tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84766971887296040472024-03-13T18:22:29.047-04:00Art by Jama WattsHi! My name's Jama and I've been designing beaded and wire jewelry for over a decade, and painting and sculpting for longer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-4671336451194037712016-01-24T10:10:00.001-05:002016-01-24T10:10:44.054-05:00Snow day work<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BR9pAJA5zE8/VqTpcgjI7DI/AAAAAAAABpY/ZM2WUOwFpbo/s640/blogger-image--791381122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BR9pAJA5zE8/VqTpcgjI7DI/AAAAAAAABpY/ZM2WUOwFpbo/s640/blogger-image--791381122.jpg"></a></div>Under more than a foot of snow, I've been at home, playing with beads. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8FQdMZmnbg/VqTpYlWs0FI/AAAAAAAABpI/xOa1nom_DNc/s640/blogger-image-1688731871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8FQdMZmnbg/VqTpYlWs0FI/AAAAAAAABpI/xOa1nom_DNc/s640/blogger-image-1688731871.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8FQdMZmnbg/VqTpYlWs0FI/AAAAAAAABpI/xOa1nom_DNc/s640/blogger-image-1688731871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9pfiUsUVPNM/VqTpa1nQxQI/AAAAAAAABpQ/NcJKmllFD-o/s640/blogger-image-459146114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9pfiUsUVPNM/VqTpa1nQxQI/AAAAAAAABpQ/NcJKmllFD-o/s640/blogger-image-459146114.jpg"></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-19293848615659723022016-01-16T14:30:00.000-05:002016-01-16T14:30:20.247-05:00Fire Mountain GemsLatest FMG catalog pages:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCh35wV0rXk/VpqZz4jA5xI/AAAAAAAABok/PQCDRhK34aI/s1600/bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCh35wV0rXk/VpqZz4jA5xI/AAAAAAAABok/PQCDRhK34aI/s1600/bracelet.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-66537046774058464312016-01-11T20:52:00.001-05:002016-01-16T07:44:29.811-05:00New loomI got a new bead loom for Christmas and needed to test it out. Current work in progress... This is not the droid you are looking for.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lW479xwvcMg/VpRcU0oJaNI/AAAAAAAABoE/qR0MO_IYVpQ/s640/blogger-image--1668173029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lW479xwvcMg/VpRcU0oJaNI/AAAAAAAABoE/qR0MO_IYVpQ/s640/blogger-image--1668173029.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-15454501347463603182016-01-11T20:50:00.001-05:002016-01-11T20:50:04.995-05:00Day made!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jvxf454FnhQ/VpRbxHdNM1I/AAAAAAAABn0/PKSAc38zzH4/s640/blogger-image-2060466830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jvxf454FnhQ/VpRbxHdNM1I/AAAAAAAABn0/PKSAc38zzH4/s640/blogger-image-2060466830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">New Fire Mountain Gems catalog came in the mail today, with not one but TWO of my pieces in it! Huzzah!</span></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3DVOqsJstU8/VpRbvI8lWNI/AAAAAAAABns/6IfWFMEmgWw/s640/blogger-image-990815889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3DVOqsJstU8/VpRbvI8lWNI/AAAAAAAABns/6IfWFMEmgWw/s640/blogger-image-990815889.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rDvc71p1sno/VpRby0EEmmI/AAAAAAAABn8/DKdHsVnZkKY/s640/blogger-image--435263632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rDvc71p1sno/VpRby0EEmmI/AAAAAAAABn8/DKdHsVnZkKY/s640/blogger-image--435263632.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-61837974666828188052015-12-06T19:46:00.001-05:002015-12-06T19:46:05.728-05:00Snowy CelliniAnother work in progress!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WEA9JsDgGRs/VmTWzO-V6jI/AAAAAAAABm0/G028f8xhRnI/s640/blogger-image-567707708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WEA9JsDgGRs/VmTWzO-V6jI/AAAAAAAABm0/G028f8xhRnI/s640/blogger-image-567707708.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-75038156539118972612015-11-28T18:52:00.001-05:002015-11-28T18:54:46.910-05:00Work in progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-biKT9m7I6m0/Vlo-xSsjhpI/AAAAAAAABmU/kk4Uxb_N1ZE/s640/blogger-image--2123185693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-biKT9m7I6m0/Vlo-xSsjhpI/AAAAAAAABmU/kk4Uxb_N1ZE/s640/blogger-image--2123185693.jpg"></a></div>Today, I procrastinate cleaning and decorating my house by beading. That's acceptable, right?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-90143939867058345822015-11-15T21:02:00.002-05:002015-11-15T21:02:53.040-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm slowly redesigning this place as I migrate my art site over here to my blog. Excuse my dust during this process!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-36126328377177455712011-10-09T08:30:00.002-04:002011-10-09T08:33:12.246-04:00Univeristy of Kentucky Blue Ring!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1pTj3XQGUS4/TpGUVVNTIOI/AAAAAAAAAcg/hO7AK2MmO3U/s1600/il_570xN.158353635.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1pTj3XQGUS4/TpGUVVNTIOI/AAAAAAAAAcg/hO7AK2MmO3U/s320/il_570xN.158353635.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661469300772511970" border="0" /></a><br />Just renewed this. UK fan? Do you bleed blue? This ring is for you!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51509671/blue-bold-and-beautiful">http://www.etsy.com/listing/51509671/blue-bold-and-beautiful</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-19980987590961462772010-08-10T08:22:00.005-04:002010-08-10T08:27:37.239-04:00August 2010 EBW Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/TGFE5dETNxI/AAAAAAAAAZU/pnfsEEjVdgA/s1600/Aug10_GoldSilverMosaic.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/TGFE5dETNxI/AAAAAAAAAZU/pnfsEEjVdgA/s320/Aug10_GoldSilverMosaic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503755973469353746" border="0" /></a>The entries for the August challenge, "Silver and Gold" are in! They are as always simply beautiful, creative and amazing! <a href="http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/">Etsy Beadweavers</a> took the time and have the talent to create these inspiring challenge pieces! Tiny little beads and a needle and thread along with incredible patience bring these selections to you to vote and choose your favorite. I am so honored to be included with such a talented group of beaders!<br /><br />You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic on the <a href="http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/">EBW blog</a> which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece!<br /><br />Voting began yesterday, Monday, August 9th and ends midnight August 15th. Show your appreciation for the efforts of these amazing artists and take on the difficult task of voting for your favorite. (The ballot is on the side bar at right.) Again, the individual pieces are listed below the mosaic where you can visit each entry for more information by following the link.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/TGFFT8O-DPI/AAAAAAAAAZc/Q-7EGrtpL3U/s1600/IMG_3960.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 158px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/TGFFT8O-DPI/AAAAAAAAAZc/Q-7EGrtpL3U/s320/IMG_3960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503756428512201970" border="0" /></a>My entry, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53046129/rappers-delight-large-beaded-chain">"</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53046129/rappers-delight-large-beaded-chain">Rapper's Delight"</a> is #38 in the mosaic and on the right in the voting block!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-51049487577148790642010-08-08T13:25:00.003-04:002010-08-08T13:28:52.362-04:00The Unspoken TruthTuesday, this show comes down and I never got a chance to see it. It's the first time I've ventured out and entered a show on a subject that is so important to me. I finished the painting just in time to get it to the show, so I can't post pictures until I get the painting back on Tuesday. The show will still be up at the Huff Gallery at Spalding University today and tomorrow, if anyone is in Louisville. <br /><br />http://www.whas11.com/community/Unspoken-Truth-exhibit-aims-to-support-survivors-of-abuse-97801974.html<br /><br />The original dates were July 15-18 but the show garnered so much interest and support that it ended up running until this coming Tuesday, August 10.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-6850585658918533162010-06-17T15:49:00.003-04:002010-06-17T16:09:53.297-04:00New happeningsAs always, it's been a while since my last post. I've been busy with the library, beading, being a mom and web work. But I have still been beading, indeed! I also did two small shows, one at the Louisville <a href="http://www.louisvillevisualart.org/rental.html">Watertower</a> sponsored by the <a href="http://www.louisvillevisualart.org/">LVAA</a> and another sponsored by our lovely <a href="http://www.marioncopublic.org/">Marion County Public Library</a>. The LVAA show garnered no sales while I was there, but a wonderful lady contacted me afterward. She took a business card and perused my <a href="http://www.jamawatts.com/">art site</a>, purchasing two of my sculptures. Makes me want to sculpt again!<br /><br />I've also been working on promoting myself. I recently was accepted as a new artist at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=3423662166789434814&q=swanson+reed+gallery&gl=us">Swanson Reed Gallery</a> on Bardstown Road in Louisville. It's exciting to me, as it's my first representation in Louisville. I was in the <a href="http://www.kentuckyarts.org/">Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft</a> for a while, but it was a very limited selection of my work, only a few pieces. Swanson is carrying a selection of earrings, bracelets and cameo necklaces. I'll also have a trunk show there later this year, which makes me ecstatic beyond belief!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/TBp9b-7_xCI/AAAAAAAAAY8/WdMcgB6mYgo/s1600/cocktailrings.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/TBp9b-7_xCI/AAAAAAAAAY8/WdMcgB6mYgo/s200/cocktailrings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483833415981581346" border="0" /></a>One of the requests that the buyer at Swanson Reed had was cocktail rings in the style of my beaded cabochons. To the left are my first few attempts. I'm pretty happy with them. I'll make a trip to the gallery first and then list some in the <a href="http://thesepreciousthings.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a>.<br /><br />I also listed some of my pieces that I've been making in preparation for <a href="http://www.lexingtonky.gov/spotlightlexington/">Spotlight Lexington</a> during the <a href="http://www.alltechfeigames.com/">World Equestrian Games</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/TBqAsugy2OI/AAAAAAAAAZE/8bz7PlccBdQ/s1600/choker5.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/TBqAsugy2OI/AAAAAAAAAZE/8bz7PlccBdQ/s200/choker5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483837002165180642" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46837471/cobalt-and-aqua-horse-cabochon-necklace">http://www.etsy.com/listing/46837471/cobalt-and-aqua-horse-cabochon-necklace</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46838165/green-gold-and-silver-horse-cabochon">http://www.etsy.com/listing/46838165/green-gold-and-silver-horse-cabochon</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46838957/copper-and-gold-horse-cabochon-necklace">http://www.etsy.com/listing/46838957/copper-and-gold-horse-cabochon-necklace</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46839577/silver-and-black-horse-cabochon-necklace">http://www.etsy.com/listing/46839577/silver-and-black-horse-cabochon-necklace</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46836655/purple-horse-cabochon-necklace">http://www.etsy.com/listing/46836655/purple-horse-cabochon-necklace</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46835696/aqua-horse-cabochon-necklace">http://www.etsy.com/listing/46835696/aqua-horse-cabochon-necklace</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46841476/the-princesss-copper-horse-choker">http://www.etsy.com/listing/46841476/the-princesss-copper-horse-choker</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46840763/black-horse-cabochon-earrings">http://www.etsy.com/listing/46840763/black-horse-cabochon-earrings</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46840137/gold-horse-cabochon-earrings">http://www.etsy.com/listing/46840137/gold-horse-cabochon-earrings</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-13653527588483871682010-04-23T08:16:00.004-04:002010-04-23T08:20:20.526-04:00Friends are FabulousAfter my post fed through to Facebook yesterday, some fabulous friends commented and then I came across this in my News Feed. Thanks, guys!<br /><br />http://talkmarioncounty247.squarespace.com/a-photo-a-day/2010/4/22/our-artist-chick.html<br /><br /><h2 class="title"> <a href="http://talkmarioncounty247.squarespace.com/a-photo-a-day/2010/4/22/our-artist-chick.html">Our Artist Chick!</a> </h2> <div class="journal-entry-tag journal-entry-tag-post-title"><span class="posted-on"> <img title="Date" alt="Date" class="inline-icon date-icon" src="http://talkmarioncounty247.squarespace.com/universal/images/transparent.png" />Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 09:21PM</span> </div> <p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 429px; height: 571px;" src="http://talkmarioncounty247.squarespace.com/storage/ARTISTCHICKjpgResampled.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1271985741468" alt="" /></span></span></p> <p>Here is Marion County's ARTIST CHICK at the counter of her gallery in downtown Lebanon. Sadly, her gallery here has closed, but I will never be surprised where she turns up next. She is a powerhouse of talent. There was lots of excitement in our community when we learned she had sold a couple of jewelry pieces to...Courtney Love...!</p> <p>Our Artist Chick has made her mark at a young age and we'll be watching her, with interest, from now on!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-55513517221714123992010-04-22T17:51:00.003-04:002010-04-22T18:03:05.656-04:00Oh well :(<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/S9DG_kVuceI/AAAAAAAAAY0/v4cNxqgoGyE/s1600/Mom.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/S9DG_kVuceI/AAAAAAAAAY0/v4cNxqgoGyE/s200/Mom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463085143389270498" border="0" /></a>I entered <a href="http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com/">Bead Dreams</a> this year, but didn't make it in. I really thought that the piece I created for my mom (Outer Banks Necklace - to the left) would have a chance. Oh well, c'est la vie, right?<br /><br />I've been working on beading around some polymer clay cabochons featuring horses in preparation for the <a href="http://www.alltechfeigames.com/">Alltech World Equestrian Games</a>. I'm super excited, not to mention nervous, about being part of the <a href="http://www.lexingtonky.gov/spotlightlexington/">Spotlight Lexington</a> event in Triangle Park during the Games.<br /><br />I feel like I've lost a bit of my edge lately, floundering to be creative. I'm going to the <a href="http://www.rings-things.com/">Rings & Things</a> trunk show in a few weeks with my good friend (and fellow beader) Patty, and I'm hoping something there grabs me. I hate feeling like I'm in a funk.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-4411481689117022992010-03-25T10:53:00.005-04:002010-03-25T11:06:29.630-04:00New Listings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/S6t5GXbijjI/AAAAAAAAAYk/V7uYhZxBSPA/s1600/argyle5.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 127px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/S6t5GXbijjI/AAAAAAAAAYk/V7uYhZxBSPA/s200/argyle5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452584924137819698" border="0" /></a>Finally got around to posting some new listings on Etsy!<br /><br />Bright Argyle Earrings: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43460871">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43460871</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/S6t6uDXDRXI/AAAAAAAAAYs/GOVaIWqh8gM/s1600/fans1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 119px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/S6t6uDXDRXI/AAAAAAAAAYs/GOVaIWqh8gM/s200/fans1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452586705456678258" border="0" /></a>Fun Fan Earrings: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43461948">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43461948</a><br /><br />Beaded Ball - Purple: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43462845">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43462845</a><br /><br />I've also sent in my entries for <a href="http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com/bnbshow/default.aspx?c=a&id=28">Bead Dreams</a> this year. I'm still working on one that I'd hoped to enter this year, but may enter it next year. I just don't want to push myself and not be happy with what the end product is.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kycraft.ky.gov/">Kentucky Crafted</a> was fabulous. I was picked up by the <a href="http://www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov/">Kentucky Artisan Center</a> in Berea and made some good contacts.<br /><br />Also, the fabulous <a href="http://www.beading-arts.com/">Cyndi Lavin</a> of Beading Arts sent me an <a href="http://www.beading-arts.com/2008/09/artist-profile-jama-watts.html">updated link</a> to my article on her site and I'm working on some updates for her. Thanks for all you do for the beaders, Cyndi!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-29596794952408013502010-03-22T07:57:00.001-04:002010-03-22T07:57:02.364-04:00Bluegrass Etsy Street Team: Share our Success: Jama Watts<a href=http://bluegrassetsy.blogspot.com/2010/02/share-our-success-jama-watts.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: BluegrassEtsyStreetTeam (Bluegrass Etsy Street Team)>Bluegrass Etsy Street Team: Share our Success: Jama Watts</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-39937147859473214262010-01-11T08:15:00.003-05:002010-01-11T08:49:56.021-05:00Prepping for Market<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/S0srUVl1BUI/AAAAAAAAAYc/yKGqNG2wpgc/s1600-h/011100_0816%5B01%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/S0srUVl1BUI/AAAAAAAAAYc/yKGqNG2wpgc/s200/011100_0816%5B01%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425477804491081026" border="0" /></a>I spent most of yesterday, on the couch, beading and watching tv. I've been working on pieces for my wholesale catalog and Ky Crafted at the Market in March. It's my first year at the Market and I'm rather nervous. Two days are wholesale and only open to those who can do wholesale purchasing. The last two days are open to the public for retail. The wholesale, of course, will be items that are ordered for me to fill later, but I need to work on the actual printed items to pass out to those buyers. I also need to make sure that I have enough inventory for the retail days. Eep.<br /><br />I've put together some new earring designs that I can put in the catalog, as well as some new necklace and earring pieces that qualify. Since I'm juried in as a beadweaver, the primary make-up of my pieces for the Market must be beadwoven. It's actually a good study for me in creating new designs and experimenting with color.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-84669676626867600282010-01-02T08:23:00.003-05:002010-01-02T08:41:39.814-05:00New Year, New JamaWow. I haven't posted since August. A lot has happened since then:<br /><br />1) I closed my brick & mortar shop. It was a difficult decision to make, but one that had to be done. I truly believe that the shop would have been successful in a larger town, but it just wasn't viable here. I had so many people tell me that my place belonged on Bardstown Road or Frankfort Avenue in Louisville, somewhere in Lexington or (my favorite) "Why aren't you in NYC?" But this is my home. I want to raise my daughter here in Lebanon, which means rethinking what I'm doing in how to make a living.<br /><br />2) I moved into a larger apartment. Huzzah! My old place was literally one room with a bathroom, no kitchen. I'm now in a two bedroom apartment with a large kitchen, place for crafting and a large storage room. Amber has her own room, I have an actual bed with new mattresses (instead of the bunk bed I was sleeping in) and a backyard when it's warmer and Amber wants to play. I'm still not settled in completely (there are still things in my ex's house and in storage), but I'm getting there.<br /><br />3) I had several shows over the fall, including the Woodland Arts Festival, Ky Bourbon Festival, Marion County Country Ham Days, St. James Court Art Show, Sheltowee Art Show and Heart of Ky Holiday Festival. None of the shows were gangbusters, but they helped me pay my bills and I made some good contacts through St. James and Woodland again. <br /><br />4) I started dating one of my best friends. He's been there for me through my divorce, helping me move and just when I needed him. We've been friends for years, so he's used to all of my quirks and vice versa. <br /><br />But, that leads me to my resolutions.<br /><br />1) You know, get in shape. Isn't that just a given? But this year, I'm not focusing on a weight loss goal. I just want to get healthy. That includes losing a lot of weight (I'm tired of watching my Mii on my Wii Fit swell up), but it also includes working out, eating healthier and getting my asthma back in check.<br /><br />2) Get my wholesale catalog prepared and begin taking orders. I got into Ky Crafted last year and am doing the Market in March. I'm excited and scared all at the same time. I've started working on some new designs and mocking them up. <br /><br />3) Start saving up for a new vehicle. I just took over the web hosting from my mom, so I have steady income. That should actually be enough to cover my monthly bills, with my library and jewelry income being extra. My truck started dying this fall and I need to replace her. She's been a good truck, but I just replaced the starter and battery, but the air compressor went, the brakes don't sound so hot and I noticed a speaker going out. I'm an audiophile, so that's kind of a biggie :)<br /><br />4) Get organized. I've started working on it already, but I need to finish it, get the rest of my filing in order and get my back storage room completed. That'll allow me to get rid of my storage building and get everything out of my ex's house. <br /><br />5) Keep my etsy store up to date with at least one item a week. (I did add some new things a while back - http://thesepreciousthings.etsy.com)<br /><br />6) Blog once a week.<br /><br />Karate's in just a bit. Gotta get the yellow belt ready to punch!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-48858684294780493312009-08-26T08:58:00.004-04:002009-08-26T09:10:59.981-04:00(Kind of) a CelebrityThe title of this blog post was provided by my dad in response to an email I sent some friends & family about my news.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/SpUza6yeCwI/AAAAAAAAAYM/UPvFqm60Y6U/s1600-h/fmg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 52px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/SpUza6yeCwI/AAAAAAAAAYM/UPvFqm60Y6U/s200/fmg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374258267887110914" border="0" /></a>I was contacted by <a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/">Fire Mountain Gems</a> several months ago about being one of the featured artist "success stories" on their website. Jessica King with the company was a pleasure to work with. She was always upbeat, prompt and fun. She sent me some questions based on my work, blog and other info and we went from there. Thank you so much to Jessica and FMG for this opportunity. I'm flattered beyond belief!<br /><br />A direct link to the article is <a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/jewelryartists/jewelryartists_bio.asp?docid=WATTSJ&sact=search&kwsearch=backcoverartist&section=bkartists&artistname=Jama%20Watts">here</a>. You can also get there by following the right navigation bar on any page of the <a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/">Fire Mountain Gems</a> site to the Jewelry Artists link. They even took the time to cross-feature me in the <i>Featured Artists</i> and <i>Beading Contests</i> sections. They linked to all of my Gallery pieces, including the Bead-It-Forward beaded squares that I did with the fabulous <a href="http://etsybeadweavers.blogspot.com/">Etsy Beadweavers</a>.<br /><br />Many thanks to the awesomeness of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=59178">Libby</a> with the Bluegrass Etsy Street Team, as well, for <a href="http://bluegrassetsy.blogspot.com/2009/08/share-our-success-these-precious-things.html">plugging this on our team blog</a> so quickly after I <a href="http://www.twitter.com/notokay">tweeted</a> this earlier in the week.<br /><br />I'm still waiting to hear back from <a href="http://www.beadandbutton.com">Bead&Button</a> about the project that I submitted. I had an email from Lora stating that they had a meeting on the 21st, but I don't know when I'll hear back regarding that. Eep.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-26012416965906322392009-08-21T14:38:00.002-04:002009-08-21T15:37:57.967-04:00Happy Week - FridayOne of my muses needs to be mentioned during Happy Week - music. I can remember back to the time when my parents had just moved from Paducah to Eminence, living in the house on Fairview Court. I remember my dad would leave the stereo on at night in the living room. I would sneak out of my room at the end of the hall and dance around the living room to the music. My favorite song at the time, that I remember, was Xanadu by Olivia Newton John from the movie of the same name. Oh yes, you have to believe we are magic :)<br /><br />I grew up in a household where music reigned. None of us were particularly musically inclined, though my mom did sing in the church choir and once played the clarinet. However, the images of me curled up on the old, black leather sofa with my dad's gigantic headphones on make me smile. I remember dancing on my dad's feet or watching him play air guitar when he rocked out to Black Sabbath, Cream or Eric Claptop. My mom listened to Simon & Garfunkel, Conway Twitty and Alabama. I lapped it all up - my first 45 was Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" and I vividly remember my Shaun Cassidy album and doll, as well as the giant pic of Barbara Mandrell I had. My taste was, and still is, quite eclectic.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iuDfaq13F1g&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iuDfaq13F1g&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /></div><br />Music has always been there for me. There was a period of time when I listened to classical music on public radio as I went to sleep, the dance offs I'd have with my friends at their houses, the endless school dances that I went to despite the fact that I never really fit into any real group, singing in chorus and the church choir and the obligatory singing at the top of my lungs when I'm alone in the car.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uKzCxi2yf5s&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uKzCxi2yf5s&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /></div><br />Music moves me. It can make me cry, it can make me bounce around the room, it can help me express myself when words fail me and I need to borrow song lyrics to do so.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m5-1ljfSjqU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m5-1ljfSjqU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /></div><br />Music has gotten me through some rather rough spots in my life. Hearing Pearl Jam's "Deep" and Tori Amos's "Me and a Gun" helped me face my darkest moments. Simon & Garfunkel's "Cecilia" never fails to make me cop around the room. Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" makes me smile and weep at the same time. "Head Like a Hole" was an anthem during college, dealing with ignorance and apathy.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O_JFjY5Y0Os&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O_JFjY5Y0Os&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>When I can't create, I turn to music. I can't paint in a quiet room. Give me a glass of wine, some music and I'll grab a canvas.<br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_01CC6TUc4Y&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></object><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="340" width="560"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_01CC6TUc4Y&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></embed></object><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-29483706019599407162009-08-21T07:48:00.004-04:002009-08-21T09:03:07.091-04:00Happy Week - ThursdayI know I'm actually running a day behind & this will mean two posts today, but honestly, I'm not sure I could have posted a happy week entry yesterday if I'd tried. It was a bad day, coupled with not getting my Zoloft refilled in a timely fashion which resulted in my being a slight wreck.<br /><br />But, throughout the course of the day, I was reminded of something, or rather certain someones, who make me happy. My friends.<br /><br />I'm not talking about fair weather friends, acquaintances or the like, not that they don't have their places in each of our lives, since I do, truly, believe that everything happens for a reason. I mean the friends who tell it like it is, know what you're going through, pick you up when you fall, dust you off and help you get back on your feet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/So6S-D245GI/AAAAAAAAAYE/5St8DjWwfwc/s1600-h/jd-bar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/So6S-D245GI/AAAAAAAAAYE/5St8DjWwfwc/s200/jd-bar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372393000384652386" border="0" /></a>There's Dawn... wow, where to start. This girl, woman, crazy insane chick calls me her best friend and vice versa. I don't know what I'd do without her. Dawn and I met in 1998 when we both worked at Office Depot, Business Services Division (an office, not a sales floor, thankyouverymuch). I have never clicked with anyone like this before or since. I swear we've known each other in past lives. From 2000 miles away, she can call me and ask me what's going on - why am I upset? I'll call her and tell her to quit emoting because I'm feeling it across the country. She tells it like it is and doesn't sugar coat it and I do the same for her. I love her, seriously, in a "I will do anything for this woman" kind of way. I think the heavens for her. Our biggest problem is that we don't get to see each other enough, since I'm in Kentucky and she's in California.<br /><br />My mom. Yes, she's my mom, but she's also one of the best friends a person can have. She's honest with me when I don't want to hear it, compassionate and there for hugs when I need them and there for a laugh when I need to be picked up. She's a beautiful soul who puts up with more crap than she should, but that's just the way she is.<br /><br />Lega. He'll probably kill me for mentioning him, but he's a bright spot in my life. I can have intelligent conversations, meet him for a drink or just zone out. If he knows I'm having a craptastic day, he'll come over bearing Monty Python. He's good for giving me a hard way to go!<br /><br />Paul. We might not be married anymore, but he remains one of my best friends. We can still crack jokes with each other, discuss our daughter's trials and accomplishments and call each other if we need something. I treasure his friendship.<br /><br />Patty. I've known Patty since high school (um... 1992), through college and beyond, but it's really only in the last several years that she and I have truly connected on a "what in the world would I do without her?" level. We entertain each other in the mornings with emails, kvetch at lunch, offer advice and support on jewelry making techniques and understand raising a child as working moms. She's supportive, honest and I'm damn lucky to have her in my life.<br /><br />Chris. He's always been up front with me, given me good advice and offered a smile when needed. We don't always see eye to eye and we've definitely pissed each other off, but that just happens to be the way that our friendship works.<br /><br />Amber. My daughter, my life, my friend. I hope that she and I can continue to have the kind of relationship my mother and I have throughout the years. <br /><br />There are others out there - Kassy, my coworkers at the library, the insane people at the radio station, fun people at the Chamber, etc.... people who have blessed my life in some way. They have shaped me and allowed me into their lives. I thank them for that.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-53175711193953925452009-08-19T19:08:00.003-04:002009-08-19T20:06:34.764-04:00Happy Week, WednesdayThinking about things that make me happy has been an odd kind of homework assignment. We spend so much of our time focusing on what we "need" to fix or what's wrong that we forget about everything else.<br /><br />There are times when I'm at peace, when I can allow myself to be calm and feel without going over the edge one way or the other. I might not be bouncing off the walls jubilant, but the world is right and life is good. This is happiness. How do I classify this? Is it one thing that does it? No, I know of several off the bat, but one stands out, especially with my upbringing and education.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Art.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.quickblogcast.com/107788-100620/346px_mark_rothko_red_orange_tan_purple_Buy_sell_original_fine_art_online_gallery_capucines_boulevard_cappy_price_robert_romero.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 226px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/107788-100620/346px_mark_rothko_red_orange_tan_purple_Buy_sell_original_fine_art_online_gallery_capucines_boulevard_cappy_price_robert_romero.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Rothko"><span style="font-size:78%;">Mark Rothko Red Orange Tan Purple</span></a><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be it creating, viewing or even just thinking about it, art makes me happy. I can be angry and focus that energy on a piece and be calmed. I can listen to music and put my feelings about the lyrics or music onto canvas. Letting my fingers sink into clay as I sculpt is pure bliss.<br /><br /></div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.encarta.msn.com/xrefmedia/sharemed/targets/images/pho/t067/T067837A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 340px;" src="http://images.encarta.msn.com/xrefmedia/sharemed/targets/images/pho/t067/T067837A.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Petite_Danseuse_de_Quatorze_Ans"><span style="font-size:78%;">Edgar Degas, Little Dancer, Age 14 (La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans)</span></a><br /></div><br />I love walking around art museums and galleries. When I lived in Southern California, I would make frequent trips to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. Their collection of Impressionist art was quite large and I loved visiting Degas' Little Dancer, Age 14. There was something about her that spoke to me, as well as Degas' chalk pastels. I enjoyed seeing the strips of paper he would add on to the side because he wasn't happy with the composition and thought a piece needed to be larger this way or that. <br /><br />I took trips to Chicago to see the Degas & Monet retrospectives, as well as to LA to see the Van Gogh exhibit. These artists were passionate. Their emotions were conveyed through the years to me through their brushstrokes on canvas, use of color or fingerprints in clay.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/eascfa/feminist_art_base/archive/images/376.1288.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/eascfa/feminist_art_base/archive/images/376.1288.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dinner_Party">Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'll never forget stepping into the Armand Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. I was working on a project for college, taking slides of works for my own catalog. There happened to be a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminist_art">Feminist art</a> exhibit, featuring the Guerilla Girls, Miriam Shapiro and others. I was stunned. I was... I was happy. Seeing these women take on art as a social medium just blew my mind. What I didn't know was that a life-changing exhibit had been brought out of storage and was on display in the lower portion of the museum. There... there before me was Judy Chicago's The Dinner Party. I smiled, I cried, I rejoyced at what I saw before me. <br /><br />I knew then and there what had been buried within me and who I was. I was, am and will always be an artist in some way, shape or form. That knowledge, plus seeing art from the masters, lesser knowns, those just starting, my friends and even my daughter, that makes me happy.<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-50552388431852600922009-08-18T19:09:00.004-04:002009-08-18T19:44:05.967-04:00Happy Week - Tuesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/Sos5vHtXZVI/AAAAAAAAAX8/KY_u_RB6EY8/s1600-h/ball.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/Sos5vHtXZVI/AAAAAAAAAX8/KY_u_RB6EY8/s200/ball.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371450462255408466" /></a>Yesterday's happy post featuring Amber was easy to do. Trying to figure out today has been off & on my mind through working at the gallery & the library.<div><br /></div><div>I suppose it should have hit me like a ton of bricks, or at the very least, a cascade of seed beads. Beads. They make me happy. I can't pass the vials of tiny seed beads without stopping to see if there's a color that catches my eye. I see beads or findings and think about how I can put them together. Most of the time I start a project not knowing where I'm going. I pick out colors that I like and see what comes along or buy a bead buy another artisan and see what I can do to enhance the beauty of that piece.</div><div><br /></div><div>I started beading almost 7 years ago. It would have been September of 2002 when I got pregnant and it was shortly thereafter that I found out. One of the first things that happened was my OB/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">GYN</span> kicking me out of my studio where I painted. I searched for an outlet and came across Bead&Button in a local store. I figured what the heck, bought it and some inexpensive beads. </div><div><br /></div><div>What started as stringing and learning basic techniques has escalated into an obsession with beads of all kinds - gemstone, crystal, polymer, silver clay, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lampwork</span>, but mostly, my tiny little seed beads. I adore all of the vials of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Delicas</span> and boxes of Czech seed beads in various sizes that hang on the pegboard on my wall. I relish learning new techniques and seeing what pops into my head. <div><br /></div><div>My favorite way to bead is just to let go and let it be. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Freeform</span> work used to frighten me, but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">asymmetrical</span> pieces and those that just make themselves up as they go along now thrill me. There are exceptions to the "rule" (like my love of beaded beads), but for the most part, I just let the beads tell me where they want to go. It is said that Michelangelo spoke that his sculptures were inside the marble already. I'm not saying I'm Michelanglo by any means, but I feel that way about my beadwork much of the time. They move me where they want to go. Heaven help me if I try to make them do something they don't want to!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-28671116427239582672009-08-17T16:22:00.004-04:002009-08-17T16:59:34.166-04:00Monday of Happy Week!I almost forgot about Happy Week, as I've been dragging today, my body a little wilted from the Woodland Art over the weekend. I did well, not gangbusters, but I sold some of my favorite one of a kind pieces, including my crazy quilt bracelets.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/Som-oEZ54UI/AAAAAAAAAXs/tM2eWYWksNE/s1600-h/quilt-red3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 127px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/Som-oEZ54UI/AAAAAAAAAXs/tM2eWYWksNE/s200/quilt-red3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371033626202464578" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/Som-nw6LgtI/AAAAAAAAAXk/2ciFpWVbUW0/s1600-h/quilt3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 127px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/Som-nw6LgtI/AAAAAAAAAXk/2ciFpWVbUW0/s200/quilt3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371033620969128658" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/SonAIaX9EaI/AAAAAAAAAX0/64LZR_pXZIQ/s1600-h/042009-kissy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/SonAIaX9EaI/AAAAAAAAAX0/64LZR_pXZIQ/s200/042009-kissy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371035281367306658" border="0" /></a>What makes me happy? #1 is my daughter, Amber. I never really thought of myself as the "motherly" type and probably still wouldn't classify myself that way. Nothing in this world makes me as happy as this crazy kid. She extremely sharp, funny and talented. When she hugs me or wants to love on me, nothing else matters.<br /><br />There are times when she reminds of me of myself, other times when I can see her dad in her. She cracks me up when I hear my grandmother's laugh come out. That belly laugh and cackle are like my Meemaw is here, smiling at me from somewhere beyond.<br /><br />I'm sure as she gets older, we'll butt heads about boys, dating, curfews and the like, but until then, I'll take the arguments about school day bedtimes , sugar intake and how long she can play in the shower. If she takes after me even more, I'm sure she'll tell me how I'm wrong and verify everything with her teachers, just like I did to my mom.<br /><br />I love her more than I ever thought I could possibly love anyone or anything.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-60198545883761474882009-08-13T08:45:00.003-04:002009-08-13T09:08:42.214-04:00Oh Happy Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/SoQPyPenUeI/AAAAAAAAAXc/YO6FhfqBSAI/s1600-h/042009iseeyou.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/SoQPyPenUeI/AAAAAAAAAXc/YO6FhfqBSAI/s200/042009iseeyou.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369434011555287522" border="0" /></a>The fab Tab at <a href="http://tabmade.blogspot.com/">TabMade</a> blogged about her involvement in <a href="http://curiousgirl-lisa.blogspot.com/">Curious Girl's</a> "Happy Week" next week and I knew it was something that I wanted to do. I've been rather stressed lately and a happy week is definitely in order!<br /><br />So, next week, every day, I'll post a photo and some ramblings about something that make me happy. A jump start is the photo to the left of the best thing in my world - my daughter Amber. She's nutty, brilliant and has such a sharp wit that she makes me giggle constantly. Nothing better in the world than that little girl's belly laugh.<br /><br />Today is the unveiling of the Spragens Memorial that our <a href="http://www.marioncountyarts.com/">Arts & Humanities Counci</a>l raised the money for. Gene & Nadine Spragens were great benefactors to the arts in Marion County, bringing in performing arts, giving away tickets to shows and establishing scholarships for music students. The sculpture is absolutely gorgeous - brushed aluminum music staffs with blackened music notes spiraling in a double helix. It stands in front of the new Performing Arts & Culture Center and will stand as a testament to their influence in this community. I'd like to someday be remembered as someone who helped promote the arts, especially the visual arts, within the community. There's something to be said for what the arts can do, be it in education, therapy, release or just plain enjoyment. I owe so much to the arts, visual and performing alike.<br /><br />Tonight, we unveil the sculpture, revel in live music, relive history and peruse original works of art in our little ol' town of Lebanon. And it makes me really happy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476697188729604047.post-33862522794999213412009-08-07T09:12:00.004-04:002009-08-07T09:43:25.123-04:00New Treasuries!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/SnwrwTTnofI/AAAAAAAAAXM/gT_wO_nKRUM/s1600-h/treasury47.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/SnwrwTTnofI/AAAAAAAAAXM/gT_wO_nKRUM/s200/treasury47.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367212964735066610" border="0" /></a>After a bit of a dry spell, I woke up to my work in not one but two treasuries this morning!<br /><br />The first, "Shades of Red", was curated by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7495221">WhimsyBeading</a> of the <a href="http://bluegrassetsy.blogspot.com/">Bluegrass Etsy Street Team</a>. It's gorgeous! Many thanks to her for including my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28080429">Autumn Colors Crazy Quilt bracelet</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=74933">http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=74933</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/Snwtxp8HmwI/AAAAAAAAAXU/vnRjsiYQfH0/s1600-h/treasury48.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5nkIyBujp4A/Snwtxp8HmwI/AAAAAAAAAXU/vnRjsiYQfH0/s200/treasury48.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367215187013638914" border="0" /></a>The second, "They Tried to Make Me Go to Rehab" is a hilarious homage to the <a href="http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com">Etsy Beadweavers</a>' collective obsession with color, primarily purple and green with a little turquoise thrown in for good measure! Many thanks to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5133174">LittleStoneDesign</a> for including my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20223811">What If I'm a Mermaid bracelet</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=74982">http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=74982</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0