Monday, Monday

Wow, we started the "work week" on a very rainy note!  I was out in the wet lab this morning, and between the rain and the wind, it was very noisy in there.  I actually like those sounds - it brings back some nice memories of college camping trips in New Hampshire and vacation camping trips in Oregon.  When you're sitting in a small tent, the sound of the rain can be almost overwhelming!

Speaking of the wet lab, my January journal vessel is dry and waiting for its coat of beads.  I made a run to my local bead store yesterday to get the few colors I was missing, and stocked up on some bugle beads while I was there.  I've been patronizing this place for many years now - actually, since 1996 - and I always enjoy spending time there visiting with Joanie, the owner.  I mean, how could anyone NOT have a good time in a place called The Bead Asylum?

Here's my little January, just before I felted it.

And here, it's ready for some fancy clothes.

Last night I decided to make another small vessel.  This was not on my list of must-do projects, but I couldn't help myself.  I came across a small leaf bead that I made a few years ago that had gone into a jewelry project with 2 other matching leaves and a flower made by my buddy Nanette.  I had taken the finished piece to BAGI where I teach bead making classes.  One of the other instructors picked up the cord it was hanging on, thinking the clasp was closed, and the piece slid off the cord and onto the concrete floor.  The flower and one leaf broke, and I've had the other 2 leaves hanging around just waiting to be placed into another project.  I decided that one of those leaves had to go on a vessel, so now the vessel is drying.  I think this one will probably go into my Etsy shop.

The leaf...

And the vessel (bad lighting, bad picture - but will have a dynamite picture when it's finished)...

When I came in from the wet lab yesterday, Peanut was hanging out in my TV-watching chair.  She was probably attracted to the book I had on the arm of the chair - I sure don't blame her! "Masters: Beadweaving: Major Works by Leading Artists" is chock full of wonderful eye candy and inspiration!

Gosh, if only Peanut had thumbs...

And now I'm off to start beading my January vessel.  Have yourselves a happy and creative day!