Reflection

As I sit here with the knowledge that my mom is going to pass away soon, which could be any time now. It forces me to look back on this year and all it has meant to me. I can say even though my mom is down to just about her last breathe that my life this year has been blessed beyond measure's. Things like this cause us to look back and take inventory of our lives.... I am grateful for a God who has saved me! I am grateful for where I am in my relationship with my husband, for my family that keeps growing. You see God has blessed me with one grand baby and now next year I will have a total of four. YES, um my kids have been busy...LOL. All in all I am thankful for a mom who has shown and taught me so much that has made me the person I am today. So with that I say Thank You Mom! I love you. And I wish my family and friends that God has put on my path of life a very Happy New Year. May you all be Blessed.

Village Venture

This was perfect weather for a trip to the city of Claremont. This was their 29th annual Arts & Crafts Faire and my friend Donna Gunn was a vendor there. This is her new line of Handbags. Love them! Now I am the proud owner of one. It's kind of a Picasso look and a true one of a kind. Thanks Donna I love it! Hope you had a fantastic day. You can visit her at donnagunn.blogspot.com   

Did I say I'm a Grandma?

This is Jadyn my first little grand baby, she is 4 months old. I got to watch her Sunday. Little did she know she was going to be my captured subject to practice what I've learned in my photography class. So far it's only been 2 classes. I had so much fun taking her pictures. Was a little hard getting the pictures with her trying to get her toes in her mouth and blowing little spit bubbles. I'm feeling really blessed to have this special little gift in my life. Thank you God! Oh yes, the technique I used was Exposure Compensation. This is a function that allows over or under exposure.

Seeing the Light

Light can be so dramatic or not so dramatic depending on how you use it. This is my first shot on seeing the light. As embarrassing as it is to say, after so many years I'm finally figuring out my camera. Didn't know I could shoot black and white, let alone be able to change my settings in sooo many different ways. This is going to be fun and challenging. This is called Metering Modes a function that allows you to choose how light is calculated.

Glitterfest 2010 in all it's Glitter!

My first experience at Glitterfest..... Thank you Diane and Sheryl for making sure that all our needs and everything else was taken care of. Loved meeting the other Artist it was a great experience. Definitely a lot of talented ladies. It was a little crazy hot but all in all it was fun. A special thanks to my friend Sue who helped me with everything. Also, I want to say thanks to my friends who supported me by showing up at G.F. Thanks for your continuing support which is always appreciated more that you know. Hope to see you all next year! Andrea & daughter Samantha
Tara & daughter Ivy
Robin Dudley Howes

Me!

Whoo hoo! I finally get to take a photo class and I am so excited. I will be taking a digital photo class with my friend Carrie. So looking forward to it. Will definitely share the good the bad and the ugly. Sorry, but it well be a learning process and hope you enjoy.

Metal Cross

Just needed to take a break and create something new.... I've been so busy making stuff for Glitterfest that I just needed to break away and do something for me. I love how it turned out. A special THANKS to Donna Gunn for helping me with the twisted wire which she calls "tornado twist" and the beautiful clasp. I really had a lot of fun hanging out with her, she's definitely a talented lady. You can check out her site at www.donnagunn.blogspot.com

Copper Necklace

This necklace was inspired by a young guy that walked into the Garden of Beaden. However his did not have any other metal attached to the front. His was stamped on the front with metal stamps. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. I loved the way it rolled over on top so that you were able to put a chain through it. Being that I love hearts I had to add that to mine. I wish I could remember his name in order to give him due credit. Though I'm not sure he made it either, but it did so inspire me. The picture behind it is my mother when she was a little girl...

A small book for Quotes

This little book is for those witty quotes or that clever phrase that we read some where and don't want to forget. It is just the right size to put in your purse and carry where ever you go. For the cover of this book I used nickel silver sheets with a little distressing, torching and adding this cute little ballerina. I found her at the Whimzy swap meet and fell in love with her, and now she adorns my quotes book. I did add a little color ink to her dress to pick up some of the color in the book.

The Girls

Nothing like spending a great day with you're friends! I've been so fortunate to be able to teach at the Garden of Beaden. This has been a great class the " Treasure/Journal Book". I have been able to incorporate so many learning techniques in this process. Not to mention it has been so fun. Thank you ladies for a wonderful day and allowing me to share my Art with you. Thank you Jessica Needham, Sue Windsor-Lau, Irene Sanchez (owner of the fabulous store) and Melissa, and Crystal. It was a great day!! Much Love!

Treasured Books/Journal Books or just the right size book for all those witty quotes

Hand made Books soon to be taught at the Garden of Beaden in Upland @ www.gardenofbeadenupland.com

Garden of Beaden Challenge

This piece all came together after 3 try's......It begin by cleaning off my desk at work and found the little pig in the back behind my computer. The lady who sat there before me was a big pig collector.. so when I found this little pig I new exactly what I was going to do. Took me 3 times to get it right. Should I add there's a funny side to this story? OK, I will!!!! First time I didn't like it so I cut it all up. Oh well I said I'll just do it over.....well 2nd time around was not working out so good for me either. The moisture inside was messing everything up, so my friend (no names mentioned as to protect the innocent) said he could drill the back to let the moisture out. Good idea? oops, NOT a good idea. The drill caught everything and sent it spinning all around. What could you do but laugh? And I did! Ok so 3 times is the charm and I'm very happy with it.

Mermaid Cuff Bracelet

This is another GREAT class taken by Robin Dudley-Howes @ robindudleyhowes.blogspot.com. So much fun, as all her classes are. This is the Mermaid Cuff Bracelet. Lots and Lots of vintage pieces wire wrapped onto the wire frame of the bracelet. The Mermaid button was given to me by a good friend Sue, which ties it all in. Lot of time doing it but well worth it. Thanks Robin!! :)

Tube Earrings

Tube Earrings.....Who would of thought? This was a class I took from Robin Dudley-Howes. Be sure to check out her site as I know she will definitely inspire you as she does me. Fun, Fun, Fun!
robindudleyhowes@blogspot.com.

Bezelled Necklace

This is a bezelled pieces that I did during a class I taught at the Garden Of Beaden. She is a Mermaid Angel. I've added glitter and a few glass beads to really show off how pretty she is.

Silver Art Clay

This is my first piece in working with Art Clay. What I love about it is that it allows you so much freedom in being able to create what ever you want. The whole process in making this piece is very cool. What I also like is using sulfur on my jewelry it gives it that antique look with out actually being a hundred years old. Thank you Jean Shaw for a fun class.

Tube Earrings

Today was a wonderful day....any day is wonderful when you're able to create art. I was able to take a class from Robin Dudley-Howes. I have also taken the Treasure Necklace class from her too. I love her, her talent is so amazing! To spend the day with friends and make beautiful art is the best way to spend any day.

Garden of Beaden 2009

Many thanks to my friend Irene. I have had the opportunity in being able to teach classes at her store (Garden of Beaden) in Upland. In return I have been blessed in meeting lot's of wonderful friends. This experience has offered me so much in growing as a person. Nothing feels better than teaching people and being able to share in their joy and enthusiasm when creating art together. If you're ever in town be sure to stop by. I know you will love the store and the warmth you get from Irene. She has a way of making you feel like you've been friends forever. www.gardenofbeaden.com