tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63640186999684403402024-03-05T10:08:06.609-05:00A Beaders ViewMy random thoughts. Sometimes about beading, sometimes not.Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-85567419168099411172009-12-30T10:40:00.003-05:002009-12-30T10:55:51.350-05:00Learning to teachI made a lot of holiday gifts this year. Well, OK, I make a lot of holiday gifts every year, but this year was interesting. I made some simple chandelier earrings for my nieces, who are 14 & 15 years old and they were fascinated by the whole idea of making them...so now I'm a teacher. Our first day went really well, both girls made some chandelier type earrings for themselves and learned about basic design and some simple wire work. Their mother tells me that all they could talk about was how much fun it was. What a great thing to hear! I'm not sure what we'll do next, maybe some stringing, maybe some more earrings, but I might just be looking forward to it as much as they are.<br /><br />I've never considered myself much of a teacher, but I hope to learn as I go. As long as we're having fun, it won't matter too much if I'm not great at it.<br /><br />Until next time...be well.Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-67918573133970938122009-12-20T10:20:00.003-05:002009-12-20T10:28:23.983-05:00Saying GoodbyeLast night the world became a poorer place. We lost my friend Lora Tobias to cancer. Lora was a wonderful person who scattered love like flower petals every time she spoke. Lora and I had a strong friendship for fifteen years, though we never actually met. Her zest for life and wonderful personality attracted friends of all types. She always had a kind word or a sympathetic ear. I'd like to write more, but the tears interfere. Rest in peace, Lora. You will be sorely missed.Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-84332678651739115852009-11-17T15:46:00.004-05:002009-12-02T14:27:43.510-05:00Keeping Promises<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvqe4fbDXybTGrebIW_40MrMi7onZQREmnWjs3LR2Cj7LxNouYOpwK4WJ1ZquTQRWzCeK0F3AlkbQpQfuITOC1lX7UdB6G15Pnxht0IwmnHa4QemhFhglgZvi0jaqF7NMoak_v4xj9_k/s1600/people2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvqe4fbDXybTGrebIW_40MrMi7onZQREmnWjs3LR2Cj7LxNouYOpwK4WJ1ZquTQRWzCeK0F3AlkbQpQfuITOC1lX7UdB6G15Pnxht0IwmnHa4QemhFhglgZvi0jaqF7NMoak_v4xj9_k/s320/people2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405190734519212514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOo-sqahoKqdewAo26nReeq75Y265HNtTlbvnskS905f98fmJP8ST01R6Of-A-YhhuyIowuGjDIdurGma8DkmBVcSP7TJ-PnxwYDE7v6x74-vlcBwuTa3uFFspsznMJHDskbaQb8ElfY/s1600/flora2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOo-sqahoKqdewAo26nReeq75Y265HNtTlbvnskS905f98fmJP8ST01R6Of-A-YhhuyIowuGjDIdurGma8DkmBVcSP7TJ-PnxwYDE7v6x74-vlcBwuTa3uFFspsznMJHDskbaQb8ElfY/s320/flora2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405190733788924978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jbgzj1W6CKc1fMAOnZbLJyZVBPjO8omVj1F6NPnwzLXGsiQD9tiDOHXCGA5R58iUpdvEFT-prweXYXzEzkftgXWsdL6sQ-NGUJOLSlALdI4wLA20LRA17XJGYvlGnbY2jOs1MANtREs/s1600/fauna2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jbgzj1W6CKc1fMAOnZbLJyZVBPjO8omVj1F6NPnwzLXGsiQD9tiDOHXCGA5R58iUpdvEFT-prweXYXzEzkftgXWsdL6sQ-NGUJOLSlALdI4wLA20LRA17XJGYvlGnbY2jOs1MANtREs/s320/fauna2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405190730596551410" border="0" /></a><br />Sometimes keeping promises isn't as easy as you think it will be. Over a month ago, I promised on <a href="http://forums.delphiforums.com/beads2/start">All About Beads</a> that I would take pictures of my figural beaded beads. The next day, we started to remodel our kitchen, and the pictures never got taken. Well...better late than never. Now, remembering that I am not a fabulous photographer, here they are. I've separated them into three categories, people, flora and fauna. People includes mermaids, angels, demons, witches, faeries and Scarlett O'Hara. In fauna you'll see a dragon, lion, tiger, kitty, horse, bird, bat, fish, octopus, flamingo, elephant, frog and rubber ducky. The flora category contains roses done in 2 sizes, a morning glory, a palm tree, another tree, a mushroom, a peace lily and a star with a floral design. The star is my own version of Sylvia Beckers star from a very early Beadwork magazine, I couldn't make it her way, so I worked it out another way.<br /><br />I included a ruler in the pictures, so you can see the scale, but they are usually around an inch and a half long. They are all beads, meaning there is a hole straight through. I forgot to include the ducky bead when I took the picture, but I added it in later(that's why the background is different). I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoy making them.<br /><br />Be wellJen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-6287747315439008132009-09-30T12:39:00.003-04:002009-09-30T12:59:16.334-04:00Harvest and Holiday TimeIt's that time again...time for making preserves. Yesterday I spent the entire day making apple butter and juice for jelly. I spent five hours just peeling and prepping the apples. My back hurt, my hands were cramping up, and my kitchen was a mess! I can't explain why I love it, but I do! Next things are jellies with all the juices I've put into the freezer this summer, then holiday cookies and candies. When I get my canning done, I'll have Christmas gifts almost finished, and that's another thing to be happy about. Just a few things to make (not food) and I'll be ready to assemble baskets. So far, I've done spaghetti sauce, dill pickles, pickled peppers and apple butter. I still have 4 kinds of jelly to do, but I did the juices already, so they'll be quick. I can't wait. Well, I've rambled enough today...'til next time.<br /><br />Be well.Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-20164919965163637392009-09-27T18:41:00.005-04:002009-09-28T23:16:57.192-04:00Finally, something new!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MD8YX7WZ69p_tQzegWzWozSL7Pc3IiCHo-t2wDiZwoBclDKCZavveaJcaIvO2m_e0lWQegahusKQHS2i9vr3wbwIefgs8U9dIUWs2xljfLq_jkAt-KlgD8fgEA-_f00MYMyhLnOPxh8/s1600-h/DSCN0323.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MD8YX7WZ69p_tQzegWzWozSL7Pc3IiCHo-t2wDiZwoBclDKCZavveaJcaIvO2m_e0lWQegahusKQHS2i9vr3wbwIefgs8U9dIUWs2xljfLq_jkAt-KlgD8fgEA-_f00MYMyhLnOPxh8/s320/DSCN0323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386282828616607682" border="0" /></a><br />I haven't been posting because nothing was happening, but I finally finished a piece! I love using glass bubbles in sculptures and I have a few different sizes. I tried to work with the colors of the bubbles in a slightly off-kilter way, and I think it works OK. You can be the judge of that, though.<br /><br />For my next couple of projects, I think I'll be working on clocks. I have ideas for polymer clay, but I'd also like to do at least one beaded one. That will be a challenge...I don't really do patterns or flat work. Maybe I can attach beadwork to a backing. Hmmm....I'll have to think about that a bit.<br />Until next time, be well.Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-27438763924290071472009-08-18T12:01:00.004-04:002009-08-18T12:12:24.840-04:00Back from the beachMy husband and I were in Wildwood, NJ last week. The weather was perfect, the water was cool, all in all a wonderful vacation. The best part was seeing all the dolphins. I swear, there were dozens of them really close to shore. It was awesome!<br />I hadn't been doing much beading, but I got an idea, and I'm working on a fairy house. It won't be jewelry, but I might try to reduce the pattern once it's done to make a beaded bead. I know, what a shock. <g>*G*<br />Right now the base is all I have started, so I'll wait to post pictures. I just thought I should say something, since it's been so long.<br />I haven't been working on the website...mostly because I don't have the patience for it. I don't have a clear picture of how I want it, so it's very slow going. I know I need to just make a decision and do it, but that's not really my best thing...I'd much rather implement someone else' ideas than decide what to do on my own. Oh well, I'll get there eventually.<br /><br />Until next time, Be well.</g>Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-7661489180737685832009-06-10T11:30:00.005-04:002009-06-10T11:40:33.692-04:00BFAC Done...Finally<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sc85z2T0evk2KyRKXLO2avym-_au4XB2aolme2OXNCjS4bn6YEElapHMX2zhB2ZAp3GNpEi1b0LRSBG8FC0QJ4JA6eELaie5AQD-q0vwrL930MsVTZPcThMEXoZw2iCQCtIzlTc7m6Q/s1600-h/DSCN0306.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sc85z2T0evk2KyRKXLO2avym-_au4XB2aolme2OXNCjS4bn6YEElapHMX2zhB2ZAp3GNpEi1b0LRSBG8FC0QJ4JA6eELaie5AQD-q0vwrL930MsVTZPcThMEXoZw2iCQCtIzlTc7m6Q/s320/DSCN0306.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345722915686887362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWwg3SaLwGqBPoS1jZzLWntoVf7pbpohlbrrQgoVcnSiQ_SA5BiqVZvlj3VZVFB3iqVX8zwGmMCkbOjD7iX5v0FEkZZPPUF8xLybDjktUo5j4iwUZHS3EvI1NrkyvOukJW3ZJ6VMAkg8/s1600-h/DSCN0307.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWwg3SaLwGqBPoS1jZzLWntoVf7pbpohlbrrQgoVcnSiQ_SA5BiqVZvlj3VZVFB3iqVX8zwGmMCkbOjD7iX5v0FEkZZPPUF8xLybDjktUo5j4iwUZHS3EvI1NrkyvOukJW3ZJ6VMAkg8/s320/DSCN0307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345722916460522706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_M6V22qezsp0neYRDYQ5mY_iqpN2GhChGzhTcJsO1EOM6-a7TqBLEwMlDfDe4JebswdyTxHQqqJYYnY_1_NLSWoHjPMNLyzOflCf4nYTCoBWaHC1vUmG_CdhOnCYCgDrQxGFD2ihBS4/s1600-h/DSCN0304.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_M6V22qezsp0neYRDYQ5mY_iqpN2GhChGzhTcJsO1EOM6-a7TqBLEwMlDfDe4JebswdyTxHQqqJYYnY_1_NLSWoHjPMNLyzOflCf4nYTCoBWaHC1vUmG_CdhOnCYCgDrQxGFD2ihBS4/s320/DSCN0304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345722909085872898" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I actually managed to finish my Beading for a Cure project. I am pretty happy with it, and will be sending it out, soon. I started making holiday gifts, too, but I won't be posting pictures of those for a long time.<br />I don't have a lot to add, but I have pictures.*Disclaimer* Please remember that I'm a beader, not a photographer, and the pictures are the best I can do with my limited ability.<br />I do hope that you enjoy seeing it, picture quality notwithstanding.<br /><br />Be well.Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-28734635510514446022009-04-08T11:45:00.002-04:002009-04-08T11:58:30.259-04:00Never enough timeWell, it's been months since I took the time to post. It's not that I'm lazy, mind you...I'm just feeling uninteresting. Life moves on at a fairly normal pace. I am laid off right now, but hoping it won't last too long. Not doing a lot of interesting stuff. Working on my BFAC project. I don't usually share those as a work in progress, but I will hint. It's a two part project like the dragon egg I did a couple of years ago. It is not a dragon egg, though, just two parts.<br />In other news, I am working on a website to sell my patterns for sculptural beaded beads and possibly larger sculptural pieces as well. I'm using Blue Voda and it's actually pretty easy, though I'm kind of slow at it.(OK, maybe I'm a little lazy) The program is free and there's a lot of help available. If you want to try it, here's a link: <a href="http://www.bluevoda.com/">http://www.bluevoda.com/</a><br /><br />I'll try to be more chatty, but no promises...I'll just try. Be well.Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-41092006482363947932008-09-09T08:27:00.004-04:002008-09-09T12:41:05.807-04:00It's been a while<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlZHDApDjHTqIqA1piAbu55AVHS-NnUWrpIyOFRJVWaGJgxkcci4XiU-zAjWAHEPg4oYKw3WdWWYl10VIP53c6RHHPJA_Y-fSaqX4s_GWZb-WpTSzMN3zflnpgeIKtAtVYv_1_gJGQBs/s1600-h/Lionpinflowercab.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244003945260458034" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlZHDApDjHTqIqA1piAbu55AVHS-NnUWrpIyOFRJVWaGJgxkcci4XiU-zAjWAHEPg4oYKw3WdWWYl10VIP53c6RHHPJA_Y-fSaqX4s_GWZb-WpTSzMN3zflnpgeIKtAtVYv_1_gJGQBs/s320/Lionpinflowercab.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Time seems to have a way of getting away from me. Every time I think of something to post here, I can't seem to find the time. Where to begin...We adopted a pup. His name is Lucky and he's a rescue. He's a Cockapoo, 7 months old, and an absolute sweetie. I'm the lucky one, I think.<br />I have been working in my studio, but mostly on some larger pieces that aren't getting done as quickly as I'd like, so last night I took a little time for some instant gratification. The pieces in the picture are my first of each technique. The lion pin is fron <a href="http://www.cforiginals.net/">Christi Freisen's </a>book, and the cab is my attempt at a technique used beautifully by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=94188">Jennifer Morris</a>. Her work is amazing, and you should really check it out!<br /><br />Well, that's it for me today, there's a thunder storm rolling in. I'll say so long for now, and hope I can find the time to post again soon. Maybe even with more pictures.<br />Be well.</div>Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-30133907852444767232008-07-24T18:26:00.000-04:002008-07-24T18:42:33.394-04:00Strange Obsessions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSXkiCVRrzKgWsR75ZFyuq3yk9yd9yQXWOLnVhITAAciqd5fYQTY7wKPpnFQ7uOqx1z-ma6ZH6wlkg2LBl0oX4_NJvozYvpCN3Y6wvvi0WRdRhlk93AW7XHCqixiD5Zip7Oc2eRbQ1P8/s1600-h/BabyDragon.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226713205287019618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSXkiCVRrzKgWsR75ZFyuq3yk9yd9yQXWOLnVhITAAciqd5fYQTY7wKPpnFQ7uOqx1z-ma6ZH6wlkg2LBl0oX4_NJvozYvpCN3Y6wvvi0WRdRhlk93AW7XHCqixiD5Zip7Oc2eRbQ1P8/s320/BabyDragon.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Sometimes I get obsessive over the strangest things! I never looked at polymer clay as much of a beading supply until I bought <a href="http://www.cforiginals.net/">Christi Friesen</a>'s first book...I have since bought all of them. The thing is, I'm a dragon person, so I make more dragons than anything else. So here's where the obsession comes in. I kept thinking that my dragons were just too big. They're not, really, but I kept worrying at it, and finally couldn't stand myself anymore. So I made this little gal. Now, kindly remember that I'm an indifferent photographer at best. She's only a little bigger than a quarter, and I'm almost sure that I think she's small enough for me. The "dust" that's all over her is gold(it looks silver in the picture) and I haven't done the varnish coat, yet, but I was so happy with her that I had to take a picture. I hope you enjoy seeing her.</div><div>Be well.</div>Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-42247510433421227222008-07-08T18:58:00.000-04:002008-07-08T19:08:16.886-04:00WooHoo It's done!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrcJa42PgoehLbd8sGUWLjSfAU8VJGsuzjeX9dZC7ZzgDVTOuITT2Tqif99JZQql7wEyKi6zaS8TX1GNj3BOLKjMjRSZi-vQkhUmte9J0QQtp-VPZSVIDv3gYQrBB-oU40_6AN4bxA34/s1600-h/DSCN0032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220783621917227730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrcJa42PgoehLbd8sGUWLjSfAU8VJGsuzjeX9dZC7ZzgDVTOuITT2Tqif99JZQql7wEyKi6zaS8TX1GNj3BOLKjMjRSZi-vQkhUmte9J0QQtp-VPZSVIDv3gYQrBB-oU40_6AN4bxA34/s320/DSCN0032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>BFAC was a bear this year! I had a dozen ideas and not one worked the way it was supposed to. This is what I'm sending. I wasn't thrilled with it as I was working on it, but overall, I can't say I'm displeased...It could have gone smoother, but I think I took on too much all at the same time. I started a new job, committed to the Mask Challenge, and to BFAC. If you look at them individually, it doesn't seem like much, but taken all within the space of a few months, it was a tad overwhelming.</div><div>However, I'm officially off the hook. All my promises are kept, and now I can work on my pet projects...whatever they might be.</div><div>Be well.</div>Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-59362399369085282982008-05-28T17:50:00.000-04:002008-05-28T17:55:58.434-04:00Well, Finally!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHu5V_fWAhRBLvb_bOwcrl4Mjmw1Ti0sX3ksNxdIHUKAQQAxwWoibiR1TY4k4z7XahsnlB3EEaYU7HuNfnr5TQUVChWzOKyYCxp4vcXwD8Q7ScuaPFQ-HYRjHdN9PQ69j_mSKSNpDjh8/s1600-h/Mask+Done.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205550702411569874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHu5V_fWAhRBLvb_bOwcrl4Mjmw1Ti0sX3ksNxdIHUKAQQAxwWoibiR1TY4k4z7XahsnlB3EEaYU7HuNfnr5TQUVChWzOKyYCxp4vcXwD8Q7ScuaPFQ-HYRjHdN9PQ69j_mSKSNpDjh8/s320/Mask+Done.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm done with my mask. For a while I thought it would never be done. I didn't cover it with beads...mostly because I didn't have time, but also because it didn't seem to need it. </div><br /><div>I've called it "Agea". My plan was to have a piece that looked like it could have been found under the sea, but I think the colors were just too bright for that, so I just went with what I had, and I'm actually pretty happy with it.</div>Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-26882551662384318392008-03-29T19:01:00.001-04:002008-03-29T19:12:43.304-04:00Just Some Misc. Stuff<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILKQmi5GYzWvtYNsN9k5J5BDMP0lpHo7y8W1t8AkiZAT24CNCPgVjGoZQcS10TKcLEW8DZmisSxd2Jh8gQGZMDWfCFMBMfpzGy5G6fwgxOwKuiajzjW0LPdO30nFXDmzOrNyCS_uw4_A/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183304602709609490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILKQmi5GYzWvtYNsN9k5J5BDMP0lpHo7y8W1t8AkiZAT24CNCPgVjGoZQcS10TKcLEW8DZmisSxd2Jh8gQGZMDWfCFMBMfpzGy5G6fwgxOwKuiajzjW0LPdO30nFXDmzOrNyCS_uw4_A/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm making good progress on my mask, but I'm having some trouble getting a good photo. I toned down the blue with some metallic copper paint, and the flash turns it really red, and it looks awful. If we get a good overcast day, I'll try it again. </div><br /><div>I did get a pretty cool picture this week, though. Actually, my boss got the picture, but I'm posting it. I work near town, but not "in" town in a small office complex, and we're seeing a resurgence of wildlife lately, raccoons, foxes, and a lot of hawks and geese, but I haven't seen a wild turkey in 15 or more years, yet there he is, strutting across the parking lot! He scared the heck out of the lady who works next door. I really wanted a better look, but he wasn't having any of that!</div><div>So, maybe mask pictures next time, but this time it's just a turkey.</div><div>Be well.</div>Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-23869920285734335562008-03-13T08:14:00.001-04:002008-03-13T21:26:06.107-04:00Pay it ForwardMy friend Beki is Paying it Forward. I posted, and am now doing it, too. So here's the deal, the first three people to comment on this post, and to promise to post a Pay it Forward on their own blogs, will receive a beady gift from me.<br />It seems like a pretty cool idea to me. The world could definitely benefit from a few random acts of kindness, and the beading community has a long standing tradition of generosity. It follows that this would fit right in.<br />So here are the rules: I will send a handmade beaded gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange (and email me their mailing address and favorite color), and who make the same pledge on their own blogs. I don't know what the gift will be, but it will be beaded, and you will receive it within 1 year, I promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward, by posting a pay it forward on your own blog.Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364018699968440340.post-16771113211133070432008-03-10T18:35:00.000-04:002008-03-10T19:15:40.971-04:00Behind the Mask Challenge<p align="left">I was having fits with this project. It seemed to me that everyone was covering the mask and doing bead embroidery...something I'm not really good at. I knew what I wanted, but it wasn't coming together for me. I'm not used to doing pieces like this and felt like maybe it was a mistake to try. </p><p align="left">Then it hit me. I do not have to embroider this piece. I scrapped the felt and painted the mask blue. The ridges are rope I covered in beads, and I wrapped the outer edge like a cabochon. I'll add the "petals" to the outer edge. I haven't decided on placement, yet, but I'm getting there. There will be more paint... this blue is a little too intense for me. After that, who knows? I have until May.</p><p align="left">The challenge is sponsored by The Beadin Path. <a href="http://www.beadinpath.com/">http://www.beadinpath.com/</a></p><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2ZMf_DtN2QvtfgAMGUI2Xy8PivMaX0AU4cVrjE6q4v5PjwcgAv-4ngxdKFuJxCmJ3HnGyyNa1p3Ql9DzE_n9pNPfabwWceDjcAdYb4av2sDZ9K8GNsJp-SLrBFQ402ZPgB0ZBIfC29Q/s1600-h/image0001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176251565500387762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2ZMf_DtN2QvtfgAMGUI2Xy8PivMaX0AU4cVrjE6q4v5PjwcgAv-4ngxdKFuJxCmJ3HnGyyNa1p3Ql9DzE_n9pNPfabwWceDjcAdYb4av2sDZ9K8GNsJp-SLrBFQ402ZPgB0ZBIfC29Q/s320/image0001.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRiYWFaxJPC0u9l6jQibH94Q-3QqGlLxZAG_P5BEuJkd5HAT3481c5nYQ-oEMQ98yMU-E-up_bqHvi2a0hyphenhyphenHYtyknq2wHQwDxS-cg6ubxU3tWsConvgaio7O7prfoLJtSzfS1DTqj4d0/s1600-h/image0003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176251239082873250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" height="240" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRiYWFaxJPC0u9l6jQibH94Q-3QqGlLxZAG_P5BEuJkd5HAT3481c5nYQ-oEMQ98yMU-E-up_bqHvi2a0hyphenhyphenHYtyknq2wHQwDxS-cg6ubxU3tWsConvgaio7O7prfoLJtSzfS1DTqj4d0/s320/image0003.jpg" width="219" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.beadinpath.com/"></a> </div>Jen Kuhnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086222997768424237noreply@blogger.com5