The Good Earth

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I found this pattern "The Good Earth" from JaValle beads few months ago and bought it because I want to make it  for my best friend, who loves earth, moon and all the planets. I thought I would not even make it until sometime next year.

But in late October, after I finished beading my son's Three Winter bird tapestry and elephant,
we decided to not buying Christmas gifts this year, instead we'll give each other one small inexpensive gift.
Then I want to make something that's meaningful instead and decided to bead this.
With my busy schedule, usually it takes 3 months or so to bead something this big, but I use my spare time to bead every chance I got and I was able to finish this in 48 days (started on October 26, finished December 13, 2012).

This patterns measured 12x12 inches, using 40 colors of 11/0 delica beads. It's using peyote stitch.

I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year ahead.

The Good Earth

White Horse

While I was beading the elephant tapestry, I was listening to audiobook during my commute to work called "Chosen by a horse" and at the same time, I was reading a book about a white horse called "The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman".

I love horses although few years ago my youngest son had an accident while riding on a horse for the first time. He was thrown off the horse,  fell on the rock hitting his head. Fortunately, he was fine, only had concussion. With the books I'm reading/listening and with the bitter-sweet memory of the horse riding, I decided to bead this white horse small tapestry.

This tapestry I got from maddiethekat.com.

White Horse, Dec 15, 12

Fused Glass Ornaments

I took Fused glass Ornaments class on November 28, 2012.
It was supposed to be only a snowflake ornament class, but we were given a free project making wreath ornament.

Here they are.. so pretty to add ornaments on my Christmas tree

Fused Glass Snowflake Ornament

Fused Glass Wreath Ornament

Fused Glass Pendants, 2nd Class

I took another class for making fused glass pendants again on November 26, 2012.
It was fun and I learned more and using different things, for example copper wire.
I make simple pendants because I love simplicity.

Fused Glass pendants before going into kiln

Fused Glass pendants results (copper wire on the right)

Three Winter Birds

Happy 16th Birthday, Dear Son!

I made this 3 Winter birds tapestry for my oldest's son's birthday gift.
I want him to have something just for himself that'll last longer than I am in this world :)
My youngest son got different winter birds tapestry in April 2012 for his 13th birthday and this is for my oldest son, so each of them has one special tapestry just for them.

I bought the pattern and kit from Ja Valle Beads. It took me 83 days to make this (started in July 15, 2012 and finished on October 6, 2012). I wanted to start early because I know it usually takes 3 months to make bigger tapestry.
This pattern uses 40 delica colors, measured 10x14.5 inches (28x37cm).

Three Winter Birds for my oldest son, November  2012

Winter Birds for my youngest son, April 2012

Free Tractor Pattern

As I said in my earlier blog, I lOVE tractors. I created this tractor pattern to make Christmas tree ornament.

Elephant

I miss beading animal tapestry. So, here is the elephant tapestry.
It measures 5.40 x 3.60 inches (13.72 x 9.1 cm), 23 colors of 11/0 delica beads.

I love elephants and their sweet nature. I remember my trip with my family to Thailand where I was able to ride on elephant back. I could never forget how memorable it was.

Fuse Glass Pendants

I just realized that I haven't posted anything for over a month. WOW!! How time flies.
I've been busy working on big 10x14 tapestry for my son's birthday in November, along with busy schedule after boys' start school and their after-school activities.

So, in the mean time, I took fuse glass pendant class on September 27th. It was a great new experience and I enjoyed 2 hours of "me time". Since there was no kiln, the instructor took the pendants home and finally, they were ready yesterday. What a difference it made before and after they went into kiln.

These are the "before" pendants, cut and shaped the way I wanted them

These are the "after" pendants after went to kiln

Traveling Caribbean Bracelet, Last day (Book signing with Jenny Lawson)

Today, "Cari" met one of my favorite authors, Jenny Lawson (author of Let's Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir). I've been so excited and have anticipated this day to come and it's such a great ending of "Cari's" trip over to Oregon.

It was such an incredible night as I watched Jenny read her own book. She signed my copy of her book and allowed me to take a picture with her.

Book signing with Jenny Lawson

Traveling Caribbean Bracelet, Day 6 (Archery practice)

Today, "Cari" went to see my son practice his archery skill. It hopefully was a new and exciting experience for "Cari"; to be surrounded by bows and arrows.

Traveling Caribbean Bracelet, Day 5 (Hang out with Chibi)

As usual, I took "Cari" to work with me and wearing it gave me a great attitude the whole day for dealing with people and working a tedious job. After I got home, I introduced "Cari" to our cat, Chibi, and he admired it.
I'm sure he thinks "Cari" is so beautiful, with all the fish and turtle patterns that he loves. :)

Chibi says hi to "Cari"

Chibi admiring "Cari"

Traveling Bracelet "Caribbean", Day 4 (Portland International Airport)

Today, "Cari" went to Portland International Airport to pick up a friend from Japan.
I'm sure "Cari" was happy to see the airplanes and happy to be surrounded by my extended family who were impressed by the story of the Traveling Bracelet, "Cari".
We were glad that it was not time for "Cari" to ride on one of those planes yet. Only 3 more days to enjoy each other.

In the car on the way to Portland Airport, with Downtown in the background

Arrived at Portland International Airport

At the waiting room looking at some planes

Traveling Caribbean Bracelet, Day 3 (Backyard)

Today was a low-key Saturday. We just did a lot of errands around the house and was able to relax out in the backyard. "Cari" visited the pagoda and Chinese gate in my backyard, during our hot 85F Oregon Summer. Cari even brought the Chinese Dragon Robe, pattern made by Sig, to the backyard together.

Chinese Dragon Robe and Cari in the backyard

Cari by Chinese Gate in the backyard

Traveling Caribbean Bracelet, Day 2 (Willamette River)

I was so excited waking up and went to work this morning (even though it's Friday). It's because I've got to wear "Cari" to work.

The good thing is that my office is located right by the side of Willamette River, so I hope "Cari" enjoyed the view of the river during my lunch break, as much as I did.

"Cari" by Willamette River

"Cari" by the boat docks at Willamette River

I received Caribbean Traveling Bracelet, Day 1

I was so happy when I received email from Pat Rivera, a beader from Oregon City, this morning.
She only had my email address so she asked my address where she could send the traveling bracelet to, without knowing it would go to the same state. She contacted me and she was willing to drive 45 minutes from Oregon City to Beaverton, to hand-over the bracelet in person. Thank you, Pat!!

This traveling bracelet is made by one of my favorite beader/bead-pattern maker, Sig Wynne-Evans.
The detail of this fun project can be found at her blog : http://travelingbracelets.blogspot.com/

I received the Caribbean design and will spend a week with this bracelet before it'll go to different part of the country. It was so neat that Pat wanted to drive all the way from Oregon City to meet me in person instead of just mailing the bracelet.

I had great time with Pat and was so amazed at her beadwork that she brought with her. WOW!!
You can find her patterns at www.bead-patterns.com

Beadwork by Pat Rivera

It was an honor to meet such a great beader from Oregon, Pat and her husband, Ed.

Here is the Caribbean bracelet "handing off" time.

Pat handing off "Cari" to me

It's time for the Caribbean bracelet journey to start with me. 

Pink and Silver Necklace

Pink and silver has been my favorite color combination for as long as I can remember.
When I saw this project for sale at Bead-Patterns.com by Cecilia Rooke, I had to try it.
I started making it on the last day of my trip to California, on July 7th and finally finished it today, July 15, 2012.

I can't wait to wear it sometime this week.

Finished Fuschia Blossom Necklace

During my vacation and family reunion between July 1-8, 2012, I had some chances to work on the necklace. I finished it on the last day of my stay in San Francisco. I didn't make it as lariat, just as a regular necklace.

Fuschia Necklace working progress

I love Fuschia flowers and have them around during Summer time, on hanging baskets and/or on pots.
When I saw the Fuschia necklace design by Adele Kimpell (BeadCulture.com), I wanted to make it.
So, I started making it last night and got 2 petals done. I made the pink and white combination Fuschia flowers.
I can't wait to go home and work on this necklace.

The Pattern

2 Petals I've done so far

Indigo Bunting

I found this beautiful Indigo Bunting pattern by Lori Culligan. This pattern is done in 27 colors of Delica 11/0 seed beads. It measures 6x6 inches (15x15cm).


Some facts about Indigo Bunting: This particular color of indigo bunting is male. Sometimes nicknamed "blue canaries". Females are basically brown, with faint streaking on the breast, whitish throat and sometimes a touch of blue on the wings, tail, or rump. 

Male Indigo Buntings sing from treetops, shrubs, and telephone lines all Summer.

With that note... "Happy Summer!"

2 Earrings for Church auction

This year I'm participating and donating 2 easy earrings for Youth Ministry at my church, to help with their mission trip. It's called Auction Talent so if I win, I can teach basic how to make the earrings for beginners. It'll be fun.

So... the update. The Youth Auction was a hit and the total was $4,100. Not bad. My earrings were actually bought by Pastor's Wife for $35.00. Yahooiiii....  I hope she enjoys them.

Chimpanzee

When I grew up back in Asia, my parents bought a pet for us, a siamang monkey named Nopi.
I saw this pattern made by Sigrid Wynne-Evans and reminded me of our Nopi, who died during teeth surgery. This chimp tapestry uses 25 colors of delica 11/0 beads, 2.80 x 3.53 inches (7.1 x 9 cm).

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, so Happy Mother's Day to all of you!!

Red Bugle Embellishment Necklace

I saw this project in a beading magazine and decided to make one for my friend for her Christmas gift 2 years ago. I made a light blue color because it is her favorite color.
I've wanted to make a red color version for myself for a while, and finally I am able to make and finished it today. I made  red heart earrings to go with the necklace.
I can't wait to wear it sometime soon.

Tractor Driving Lesson

I know this post is not about beading at all, but I have to share my Birthday surprise gift.
I've always loved tractors and my dream is someday I can have a small farm with lots of tools and tractors. My best friend arranged a surprise gift for me yesterday to have a farmer teach me how to drive a tractor at his farm. It was an amazing experience. My dream came true and I was able to drive a tractor, learned how to use the bucket and even turned the compost. I can't express how much I appreciate this gift.
Thank you!!!

Chinese Dragon Robe Completed

This morning, I finished zipping Chinese Dragon Robe (pattern also made by Sig Wynne-Evans). I finished the whole thing before Christmas, but I didn't have a chance to zip the sides and the arms together before our trip to Indonesia and Japan.
After we got back, things were little hectic and I started the Winter Birds project for my son, so I abandoned the zipping of the robe. Finally, last night and this morning, I completed the robe and now it found a new home in the living room.

Winter Birds

I beaded this beautiful winter birds tapestry ( pattern designed by Sigrid Wynne-Evans), especially for my son who will turn 13 in 2 days. It took me 80 days to  bead this with my busy schedule.
These last 2 weeks I spent extra hours before bed and woke up earlier in the morning so I could sneak into my beading room to bead and tried to finish this before his birthday. I made it just in time. Pheww!!!
This tapestry is measured 10x14.5 inches (28 x 37 cm), 38 delica 11/0 colors and 43600 beads.

Happy 13th Birthday, my precious son!! 

First candle gel

Yesterday was my "craft day". Not necessarily beading at all, but I love crafts and love to learn new things.
I've had a beautiful gel candle about 10 years ago from a store. I really enjoyed how beautiful it was. When I discovered gel candle making book from library, I decided to learn. I gathered all the items needed and finally I was able to make one. Since I didn't know how much I should add the gel to melt, it came out short, but all in all, it turned out beautiful and I enjoyed watching my gel candle lit last night.

Tissue Paper Flowers

My library will have a craft day next Tuesday, which I am interested to go to, but with work and boys' after school activities, I won't be able to go. The craft day will learn how to make tissue paper flowers. So, to remedy my disappointment of my inability to attend, I learned how to make it myself through online sites, got the necessary items and I made my own craft day today.
Turned out good. Never too late to learn new crafts and things.

Purple Rose

I started beading this purple rose before I went on my Christmas trip in the middle of December.
Then I beaded on and off when I came back. After I finished the Chinese Flower, I decided to finish this pattern. This pattern is created by Sandot Designs, measures width: 4.7 inches, height 5.03 inches.

Chinese Flower

Gong Xi Fat Choi (Happy Chinese New Year)!!!

I finished beading Chinese Flower (pattern created by Sigrid-Wynne Evans) last night.
I just realized how fast Chinese New Year is approaching and started to bead this on Sunday night.
Now I have plenty of time to prepare the New Year of Dragon, on January 23, 2012.
This Chinese flower measures 3 inches (7.6 cm) in width and 3.93 (10 cm) in length, using 9 colors and 3,452 delica beads.