New Tip Tuesday... Errr... Sunday?!?

Okay, okay, I know I promised a new tip on Tuesday.  However, my first week of classes has been crazy.  So, I'm posting the tip now, on Sunday.  I'm really excited about this one and hope it helps others as well. 

I tend to get stuck in a color rut.  I really like the color blue, so I design with it quite often.  I have trouble being inspired by other colors or I don't know how to combine them.  Well, the other day, I was at Home Depot looking at paint samples for our new house when I saw the little booklets they have in the paint section. 

The paint booklets were just the ticket I've been looking for!  There are color pallets containing any color you want.  Each pallet includes a main color and three accent colors to inspire you.  What's even better?  They are small so you can easily put them in your purse to take with you to the bead shop!  I think I can officially move out of my color rut.  Not to mention, when I am feeling a bit of a block, I can just go to my color pallets and look for some inspiration!

Happy Beading!
Kell

Free Peyote Stitch Pattern from FDEkszer and Fairysdreams Jewellery

Okay, so if you've been reading this blog for a while, you probably know that I love working with seed beads.  I don't know what it is about them, but I just find working with them cathartic.  Well, imagine my surprise when I found this blog post offering a free peyote stitch pattern.  It gives me another great way to create something with seed beads. 

If you want a free peyote stitch pattern, all you need to do is head over to FDEkszer and Fairysdreams Jewellery and play the game there.  The hardest part of the game for me was selecting the pattern I wanted.  I love them all and want them all!  If you like working with seed beads or want to try out peyote stitch, you should definitely check it out!

Happy Beading!
Kell

The Jewelry Swap -- Update

It's been a busy couple of weeks.  I had my orientation week at school last week, and let me tell you, we had some long days.  I know it's just a taste of what I'm in for this semester, but the days were long.  I finally have some time and wanted to update everyone on the awesome necklace (and bonus earrings -- Thanks Amy!  You rock!) Amy at Spyder Jewels sent me for the jewelry swap. 

In response to the questions I sent, I told her that I'm pretty casual and that I would like a lariat style necklace.  Well, she delivered!  This talented lady created a beautiful necklace and matching earrings for me.

Aren't they gorgeous?!?!?  I can picture them with everything from a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt to a little black dress.  I just love everything about the set.  The colors are perfect.  The style is great... casual, but elegant.  The length is great.  I am just so excited to add the set to my jewelry collection.  It is definitely going to get plenty of wear!

I can't provide too many details about the necklace I created for Davinia until she receives it (it takes a little while to make it around the world).  However, I can share my inspiration for the piece.  Shortly after receiving her answers to my questions, I saw an amazing photo on Beverly Ash Gilbert's blog.  As soon as I saw the photo, I felt compelled to create Davinia's necklace using the colors and style of the picture as my inspiration.  I hope she likes it, and I can't wait to share her answers to my questions and how I converted those answers into a piece of jewelry that I hope she loves!

Here's the inspiration photo from Beverly Ash Gilbert's blog: 

I'll provide more details later... and check back Tuesday for an all new New Tip Tuesday post. If you have trouble with color combinations, I think you'll like this post.

Happy Beading!

Kell

You're Invited to Win a $250 "Bead Genius" Prize Package

Duchess from Artbeads.com just emailed me with some details about an awesome giveaway Artbeads is hosting.  You've gotta check it out. 

Who:  All U.S. and Canadian (except Quebec) residents who are 18 years of age and older.

What: An AWESOME sweepstakes!  Start by taking a Bead IQ quiz to assess your bead/jewelry making knowledge (this isn't required, but it is fun!).  Then, enter the sweepstakes for the amazing prize package!  The $250 'Bead Genius' Prize Package includes a $100 Artbeads.com gift cards and $150 worth of beading and jewelry making supplies. 
Where:  http://bit.ly/ajdrDF
When:  Hurry and enter, the sweepstakes ends on September 16, 2010.
Why:  Because this is an awesome prize package from an awesome company!

What's even better?  Artbeads.com has a prize for everyone who purchases beads and supplies from them!  They've just launched their Instant Savings Plan.  All you have to do is purchase the minimum order, and the savings are applied automatically when you check out. 

• Spend $45 and you will receive a 5% discount.
• Spent $95 and you will receive a 10% discount.
• Spend $175 and you will receive a 15% discount.

What's even better than automatic discounts?  You can combine the instant savings with coupons for even bigger savings.  Just enter the coupon code when you checkout.  The instant savings will be applied to the post-coupon amount!


Happy Beading and Good Luck!
Kell

Some Details About the Big News

Okay, so I wanted things to be more settled and I wanted to have more details before I made my announcement... but, I've been holding it in for months and months... and I think I'm going to explode if I don't share my excitement. So, here goes.

My undergraduate degree is in Chemistry.  I love chemistry, and I'm pretty good at it.  However, after my first job I changed fields and have been working in instructional design since.  I like instructional design, and I'm OK at it.  But, I don't have the same passion for it that I have for chemistry.  Well, about a year ago, while still living in Guam, I put in a few applications for Chemistry PhD programs.  Fast forward a couple of months and the acceptance letters start coming in.  I really didn't think I was going to get in.  After all, it's been 9 years since I graduated from college.  To say I'm a bit rusty at my Chemistry would be an understatement.  But, a couple of crazy schools out there actually want me. 

What's even better?  Between my GI Bill and teaching assistantships, I can actually afford to go to school.  So, I have one more week of working full time ahead of me.  Then, I'll work a few hours a week to help bring in some extra money, but my main focus will be school.  This is a very good thing for me as a person, but unfortunately, it will leave very little time for jewelry making.  I'm going to be one busy girl.  But, I'm excited.  I want to do drug research, and I want to make a difference in the world.  I feel like I got off track somewhere along the way.  But, now I'm back on track.  And, I'm in a better place to appreciate how great going back to school is.  I don't think I would have appreciated it as much 9 years ago.  Now, I know what I want and I know what is important.  I'm willing to work hard to become the person I want to be. 

The tough part is coming up.  I have a little over a week to prepare for my proficiency exams (that's right, I have to take proficiency exams before enrolling in my classes).  Then comes the graduate level courses and research.  Oh yeah, don't forget the teaching and grading.  I'm sure before the first semester is over, I'll be questioning my sanity... wondering why I ever wanted to leave a job I'm comfortable in and challenge myself this way... but, I'm ready to work hard and will do the things I need to do to succeed and go where I want in life.  Wish me luck because this is going to be difficult... but such an amazing adventure.  I'm very lucky to have a husband who supports me and helps me stretch my wings and try something that will be a huge challenge. 

Well, that's it for now.  I hope you all have something exciting and challenging in your lives.  It helps us grow and flourish.  Feel free to share your excitement and challenges in the comments section.  Try something new!

Kell