I made these dangly ones, of my own design. I love the way they swing when you wear them.

They are made from red, white and blue silver-lined Delica beads, silver bugle beads, and blue and red fire-polished crystals. The bottom dangles are Czech glass.

Cat

Another one for Today

I am on a patriotic roll now. These are Uncle Sam Earrings, also made from a pattern, this time from Starr Design.

Cat

Dragtonfly Pendant

The jewelry item I made yesterday is a dragonfly pendant. I made it from a pattern by Jaycee Designs. I tried to make it in red, white and blue for 4th of July, but it didn't really come out very patriotic looking. Anway, here it is.

I'll try to post another piece of jewelry for today.

Cat

Beading Daily?

Since I'm not working, I'm going to try to make a piece of beaded jewelry every day. We'll see how this works out. Today's piece is a pendant, made from a Swarovski crystal rivoli, 30x22 mm. The rivoli is colorado topaz in color. After beading a bezel around it with Delica beads and size 15 seed beads, I embellished the edges with 3mm round goldstones. I love goldstone, it sparkles so much, but you can't really see the sparkle in the picture.

Cat

EEEK! There's a lizard in my room!

It's 5:00 am and I'm sitting here wide awake, because Tara got a flat tire and I had to go pick her up. I caught movement out of the corner of my eye, and when I looked, it's a big lizard. Now, I'm not afraid of lizards, but they have a bad habit of climbing on the ceiling and then dropping down. I don't need him dropping down on me while I'm sleeping.

Which is why I'm sitting here wide awake wondering how I'm going to get him out. Usually I just guide them with a broom to the doorway, but I don't think I'm going to be able to herd this one all the way downstairs and out the front door. I wonder how he got upstairs in the first place?

I can't see him anymore. Now I'll never fall asleep. I hope he finds his way ouside soon, but at least they eat bugs, and they are considered to be lucky. Maybe if I leave him in here he'll help me find a job. Yikes.

Cat

Well, it finally happened.

I knew it was coming, I just didn't know when. I thought it would be next month, but no. I was laid off from my job this week. At least they're calling it a Reduction In Force, so I can collect unemployment.

I hated the job anyway, so I'm not sure why I'm so upset. Maybe the prospect of very little money (Florida unemployment is only around $200 per week) and a big Cobra bill. At least this should get my butt more in gear about looking for another job.

I said it should, not it did, haha. Mostly I've just laid around in bed. Until my therapist and my pshch doc got together and decided they wanted to Baker Act me. I told them I'd get up and do something. So, not to be made a liar, I got up and went and bought a gallon of ice cream. MMMM, that was good. (no, I did NOT eat it all in one sitting) And I've become a big fan of Judge Judy.

As soon as I get motivated, I'll go to an employment agency. I just hate job interviews. I wish there was another way, but wishing won't make it so, will it?

On the positive side, I've gotten a lot of beading done. I'm trying to get a new assortment for my mom's friends. Last time I gave her a bunch of stuff, she sold almost $100 worth for me. My prices are way too low, but I'd rather sell it quickly than have it sit around until I can get what it's worth. So what if I'm only making $2 an hour for my time? ;)) At least I enjoy doing it.

So, that's my news. What's up with you?

Cat