It's been that long?

Well, look at how I've neglected this. A lot of stuff going on lately. I've been doing some freelance graphic design work- brochures, postcards, fliers, ads...a lot of fun. And of course, beading!


This is one of the lovelies which sold at the festival, but I'm so in love with it I want to make a similar one to keep. Green and gold pearls, mixed with silver beads and tigereye.

Been spending a lot of time with my viking weave stuff. My pointer finger is less than amused (those little cuts hurt!), but I made some really nice chains. Time to order more sterling silver wire...

The festival is over...

So now what do I do? I've been so busy preparing that I don't know what to do with myself now. Well, I've got a few more highlights from the festival!

Firebreathing...

The Army of Acre storms the castle as the bad guys begin their attack.

Beautiful weather, great merchants...couldn't ask for more. So now what? Sewing, weaving, beading...I'm sure I'll manage to keep busy!

One weekend down, one to go.

Overall, the first weekend of the medieval festival was very successful. We had beautiful weather, the booth did well, everyone was happy. Aside from the inevitable injuries, we did well. One more weekend to go, with hopes for great weather. Here's a few photos:

Sir Geoffrey and Sir Yusef jousting.

Queen Maddalena (me) being released, while her captor, Princess Adriana is captured.

Shiny things and little strings

I have just discovered the joy that is Harry and David's Moose Munch bars. They are quite indescribable.

Setting up for the festival went well. Now, the last minute sewing, stringing, knotting, organizing, tagging, etc etc. My desk is covered in sculpted pieces waiting for glaze, and my pants are covered in thread snippets (its amazing how they hold on.) I'm producing so many things (and of course taking pictures of them all), that I couldn't even think of posting half of it. Here's a little something though, a handful of my pretty little renaissance earrings with colored mountain jade and pearls.

Not slowing down yet...

Well, things have been busy and promise to only get moreso! The medieval festival is a mere 2 weeks away, and my booth, as well as my myriad responsibilities are bearing down on me. Not that I'm complaining of course, I just need to get into gear.

This weekend I did a custom deluxe Boleyn necklace with a D for a wonderful repeat customer, a lovely knotted green pearl necklace and earring set, a quite nice knotted necklace with hot pink pearls and swarovski crystal, and a piece for myself. These next two weeks...work, work, work!

New York...Long Island...check it out...

(Click to view larger.)

Busy, busy.

It's been quite a busy week. With dad's (very successful) surprise birthday party today, things are finally settling a bit. In addition to everything else going on, I had a bunch of orders to complete, and a necklace to make for my cousin based on one of mine she loved. In between the beading, sculpting and weaving (of course), I actually painted as well. I've not worked on canvas in probably nearly 2 years, so it was an interesting change to go back to it. I also made a few new sets to go in my shop, including the below, which uses the most gorgeous blue freshwater pearls.

The Creed concert was last night, and I couldn't be happier that I went. They were better than I remembered last time I saw them. Really unbelievable. I just absolutely adore them, and I'm so excited for the new album in October!

Home again...

Well, it was quite a week. Pennsic is very honestly, like nothing else. There's no way to adequately explain it or understand it, unless you've been there. Shooting stars, fire breathers, musicians, friends both old and new, giving and receiving lovely tokens, and wonderful brews are only a handful of the things that made this year memorable.

Close up of some action in the field battle.

All my photos can be seen here.

On the craft front, I got to play with metal stamping and hand engraving, and I have finally had the opportunity to expand my fiber knowledge. I picked up some lovely red wool to spin on my drop spindle, as well as viking weaving sticks and finally, my very own inkle loom (as an early birthday gift from my fiance)! I'm just thrilled with my little "inky", and have been weaving away!

A few of my pretties draped over my loom.

The left two were some of the first I did, with slightly thicker fiber (it was all I had access to), done without my glasses, just getting used to the loom. The right two were done at home, following a pattern, and came out wonderful. I get about 5 feet of trim out of a completed warp.

We came home to some sad news which we are currently in the middle of, so I'm trying to keep myself occupied. I find I feel better when I keep busy. Between my new projects and the custom orders from my incredible customers, I think I'll be plenty busy this week.