Time in a Bead

finished work 

more finished work

Now that summer is officially here, anytime I have off or out of the shop, I spend it in my studio making jewelry for the shop. I don't keep up with any housework or other chores. I'm lucky to shower daily and water a plant outside or two. I am but a ship passing in the night with my family. A quick nod good morning, a stolen kiss at bedtime and flash, the day is passed. I love being busy. I love selling jewelry to customers who return to my shop every year to purchase new pieces. The hustle and bustle makes me feel amazing! I am so blessed to still be doing what I love, surrounded by beautiful things, that I could go on and on here, making you want to say, " enough "!

Beautiful day in PT today. The temperature was just right, although I do like it a bit cooler but the sun was out and people were truly grooving on the weather! Sunshine puts everyone in a happy place! Now the heat is going to be coming on and I do not like that but I will dig out a pair of shorts and make the best of my legs ( sigh ) and a hot time in the shop.

Here are some steampunk earrings I made today from things in the shop. I like them quite a bit and initially I thought I would rivet everything together but then changed my mind so that anyone could make these earrings without fancy tools. I kept thinking, if I were in my studio, how much further I could go with these designs! Next time.

I am experimenting with this blog. Please stand by.......

The light was perfect today.

Cleaned and ready to begin new work.

My day lilly garden is in bloom.

This sweet gift of a tiny radish from a friend, Ginny, made my day! 

This evening's moon rose as a deep rusty red color and slowly lifted into the night sky as it turned coral, then peach and ended as a glowing white orb against a firework lit sky. I had an unexpected day off from the shop so I spent it in the studio making jewelry. In between I managed to be outdoors, pulling a few weeds and turning my face to the sun kissed sky and enjoying the large fluffy clouds displayed there. It was even especially nice to have the whole place to myself today and move to my own timetable.

A Creative Day

New Painting and this was my first time to paint on mat
board. The colors, pencils and acrylic really stand out.

A closeup of the leaves.

Booth banner, side one in wool felt.

Side two. See my favorite mark? A spiral of course.

All done on a busy Saturday afternoon by me - Lois.

June. Could this possibly be the last day of June? Already? The month has flown by in days laden with work both in the shops and around the house. I have been spending some time this month weeding my gardens and flower beds and although my back screams at me each time a bit of work is done, I like the accomplishment I feel pulling weeds. Honestly though, I have given over much of our acre to weeds, some quite pretty in their own right, so why can't they stay out of my designated flower areas?

A thistle type flower in the glowing color of tanzanites.

My new sewing area is all set up in the classroom above the bead shop now. I have a new comfy, rolling, swivel chair, floor mat and lighting. I am ready to begin sewing banners for craft booths of fellow vendors and all this wonderfully strange quilt fiber-y pieces dancing around in my head.

I've also managed to finish several small paintings inspired in part by more hidden under the dock graffiti in the construction areas of Port Townsend.

Look quick, this artwork will soon be under cover again.

Next up on the new month of July's to do list? Gallery Walk and a grand opening of The 940 Gallery. Just a few more pictures to hang and we will be ready! Until next time on this blog when I will have more pictures to post, happy end of June - beginning of July!

My friend, Lita visited for a short bit on her way back from a book making class in Bellevue. I can not tell you how much a friend can recharge your batteries and inspire you to create. I am in my summer rut of making things for the shop and that often means making the same series of jewelry again and again. I am not complaining but there simply isn't time to come up with new work in the rush of summer visitors. Anyhow, with Lita's visit came the fresh air that allowed me an afternoon of respite and I finally finished a small painting I had been working on and managed to do a doodle in my sketchbook. Her visit was a vacation for me!

Jake and Lita at breakfast.

Lita and just rolled out of bed, me!