Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Evolution


I'm just scribbling a quick note to say that I am still around and still occasionally thinking of you and beading and the blog - I just don't have much time to devote to these pleasant thoughts at the moment. We are still undergoing a bit of a paradigm shift at our house. In my optimistic moments, I like to envision the whole process as one of re-organization into a higher level - one that's stronger, clearer-eyed and with better teeth (figuratively, that is - there's really nothing wrong with anyone's teeth in the house, at least not at the moment). In my less optimistic moments, I just feel exhausted and in need of a nap.

And if all of this is just too arcane for you, don't worry about it. I and the blog should be back to business as usual in a few weeks. Also, I still do intend to hold the Short One's (Belated) Birthday Giveaway. If I have a few moments to actually finish the prize, that might even happen at the end of this week. But I definitely will hold it sooner or later - because I love to celebrate my child's special day - even if I am a little late - because he is such a good, sweet boy. Seriously. Even if he does tell me stuff like this:

Me: Do you like your new blue-striped big boy underpants?
SO: Yeah! I showed them to Samantha today! (sadly) But Claire didn't want to see them.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day


I just thought I'd share a photo of my Valentine's Day gift from my sweet little boy. He told me he likes the heart and butterfly beads the best, and I am not to take it off, even when I sleep. (I figure we can re-string it together once the ribbon gives out.)

Ironically, I don't usually wear much jewelry (weird, right?), but I love wearing this bracelet. So if you ever see someone wearing white hearts and red butterflies on her wrist in the future, say "hi", because that'll be me.

I hope you are yours are having a happy day.

AND THE WINNER IS:


I'm happy to report that the Short One has selected his winner: PEARL AND PEBBLE! P&P, please contact me at melissa[at]melissajlee.com with your email address so your prize can be sent to you.

If you didn't win this time, fear not. I will be holding the Short One's Birthday Giveaway later this week, so be sure to visit again for that.

My apologies for the blog-lite entry, but things are still a little challenging over at our house. Many thanks to those of you who have left comments - I really appreciate it.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Please Stand By

I had a health issue come up in the family and have been in the hospital for most of the week without any email or Internet access. I am extending the deadline for the Artbeads.com gift certificate until Sunday, February 14th, as a result. If you entered the giveaway this week, but don't see your name in the comments, don't worry. I intend to start working through my backlog of email, etc. today. I'm sure your comment will be published on the post within the next 24 hours. Thanks for your patience, everyone.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Bead & Jewelry Linky Love


I'm in the process of writing up projects for Creative Jewelry, so I've been thinking a bit about the projects I wrote for the 2009 issue of the magazine (which I believe is still on newsstands). This piece is called "Framed Heart", and it did appear in last year's issue. This was my submission's photo for the piece, if you're interested. I really love the clean, geometric cut of the turquoise and built the project around that bead.

Thanks for all of your good wishes. I did finish my project by the skin of my teeth - and I'm still in the process of trying to catch up on sleep! I've had a tremendous response to the giveaway so far - keep those entries coming! Remember, you have until this Thursday to enter (scroll down to the last link on this page to go to the appropriate post). (Oh, and Zazu Ta, I checked with Artbeads.com - they do not ship to India at this time. Sorry!)

In the meantime, here are your bead and jewelry links for the week:

Katie's Beading Blog
Katie introduces her new line of findings: Katiedids™ Creative Components. Look what you can do!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Kim Miles! Who makes prettier Valentine's day, or "just for yourself" gifts than Kim? Wait til you see what she has up her sleeve...the Ace of Hearts, so to speak!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's blog has a new look. And she heads to cooking school!

Cindy Gimbrone aka the Lampwork Diva
With the help of Vintaj brass, Cindy whips up a set of tethered butterfly earrings with her bronze floral charms.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie reveals the delicious ingredients she received for the Bead Soup Party.

Beading Arts
A beautiful glass bead becomes the focal point of a Valentine's Day necklace!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi did "knot" stress out making this new necklace!

Art Bead Scene
Searching for a way to achieve an etched metal look? ABS has a free tutorial for you!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Are you a follower? Barbe has a giveway for her blog readers.

About.com Jewelry Maing
Catch up on the latest jewelry web news from contests to free tutorials with this handy list of links.

A Bead A Day
Lisa is hoping to get some ideas for using a bright red, swirly stoneware pendant just in time for Valentine's Day.

Strands of Beads
Melissa is giving away a $25.00 gift certificate from Artbeads.com this week!

Thanks for visiting.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Announcing a Giveaway!

Artbeads.com Beads and Jewelry Supplies

I don't usually like talking about this stuff on the blog, but I've been quite tense lately. I'm in the process of finishing a major new piece, and - as usual - no matter how well I try to plan, I find myself with too much work left, too little time and way too little sleep. The truth is, I'm a complete ball of nerves right now.

So, I thought I would take five minutes for a well-needed sanity break and focus on the positive instead. And I've got terrific positive news to share! Artbeads.com has generously provided me with a $25.00 gift certificate to pass along to one of the wonderful readers of this blog. What a great giveaway, right?

To enter, please leave a comment below this post. If you do not have a Blogger account, you can still leave a comment by identifying yourself as an "Anonymous" poster. If you use this function, however, please be sure to leave your name in the body of the post. I can't enter you in the giveaway if I don't have your name! I will let the Short One select the winner's name out of a hat (it's the way we run giveaways around here - and he so loves picking a winner) next Thursday, February 11th.

You must return to this blog next Thursday, February 11th, to see if you won - I will not be contacting the winner via email. At that time, I will have instructions on how to claim your prize.

(And while you're at it, why not enter Artbeads.com super Sweepstakes to win a $1,000.o0 shopping spree? Go here for details.)

Wow, I feel better already. (But I guess it's time to get back to work!) Thanks for visiting - and be sure to leave a comment!

DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL FEBRUARY 14th!