Sunday, February 27, 2011

Fundraising raffle for Nyght Storm




Nyght Storm is a 25 year old Arabian Stallion, who was given a new chance at life after his previous long time owner could no longer care for him. Storm was very weak, emaciated, covered in wounds from his pasture mates beating up on him, had mud fever, parasites and his fur was melted in some areas from trying to keep warm by laying on a burn pile. Thankfully a new home was found for him just in time, and in just 3 months Storm has made a full recovery! The next step to allow Storm healthy and happy golden years is castration. This will allow Storm to be kept in herd situations and he will no longer be preoccupied with breeding which can be very stressful.

For every 5.00 donation you'll get an entry into the raffle. First prize will be this bracelet, copper byzantine with a handcrafted by me ID tag with "Be Brave" stamped into it. A sterling silver heart rivited onto it and some wonderful texturing make this a eye catching piece.

The bracelet measures 7 inches long and aprox 6 mm thick. All findings are copper.

Second prize will win this ring, a adorable daisy bead with a purple center, soft lavender petals with bright pink tips. Bead is of course made by me! All metals are sterling silver. The ring band is lightly hammered

You can paypal donations to nvalentine@shaw.ca Raffle will go to monday March 7th 7pm.

This is a wondrful cause, rescues can be expensive and every little bit will help!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Bead Soup Reveal !



Boy did I have fun with this blog swap "Bead Soup" ! Lisa Godfrey was my swap partener and she sent me a wonderful selection of bead and findings. I actually made a few things. This is the first set. I loved all the colors and the big teardrops were screaming to be made into hoop earrings. I'd be wanting to try a double wrapped loop and it worked out great!




The second set. I have to admit my favorite was the tiny heart with wings, I made it into a simple pendant I can add to a charm cluster or use on it's own. Since my last name is Valentine it's very "me"! The larger beads contrasted with the pearls I thought so I put them all together to try a piece with some different textures. It turned out pretty good and is a bit eye catching if I don't say so myself! The ceramic pendant needed nothing other than a jumpring in my opinion, it is gorgeous all on it's own.

I had a lot of fun with this swap and wanted to thank Lori (organizer) and Lisa (swap partener) for making this such a hoot!




Check out what everyone else made!


1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane
4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio
5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe
9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto
10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio


11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts
13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings
15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita
16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs
19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats


21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim
23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu
24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air
26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads
28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul


31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus
33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble
34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design
35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs
37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works
38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights
39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio


41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's
42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions
43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya
44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles
46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig
47. Amanda Davie, Articulations
48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux


50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks
52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde
54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog
55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning
56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem
59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa


60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do
61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog
62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs
64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique
69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver



70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey
72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix
74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems
76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art
78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden
79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads


80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook
81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy
82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs
85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries
86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka
87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae
88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations


90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead
93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations
94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof
95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio
96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs
98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue
99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads


101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio
102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations
103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios
104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore
105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations
106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky
107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric
108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs
109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading
110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman


111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe
112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me
115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf
116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles
118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart
120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs


121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven
122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings
123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass
124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks
125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things
126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos
127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee
128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M
129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry


130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads
131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny
132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore
133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog
134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs
136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies
137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.
139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter


140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy
141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse
142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts
144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense
145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique
146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me
149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog


150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area
154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta
156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef
157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color
159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman


160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory
161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst
162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed
163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu
164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio
165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra
166. Anna Motz, Stunning
167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings
168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings


170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones
172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs
173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass
174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog
177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio
178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art
182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen
184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink
185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin
186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer
187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels
188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry
189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos

190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.
191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini
194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse
195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between
196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets
197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts
198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs
199. Karen Williams, Baublicious

200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend
201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell
202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs
204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads
205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique
206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads
208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love
209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry
210. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread


The next party's sign ups begin August 1-3, 2011. Don't miss it!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Shenanigans in the snow this morning!


We finally got a chance to try skijoring (well our version of it) this morning! Indy is such a trooper, he slogged around for about 5 min huffing and puffing breaking a trail, then the inner tube started to slide and make noise WELL he scooted off, tail over his back, snorting like a dragon. After he spun around and got a look at the inner tube he shook his head, rolled his eyes and went back to pulling us around. He's such a great horse!


Featured artist - Karla Aron

The first thing that attracted me to Karla’s work was the birds, the sweet little bird pairs. They seem so magical to me. The Mama & Me ones are my absolute favorites.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60016807/mama-and-me-print-5x7-or-6x6

Then I fell in love with her print! Love Makes Everything Better is so simple and sweet.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50204039/love-makes-everything-better-print-8x10

I found myself repeating that phrase over and over while I wandered through my day. Have a look at her etsy, you won’t be disappointed.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/enrouge?ref=top_trail

How long have you been working in your medium?

I started drawing and painting about 5 years ago. My dad was a graphics artist, but it never occurred to me to consider making art until relatively recently. I spent all my college and grad school years in music . . studying to be a concert pianist. The thought of trying to become an artist was such a lofty idea to me. I am still a little uncomfortable referring to myself as an artist, but I surely do love making art. It's like another voice for me altogether that I can go to to either try to say something, or to try to hear something speaking back to me.

What drew you to this medium?

I like the illusion of two-dimensional drawing and painting. I like how paintings let me in to look around and get lost. . . to create my own world there. I may not even be seeing what the artist intended, or why he or she painted it, but it doesn't matter if I can find my own narrative there.

I suppose initially (and it's still true for me) I was drawn to painting and drawing for self-expression. That's all I've ever wanted to do is try to express what it is that I'm feeling or perceiving . . . I have a need to try to connect with people that way. Sometimes it works best to try to realize it in a painting, and sometimes it feels better to me to write a song.

What is your favorite thing about your art?

The feeling of permanence . . . I'm coming from a perspective of being a performing musician, where you practice for hours on end, give a recital, and then it's all over and done. All you have left is a memory and a feeling, which over time wanes in your mind. So, I just love that I can make a painting and have it near me to see again and again. I like that I have something tangible. I can move it around the house, put it in a show, or take it on a roadtrip if I want. I also like that I can see where my head was at the time I was painting it.

What's your favorite piece?

Hanging in our living room above the fireplace is probably my favorite painting--it's a cellist painting from a series of six cellists that I painted about two years ago. I sold all but one, "Forte".

What's the hardest piece you've ever made?

I have a big 5 foot painting of a jazz bass player and combo that took a lot of re-working. I stretched my own canvas which was really hard and time-consuming, then I set out to paint that huge thing with no real plan of where I was headed.

What’s the one favorite tool you cannot live without?

My Bob Ross palette knife. I make every painting with it.

What’s your favorite thing about your workspace or studio?

Well. . . I'm afraid I've got studio issues these days. My husband and I recently relocated, and this new house has plenty of room and fairly good light in the downstairs area, but I just don't feel inclined to paint there partly because it's cold. So, I've been working upstairs in the kitchen. I like it up here because we have big vaulted ceilings, windows and lots of light. And it's warm!

What is your other craft?

Music is my only other real craft . . . I'm working on my jazz playing right now with dreams of playing in a nice jazz lounge.

Who or what inspires you?

I'm inspired by Rebecca Rebouche . . by her work and the way she seems to be, which I base on her blog. She's got Deep South New Orleans roots, which is different from my Arkansas, Ozark Mountain, kind of upbringing, yet there's something that resonates with me so strongly. Looking at her work reminds me of my grandma's quilts, and what it's like to eat cornbread dunked in milk on a hot muggy evening in Arkansas. I have a good deal of Southern homesickness now and then and keep trying to find a way to express that in a painting. Rebecca does it beautifully.

What's your favorite inspirational saying?

"I am a thriving artist." Marisa Haedike of Creative Thursday has started perpetuating this philosophy on her blog and in some of her artwork on Etsy. I find myself saying it under my breath as a mantra.

What's one thing you've never done you always wanted to do?

Right now what I really want to do is make a music video using one of my songs. I think that putting film together with music can be so powerful, and I've wanted to try it for a long time. I'm in awe of anyone who can put those elements together. So, I'm just going to go for it and see what happens!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Snow!



I woke up this morning to a winter wonderland! My kinda day! It snowed a lot last night and is still snowing as I type. This is the view from my TV room window. The horses are enjoying it, everyone had a good roll in the snow this morning.



The cat however is not such a fan, he went outside for about 5 min this morning and has now parked himself on the couch.



Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Lofty Goals fulfilled!

I don't know if you remember me posting this post about Lofty Goals? I talked about one day going to a remote cabin in the woods. Well I think it came to fruition! On top of the mountain we went snowmobiling too there was this cabin! I never really thought much of it till we had got to the bottom and were buzzing along on a flat trail. I had time to think, watched a bird fly along beside me then BLAMO! I realized I'd visited my cabin in the woods!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Snowmobiling day three


The view from the top of the mountain we snowmobiled up day three! It was HARD work, but boy was it worth it.


See this steep hill? Well we had to go sideways across it! I fell over and really thought I was in way over my head! But Roddy and Terry got me out, and Maggie buzzed up beside me and pointed straight up the hill and said "GO!" good thing she gave me no time to think about it, I headed up and loe and behold I did it! Never underestimate yourself. This day was a wonderful day where I realized I really can do just about anything if I set my mind to it!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Snowmobiling day two





Snowmobiling day two was a bit harder. The snow was "punky" and we got stuck a bit more often. We found some great trails but then ran into a problem. A tree down that was too big to cut. Sooooo........


We had to turn around. I had already been stuck a few times so I suggested Terry turn my sled around for me to avoid getting stuck again. But Roddy thought he could do it so off he went. And got stuck! Well I could have done that!


After digging Roddy out Terry attempted to turn around, and he got stuck too! They looked like three little ducks trying to work his sled out.


Terry is out! And the rest of us all got turned around without too much incidence. What a great day! It started to snow a little bit as we headed back and it's so pretty!


Saturday, February 19, 2011

Snowmobiling day one


We were in Princeton last week at good friends Maggie and Terry Turner. They took us out snowmobiling, snowshoeing and we got a good visit! I really miss them now that they've moved up North but seeing the gorgeous country this last week I can totally see why they moved.


Day One snowmobiling. I was slow and got stuck a few times. But everyone is friendly and happy to help you out. Can you tell my the grins on our faces we are having fun?

We went a was out in the bush up to a clear cut and everyone played around. I took pictures and got in a bit of a rest, the throttle was a bit tough on my right thumb. They found a little jump and everyone (except me) gave it a go.
Then we found a big hill and everyone took turns wizzing up and down it. I even gave this a go!

I had no idea it'd be so much fun!




Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Waxing and Waning

As an artist I find myself often flitting from one piece to the next. I look at my work bench and see several 1/2 finished pieces, some have been sitting there for a while. Glass may entrance me this week but next week it may be metal, sometimes the shift lasts weeks or even months. I never know what's going to draw me back to the other or when. While I never truly move completely away from either medium I do swap back and forth a lot. It makes me wonder if there is a more efficient way of working?

Friday, February 11, 2011

How I fell in love with creating

I'm not sure when I fell in love with creating, or if I was just born this way. I've always saved bits and pieces, cut things out, glued things together. I remember making journals when I was small, taking art in middle school and wanting to be a designer in high school.

There is something incredibly rewarding about taking something, anything and making it into something else. I pick up a rod of glass and can fashion it into many many different things. It's magical! I say quite often how lucky I am to be able to do something I love every day. It's pretty cool to wander to the studio and create, whether it be glass or metal.

I find myself loosing track of time when creating, often getting lost in the process. It's not uncommon for me to realize I've forgotten to eat lunch or that it's now dark out and horses need to be fed.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Bead Soup Goodies


I am finally home from my trip to Washington! I had a wonderful time. I took a boro class with Thomas from Glass Alchemy that was full of info, great great class. Spent many many hours in the company off good friends trying out some new things, laughing and having tons of fun!


I came home to find my Bead Soup goodies had arrived from my swap partner Lisa Godfrey! She sent me two color combo's and I am going to do my best to make something out of each combo. I admit the turquoise's are more me, it's one of my favorite colors! She sent me a whole lotta goodies!

Here's a quick picture of what she sent me.


Here's a quick picture of what I sent her. I'm really excited to see what she makes!







Monday, February 7, 2011

Seattle skyline



In Seattle tonight, the skyline is pretty here once the sun starts to go down. We can barely see the water from our hotel. Going to Wild Ginger for what is always a yummy dinner!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Give me some input?


Looking for some input from those of you willing to give it.

I'm really enjoying making penny charms. I find them really fun and oddly relaxing. My question is what pictures, sayings or photos would you like to see on them? Do you have any creative ideas on how to use them? I'm interested to hear what you have to say.