While I was in Seattle

I just returned from a wonderful week in Seattle visiting my daughter and attending the annual meeting of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB). 

In the meantime back in Tucson, this female bobcat was caught teaching her baby to hunt by silverpixel photographer and neighbor Carl Bowser - in his front yard.  LOVE living in the desert!

Last week one of our air conditioners died.  So here is a new one being installed yesterday.  I wonder why they were ever put on the roof to begin with!  But it's nice to be cool again.

Studio Retrospective

I decided to go through lots of photos of jewelry on my computer and to organize things. That led me to create a "studio retrospective" book of some of my creations and the inspiration for them.  Lots of fun!  Take a look and let me know what you think.

The Painted Desert by Louise Little | Make Your Own Book

Tennis Anyone?

Well, the last piece of the puzzle was just placed.  Our tickets to Roland Garros French Open 2012 just arrived.  So in a few weeks we will be heading for France.  We go to Normandy first to the D-Day beaches and then a week in Paris.  We have rented an apartment through Haven in Paris.  I first heard about Haven in Paris from reading Gail Lannum's blog.  I also have been reading the Hip Paris Blog.  so we already have dinner reservations at several restaurants.  Of course high on the agenda also is bead shopping.  Paris has a bead district!  I'll be sure to take pics!

Great earrings

Made these great earrings over the weekend.  They use both tila bead and daggers which I have had sitting in my stash now for some time.  The pattern is from a Dayton friend - Carol Ohl, and it can be purchased online here. 

Do you listen to music when you create?

A Native American Flute

I like to listen to music when I am working in my studio even though while I am making glass beads the ventillation system tends to drown it out.  So one day I decided not to turn the ventillation on because I wanted to hear the music.... not a good thing!  but that's another story...

Anyway, while in Sante Fe last year I had the opportunity to hear someone play a Native American flute and I was hooked.

The history of this flute is vague, but it's main appeal to me is the soulful, haunting, and emotional sound.  I found an artist that I particularly like; and I think his music has really inspired a lot of my new designs which I will be showing you all over the next few months.  Check out Scott August and his music.  Let me know what you think.

Home From Vacation

Many of you know that I just spent three weeks on an expedition to Antarctica.  Wonderful trip.  Trying to catch up with emails, regular mail, and oh yes, gathering tax stuff.  I'll reopen the Etsy store at the end of the week.  lots of ideas for new projects.  It's great to be home.