Treasures by Louise

Hello! If you're looking for the Grow Your Blog Party post, click here . I plan to sign up for the 8th Bead Soup Blog Party. These are not my beads, but I wouldn't mind winning them!  This is my first time so I'm a bit nervous about the whole swapping thing. Most of my beads are nice, nothing special, and mostly commercial. So I decided to go shopping (online) at Kristi Bowman Designs, http://www.etsy.com/shop/KristiBowmanDesign and at Lima Beads: http://www.limabeads.com/ . It was a case of when you don't know who you're shopping for, buy what you'd like to receive. But in this case, I wanted 'em for myself too! Guess what: one for me, one for you... My calendar is marked for February 9th. It's sure to be fun, I hope I get to particpate.

Welcome New Visitors ! Thank you for stopping by to visit! Here I talk about making jewelry and my beading passion, or perhaps that is my shopping for beads obsession. ;) scroll down for the link   I work for a craft store, so most of my bead collection is commercial beads and supplies, but I am finding so much to tempt me with true handcrafted beads, both lampwork glass and polymer clay. I just ordered some special polymer clay beads for a bead soup party that I plan on joining, and I have a few ceramic beads from ceramic artists, so I have made the first steps. I work for a craft store, so most of my bead collection is commercial beads and supplies, but I am finding so much to tempt me with true handcrafted beads, both lampwork glass and polymer clay. {I recently bought some special polymer clay beads on Etsy for a bead soup party that I plan on joining, and I have a few ceramic beads from ceramic artists, so I have made the first steps!} But, I also have a fabric stash

New Years Resolutions I had almost resolved to NOT make any New Years Resolutions, but it actually feels like I might accomplish this one: To learn new techniques and think outside-the-box. I am teaching myself Chain Maille, though it seems more tedious than I'd like. I'm hoping as I get more skilled at it, it will go more smoothly. I have convinced myself of the necessity to close jump rings that appear "closed", though it seems redundant! And I'm getting better at it. I recommend a task light, for sure, and a magnifier if you need one. I have found two books that are really great for beginners: The first, I found at my local library, and think I must really purchase: I miss this book and was sad to have to return it, I must have renewed it three times! It was a wonderful introduction to Chain Maille patterns and is encyclopedic in it's coverage. Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop by Karen Karon is available both in softcover and as an e-book from many pla