Every fall Beadology in Iowa City, IA has a bead challenge.  You purchase the kit and must use at least one of every type of bead included in the kit.  You can add anything else you desire. I added some labradorites, moonstones and used both copper and bronze for the weaving and chains.  It is always fun to use materials I might not necessarily purchase. The work of all the participants will be displayed in the store for a week starting Oct 26th.  They always get some fun and creative designs.  

Been a while since our dive trip to Curacao but fond memories return as I work on making  from the sea glass picked up on the beaches.  Never know what colors and shapes you are going to find and every day new treasure were washed up. Only found a couple of small pieces of blue as I am sure it is the first to be picked up. 

These stones are amazing. In low light they look grey, but introduce light and turn them and they flash a wide range of colors - among them blue, pink, yellow, green, and purple. Some flash one color others a variety colors. No two stones are alike. It is always a challenge to set them so there best qualities show. Below is a small portion of an article and link to the whole article with facts about labradorite. .

The Legend
 
   It is said that while an Inuit warrior was wondering along the coast, he saw that some of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) had been trapped in the rocks along the shore, with the swing of his mighty spear, he freed these lights. The Inuit also believed that the spirits of their dead ancestors could be seen in the Aurora Borealis. Although Labradorite may have been 'discovered' by Europeans, the natives of Labrador (the Eskimo Inuit who lived on the coast and the Native American Innu who lived inland) had been using a powdered form of the rock to cure their ailments, calling it “fire rock” or “fire stone” because of its mystical appearance .

http://labradoritesandgems.com/History_and_Fun_Facts.html​

Participated in my first art show this last Saturday.  Being the first time I ever did  this I readily admit to having nightmares the week before.  Mostly following the theme of my booth magically disappearing or forgetting to bring essential items for the show. Needless to say none of these fears materialized. It was held on the grounds of Brucemore Mansion in Cedar Rapids. The grounds were gorgeous and a beautiful setting for this event.  My booth sat in front of a pond.  The booths were spread out so people could wander from booth to both through the gardens.  The whole atmosphere was relaxed and it was fun seeing how people reacted to my jewelry. I learned a lot for next time and it was an enjoyable day.  The only mixed emotions for the day was when I had to say goodbye to a favorite bracelet.  I often "test drive" new designs to make sure they have no design flaws and are wearable.  This particular tumbled glass bracelet was a favorite piece I previously test drove. It went an individual who obviously appreciated its style and comfort.  It was going to a good home so all was good.  I will definitely jury for other shows and hopefully my next experience will be as positive.

​This set up my next challenge to myself.  Tatting with wire.  My grandmother taught me to tat when she stayed with me for a week after the birth of my first daughter.  Rachel is 26 now. It is a way of making lace and doilies using a shuttle or a needle.  I am a shuttle tatter.   If you are not a tatter the simplest explanation is that you tie a knot that slides to make rings and chains to form your shape.  The challenge to myself was could I form that knot with wire so it slides rather than kinks.  Took more time and patience than using thread but I was able to tat the earrings that are pictured along side one of my doilies.   The wire knot is looser than with thread so the results are a little lacier, but I am pleased. On this first try I stuck with three simple rings forming a cloverleaf.  I will have to try for a medallion using rings and chains next.