The Best Mother's Day

My husband asked "What would you like for Mother's Day"?
I answered: A road trip to Grand Isle. I want to walk on the beach in the Gulf.
It is as far south as you can get from my house.

I love the Intercoastal waterway.

We had to cross this bridge to get there.

Grand Isle State Park had a look-out tower and a 900 ft. pier that went out into the gulf.

The first thing I did was take off my shoes and walked under the pier. The water calms my soul and the birds sing to my heart. It's as close to heaven as I can get on land. We saw dolphins playing in the water and schools of fish swimming.

On the way home we stopped at Spahr's for seafood. We shared grilled shrimp, crab cakes and stuffed mushrooms. They had a canal out back that made for a nice walk after dinner.

I saw an alligator swimming in the canal.

I looked him right in the eye! With my 30X zoom!

I saw beauty in the wildlife and the flowers. That was my gift for Mother's Day.

It was the perfect day!

The Owls are not what they seem

Owl Pendant by Humblebeads.

A mystery: Two wise owls - a judge and a witness, what stories do they know?
Only the owls know how this piece will turn out.

So far things are working out as planned.
A minor correction in the type of beads I used on the bar and I will be back on track. There are surface embellishments to complete as the story unfolds. Will there be a happy ending? I know so!

Can You See Me Now?

Seeing clearly is so important especially if you work with tiny glass seed beads.
You can't bead if you can't see!

After a trip to the eye doctor for eye allergies.
I discovered I was way over due for an eye exam.
3 years late to be exact.
Not to worry. I can see you now!

Bead Cruise 2013

Today is the day, registration for Bead Cruise 2013 begins. Heather Powers has worked her magic to put together an exciting lineup of instructors and classes.

The sights and sounds of New Orleans were the inspiration for my classes.

All That Jazz

Jazz up your herringbone bangle with keshi pearls and crystals for a look that sings of elegance and sophistication. This bracelet wraps and stays around your wrist, just like designs of a by-gone eras.

Midnight Garden

Inspired by the dark and mysterious gardens surrounding the French Quarter, Midnight Garden captures a stunning rectangle crystal with leaves and surface embellishments.

Queen Wanna Bead

Like the Ancient Mayans she draws from her knowledge of the stitches to create with the elements of the Earth. Fire from goldstone, pearls from the sea and stones from far away lands she weaves with the color teal to create beauty. She is Queen Wanna Bead.

We will be sailing from my favorite Port of Call New Orleans on March 2nd to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.


Bead Cruise 2013 Registration opens today! Space is very limited so don't wait!

You will enjoy a great line up of national known instructors including Kerry Bogert, Tracy Stanley, Ronna Sarva Weltman, Beverly Herman and Erin Siegel.

A week on a cruise ship, taking classes, having fun with beads, friends and exploring tropical islands - don't miss it!

Click here for all the details.
Bead Cruise.com

Queen Wanna Bead

I am up to my tiara in beads, crystals and clasps. My printer has been singing, tossing out page after page of instructions. I am getting ready for the Bead Cruise.

I can't see my beadroom floor or my beading table but in my mind's eye I can see white sandy beaches and feel the ocean breezes. I will have a chance to dress up with my tiara. There will be a cocktail party with prizes. I am going as Queen Wanna Bead. My dress will be a little different but than so is my Queen of Denial and the Queen of Paradise.
The countdown begins. 15 days and 20 hours! Did you know there is an app for that. It's called Ship Mate - Royal Caribbean. You can find it on iTunes or the app store on your apple devices.