My Bead Therapy

Wishes & Wonder - Bead Soup Blog Party

2012-03-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

A few short weeks ago I showed you this lovely soup of artisan glass beads created by my Bead Soup partner, Lori Greenberg. It was my task to stir and simmer these beautiful little bits of art into one or more finished pieces of jewelry. And, of course, I wanted to do them justice. My aim was design something a unique, something with a touch of whimsy, and something that would stretch my artistic voice up another octave. You'll have to tell me if I was on key . . .

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Unblocking Creativity

2012-02-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

I didn't really feel like I was experiencing a "creative block" -- at least not in the true sense where you sit down at a blank piece of paper, or a strand of wire, or a pile of beads and can't for the life of you think of anything to do. But I had been super busy for a couple of weeks and hadn't had a chance to sit down and start playing with my "bead soup" beads yet. When I finally had the opportunity 2 weekends ago to go down and spend some time in the studio, I made a cup of tea and wandered downstairs in anticipation of finally getting started on the ideas that had been rolling around in my mind's eye.

Ewww. But this is what awaited me. A mess! It might not look that bad, but to me, there was so much junk on my desk space, stacks of projects sliding over one another, loose papers that needed to be filed -- it immediately deflated my creative spirit.

Clutter = Creativity Blocker

Soup's On!

2012-02-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

Peek-a-boo! Here's the BSBP soup ingredients I sent to my bead exchange partner, Lori Greenberg! I sent her a large focal clasp -- a copper butterfly I forged and wire-wrapped with sterling silver wire and teensy tiny deep carnelian beads. I also made some textured copper flat and domed components that could be bead caps, or spacers, or whatever else strikes Lori's fancy. To finish off the soup, I added more teensy carnelian beads and some gorgeous aqua terra jasper rondells. I can't wait to see what Lori creates with these ingredients!

Sneak Peek - Bead Soup Blog Party

2012-01-28T15:07:00.001-07:00

OoOoOoo! The anticipation is building! Last weekend I finished up my contribution -- my "bead soup" ingredients -- to send to my Bead Soup partner, Lori Greenberg.

I cannot yet reveal the full-extent of what I sent. What would the fun be in that?! But ... we do have permission to let you see a little bit. A pixel or two. A sneak peek.

So, ... here goes ...

I'm So Excited!

2012-01-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

I get to be a participant in the 5th Bead Soup Blog Party on March 3rd!!!

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Fresh Start for the New Year

2012-01-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

It's a whole new year! So, I'm taking the bull by the horns and doing something I should have done a while ago. I'm moving ...

A Final Toast to 2011

2011-12-27T11:24:00.001-07:00

Whew! 2011 is going, going ... gone! I don't know that I hated it enough to say "good riddance" and mean it, but it did cross my mind!

It wasn't all bad, though. I am sure some smart aleck somewhere would say it was "character-building." Frankly though, I think I've had just about all the character I can stand. The last several years have all been years full of "growing pains." I think we are all due at least one year with a little spoiling, don't you?!
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Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

. . . and a Christmas smooch from my pooch! :)

Love and best wishes for a fantastic 2012!

~~ Heidi

Never Too Late For Christmas Spirit

2011-12-17T15:18:00.001-07:00

Moonstone Sterling Xmas Tree Earrings

Wow - only 8 days to Christmas! Where did the time go? I don't know about you, but I've been super busy at work. Instead of things slowing down, it seems this year everyone is trying to squeeze in meetings and wrap up projects all at once. With my nose in the computer -- usually researching Medicare regulations -- it's no wonder I haven't felt very festive. Yuck!

But this morning, our daycare had a parent's-day-out/holiday party for the kiddos. Sweet! A few hours to myself any Saturday morning would be awesome. Today I enjoyed the chance to go to my favorite local gift shop to round up some stocking stuffers. Christmas music. Decorations and ornaments twinkling everywhere. Old fashioned candy to choose from. And no one to rush me. JOY!
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Lessons in Selling: A holiday show to remember

2011-11-20T23:06:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I participated in a large holiday gift show. It was by far the largest show I have ever done! Very well put on. Tons of people (I'm told the parking lot of the expo center was so packed you had to circle like a vulture to find a space). Fun and varied vendors.

I had worked my you-know-what off getting ready for the show.
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Presents and Presentation

2011-10-23T02:03:00.000-06:00

Think of your early childhood memories of Christmas mornings. What do you see first? Chances are it's not a specific toy or gift. It's twinkling lights, festive paper, and curls of ribbon. Excitement. Anticipation. Mystery. Half the fun of giving and receiving is the presentation. Maybe more. Those few seconds while you watch the receiver's face to see the curiosity flash into a smile, a gasp, or even tears of joy.

Introducing My Articulated Series

2011-09-30T23:05:00.000-06:00

Do you know where September went? Wow - I'm not sure I do! I hardly noticed September slip away while I've been focusing on my upcoming show in November - assessing inventory, updating my displays, decorating gift boxes . . . and creating new designs!

Introducing my newest adventure -- my Articulated Series! Jointed hearts with richly hammered textures that vary from section to section. Simplicity. Texture. Movement.
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Our Most Important Tools

2011-08-30T17:57:00.000-06:00

I will have a booth in a big area show coming up in November, so I have been picking up the pace in my studio. This past weekend I cut two sheets of copper into the parts for 22 birdhouses and about 54 heart, rectangle, and Christmas tree pendants, and 3 peony flower pendants.

Yes, that is a whole lot of cutting. And I used my shears. Looking back, there were a few other things I should have used
, too.

Building Birdhouses ... and other things

2011-08-22T01:16:00.000-06:00

ArtClay Birdhouse by Malie Kai Designs

Ever meet someone and instantly know they are someone special? One of those rare people that is somehow simultaneously both a new and old friend?

Last year, I had the fantastic opportunity to go to the Weekend with the Wiremaster's in Dana Point, California. A full four day weekend of wire-wrapping, hammer-wielding fun! (Sans kiddos -- a squeee-inducing bit of me-time . . . ahhhh, the memories.) It was phenomenal. I learned so much -- not just by making new projects, or even in skills and tips from the incredible instructors -- I learned from fellow students. It's hard to describe the energy in a room full of people who are equally enthralled about digging into a new project, learning new skills, and drooling over the tools on display!

Off The Beaten Path

2011-07-31T23:22:00.000-06:00

Sometimes a project presents itself outside of your usual realm. As the saying goes "necessity is the mother of all invention." From time to time, solutions require you to take a step or two off the beaten path where the discoveries can teach you more than you might ordinarily learn.

In this case, my lovely iPhone cover with its black and white plaid fabric inset was looking worn, soiled, and frayed. It needed to be replaced. I wanted something stylish. Something that was uniquely "me." But I didn't want to spend another $30 on a case that would also quickly wear down and need replacing again in another few short months.

Supermom -- Pffft

2011-07-18T22:02:00.000-06:00

Peacock Fringe & Turquoise Necklace

"Supermom." Odd that I've heard that word used to describe me three times in the last 24 hours. I don't feel at all "super," especially on this day - a MONDAY. Ugh. I just feel tired. Three year olds are exhaustingly hard. Gawking tourist-drivers in front of you as you rush to a morning meeting after trying to get said three year old out of the house . . . well, they are exasperating! Somehow I got through the day and managed to feed the kids and get them into bed in one piece by the end of the day. Well, sort of. The three year old insists on sleeping on the floor in her sister's room like she has for the last several days. But who cares? She's asleep and her feet won't be in my eye socket tonight. :)

Perhaps I do juggle a lot. But that doesn't mean I'm successfully keeping all the balls in the air all the time. I am certainly not a graceful juggler. I'm the kind that's tripping over her own feet and darting around like a mad woman. The supermom-thing is an i-l-l-u-s-i-o-n (said in my best magician voice).
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Pacing Myself

2011-06-17T00:13:00.000-06:00

"Ugh. Are we there yet?!"
Lately, I find this to be a recurrent thought that comes to mind. I recall that when people used to greet me with a "Hi, how's it going?" I would typically answer with an upbeat, "Hanging in there!" Now I hear myself saying, "Is it Friday, YET?!" As if the weekends, which fly by in the blink of an eye, really provide that much respite from the pressure-cooker that is my daily life.

Measurements. Statistics. Analytics. These tools are supposed to help you track your strengths and weaknesses. Help you spot trends and harness successes. Yes, I understand how powerful they can be for good. But, I am learning that to an over-extended over-achiever, they can feel like giant neon signs pointing out your failures, short-comings, and lack-luster progress. Being a visual person, the sight of red downward arrows tracking things like "Monthly Active Users" and "Post Feedback" makes me wince. I didn't post enough. Maybe I posted to much. They didn't like the new designs. A litany of negative self-talk is unleashed.

Challenge to Opportunity

2011-06-08T19:24:00.000-06:00

A new client with a gorgeous undrilled labradorite oval, a vision, and a challenge. Wire-wrap the stone and hang it from a handmade chain ... oh, and do you think you can incorporate a wire-wrapped butterfly no larger than a 1/2 inch?

Review and Giveaway!

2011-05-28T22:53:00.000-06:00

Wow! I am honored and pleased to let you know that my jewelry has been reviewed by Joan & Riah and is being featured in a giveaway as I type this! :)

Time and Money

2011-05-18T16:50:00.000-06:00

Shop MyBeadTherapy

Hungarian Coin Bracelet

Is it just me, or has time sped up like a runaway train lately? One minute it's the New Year and I'm making all sorts of crazy resolutions about how I'm going to finally loose these last 12 pounds, cook at home more, be more patient with my family, save more money, learn more at work, expand my jewelry skills, and yes ... even blog more frequently! The next, it's May already -- we're nearly half way through the year!

Baltimore Inspiration (explorations in copper and sesame jasper)

2011-04-10T16:52:00.000-06:00

I just got back from a trip to Baltimore for a business conference. It was cold and a bit dreary, but the steel grey ocean and muted lighting were gorgeous. There was century old architecture juxtaposed with sleek modern buildings; cobblestone streets and copper roof caps near curved sweeping structures and glass mosaic-like walls. It was this airy proportion of detail and space, old and modern, seaport and modern commerce that inspired this series in twisted copper and soft steely blue sesame jasper.

Modern Romance Collection

2011-03-26T18:40:00.000-06:00

View from my "day job" office

Maybe it's because Spring is here (I've seen intermittent glimpses between blowing snow flurries). Something about the lighting at Springtime is romantic and girly. Like magnolias, Spring is both delicate and robust. Quiet and yet persistantly marching us forward to sunnier days.

This Year Has Been a Hoot! (Wire-Wrapped Owls)

2011-03-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been on an owl kick. Owls of the wire-wrapped stone variety. I honestly don't know what's been more fun -- creating these cute little symbols of wisdom, or seeing how fast they have flown the nest to new homes both near and far! What I do know is that I have plans to make many more, though each will be as unique and special as these three you see here.

I found a home in the U.K.!

This first one here features deep earthy red brecciated jasper, poppy jasper, leopard jasper, and carved coral eyes. I wrapped it in both copper and sterling wire and then antiqued it to give it some sage old wisdom! I posted pics of my progress as I went on my Facebook page (and @mybeadtherapy on Twitter) and by the time it was finished, "Owlie" as she became known had found her new home in the U.K.! :)

A Little Unapologetic, Perhaps

2011-02-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

Kyanite Twisted Earrings

Trust me, I've had my share of constructive criticism, rejection letters, and denied admissions. It's part of the process. You'll never succeed if you don't take some risks, push the envelope, and stretch beyond your comfort from time to time. Growth can be painful sometimes.

Actually, I'd prefer to receive some response -- even if it's not the glowing review I may have been hoping for -- because it's an opportunity for improvement. What I really hate is silence after you've posted something and asked the universe "Hey - what do you think of my new creation?"
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Relishing Reinvention

2011-01-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

A new year has begun. It's tradition to make resolutions about what we want to accomplish or improve in our lives - and in ourselves. Why do we do this? It's not really to punish ourselves with a new diet or exercise regimen (though sometimes that may be included!). It's because we like starting with a clean slate. Having the chance at a "do-over" like when we were kids. Change is refreshing, invigorating, challenging, and simply put -- Fun!

Tidy Inspiration

2010-12-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, at one of my college jobs I was known as "Tidy Heidi." (As both my parents and my hubby will attest, you would NEVER guess that from the condition of my closet!) One of my duties was sorting and delivering all of the mail for the various departments on one little cart. People there had never seen anyone pack a cart like I did. Everything sorted and tucked together for efficient delivery without spills. Apparently they never had an Army Brat work there before. No, I am not a neat freak by nature, but I know how to pack. And I certainly didn't want to make more than one trip!

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Have Tools, Will Travel

2010-11-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic month. I had the opportunity to travel to California, learn new skills, meet fantastic and talented people. I learned to pack my tools and somehow managed to come home with a few more!

Handmade and Heartfelt

2010-10-23T11:58:00.000-06:00

Why buy "handmade?" Why buy from an artisan rather than just running down to the local box store and buying a trendy bobble, a "perfect" machine-made scarf, or a computer-generated image printed onto canvas without a brush-stroke to be seen?

We learn from an early age that gifts made by hand - lumpy clay bowls, handcut valentines, even stick-figure drawings with lopsided hearts and wobbly letters - mean so much more to the recipients than a mass-produced gift purchased at the mall. Why? Because we intrinsically know how much thought, effort and heart goes into a handmade item. It's the difference between the fleeting appreciation we have for something made by a new technological wonder, and the enduring wonder we feel for something we know was touched, worked, and reworked by an artisan's hands. Where imperfections and variations are no longer "flaws," they are endearing. Where value is dependant upon skill. It's the difference between the ordinary and art.
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Fall's Glowing Harvest

2010-09-30T23:11:00.000-06:00

We mere mortals may be thrown off a bit by the 85 degree weather, but Mother Nature is surrounding us with many reminders that Fall is indeed here. The cute little mini-pumpkins are turning orange, the sugar snap peas are the biggest and juiciest of the season, the apples are dropping, and the squash is ready for harvest. Oh, and don't forget the biggest reminder -- the dog is shedding his summer coat and getting "wooly," reminding me that there is indeed 50% Great Pyrenees under that adorably squishy English Mastiff face of his.

TLC Included

2010-08-31T23:22:00.000-06:00

Click Here to Shop Heidi's Store

Memories of special people, special places, and special times in our lives become intertwined with the sights, sounds, smells, and even objects they are associated. Whether it's the joy of watching your kids eagerly breathe in the scent of a new flower, seeing the startling beauty of a Wild Horses day lilly your mom picked out for you, or planting a huge clump of daisies because you know they were your grandma's favorite. They may just be "things," but their value is in the way they remind us of the truly near and dear in our lives.
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Garden Stroll

2010-07-04T17:35:00.000-06:00

Shop Heidi's Studio

I honestly don't know where June went. One minute it was barely started. The next, it seemed, I was sitting in front of the computer trying to hammer out a blog in the last 28 minutes of June 30th. Then I decided I needed to give myself a break. Isn't that the point? Relax. Stop. And. Smell. The. Roses. Ooo -- and the lavendar, too!

So, I will give myself a break. This will be published the first weekend in July. And the world will keep rotating! I think ...

May Flowers

2010-05-31T14:13:00.000-06:00

"April showers bring May flowers ..." or so the saying goes.

This year April's showers were quite often of the snow variety. Now that we are a breath away from June, my peonies are finally starting to bloom.

And so very inspiring! After "oooohing" and "ahhhing" over the gorgeous scarlet red peonies - with the sunshine glowing through their fringed petals as they danced in the breeze - images of tiny gardens springing gloriously from gemstone rings came to mind. Whirls of copper and sterling wire grew like fern fronds. Red coral flowers burst forth from a garden of bright Irish moss green turquoise.

Mommies and Magnolias

2010-04-25T21:02:00.000-06:00

Heidi's store

My magnolias are finally blooming for their first year in our yard. One day I glimpsed the teeniest edges of white petals starting to peek out from their fuzzy green buds. The next day they were bursting open, big and bold, yet still soft and glowing in the Spring sunlight. Absolutely beautiful! And, magnolias are so very Southern. You can't miss them; they stand out. They defy the wind and the rain - even some snow showers - and simply proclaim that Spring is here. But they do so with great poise and grace, just as proper Southern gals should.

Spring Fever - Peridot

2010-03-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Heidi's Store

The glacier in my front yard has yet to thaw. But the buds on the magnolia trees I planted at the end of the season last year are getting fatter every day, you can hear the birds chirping in the trees, and the creek is running louder these days. I even caught a glimpse of a bluebird in the underbrush of a neighbor's yard! Spring ... is almost ... here.