Getting all FIRED UP in February

Somehow, in the last year, I let myself wander (or let myself be pushed) off my path.  Yes, I could chalk it up to situations beyond my control, but that would be a cop out.  The tough economic conditions have affected most everyone.  Children grow up and start a life of their own.  Friends move away, start families, become busy.  I, myself, seem like I have been busier, working harder to make less, two steps forward three steps back.

The end of 2010 found me suddenly without a job or a place to live.  Thankfully, the most wonderful family I know put me up through the fall and winter.  Spring found me a home (next to a graveyard no less), but a job is still elusive.  

Consequently, last year I did more festivals and markets than I have in the past.  I also started two other ventures -  I co-opened a new etsy shop, T&M Metalworks, and I started selling corsets. The metal shop really took off towards the end of the year.  When I wasn't creating jewelry, I was busy with that.  Though I created more jewelry than ever, hardly any made it to  my etsy shop.  My online time, blogging, and focus on my real passion took a backseat.  

I'd like to take this time to apologize to the Etsy Dark Side Team, the

Etsy Steam Team,

the Etsy BeadWeavers and Team Etsy Rain for my dismal participation this past year. 

SO....to get back on freakin' track, I've dedicated the month of February to FIRE IT UP.  Inspired by the lovely Miss Victoria, I'm challenging my self to create an item a day and posting about it everyday for the month.  Nothing like jumping in head first to get the blood flowing.   

Come over here, I want to introduce you to the Etsy Beadweavers team.

So, unless you're familiar with Etsy, I've seen  your eyes glaze over when I mention my teams.  I was going to take this opportunity to give a brief explanation what the teams are, what they do, etc... but I just changed my mind.  Or maybe it's because I don't know how to describe in words the awesomeness of the teams that I'm on.

Instead, I'm going to introduce them to you over the next couple of posts, starting right now with the Etsy Beadweavers.  A collective of incredibly talented artists that can whips some beads into submission like you can't even imagine.  I am so honored to be a part of this team because, though I am confident of my skills, I have yet to produce pieces that are on the level as many of my teammates.  Throw genuine kindness, the open sharing of knowledge & techniques and the sincere pursuit and appreciation of beadweaving as an art on top of all the talent and you have the Etsy Beadweavers.

Here's a great compilation video that Good Quill Hunting put together.


Good Quill Hunting is also sponsoring the Haute Couture Beading Contest....which has had my panties all in a bunch for the last couple of weeks.





And I'll wrap this up with a fellow EBW team member, Cielo Design, who is one of my absolute favorite bead artists.

Etsy Beadweaver's September Challenge

It's time to vote! I'd ask you to vote for my Heat Waves bracelet (#33) because you loves me...but there are just so many gorgeous entries. Either way, you can vote here.

Day Six - EBW Team September Challenge Piece

As some of you know, I have been ill since Thursday and it's been playing havoc with my energy level. When I got home last night, I realized it was not only day 6 of this challenge, but also the eve of the Etsy Beadweavers Team September Challenge. I am most honored to be a part of this team, as it is a group of the most incredibly talented beaders you could imagine. I haven't contributed to any of the monthly challenges to date due to not being on top of it (I know, I know), so I had promised myself I would enter this month. Aaacckkk - what's a girl to do?

The theme for this challenge is "Indian Summer Dream." This is what I came up with before I passed out cold (only to arise at 6pm this eve).


You can learn more about the details from the listing in my Etsy shop. Also, don't forget that YOU can vote for the winner of the September EBW Team Challenge on the team page.
Now I must really rustle up something to eat and start on today's piece.