Blue Water Necklace

I finally finished this necklace and am pleased with the way it came out. I had trouble getting the netting to work around the perimeter of the capiz shell like the "Sea Foam" necklace. I had to start over on this necklace three times before everything worked out right. If you look closely on the close up, you can see the web-like netting on the back through the capiz shell. It looks very cool when held up to the light.

This necklace is now on display, with the other sea themed necklaces, at the Wy'east Artisans Guild Annual Theme Show. The show was moved from the Sandy Public Library to its current location at the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum at Government Camp on Mt. Hood, Oregon. The show will be at the Museum until July 12th. On that date, the Guild will hold it's reception for the show and take down will be right after. So, if you see something you like, come to the party and take home a piece of art that same day.

This necklace has netted seed beads "capturing" a capiz shell with numerous freshwater pearls and crystals in the "water" fringe. Larger blue and clear crystals make up the necklace, while a silver-toned starfish shimmers in the fringe.
This necklace is priced at $225.00.

The eyes have it

Yes, those are eyes peeking out at you on my work tray. (see below) I will be incorporating those into barrettes later in the year. It's so much fun to have an extra set of eyes in the back of your head. *evil chuckle*

A Year of Fishy Things?

I'm doing another beaded Capiz shell, as you can see it's blue. This piece is in progress right now. I've been slowly working on it as the weather changes from nice to wet and everything in between. I find it very hard to sit and bead when the weather finally gets nice around here. After the winter we've had, there are tons of branches to clean up and burn. Also, it's just nice to sit in the sun and listen to the birds and watch the squirrels.

My friend, Sherrie, and I went to the Ceramic Showcase at the Oregon Convention Center a week ago. There are six different guilds that show their wares at this very impressive show. Throughtout the booths and artists there seemed to be a theme this year, fish, horses and cats. Some very strange things and LOTS of beautiful things. http://www.ceramicshowcase.com You can see some of the fabulous ceramics from the Oregon Potters Association.

If I had more money than what I allowed myself, I would have brought home a pond full of fishy pottery, glass, metal, weavings, wood and beads. I wish I could afford to buy one item from each and every artist at this show. There is so much talent in one place this time of year. It's a great place for inspiration if your Muse is on vacation.

I guess it's a good thing that I'm on this fishy line of art this year. It feels right.

The Draining of Roslyn Lake

These are pictures of our local small lake, run by PGE (Portland General Electric), the utility company that owns the lake. After tearing down the 80 year old dam on the Sandy river, which fed this lake, last year. They are now decommmissioning the lake. They started draining it last Friday and hope to have it completed by the end of this week. It's a very shallow lake, 10' - 20' deep in places. There has been much speculation about how much lead is in the mud at the bottom. I remember bringing my son out to play in the water while his father tried his hand at catching the fish. The water playing was more rewarding than the empty creel.

There were a lot of memories made in this small recreational area. Many, many families will miss Roslyn Lake.