I know I am late to jump on the metal stamping bandwagon, however I could not resist the class offered at the Beadin Path (www.beadinpath.com) in Freeport Maine.  The class was taught by the lovely and talented Elisa Sullivan of Swirls Jewelry (www.swirlsjewelry.com). 

  The 3 hour class went by so fast but I managed to make the stamped pieces in the first picture.  I was already thinking in my head how I could use this process with my beads.  Two important things I learned are to wear ear protection and be ready to whack a finger or two!

  Unlike Elisa who had a nice collection of metal stamps for us to use I had to make do with the limited selection of metal stamps I already owned when I got home.  The second photo is my results from my second attempt but using my tiny beads.  Did I say this is fun!!  I am heading to the torch to make tiny little treasures……..

Took the kayaks out to the islands to admire the surf from Hurricane Bill and snapped this photo of my daughter Kate in front of Goat Island Light in Cape Porpoise Harbor.   The waves were just awsome and there were people on the light house deck and I can only imagine what their view as like.  Hope you are enjoying your summer!

The past couple of weeks here in Maine have been damp and cool.  We finally have some sun and warm temps and I can hopefully get the rest of my flowers planted.  I found this beautiful butterfly visiting my phlox that is waiting to be planted. 

 My trip to Bead & Button was great.  Easy driving made even better with an EZ Pass to zip through the tolls.  Had a wonderful show, had some wonderful food and it was great to see and talk to all my customers old and new. I was able to get on the show floor to shop briefly and could not believe the array of goodies to be had.  I was quickly overwhelmed but managed to pick up some pewter frames to try my hand at some resin casting.  I have no idea of what I am going to put in them but now have all the supplies to try it out.  I also rented a DVD from www.smartflix.com  on resin so I will give it a go after I watch it.

Where have I been?  Why don't I have new beads up??  The story is I am getting ready for the Bead & Button Show which is fast approaching and it is a huge task.  This year for the first time I will be driving out to the show with fellow beadmaker and friend Nancy Tobey www.nancytobey.com.  This will be my first road trip in a very long time.  By driving I am hoping to cut out a significant amount of set up time and bypass having pack and ship everything and cross my fingers it gets there and back. 

I have finished my treatment for Lyme disease and feel fine.  I have since kept out of the woods but on my trips to the mail box I see deer tracks in the sand so I know the threat of it happening again are very real.

Happy Spring!

 On another note I have been extremely sick this week (no not the swine flu thankfully) and after a trip to my doctor she is treating me for Lyme disease. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease  I was out clearing some brush so I could see to pull out of my driveway and the little buggers must have hitched a ride then.  Ticks are common here and I was aware when I found them on me two days later to watch and see if I had any symptoms. The rest is history.  I am feeling better every day and am going to go to the class and get my mind off the events of the past week.  Enjoy your weekend!!! 

Snow again today.  Chloe my little furry shadow had some fun!

I have found YouTube to be full of "how to" videos that have useful information.  This video inspired the picture with all the rings. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6F_H06PhBU&feature=channel

The ring in the front with the silver swirl is ring design they showed in the YouTube video. I tried making my own design like my bracelets and its ok.  I tried different types and sizes of wire, shape of bead etc. but have not had any consistent success on sizes.  It’s a hoot to hear their English accent and the rings work up quickly and are fun to wear. 

 I woke up this morning to your typical foggy Maine day.  Feeling restless, my 16 year old daughter Kate and I decided to take a road trip to the bead store in Freeport called The Beadin Path (www.beadinpath.com) .  I had received an email for the Beadsmith Round Your Wire tool that can be used to smooth the ends of ear wires you make yourself.  Enjoyed browsing the bead store and bought my new tool and a few other little goodies.  Pretty lame excuse to drive 50 minutes so we decided we had to hit our favorite Freeport restaurant the Corsican (www.corsicanrestaurant.com) for some clam chowder and a crab salad and look around the town. For those who don't know Freeport has LL Bean and outlets galore. 

New England in fall is really beautiful and I snapped this picture out my studio window.  Brianne (my wonderful assistant) and I have been working hard at adding things to the shopping site.  I have to thank Beverly, Tina, and Caye for making the first weeks a wonderful success!