Crafty Hope

Goal Review for January

2012-01-31T11:20:00.000-06:00

Since January is coming to a close, I decided it would be a great time to review the goals I had set for myself for the year. Successes are in blue, failures in red, and in-between is in purple (makes sense. I had some trouble with the colors so if they aren't quite right, please bear with me!) I've tossed in some pictures from my phone over the past month for fun.

PERSONAL

Exercise (basically, just be more active) - FAIL!
Eat right/better (make better choices in regards to food) - I wouldn't say this has been a success or a failure. I'm definitely more conscious of what I eat and feel the guilt when I know I did wrong. However, I haven't made the best choices throughout the month.
Read more books/watch less TV (I'd like to read at least two books a month, however that all depends on the length of the book) - We're doing okay at this. I have noticed the TV is on less often. However, I still haven't finished a book this month. I'm trying to keep in mind that the book I'm reading is over 1400 pages long. Perspective.
Make a real effort to keep the house clean - I've done much better this month than in the past. Granted there have been a few stumbling blocks, but it's been better.
Discover new music (I've been stuck in a real rut with music lately and have been listening to the same bands for years with no real additions to my playlists) - I started out pretty strong on this one at the beginning of the month and played around with Pandora some. I already knew I would probably like Mumford & Sons, but also found that Florence and the Machine are cool. In addition, since I am a fan of more comedic music, I opened my ears to some Richard Cheese and Weird Al. I know it's not much, but it's a start for sure.
Grow some plants inside and out (I'd like to have some more greenery in the house but I'm really awful at keeping them alive. I'd also like to make another stab at growing some fruits, vegetables, and herbs. I'm going to need a lot of luck with this one.) - FAIL! I haven't bought a single plant. I have, however, kept the two succulents in the kitchen window alive (so far).
Make my visions of my dream house and this house co-exist (basically, start decorating this house the way I envision my dream house being decorated.) - FAIL! We've done no home improvements at all this month.
Declutter/organize at least one drawer/cabinet/area a week - Let me say that I haven't done this on a consistent weekly basis over the month, but I have gotten six separate cluttered areas organized. (I went on a bit of an organizing spree one day!)
Have a yard sale (possibly organize a neighborhood one) - I do need to begin to get focused on this soon.
Take better care of my face and skin - FAIL! I did buy a few new products and price a few more that I want, I just haven't broken down and gotten them or used the ones that I have consistently.
Go to the doctor/dentist (I've been really bad about this the last few years) - FAIL!

BUSINESS/CRAFT

Make a real effort with my blog (I know what this means and it's just too hard to explain other than to just make an effort) - FAIL! With the computer issues I had this month, it really hasn't been my fault, but it also just hasn't happened.
Include more tutorials on the blog - FAIL!
Keep the craft room more organized - I've done a relatively good job this month of putting back materials I use rather than leaving them strewn all over the place!
Discover my passion (I've been struggling for a while to figure out what it is that I'm good at and enjoy doing and how to combine those. I really want to work with a few new mediums and try to find my voice in the cacophony of other artists.) - While my passion hasn't been 'discovered' yet, I did try my hand at a few new skills including etching and fold forming. Pat and I played around with some PMC too. I'm moving in the right direction I think!
Get published (if not published then at least submit to a few publications) - FAIL! and not just because I haven't been published, but also because I have yet to submit.
Create something everyday - FAIL! I started out the month really hot and heavy on this one, but got lazy toward the middle-end of the month when I didn't have a computer for a while and was just feeling low.
Explore other venue options for selling my jewelry (in the community)- FAIL!
Find a way to use what I have instead of buying more. I need less more in my life! - I'm not sure how to rank to this one. I definitely made less trips to the bead and craft stores, but I didn't make any real effort to 'use what I have.'

GENERAL

Figure out where my time is wasted and put an end to it - FAIL! I didn't even think about this goal all month!
Find some confidence and exert it - FAIL! I felt a little walked on all month and allowed it to happen.
Think outside of the box - This is a toughie. I might as well say I failed as nothing really stands out as an original venture, but I'm not usually an 'in the box' kinda girl either.
Be Grateful*- FAIL! I made the one post here, but the lack of blogging opportunities caused a bit of lack of thankfulness. I'll definitely work on it!

*Added later

So that's it for January. I don't think I can make up all those fails in the few hours I have left in the month, but I can for sure enter February with some better ideas of how to use the month. For one, I'm going to attempt the Photo-a-day Challenge from Fat Mum Slim. I do say attempt. . .

Challenge

Please go to her blog to get details if you want to participate. I saw January's challenge too late in the game, but was excited when I saw she was doing a February one as well so I'm totally in!!

I think I've gone on long enough, but to close this post, I want to share a picture I found on my phone.

This is what I'm going to do to February!

Focusing on Food

2012-01-30T12:05:00.001-06:00

I'm BACK!
I think. . .

We've got a borrowed CPU with most of my files loaded up on it. It's not the ideal situation, but it is so much better than nothing. Having to use a computer in ONE LOCATION feels so very old school. I keep imagining myself as a caveman resigned to only hack out my stick men inside on the cave walls. At least I'm 'drawing' again though!

I'm going to attempt to not overload this post with too much at one time. Today will just be about food and my menu for the week.

Pat and I are really going to start making an attempt to eat better. Unfortunately, that means most of my favorite recipes will be disappearing from my menus. I know it's a good thing, but I do love my cheese. . . and cream. . .and BUTTER!!! Of course, I won't be dropping these items completely at once, but we're definitely working toward some healthier choices. With that said, here's this week's meal plan for Menu Plan Monday:

Breakfasts: Cereal/oatmeal, cinnamon sugar croissants, raspberry parfaits, peanut butter toast, eggs w/toast & bacon, whole wheat blueberry waffles

Lunches: Turkey sandwiches, tuna noodles, chicken pitas w/veggies, soup and warm pita wedges, PB&J, leftovers, salad w/chicken or turkey

Dinners:

Steak w/sweet potatoes & broccoli

Crockpot chicken, yellow rice, green beans

Ministrone Soup w/crackers

Grilled shrimp, boiled red potatoes, roasted carrots

Maple mustard chicken thighs, mashed cauliflower, peas

I'm definitely a newbie to the whole eating healthier thing so I'm looking for some other great menu ideas. I know the extensive list of other Menu Plan Monday participants at I'm an Organizing Junkie will have some tasty, but healthier food suggestions.

If you've got a recipe or even a tip or two on eating better, please share!!!

While I've been out of the loop the past few weeks I've still made attempts to plan our meals to a certain extent. Without my computer, I couldn't access most of my recipes. However, there was still Pintrest and all those delicious-looking foods I'd pinned. As such, I did try a few new recipes that I thought I'd review for you here.

1. Penne a la Betsy! from the Pioneer Woman. I'm sad to say, but it's a lot of her recipes that will be leaving my lists as we move toward more conscious eating habits. . . . sigh. . .anyway.

Like all of Ree's recipes,this was DELICIOUS! I regret not having the fresh herbs (I used dried instead) as that really would have out it over the top. It was a subtle dish with no outstanding flavors, but really was yummy.

2. Southern Chicken and Corn Chowder from Add a Pinch was super tasty.

Let me admit that the recipe said to roughly chop the veggies and I did. I regret that. I should have chopped them just a little finer as it was a bit too chunky for my tastes. As well, the soup was a tad thinner than I had anticipated. I'll add some cornstarch to it next time to fix that up. Yes, I said next time! We will most likely repeat this recipe in the future. That's definitely a good thing!

3. Baked Black Bean Taquitos from Naturally Ella were right up my alley.

I liked that this was a vegetarian meal that I could kinda quickly pull together for our lunch. However, things went a little awry for me when it came to the corn tortillas. The directions said to dip them in a pot of boiling water (turned off) for a few seconds before adding the filling. As soon as my tortillas touched that water, they disintegrated into it!! So, I went without the water bath for them. Yet, when I rolled them they split. By the time they came out of the oven, they had ALL split on the sides and were more like black bean quesidillas. I'm sure this just had to do with the type of tortillas I bought and with my lack of experience with corn ones. No matter the cause, they were still pretty darn yummy. I will most likely repeat this recipe, but I need to figure out what I did wrong with the tortillas. If I can't I'll still probably make the filling again and use it in another way!

I also had these Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches on the menu, but never actually got around to making them. I still have all the ingredients, but with our new perspective I didn't include them in this week's plan. If we decide we want something naughty I may make them yet.

I can't believe it's taken me ALL MORNING to get this post written. I'm so out of practice. I've got a ton of tasks that I want to catch up on so I better get to it.

Again, if you've got any healthy recipes/suggestions I've LOVE to hear them!

One Happy Football Fan

2012-01-10T11:50:00.000-06:00

I spent all day yesterday with my heart in my throat barely daring to breathe.

I was so very nervous about how the day would close out.

Yesterday's post ended with a Roll Tide and the day itself ended with an even bigger one!

Most of you don't care a stitch about college football, but it's a bit of an obsession for me. If you don't know; my team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, won the BCS National Championship game against LSU last night. I'm a wee bit excited. So that I don't continue on in this fashion and bore you creative types, I'll direct those of you who are interested to my friend Sarah Lena's blog, The Anvil Tree. She did a great job of expressing what most of us Bama fans are feeling in her post And the Tide Rolled In.

For you creative types, let me share this necklace that I made at the beginning of the football season. I'm considering starting on a few more today.

Now if I can just get my focus off what happened yesterday and back on the tasks at hand!

I Tried Something New: Etching

2012-01-09T10:47:00.000-06:00

I was really proud of myself this weekend as I branched out and tried to use some supplies I had on hand, but had intimidated me. I ETCHED METAL!!

I've read tutorial after tutorial, admired others' etched items, and hoarded the supplies in my craft room; but had never broken down and went for it. I was feeling antsy while Pat rested and decided to try something new.

I couldn't be prouder of the results. I'm forcing myself to make something out of these three etched pieces before I make any more.

So far so good!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As it is Monday, it's time for a Meal Plan!!
Let me admit once again that last week was busier than I had anticipated and I didn't get to cook as often as I had hoped. Therefore, there are QUITE a few repeats on this week's menu.

Breakfasts: Cereal, muffins, bagels, cinnamon sugar croissants, eggs w/bacon & toast

Lunches: Bagel pizzas, tuna noodles, turkey sandwiches, chicken fingers w/tator tots, PB&J, leftovers, quesidillas

Dinners:

Honey garlic slow cooker chicken w/rice & corn

Sour Cream noodle bake w/green beans

Turkey filets, hashbrown casserole, broccoli

Lemon chicken with Rice w/peas

There's more Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now back to making something to complement those awesome pieces. . .
By the way, I'd love to hear some suggestions for metal suppliers. I happened upon these scrap pieces but would love to find something a little more reliable. Thanks!

**Added. . .how could I forget.

ROLL TIDE!!!!

I Heart Macro: Trees in the Fog

2012-01-08T10:42:00.000-06:00

I'm jumping back on the bandwagon for I Heart Macro Sunday today.

Pat and I took a nice long bike ride last weekend and I made sure to have my camera handy. The unusual afternoon fog made it hard to get enough light for any pictures even though there were all kinds of great textures along the path. This one turned out the best.

But seriously, the fog was crazy.

The foggy path ahead

The really foggy edges of the path

It was eerie and spooky, but definitely a lot of fun.

Join in with Studio Waterstone and share your I Heart Macro Shots!

Thankful Thursday: Christmas

2012-01-05T11:45:00.000-06:00

I thought that for today I would gush a little about the gifts my husband gave me for Christmas since I haven't mentioned them yet. You may remember My Christmas List (part one) and My Christmas List (part two). I don't think Pat even bothered with list two. I suppose he wanted to leave the bead buying up to me. However, he relied heavily on list one for his shopping to say the least. You can use that post to find the links to most of these products.

On Christmas morning I was presented with four separately wrapped packages. These were the contents:

Metal punch

Liver of Sulfur Patina Gel

Renaissance Wax

Nine-piece tool set

I was elated, ecstatic, and happily content with these gifts. They were all needed and wanted and I couldn't wait to get to playing with them. While I was looking them all over, Pat exclaimed "OH wait. . .I think Santa left a few more in my office." He came back with TWO MORE packages.

In these I found:

Texture Hammer with nine interchangeable texture heads

Photo light box with two lights, a tripod, and background sheets that all pack away into a nice, compact case. This one is actually different than the one I linked to in my Christmas list post. This is a Square Perfect kit, but I can't seem to find a link to the exact product.

I took all of those pictures inside the photo box (with the exception of the one OF the photo box, obviously) and even without my photo editing software, I think they came out pretty well.

From the rest of the family I was also spoiled with a new houndstooth coat, a wand that acts as a remote control (super cool), some other crafting supplies, and all kinds of other fun stuff.
It was a VERY good Christmas!!

As I mentioned on Tuesday, I want to learn to be more grateful. Annette mentioned in the comments that she does a Thankful Thursday link-up and I thought that might be the perfect way for me to take some time to think about what all I have.

So, as material and weird as it is, I am thankful for a wonderful Christmas that was full of family, joy, and a really great haul! I'm looking forward to getting to play with all my new toys and becoming more proficient in my craft.

What are you thankful for today?

Resuming Bead Table Wednesday

2012-01-04T09:23:00.000-06:00

I know y'all have GOT to be exhausted of hearing all my talk of goals. So. . .I'll take a breather.
Ahhhhh. . .isn't that better?
No seriously, I won't mention them again, today.

It's been a while since I posted for Bead Table Wednesday so I figured that I'd try to get back into the swing of it with these couple of bad camera phone shots.

My (small) bead soup and some decorative bobby-pin making


Another completed necklace. I really don't know what's up with my brown and white obsession right now but it seems to be working.

Join in the Bead Table Wednesday Fun with the Flickr Group!

Here's wishing you a wonderful hump day!

New Goal: Be Thankful

2012-01-01T22:46:00.000-06:00

I didn't include it in my list of goals, but one of the things I want to make more time in my life for this year is to be grateful. I want to look at each day with new eyes and remember what I do have in my life.

Top two bracelets made by oldest niece, bottom one by me (sorry for the poor picture!)

Sometimes it's so very hard to watch as others' families grow, their skills excel, their wealth builds, their inner circle enlarge, their homes sparkle. However, I also know that pondering on what lacks in my own life will never help me be thankful for and enjoy what I DO have.

While I may never have kids, or a large circle of friends, or a big house full of nice furniture I'm thankful that I have a wonderful family and an amazing husband I couldn't love any more than I do. I have a small circle of close friends who always make me feel special. I have a roof over my head and a warm bed to sleep in at night. I'm good. Expecting more just seems unfair to all those out there who are struggling but making it with so much less.

Hula girl cookie made by youngest niece (we think it's awesome)

I won't say that I'll never dream of having more, but I want to try to remember to take some time to appreciate my own life. It may be a long road for me to get there, but I'll be working on it.

A Good Start and a Meal Plan

2012-01-01T22:05:00.001-06:00

The first day of 2012 passed successfully with cleaning, organizing, exercising, and creating.
I actually completed this necklace as well as a few other do-dads.


Sorry for the quality (it's a phone photo!)

I feel a sense of accomplishment, but I hope I haven't been too ambitious with the goals. It was one busy day!!

In preparation for the week ahead, I did get our menu made for Menu Plan Monday.

Breakfasts: Waffles, bagels, cereal, cinnamon sugar croissants, eggs w/bacon & toast, muffins

Lunches: Chicken salad sandwiches, ham quesidillas, tuna noodles, bagel pizzas, chicken fingers w/tator tots, PB&J, leftovers

Dinners: Taco soup (from freezer), mushroom pasta w/spinach salad, spicy orange garlic shrimp w/brown rice and sugar snap peas, sour cream noodle bake w/green beans, honey garlic slow cooker chicken w/rice and corn

I'm hoping to find a few healthier recipes this week from the many other fabulous Menu Plan Monday lists over at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Now I have a question; what exactly do you consider appropriate running clothes for an area heavily populated with kids and the elderly? Would shorts that are so short that your finely toned butt hangs out like you are wearing too-tight panties be considered inappropriate? I would have snapped a picture for you had I not frozen in complete shock and awe at the whole scene. Anyway. I'm not a jogger and am unfamiliar with appropriate running clothes. I wasn't sure if this was a style or some specialized gear.Just wondering what y'all think.

New Year, New Goals

2012-01-01T03:00:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!!!

I've gone back and forth about what to post for the new year. I've considered a meme that's been going around or a run-down of this past year, but I just wasn't feeling any of those options.

I AM hoping to spend New Year's Day doing some of the tings I love. And, if not that. . .then maybe I'll get my craft room clean. Last year I tried to focus on a word for the year. I think that ended up being too vague for me. I need definite tasks on which to work. Since I'm not big on resolutions, I'm calling these my goals for the year. It's got a long list, but I think sharing them is a good way to at least attempt to stick to them. So. . .let me share them with you now.

PERSONAL

Exercise (basically, just be more active)
Eat right/better (make better choices in regards to food)
Read more books/watch less TV (I'd like to read at least two books a month, however that all depends on the length of the book)
Make a real effort to keep the house clean
Discover new music (I've been stuck in a real rut with music lately and have been listening to the same bands for years with no real additions to my playlists)
Grow some plants inside and out (I'd like to have some more greenery in the house but I'm really awful at keeping them alive. I'd also like to make another stab at growing some fruits, vegetables, and herbs. I'm going to need a lot of luck with this one.)
Make my visions of my dream house and this house co-exist (basically, start decorating this house the way I envision my dream house being decorated.)
Declutter/organize at least one drawer/cabinet/area a week
Have a yard sale (possibly organize a neighborhood one)
Take better care of my face and skin
Go to the doctor/dentist (I've been really bad about this the last few years)

BUSINESS/CRAFT

Make a real effort with my blog (I know what this means and it's just too hard to explain other than to just make an effort)
Include more tutorials on the blog
Keep the craft room more organized
Discover my passion (I've been struggling for a while to figure out what it is that I'm good at and enjoy doing and how to combine those. I really want to work with a few new mediums and try to find my voice in the cacophony of other artists.)
Get published (if not published then at least submit to a few publications)
Create something everyday
Explore other venue options for selling my jewelry (in the community)
Find a way to use what I have instead of buying more. I need less more in my life!

GENERAL

Figure out where my time is wasted and put an end to it
Find some confidence and exert it
Think outside of the box

I know there are plenty more areas that I want or need to work on, but this is the list I've compiled so far. Since they are general goals and not resolutions, I can always add to it. I'd like to do a post at the end of each month to review these, but that might be asking too much.

I apologize for my lack of pictures, but I'm still working without my own computer. Hopefully I can figure something out soon.

What are your goals for the new year?

I'm Still Alive

2011-12-29T09:41:00.001-06:00

I am oh SO far behind on my blogging and I have oh SO many things to talk about, but the sweet hubs and I are taking a little vacation until Tuesday. I really need it after the hectic-ness that was my Christmas. I also still don't have my laptop back from the shop, so everything's kinda fallen by the wayside without it.

For now, just hold on a bit longer and I hope to back to a regular schedule again soon.

Don't forget that Bead Soup Party sign-ups are quickly approaching!

Remember, Lori Anderson (of Pretty Things) a.k.a "the hostess with the mostess of the Bead Soup Party" will be doing a lottery of sorts to pick just 200 individuals to participate in the Party this time around.

Anyway, our breakfast just buzzed and I've got plenty of vacation to take part in, so I'll be back to catch up with y'all next week.

See ya then!!

Ornament Swap Blog Hop

2011-12-17T02:00:00.000-06:00

Sally at Wireworked offered up the opportunity to swap ornaments with another artist. The ornaments had to me handmade by us and had to include at least one art bead. Simple enough right?

I started by contacting Melissa Meman, my wonderful swap partner, to find out if she had any preferences in the style of her ornament. It seems we both prefer fairly traditional Christmas decorations. Next, I pondered my options for a VERY long time. I went though my small sample of art beads. Finally, I was inspired by this ornament on Pintrest.


Ornament from The Robin and Sparrow

While the inspiration ornament is beautiful, I wanted to make the design my own so as to include some art beads. I settled on a tree design using some small "Shabby Beads" of my own making and a polymer clay star (also made by me.)

To make the ornament, I shaped heavy gauge wire into the form of the tree and used small gauge wire to wrap it closed. The heavy wire was pounded flat and glued onto a paper copy of "Oh Tannenbaum" that had already been coated with ICE Resin on either side. Once the wire was secure to the paper, I added just a dusting of glitter to the inner area of the tree and applied a thick layer of ICE Resin to secure everything.

Once the resin was good and cured, I punched holes at the outer angles of the tree (3 on each side) I added a "Shabby Bead" to each branch to serve as ornaments and glued the star on top. I made my own ornament hanger that included a green enameled bead from Gardanne.

The ornament was packaged up along with a few other goodies to Melissa. I must admit that I was so excited to get the ornament in the mail that I did so before remembering to take pictures of it. Fortunately, Melissa was an angel to share with me some of the pictures she took (thank you!!)

NOW, let me share with you what Melissa (the amazing lady that she is) sent to me. She really blew my stockings off with this amazing ornament!! While I used general craft supplies of paper, resin, clay, wood, and glitter; Melissa was busy with metal, enamel, solder, and some heavy tools. Check it out!!

Let me apologize for the pictures turning out sideways. Without my own computer to edit the pictures, I'm having some trouble getting the editing just right. (You have no idea how frustrated I am that you aren't getting a better view of this outstanding ornament)

In addition, She sent me some of her own enameled beads. I'll admit that they're so pretty I'm a bit intimidated by them. I'll get over that soon enough I'm sure of it!!

THANK YOU Melissa for the wonderful Christmas treasure you've generously made. I don't think it'll be getting packed away with the rest of the ornaments at the end of the season!

As well, a big THANK YOU to Sally as well for her hosting of the blog hop. I really had a lot of fun giving and receiving!

Now, you get yourself to blog hopping!!

Partner List for the Ornament Swap/Blog Hop

Erin Prais-Hintz and Alice Peterson

Sally Russick and Kim Hora

Susan Kennedy and Kathleen Lange Klik

Patty Gasparino and Cindy Wimmer

Hope Smitherman and Melissa Meman

Jennifer L. Justman and Sandi Volpe

Jenny Davies-Reazor and Christine Altimiller

Rebecca Anderson and Jen Velasquez

Jeanette Blix Ryan and Tamara Soper

Holly Westfall and Mallory Hoffman

I can't wait to see what everyone else created!!

Holiday Hustle and Bustle

2011-12-15T13:52:00.001-06:00

WHY!!

Why does the holiday season have to be so insane!?

Sorry I haven't been around much, but it's been just one thing after another.

My computer is still in the shop

I'm only 1/3 of the way through my Christmas shopping

I've had quite a few custom orders to make

There's lots of parties and programs and general chaos this time of year.

So, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and have let some tasks go for the time being. I'm sorry that the blog has been one of them. However, without my laptop, editing photos has not been as easy. As well, listing items for the shop hasn't happened either. Hopefully I'll be back up to speed soon.

In the meantime, let me show off two of the custom orders I made.

A local friend who has bought from me before wanted a couple of items for her daughters.

The oldest is 13 going on 14 and is quiet and reserved. She likes greens and tropical peaches. So I made her this necklace

The youngest is 12 and very much a girlie girl. She likes pink and is very social. I made her a memory wire bracelet with lots of bling.

My customer LOVED these pieces. I just hope her girls do too!!

As a reminder,

the ornament swap reveal is this Saturday the 17th. I can't wait to show you the beautiful ornament Melissa made for me!!

Sale Extended and My Meal Plan

2011-12-05T14:03:00.001-06:00

Well the Shop Hop is over, but I've decided to extend the sale!

Through Dec 11th, you can continue to use the code:

HOLIDAY 2011 for 15% everything in the CraftyHope Etsy Shop.

I regret to say that my laptop has been in the shop since Thursday and it contains all the info and pictures for new items, so there won't be any new listings until I get it back. However, since I didn't have that in from of me to distract me, I actually got quite a few items made the last couple days. Here's a sample of that.

Hopefully the new parts will come in soon and I can resume my regular routine. Pat's letting my borrow another computer for the time being, but it's really hard not being on my own. I may go into that a bit more tomorrow.

Fortunately, I was able to complete my menu since I had the format saved on a flash drive. Here's what we'll most likely be chowing down on this week.

Breakfasts: Banana bread, toast (w/various toppings), yogurt w/granola, cereal, cinnamon croissants, ham omelets, waffles

Lunches: leftovers, hot dogs w/tator tots, PB&J, pepperoni pizza puffs, soup w/grilled cheese, cheese quesidillas

Dinners:

Crispy honey lime tilapia w/corn & mac-n-cheese

Baked Parmesan spaghetti (subbing ground turkey for the beef) w/salad

Ranch style chicken w/mashed cauliflower & peas

Fancy macaroni (w/sausage) w/green beans

Crockpot chicken w/sweet potato casserole & mixed veggies

There are more great meal plan ideas for Meal Plan Monday over at I'm an Organizing Junkie.
(And, of course just as I finish typing this all out do I realize that I won't be home most of the weekend, so you'll be seeing several of these meals again next week. . .oops!)

Even though the Shop Hop has ended, I realized this morning that a pair of my earrings were included in a treasury that contained items from some of the participating shops. The earrings of mine included have already sold, but there are plenty of other beauties to behold in this treasury.

Before I go, I did place four items on sale today that I want to share with you.

Clouds Dripping Earrings

Garden Enchantment Necklace

Float On Necklace

Magic Stirs Bracelet

Don't forget to use coupon code HOLIDAY2011 for 15% off!!

Holiday Shop Hop 2011

2011-12-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

Today begins the Holiday Shop Hop 2011!!

Shel of MiShel Designs is the brainchild behind this baby! I'm sure you can find more information on this hop on her blog.

Basically, several artisans have signed up to participate in this hop. Each link below will take you to either their shop or blog. Many of these individuals are having a sale and/or giveaway for just this weekend for the Shop Hop.

Personally, I'm offering 15% off ANY item in my CraftyHope Shop.

Just use the coupon code HOLIDAY2011

for your savings.

Here are some of the items still available

Laughter Falls Necklace

Bumble Queen Earrings

Brighten the Nest Necklace

Like the Wind Necklace

Steampunk Circus Earrings

Anyway, enough about me. Here's the list of the other Holiday Shop Hop participants.

Holiday Shop Hop 2011

A Bead A Day

Blackbeary Mountain

Blue Pearls Handcrafted Goods

Chic and Frog

**You are Here!! --> CraftyHope

Handcrafted Serenity Jewelry Designs

Happy and Healthy Magnetic Jewelry

Holly Westfall / Silver Rose Designs

Just A Tish

Just Mare Pottery

Keefer Style Creations

Kabs Creative Concepts

Klassy Joolz

Kristi Bowman Design

Lilly Rose Jewelry Designs

Little Rocks

MiShel Designs

Melinda Orr Designs

My Life Under the Bus

Olive Branch Organics

Pine Ridge Treasures

Pink Poppy Studio

Rosebud’s Lampwork Beads

Wire Worked Handcrafted Jewelry

ENJOY!!

My Christmas List (part 2)

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm still working my way through the Challenge of Color blogs, but couldn't wait to share another Christmas list with you (and my husband).

This list is more centered on beads that I would love to find under the (still non-existent) tree or in my stocking. To compile this list I went through my favorites on Etsy as well as through my bookmarked links. I know I'm leaving off a TON of wonderful artists, but I made this list by what each favorite currently had in stock and what I would want. If I left anyone off, please let me know in the comments!

For this list, I'm linking to both the shop home as well as the item(s) that I like the most. So, in no particular order here's list number two!

ONE

Kristi Bowman Design

Handmade Flower Burst Copper 3 hole oval Drops

TWO

Starry Road Studio

Woodland Shore - Bird Bead Set

THREE

FOUR

Early Fall/Ceramic Acorn and Leaf Charm and Bead Set

FIVE

Tree Wings Studio

Little Fox Bead - Sleepy Woodland Critters

SIX

Humble Beads

Tiny Hot Cocoa Disk Beads

Falling Leaves Cuff Connector - Teal

SEVEN

Artisan Clay

Yellow Cobalt Blue and Black small recycled glass and stoneware clay pendant, charm, or earring set

Soft and Sweet Double loop Pendant Stoneware clay and Recycled glass

EIGHT

Mermaid Glass

Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads - Autumn Organics

NINE

Gardanne Beads

Lampwork Glass pairs/ green sparkle and ivory glass

TEN

WireWorked

Glass Enameled Earrings in Iris Purple

Now, for Pat's benefit. . .I don't have to have ALL of the items on both lists, this is just a sampling of some gifts from which you can choose. As well, on THIS list, if something is sold out. . .take a look around their shop. They may have listed something even BETTER!!

In addition to the specific beads I've shown, some of these artists do offer Gift Certificates for their shops. That would be a great option also.

One last option in regards to gift certificates are my favorite local shops:

Blue Girl Beading Co.

Knot Just Beads

Michael's

Hobby Lobby

If you haven't done so yet, let me know what's on your list. And, like I said above. . I know I've left some artists off. Leave a comment letting me know who I left off (even if it's YOU) and a link to the shop(s) I've forgotten. The holidays make me Crazy-forgetful like that!!

Challenge of Color Reveal

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

Today's the day we reveal the accessories created with the inspiration of a Design Seeds palette assigned to each of us. Erin of Treasures Found is hosting this Challenge of Color.

Participants were asked to pick a color family for their palette from 12 options. We could choose a favorite or even something that would be more challenging. I almost predictably chose blue. However, I opted for blue not just because it's my favorite, but also because I knew I have an array of blue beads no matter what shade I was assigned. Here's the beautiful palette from Design Seeds that Erin picked for me.

Bloom Tones from Design Seeds

I was immediately thrilled with these colors because of their brightness. However, as I began to try to match the tones to beads in my stash and shop for beads elsewhere, I found that they were harder to find than I expected. As I revealed in my Bead Table Wednesday post from last week, I did pull together some beads from my own stash that I thought would be perfect for the challenge.

As you can see in the picture above, I was lacking the deep gray and pink from the palette. I really wanted to include each of the palette colors and played around with alternative ideas of how to bring in those shades. Ideas included: buttons, painting beads or buttons, polymer clay, fabric, and painting metal with nail polish. However, none of those ideas really worked for me.

I did find some paint in the right shade of pink and decided that an antiqued steel would work well for the gray. So, I painted some paper pink, stamped it, and sealed it in resin in a steel bezel. As well, I used some of the scrap painted paper to create a few paper beads. I laid everything out and played around with the materials.

As great as these are, I still was not inspired enough to create a necklace. No matter how I combined that great array of beads they just weren't speaking to me. The purple was too dark, the bright blue was too bright, the dark blue were too heavy, the paper beads were too juvenile. GAH!

With just two days left before the reveal, I pulled the pendant and the key aside because I knew those were the two I wanted the most in the piece. I then envisioned the necklace around those two pieces and simply pulled out some other beads.

So, after ALL THAT, here's what I created.

Let me say that the beads I used for the purple shade turned out to be a bit more pink than I expected in the pictures. Anyway, despite the struggle, I'm really happy with the piece.

Please go check out how each of the other participants handled their Challenge of Color palettes. Here's the list!

1 Norma Turvey ~ Teal ~ Color Crave

2 Jeannie Dukic ~ Green ~ Mineral Tones

3 Mary McGraw ~ Teal ~ Embellished Hues

4 Jo Tinley ~ Red ~ Decadent Tones

5 Rebecca Anderson ~ Pink ~ Tulip Tones

6 Kristi Jaro ~ Red ~ Temple Entrance

7 Stephani Gorman ~ Green ~ Dew Tones

8 Melissa Meman ~ Green ~ Fruit Star

9 Kathleen Lange Klik ~ Teal ~ Silk Hues

10 Cynthia Riggs ~ Red ~ Autumn Comfort

11 Heidi Post ~ Teal ~ Flora Bright

12 Cece Cormier ~ Teal ~ Merino Teal

13 Amy Freeland ~ Gray ~ Cultured Tones

14 Alice Peterson ~ Blue ~ Island Play

15 Rose Noble ~ Gray ~ Autumn Stacked

16 Kristina Johansson ~ Yellow ~ Sunny Flower

17 Kirsi Luostarinen ~ Teal ~ Dragon Hues

18 Tari Kahrs ~ Orange ~ Citrus Tones

19 Mallory Hoffman ~ Purple ~ Petaled Dark

20 Molly Alexander ~ Brown ~ Peppered Tones

21 Regina Santerre ~ Red ~ Frosted Berry

22 Emanda Johnson ~ Teal ~ Color Purl

23 Amy Severino ~ Orange ~ Winged Tones

24 Bobbie Rafferty ~ Teal ~ Lime Hues

25 Tanya Goodwin ~ Gray ~ Pecked Tones

26 Lisa Lodge ~ Blue ~ Nocturnal Tones

27 Hope Smitherman ~ Blue ~ Bloom Tones

28 Linda Landig ~ Green ~ Cacti Dark

29 Ambra Gostoli ~ Teal ~ Perched Autumn

30 Lori Bowring-Michaud ~ Blue ~ Sharpened Blue

31 Pippa Chandler ~ Teal ~ Hungarian Hues

32 Keirsten Giles ~ Purple ~ Mineral Brights

33 Jennifer Justman ~ Blue ~ Autumn Rays

34 Sandy Richardson ~ Purple ~ Moroccan Brights

35 CJ Bauschka ~ Teal ~ Teal Air

36 Shaiha Williams ~ Teal ~ Sushi Hues

37 Kay Thomerson ~ Purple ~ Autumn Spectrum

38 Sally Russick ~ Purple ~ Golden Gate Tones

39 Cilla Watkins ~ Purple ~ Autumn Infused

40 Shirley Moore ~ Purple ~ Frozen Heather

41 Jenni Connolly ~ Gray ~ Paw Tones

42 Tamara Soper ~ Green ~ Field Tones

43 Sharyl McMillian-Nelson ~ Blue ~ Nested Blues

44 Jen Velasquez ~ Pink ~ Sweetened Tints

45 Maria Grimes ~ Red ~ Bright Bloom

46 Elisabeth Auld ~ Gray ~ Petaled Tints

47 Susan Kennedy ~ Pink ~ Zinnia Tones

48 Shannon Chomanczuk ~ Gray ~ Autumn Leaf

49 Holly Westfall ~ Yellow ~ Sprinkled Tones

50 Patty Gasparino ~ Red ~ Color Carton

51 Angela Little ~ Pink ~ Singapore Brights

52 Lizzie Zawinski ~ Green ~ Budding Hues

53 Kristen Stevens ~ Pink ~ Scooped Tones

54 Dawn Doucette ~ Brown ~ Jarred Tones

I can't wait to see how everyone else handled this Challenge.
A big thank you to Erin for organizing this Challenge and to Jessica Colaluca for use of her Design Seeds palettes as inspiration!

Just a Few Reminders

2011-11-29T10:25:00.001-06:00

If you haven't seem My Christmas List (part 1) post yet from earlier this morning, please go take a look at it now and add to it!!

This is just a quick post of a few things that didn't relate to that post and I want to mention.

First, the Challenge of Color reveal is TOMORROW!! Come by then to check out what I did with my Bloom Tones palette from Design Seeds!

Remember, the hop is hosted by Erin of Treasures Found and she'll have the whole list of participants. I'll try to get a copy here too, but we'll see how that goes!

Secondly, It's Day 4 of the Virtual Craft Fair over at Lori's Pretty Things blog.

Go check out the deals, giveaways, and more!

Lastly, this necklace is new in my shop!

Flickering Flame Necklace

I SERIOUSLY need to finish my challenge piece and get some pictures of it. So, I'm out for the rest of the day. . .I promise!

My Christmas List (part one)

2011-11-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

I told Pat that I wanted some crafty gifts for Christmas. See, for my birthday I had him just give me some money to go clothes shopping even though he pressed me to let him know what craft supplies I might want instead. So, I'm sticking to it for Christmas.
For his sake, and just for fun I'll be sharing my lists. This first list is of the tools and supplies I want.
Most of these are items that I just haven't picked up for myself for various reasons. Many are just an idea and not the exact model, though some are one of a kind. Let me go ahead and say that most of the links are to Beadaholique because that might make it easier for him to order if all of the items are in one spot. If you know of better deals or other retailers of these items, please let me know in the comments. Please!

Here we go!

Top Ten Jewelry Supplies I want for Christmas

ONE

Renaissance Wax

TWO

Liver of Sulfur

THREE

I would like a texture hammer or two. These two are great options

Eurotool Hammer Checkered/Wide Stripe

Eurotool Hammer Dimples/Narrow Stripe

Of course, there's this one also that looks like a deal.

Eurotool Hammer with Nine Faces

FOUR

Light Tent Photo Cube

FIVE

A NICE set of pliers

SIX

Gilders Paste (in almost any of the colors)

SEVEN

Euro-Punch Pliers

EIGHT

Sari Silk from Designtalentedone

NINE

I already have some of this, but can always use MORE

ICE Resin

TEN

Enamel Kit from Painting with Fire

So, that's my starting list. I know there are probably plenty more items I'm forgetting. I'll be doing a list of beads and other bits that I want later in the week. Stay tuned!

Again, if you have any suggestions of items I've forgotten, items you want that I might NEED to know about, or other retailers that have similar items; don't hesitate to let me know in the comments!

Cyber Monday Deal and a Meal Plan

2011-11-28T10:56:00.001-06:00

I wasn't planning on doing this, but the hubs talked me into it. There's a sale in my shop today!

That code is CYBER2011 and is good for 10% ANY item in the CraftyHope shop, including items already ON SALE.

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While that's going on, I'm frantically trying to finish this Challenge of Color piece as well as catch up on all the housework I avoided over the long, holiday weekend. Seriously, we did NOTHING other than eat, watch football, and laze about. Well, I did get my menu made just before Walking Dead came on. (Did y'all see that episode last night? Were you expecting that? I totally wasn't. It was great!) Anyway, since it is Menu Plan Monday as well as Cyber Monday, I've got a meal plan to share with you.

Breakfasts: Ham omelets, bagels, yogurt w/granola, cinnamon toast bagels, potato bacon casserole, waffles, eggs w/bacon & toast

Lunches: Turkey sandwiches, bean burritos (NOT buTTitos), pepperoni pizza puffs, hot dogs w/tator tots, leftovers, PG&J, soup w/grilled cheese

Dinners:

Shepherd's Pie

Chicken alfredo bubble up w/salad

Ham and potato soup

Steakhouse pizza w/salad

Crispy honey lime tilapia w/corn & mac-n-cheese

There's more Menu Plan Monday where this came from. . .and that's over at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

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If you've been paying attention, you'll know that today is Day 3 of the Virtual Craft Show over at Pretty Things. That means there's MORE deals and giveaways and eye candy for you to enjoy!

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Lastly, this cute little guy is 20% off now!

Brighten the Nest Necklace

I'm off to see if I can make some headway on both my Challenge of Color piece and the disaster that I call my house!

I Heart Macro: Just a Little Geeky

2011-11-27T10:58:00.001-06:00

I could just ramble on about the wonders of football, but I know none of you came here to deal with any of that. So I'll restrain myself. Instead, I'll ask. . .
How was your Thanksgiving?
Did you eat too much?
Wasn't it wonderful?
Were you out there in the craziness of Black Friday shopping?
Did you just stay home and order online?
Are you more like me and just avoided shopping of any kind?

None of this has anything to do with the reason I'm posting. I just thought I'd ask. The real reason is because it's I Heart Macro Sunday (at least I think it's Sunday. It's been a really long weekend.)

Pat's been big into building robots and other electronic-y things lately. I think the wires and boards and other bits are just neat.

Stepper Motors for the CNC Router he built

Motor driver that he installed to run a little robot

(I actually had to get him to come look at these photos so I could tell you what they are. I simply thought they were cool-looking.)

I'm sure there's plenty of less geeky macro shots over Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro.

While I've got you here, Lori Anderson is hosting a Virtual Craft Show on her Pretty Things blog.

Today's Day TWO of the show (of seven). There are SEVENTY shops participating and just as many prizes!! As well, some of the shops have discount codes that are good for the length of the show. Make sure to check it out each day. Don't worry. . .I'll be reminding you about it. Here's a link to Day 1 as well!!

It's a rainy, dreary day here but I plan to eke out the last bits of fun in this Holiday weekend. Plus, I really need to finish my Challenge of Color piece, so I'm outie!!

Bead Table Wednesday

2011-11-23T14:25:00.001-06:00

I'm distracted right now because AMC is playing "Gone with the Wind" on repeat today. Being a Southern girl, I was raised on this film. I'll admit that I even have a copy of Scarlett's bar-b-que dress that I wore for YEARS. I probably haven't watched the movie through since I was in high school. . .so now I'm distracted by how much more I see in it now as an adult with more interest in the historical aspects of it.

Anyway, the TV is on in the craft room so I might as well share what's on my craft desk this Bead Table Wednesday.

Some of the Beads I've gathered for the Challenge of Color

I'll be making some soldered pendants as part of a custom order, so these glass slides were pulled out.

Check out the other Bead Table Wednesday photos in the Flickr Group.

Bead Table Wednesday

There's also some new earrings in the shop

Roam Freely Earrings

And this necklace is on sale

Moonlit Shadows Necklace

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!
And, if you are going out in the craziness that is Black Friday, be safe and best of luck!!

The Holidays are Coming

2011-11-22T17:44:00.001-06:00

I reiterated to my husband the other day about how I prefer to have a live Christmas Tree because they're going to be cut down anyway, and I don't want the trees to not fulfill their purpose in life. This is the conversation that ensued.

ME: When a tree doesn't get a home, I bet the ones that do probably make fun of them for not getting decorated and are all "OMG, you're NEKKID"

HIM: Nah, they're probably just too cool for decorations. You know, they don't like to conform to Christmas tree society standards. Or, they could be allergic to tinsel.

Me: Maybe they grow awkwardly on purpose so they won't get picked. They tell the other trees, "Yeah, I didn't grow any needles on this side intentionally."

HIM: Sure, and they're all "See my funky long arm over here, I MEANT to do that."

Me: Right, they also might be afraid of what kind of home they get put in. You know, they could be afraid of cats getting all up in their branches.

Him: AND, there's the whole being strung with electricity to consider.

Me: Absolutely, they might catch on fire.

Him: Or they could be Jewish. . .

So, now I'm not sure if I'll be getting a tree or not. You know, because I don't want to disregard their religious beliefs, or fears, or allergies, or coolness. Heck, they might even be part of an "Occupy Christmas Tree Lot Movement".

Anyway. . .
While I've brought up the holidays I do want to remind you that I'll be participating in the Holiday Shop Hop 2011 hosted by Shel of MiShel Designs. The hop will be on December 3rd and 4th.

Some of the shops participating will be offering discounts in their stores especially for those who come by as part of the shop hop. I'll be one of those. SO! Mark you calendars and hop by either my or Shel's blogs that weekend for the complete list of participants!

That is all. Carry on.

One Decision Made at Least

2011-11-21T10:14:00.001-06:00

I know y'all have to be SO TIRED of me talking about this darn bracelet already. But, just real quick. . .I finally decided how to wrap the bangle with the lace. And, it's not ANY of the options I gave you. It's one I didn't even consider at all.

Better right!?
If you didn't see my I Heart Macro post yesterday; I've been experimenting with the colors some more. Of course, the plain white looks pretty good too.

Now if I could just make that last decision, tack that thing down, and be done with it already!!

I did finish one thing this weekend. My menu is made.

Breakfasts: Cereal/grits, bagels, yogurt w/granola, breakfast burritos, hashbrown baskets, waffles

Lunches: Ham sandwiches, tuna noodles, leftovers, bean buttitos, PB&J, turkey sandwiches (go figure)

Dinners:

Crispy Lemon Tilapia w/wild rice & corn

Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Casserole

Slow Cooker Angel Chicken w/green beans and mashed potatoes

Cauliflower Cheddar Soup w/Crusty Italian Bread

Shepard's Pie

Sorry my Thanksgiving menu isn't here, but I don't make that meal. My mom is the genius behind that one! For more Menu Plan Monday, head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie.

I've got big plans to try to see a certain vampire movie today, so I can't keep blabbering on here. Instead check out the newest item in my shop!

Life's Path Necklace

And, here's hoping you have a wonderful Monday!

I Heart Macro: Bright Lace

2011-11-20T12:02:00.001-06:00

I was racking my brain over what to share this Macro Sunday. It hit me all of a sudden that my tests of dying the lace would be a perfect, bright macro photo.

There's more I Heart Macro Sunday at Lori's blog, Studio Waterstone.

Today started out rather gloomy and overcast, causing me to assume it would be spent in front of the computer completing miscellaneous tasks, like my meal plan. However, since the clouds seem to be burning away I'm hoping to get in a few hours outside. Yay!!!

I do want to quickly share the two newest items in the ON SALE section of the shop.

Adventures Abound Earrings

Subtle Southern Fall Necklace

Now to make the most of what's left of the weekend. I hope you do the same!!