And here comes fall

This year has been a complete blur. Really, I don't think I've ever experienced anything quite like this. I've finally got the kids back into school, and daycare. And now that it's fall, I'm completely endrenched in paperwork. I'm hoping to be completely done sometime within the next few weeks - whew...
I have taken a bit of time to do some fun stuff - Like the glass tile pendant tutorial which you can buy at beadfx, a few torch sessions here and there, and my latest tangent - Copper Pipe Pendants!



 


I've listed a few of these up on etsy, and I'm considering writing a tutorial for them once I have a bit more time. These we're done as one of my blog posts for beadFX The Thursday topics on the blog are keeping me on my toes creatively.
I'm not sure if I'll be able to reopen the soap shop this fall - I just have too many other things that need my attention, and I've already learned my lesson a few times over by stretching myself to thin. I'm not ready to say never though, so we'll see what happens.

Pumpkins and Classes

No, they have nothing to do with each other whatsoever - But I made these, and I'm a little giddy about them. I love how they feel, and I love how they're not quite pumpkins - just sorta :-)



I've also been finalizing my first classes at DIY Soap - I don't think the classes have been posted yet, but feel free to call the store to sign up. Both classes are on Sunday, September 26th
Cold-Process Soap   $125
Learn the basics of making handmade soap from scratch - also known as cold-process soap. Learn all about the tools, ingredients, and process to safely make soap at home. Join your instructor around the soap pot as she demonstrates how to make a batch of soap. A booklet with full instructions on how to make soap is provided for you to take home. Also chock full of additional recipes and tips on colouring, additives, and fragrances.

What to bring - Please bring with you rubber gloves, safety goggles
Soap Crafting 101

Soap crafting, also known as melt and pour is a fun, easy way to make your own soap. This is the type of soap that allows your creativity to soar! Have you ever seen fabulous soaps shaped like plates of sushi? Or even a little mini aquarium? These and more are all possible with melt and pour soap!

During this class we'll focus on the techniques of soap crafting - layering, embedding, colouring, fragrance and more.  I will be demonstrating how to make 4 different types of soap, then you will have the chance to try your hand at making your own. Students will be able to take home 5 different bars of soap.

An instruction booklet is provided for you to take home that summarizes the class, and provides additional recipes, and techniques.

Soaked

Love this pic of the kidlets cooling off.  School starts back soon, and of course I'm having mixed feelings about it all. It's been fun hanging out with the girls all summer, and I'll miss these times - but I also can't wait to have more time to get things done. :-)

A little update

Yes, it's certainly been a while again - the summer has been particularly busy with the kids. My husband is working on a new full time contract, so I'm now home full time with the kidlets - trying to keep them busy, and entertained. Love them dearly, but I cannot wait for school to start this fall.
I am very excited about one little thing though - And considering it's about the only productive thing I've managed all summer - even more exciting. For over 10 years, while owning a bead store - I had always wanted to write either tutorials, or beading projects for magazines. Well I did it. Last night, with one hour to go to deadline - I finished it! This week only, you can get  the tutorial free with purchase at beadfx. As of next week, the tutorial will be available for purchase for $15.00.
I started with this one, as I make these little tile pendants to sell only in the store at beadfx - many, many people have requested a class in how to make them - However, I didn't think a class was all that appropriate - they're easy, but fiddly, and there is a whole lot of 5 minutes of activity - followed by 30 minutes of waiting.  I think the difference with my version of the pendants, compared to others - is that they are completely waterproof! Not just water resistant - but waterproof  - as long as you follow the instructions carefully. :-)
If any of you do get a chance to check out the free tutorial this week, I'd love to hear any feedback you may have. Positive, or negative!  
The whole process of creating the tutorial was quite a bit of fun, and I've learned quite a bit along the way - for example, take the pics first!  I'm already planning my next tutorial :-)

New Post on the beadFX Blog

You might be interested in checking it out - plus, I think I can only manage one blog post per day ;-) - off to work on orders!

http://beadfx.blogspot.com/2010/07/more-playing-around-part.html

Kids Home ...

And so the summer begins. This is the first full week of both of my kids home for the summer. Dan and I had a war meeting last night to discuss just how we were going to manage to both attempt to work from home, while keeping a 5 and 7 year old busy and out of trouble. Unfortunately, we haven't yet come up with anything that is really all that workable. We've discussed taking turns on kid duty, or letting them fend for themselves in the backyard for a couple hours while we both work - and then doing family time in the afternoon.
As I type this, I've been interrupted 5 times, with discussions about the silliness of not allowing anyone else in your club house, where fairies live, sharks teeth - which type of shark would be the most dangerous, why haven't you taught me how to cook yet? - and why can't I have oreo's for breakfast? 
If I manage even one more post this summer, I'll be completely amazed :-)

A New Design

off and running - This started as one of my ideas for an upcoming class - and I've run with it, big time. I have three different ones made,with a bunch more half built.  These are created using fine silver wire, metal clay, and lampwork beads. I love the idea of something being completely handmade - forget the chain though...I do NOT have the patience for that :-)
I'll be posting this soon on etsy once I've got it finished up

too long yet again!

I apologize for being so quiet as of late - I've got a few projects that I'm trying to get finished up, and it's taking most of my free time.
In other news - my girls are now finished school for the year! We celebrated with a trip to the zoo yesterday, and both had the opportunity to pet a sting ray, and take their first pony ride :-)




I'm also anxious to get back on the torch - I managed to pick up a cool sample pack of all Odd lot colours from vetrofond - and some look very interesting indeed.  I've noticed quite a few of the colours have a different coloured core - which usually indicates that some sort of cool reaction will take place - good or bad ;-)


And one more little exciting little packaged arrived - A few patinad pieces of chain and findings from Miss Fickle Media
I can't wait to make something with these - I just love the verdigris patina on copper!



I'm off - Need to find out just where they're doing Fireworks in Whitby tonight, and attempt to clean the disaster area my house has become! ;-)