Big Finds at the Bead Show

Last weekend I went down to sunny AZ (oh, it was beautiful!) to visit family and go to the International Gem and Bead Show in Tucson. It was awesome, as always. I spent all of Friday with my mom and two sisters perusing isle after isle of beads and gems. I make most of my bead purchases for the year at this show. There are thousands of booths literally piled high with strands of beads and gems. It's somewhat mind boggling. Here are pictures of some of my purchases:

(clockwise from the top left: dyed jade, dyed jade, opal, chalcedony, rose quartz)

(clockwise from the top left: dyed jade, dyed jade, pink peruvian opal)

(left to right: garnet, carnelian, citrine, apatite, moonstone, black garnet)

One of the purchases I'm most excited about was actually not beads, and was my least expensive purchase....

A neck!

I've re-taken pictures of the three necklaces I have for sale in my etsy shop because they look so much better hanging on the neck. What do you think?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Picture found here.

Do you think this is from the Ready-To-Wear Collection?

Found here

You've Been Caught!

Today, at my real job, we had vendor bring in some tastey chocolate truffles. So tastey, in fact, that I decided to check out the company's website, and this is the homepage.

What expression do you think they were going for with that woman's face? Surprize? Excitement? Enjoyment? Cuz it's not exactly appatizing...

My Homeboy

I just bought a computer for this man.

Won't You Be Mine?

If you don't have plans for Valentine's Day, here's an idea. Brian and I will be going to the opening reception for a new exhibition at the BYU Museum of Art, "Masterworks of Victorian Art". Admission is free, and there will be refreshments and music*. We actually went to the MOA for Valentine's last year, too. We went to a lecture by one of my favorite religion teachers, where he talked about "Charity, the Pure Love of Christ". Good talk.

*Brian actually was part of the live music at another BYU Museum opening reception, for "Disenchanted Forest; Contemporary Art by Johnston Foster". Didn't I mention he was a rock star? It was a pretty interesting exhibit. Foster creates found object, anamatronic sculpture. One of those things that you have to see in person. And to go along with Foster's playful artwork, refreshments were gummy worms, oreos, PB&J sandwiches, M&M's, you get the idea, and of course, the musical stylings of the now defunct, Nolens Volens.

Sweet Tee's

I'm wishing some of these Tee's DesignMom posted about came in adult sizes. I especially think my rock star husband would dig this banjo playing gorilla.

The Little Zoo

Jordan posted a link to a flickr group called "The Little Zoo", but it turns out e.soule also has an etsy shop where they sell photographs and cards. Check out the nifty pictures here.

Weekend Projects

Well, this was my project from last weekend.

My old purse had started to fall apart. Literally. I caught the strap on a door knob and ripped it right out. But it had a good long run, and is now in the drawer that holds old purses I've made and no longer use (yeah, I have a drawer for that). The fabric is Moda.

I also had an idea for a new pair of earrings.

Once again, I've forgotten the name of the green stone (I'm going to be better about that from now on though!), but the stones dangling from the bottom are faceted moonstone. What do you think?

Lunch Time

I'm about half and hour away from lunch and Elise's recipe is making me hungry! Potato Skins, anyone?

Also, this idea is awesome/hilarious.

I'm gonna have to make a BLT just so I can try that!

Okay, now I need to stop looking at food.

Beauties from Blogland

Well, I hope you all had a nice holiday weekend. I know I did! Friday night I tried to replicate the recipe for PF Changs Shrimp with Candied Walnuts (seriously, get it the next time you go, it will change your life). It turned out pretty good, but the recipe still needs some tweaking. I'll post it here when it's perfected.
Brian had to work Monday so I kept myself occupied with a sewing project and new jewelry(which I'll post about later).
And Jordan, I mailed your earrings yesterday, so keep an eye out for them!
For now, here are some pretty things from the Blogosphere.

Pretty Cards and Gift Wrap from Julia Rothman

found via design*sponge


This cool kitchen make-over

found via design*sponge

These fun Valentine's Cards

Both Found via Oh Happy Day

And the Winner is...

Well, after a weeks worth of comments, I collected the names of all interested parties in a red cereal bowl, and had my husband draw a name. The winner is (drum roll, please)...Jordan who said:

"I am a friend of Karla's and am so happy that she linked to your site. I love your creations! They are all so beautiful!"

Congratulations Jordan! Please send me an email [angelajewell(at)gmail(dot)com] letting me know if you want the pair with topaz or pearls, and your address so I can send them to you. And remember, if you didn't win them, you can always go to the shop and buy them! :)

I also wanted to say thanks to everyone who commented. You have no idea how much every word made me smile. And a special thanks to those of you who posted about me on your own sites. You are all so kind. And I'm thinking of making the earring give-away a more regular occurrence, so be sure to come back regularly!