Fall Season in Western Massachusetts, Lake version

I've been able to get outside alot this Fall season, for road-trips around New England, being a tourist in my own neighborhood. Yes, I'm one of those Leaf-Peepers ambling all over the road cause I'm busy looking at the pretty views. Many folks pay alot of money to be in New England, on vacation, this time of year. We are very spoiled, as our commutes to work take us by some of the area's most beautiful sites. The foliage colors haven't quite peaked here at home, but I wanted to share some of the lovely places I've been lately. Today, it's all about lake views...

Warren Lake, East Alstead, NH

 Lake Mascomet, Enfield, NH

A fine spot for our picnic at Lake Sunapee beach, NH




 I found my own road. somewhere along the MA-NH border.

Beading Central

 Now that spring is here, I'm taking another look at my beading supplies with a fresh eye.I'd like to have some new items for the craft show season.   I decided to dress up my glass tile pendants with some charms and sparkly beads. It really makes the collaged tile colors "Pop"! This has been a good exercise in color theory & aesthetics. One of my goals is to find a use for my "orphan" beads. You know the ones: there aren't enough of any one kind of bead to make a necklace, but that single bead might work well as a focal with dangly bits on another piece. I'm using pearls, handmade focal beads, vintage beads, Swarovski & other crystal, with pewter & copper charms. The wire is various colors, too.  Right now, I'm wiring up a dozen pendants, with more to follow.  So far, I like the results! I took a few quick photos so you can get the idea.

 I actually had this idea in my head for awhile now, but like everything else in my head, it's taken some time to manifest it into reality. The feedback I've received on the new designs has been encouraging.   With the Spring sunshine, I've moved my beads out of the Studio.  The two skylights in the living room make for perfect light while color-matching beads to the collaged pendants.  Oh, and I have a new mascot for the Studio. We rescued Mos (pronounced Moss) last June. She's pretty laid back, and as long as she gets her treats every so many hours, she leaves the bead board alone. 

 Bead Central

Mos manages the Media. I like to watch movies while I work...












Glass tile pendant with enameled & vintage beads...

 And finally, Mos offers her opinion on my work...

It's Spring! Really!

Spring Blessings on the Vernal Equinox!

We may have had 8" of snow fall yesterday and it's 28 degrees, but it's Spring on the calendar!