Gone Fishing

A few years back, I had the pleasure of purchasing the Glass Bead Trip by Claudia Trimbur-Pagel.  It quickly became a favorite book in my personal collection.  Prior to reading the lovely book, I found myself trying to cram extremely fine stringer work onto a 10mm bead.  In addition to the fantastic techniques taught in her book, Claudia's use of large focals changed my mindset on size and launched me down a path of exploration. 

This weekend, I had the pleasure of reading Claudia's newest book titled Fish Recipes.  It didn't disappoint.  I love the personal challenge of learning techniques taught in books written by fellow artisans and adapting them to be a bit more silly.  So I asked myself, "What if Claudia's lovely fish was caught in the water intake pipe which cooled the radioactive core of a nuclear power plant?"  No eye rolling, it could happen.  The end result brought a smile to my face.  I highly recommend locking yourself in a studio with either of her wonderful books.  Enjoy! 

Einstein brushing up on the Encyclopedia

Frog Prince

I do not condone kissing frogs to find a prince, however this little guy is cute enough to reconsider my position on the subject.  Maybe he should have been titled "Pucker up"?

The Big News

Beads of Courage Design Challenge

presented by Jewelry Television
Creativity in Full Circle sponsored by 
Soft Flex Company 

Over the last few months, I have had the pleasure of working on an exciting, top secret project.  Remember these?

 Children in the Beads of Courage Program were asked to create drawings which represent a specific word. After the drawings were finished, the fabulous designs were paired with glass artists.  The artist created beads based on the original drawing.  Size, color, detail, and quality were of utmost importance to convey the design artist's idea.  Truly a project born of fire, glass, and love.  I am honored to be one of the artists chosen to bring a special bead to life, specifically the "Peace" design.

Talented jewelry designers were commissioned by Soft Flex Company to create one of a kind designs featuring the glass beads.  The special jewelry collaboration will be on exhibit at the 2014 Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee.  Sara Oehler, talented designer/writer and Soft Flex Sales/Marketing Manager, originally announce the partnership on the "Soft Flex Girl" blog back in April:

Soft Flex Blog 

All of the limited edition bead designs will be unveiled on June 5th in Milwaukee.  For those of you attending the Bead & Button Show, stop by the Beads of Courage and Soft Flex Company booths.  Beads of Courage will have a booth located in the lobby to view the finished designs, fall in love, and purchase one! The sale proceeds will benefit Beads of Courage.  Beads of Courage will have all the focal beads of the Bead Design Challenge for sale at their booth as well.  These are VERY limited edition, so don't wait!  A few will be available at www.beadsofcourage.org/beaddesignchallenge starting Friday.  Donation receipts will be available.

The Beads of Courage Mission Statement: We are growing every day, providing innovative, arts-in-medicine supportive care programs for children coping with serious illness, their families and the health care providers who care for them.

Beads of Courage
Soft Flex Company

Bead and Button Show
Jewelry Television 

Special thanks to the Soft Flex Company, their products are beyond fabulous.  Visit them online, connect with them on Facebook, or check out their Bead & Button Show booths in person: 525, 527, 626, 628.  


Check back for updates from the Bead & Button Show.  Until then, happy beading!