Laurabee Studios

Etsy Shop Sale!

2012-02-05T12:25:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in awhile and thought it was about time I did. I have two exciting things to share.

The first of the exciting news is that I only have about 6 weeks left until we welcome the birth of a new baby. I'm in the uncomfortable last months and finding naps are my best friend.

The second thing is that I'm having a 20% off sale in my Etsy shop, www.laurabeestudios.etsy.com. I'm going to try and list a few more things. We'll see how that goes considering the whole napping thing. The sale will run until the end of February or until the babe is born, whichever comes first. The coupon code to use at checkout is VALENTINE20.

Show Time

2011-09-16T07:32:00.001-04:00

I'll be in Doylestown, PA this weekend for a show.
It runs 10-5 both Saturday and Sunday.
I believe I'm booth number 147 on Hamilton Street.
I hope to see you there!

Irene

2011-08-26T15:36:00.000-04:00

Due to the weather, the Arts @ Hayfield show at Penn State Lehman Campus this Sunday has been cancelled.

Craft Show Cancelation

2011-08-13T02:29:00.000-04:00

I've been running a fever for the past two weeks and so, I will not be attending the Eagles Mere Arts and Crafts Festival. Apologies to my customers.

Just a Reminder

2011-07-15T12:27:00.000-04:00

A reminder that I'll be at the Audubon Art & Craft Show this Saturday and Sunday, 10-5.
It's in the air conditioned Wallenpaupack Intermediate and Middle School in Hawley, PA.
The admission is $5.00.

New Things

2011-07-07T10:59:00.000-04:00

I've started to list some new things in my etsy shop and will continue for the next couple of days.
I'm loving the new draft listing option. It makes it so much easier to list things!

I also wanted to thank my special customers for the best July 4th! I love Montrose and the show on the green there has the best heart! It has such a great old time, hometown, family feeling. It was worth getting up at 4 in the morning to experience such a feeling!

My next show will be in the Poconos at Lake Wallenpaupack Middle & North Intermediate School, July 16 & 17. It is the 26th Annual Audubon Arts Festival. I'm so excited to be part of this! I hope to see you there!

I changed the look of my blog, too. It's more me. I hope you like it!

Chocolate and Wine

2011-05-19T11:30:00.000-04:00

Mmmmm...chocolate and wine in one place.
I'll be at the Chocolate and Wine Festival, Chestnut Street, Montrose, PA this Saturday from 3-7.
The tickets are $20 at the gate to enjoy the festivities.
Hope to see you there!

MMMM...Blueberry Muffins

2011-02-25T11:45:00.000-05:00

The little guy is home from school again today. Instead of snow we have rain, rain, and more rain.
It's so dreary outside that I needed something cheerful and warming inside.

I decided to burn one of my Blueberry Muffin Tart Melts. My mom woke up thinking I was making blueberry pancakes for my son. I think she was secretly wishing I made blueberry pancakes so she could have some for breakfast.

As the morning progressed, my stomach started to growl I'm hungry. So, I broke down and made some Whole Wheat Blueberry Banana Muffins.
I'm a great procrastinator, too. Anything to lead me away from getting my book work done.

I'm really trying to cut out white flour from our diets so this recipe was perfect.

Whole Wheat Blueberry Banana Muffins

2 eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 black bananas, peeled and mashed
2 c whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup frozen blueberries

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Grease muffin tins (it made about 16 muffins)
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, oil, brown sugar, vanilla and bananas.
4. Combine the flour, baking soda and cinnamon.
5. Stir flour mixture into the banana mixture.
6. Stir in the blueberries.
7. Spoon batter into muffin tins.
8. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes or until muffin tops spring back when touched, Do not over bake or muffins will be dry.
9. Cool or if you're like me, remove from muffin tins and immediately take a big hot bite!

I found this recipe on food.com and adapted it a bit.
My son gobbled his up....ummm...I gobbled 2 hot muffins up as well. :)
This recipe gets a place in my recipe binder.

Speaking of whole wheat, I make my own pizza dough for our Friday pizza nights. I've been doing this for quite some time using bread flour. I'm going to be experimenting tonight.
Wish me luck that I make an edible dinner.
Enjoy your weekend!

Overwhelmed

2011-02-22T08:27:00.000-05:00

I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. My brain is chaotic and strained. Racing.
I'm really trying to get more organized. I am.

Getting bookwork done for the tax accountant, getting my show applications out, finding time to work on pieces, and then doing things for my everyday family life.

Agh! Calgon take me away.

Yep, this is my desk at the moment.

Embarrassing, yes.

Real, a double yes.

Snow Day

2011-02-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

We had a snow day today, so, my little guy is home. I thought we would go take a walk and enjoy the snowy wonderland. It started off fun and joyful.

We stopped and looked at the creek...beautiful.

Then it happened. Mr. Grumpy took over my little guy.

I did manage to take a few more pictures. If we walked a bit further, the hemlock trees bend over the road forming a tunnel. I've loved this since I was a child

It got really blustery!

We made it back to the house and Mr. Grumpy said goodbye after a hug and a cup of hot cocoa with a peppermint stick in it.

Have a good week and I hope Mr. Grumpy doesn't visit you next.

Sweet Pinks

2011-02-03T11:57:00.000-05:00

I really need to get working on some pieces, but I'm a great procrastinator. I'm gradually easing myself back into it and made this. It makes me think of warmer days to come, blooming flowers, gentle kisses and sugary treats.

Joy

2011-01-19T14:46:00.000-05:00

i've been watching the animals outside my studio window.

they seem so energetic and joyful. they were so quick i barely snapped these photos.
a simple worn word necklace inspired by them.

First Snow

2011-01-07T08:21:00.000-05:00

Before I get to work this morning on a special order, I want to show you outside my studio/office window. It's the first snow of the new year. I feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

Ralph Lauren

2010-12-13T17:59:00.001-05:00

Mmmmm......I love Ralph Lauren clothing. I can't afford it but I love it. This is from his Spring 2011 collection.

I love, love , love the look and the outfits. I'm thinking if I had them i would wear......this.

I've been really good this year. Maybe Santa will bring me some Ralph Lauren.

Lyme Disease

2010-11-06T11:27:00.000-04:00

About a month ago, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. This is the second time I've had it.
The first time was a little over a year after I gave birth to my son. At that time, I thought my aches and pains were just the strain of being a new mother. Then the pain and fatigue was too unrealistic and I suggested to my family physician to test me for Lyme.

Well, I started on my antibiotic last month. They kill my stomach, make me nauseous and if you're a female, I'm sure you know what else antibiotics do to our delicate systems. I'm also injecting myself with B12.

I feel worse now than I did before I was diagnosed.
I read in The Lyme Disease Solution by Kenneth Singleton (recommended by my Lyme doc) that this can be a build up of toxins from the dying bacteria that is causing the disease. Eeeeewwwww!

I feel like I've been struck down by a mighty force with extreme fatigue, joint aches, mental jumble, depression, chest pain.

I do get the basics done for my family, thank goodness. It's affecting my art work the most.
In the last three weeks, it's been really hard for me to get any work done for my shows. I have a show tomorrow and not a whole lot to show. Embarrassing.

I crave energy and mental clarity. I long for my health to return like it was before I was ever bit by one of those blood thirsty ticks.

My revenge on those nasty buggers is my new family of guinea hens. Mwwaaahahahaha! Take that you dirty ticks!

Under The Weather

2010-10-28T08:33:00.001-04:00

My son has been home sick for three days and now I have flu like symptoms. Needless to say, I haven't gotten much work done this week and I have a show this Saturday. I'm actually not sure I'll be going to the show feeling the way I do.
I did, however, in my feverish state manage to get my challenge piece done for the PCAGOE (polymer clay artists guild of etsy). The theme was called seasonal and I chose Thanksgiving. Here is what I did.

It's titled Thankful for Family. It's not in my normal style, but that is what I love about our challenges. It gives us a chance to experiment and sometimes work out of our comfort zones.

Busy As A Bee

2010-09-22T07:45:00.001-04:00

The Doylestown show was wonderful even though it rained on Sunday and I decided not to set up. It was great to see old customers and meet new ones. My husband and I even got to visit with some really beautiful friends that live in the area.
New Hope is my next show and I'm trying hard to get work done. I have a bit of a sinus/allergy problem this week and it makes me feel rotten.
Today, I'm going to Sea Hag Soaps & Art Mercantile to drop off some new work. If you live in the area and have never been to Sea Hag's you must go. It is so worth the trip there. Visit www.seahagsoaps.com to check it out.

A Very Hungry Caterpillar

2010-08-13T11:02:00.000-04:00

I had to share this little, big guy with you. He was hanging out at my brother's house munching on some maple leaves. He was as big as my thumb! Anyone know what he is going to turn into??

He is going to become one of the most beautiful moths I've ever seen, a luna moth.

Weekend Show

2010-08-12T08:30:00.005-04:00

Oh, dear. I haven't posted anything since May. I'm so bad at this blogging thing.
Anyway...I have a show this coming Saturday and Sunday. It's in the lovely town of Eagles Mere, PA. in beautiful Sullivan county.
Here are some pieces that I have made for the show. I hope to see you there!

New Venue

2010-05-20T09:22:00.004-04:00

Wow! It's been awhile since my last post. I think I dropped into hermit mode for a bit.
Sorry about that.
I have some good news to share with you all. I have been asked to be the primary jeweler for the Butternut Gallery in Montrose, PA. It's such a lovely little gallery. The last time I was there they had Akira Blount's work. She is an amazing figurative mixed media artist. The color scheme, materials and facial features add a peaceful and serene quality to her work. To see more please visit: www.akirastudios.com.
Since my last post, I have worked on some new beads. I call them my Worn Words. They have been antiqued and distressed to look like they have been loved and cherished for years. They are so lightweight because they have an aluminum core. I'm really liking them.

~Peonies

2010-02-05T09:23:00.005-05:00

So, I was on flickr the other day looking at flower photos, peonies to be exact. In the mix of beautiful photos of flowers were artists who were also inspired by them and each other. Let me show you what I mean.
The first photo is by Petal Sweet Cakes of LaJolla, California. She creates custom cakes and sugarpaste flowers. Her peony cake is magnificent! Take another look at her amazing talent at www.petalsweet.blogspot.com. This petite cake is actually a 1:12 miniature done in clay and inspired by the above cake! The talent comes from AiClay. Her flickr album left my mouth watering!! You can see more of her miniatures at www.aiclay.etsy.com and www.aiclay.blogspot.com.

~Toggles

2010-01-23T08:06:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share this artists polymer clay toggles with you. They are so scrumptious!!
The toggles have a lovely antique feel to them. I think they would look fantastic with oxidized brass or sterling silver.
The artists name is Laurel Steven. Check out her website at www.laurelsteven.etsy.com.

~Sick

2010-01-17T08:17:00.002-05:00

I have been sick for the past couple of weeks with a sinus/ear infection. It has left me dizzy and nauseous. Oh, not to mention the pounding headaches and grumpiness it brought on.
I went in search of some natural items to help relieve some of my agony. Being all out of my tiger balm to quell my headache, I had to look for it first.
I stumbled across www.Gypsee16.etsy.com. She makes her own tiger balm salve...plop...I put one in my cart. She also makes an ear oil...plop...oh, it has garlic in it so stand clear of me when I use it.
Now, I'm just waiting patiently in my grumpiness for my mail person to deliver them. I hate being sick. I feel useless. I don't care if I smell like garlic. I just want to feel better.

~Pretty Ribbon

2010-01-15T14:38:00.006-05:00

I adore ribbon! Whether I'm making french wire ribbon flowers, using it to string a pendant on or tying up a package, I love ribbon. Here is some very pretty dupioni silk ribbon from Ornamentea.com. I think I need some to string some pendants on or to make some frilly wristlets!

~Quote Today

2010-01-14T13:47:00.003-05:00

A dear, sweet friend sent me this quotation and I wanted to share it with you.

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

~Hearts, Hearts, Hearts

2010-01-03T08:50:00.004-05:00

Valentines Day is coming upon us, so I've been making lots of hearts lately.

I adore the heart shape. Two halves forming to be one.

I put some in my etsy shop and making more for a shop in Arkansas. If you noticed I changed my background for my photos. I was so bored with the gradient gray background.

My background for the hearts is an old 1884 Harpers Bazaar. I collect old books and papers and thought I would use some of them. I like it so much more.

I also finished up some viking knit. I was experimenting with different wire gauges for bracelets. I'll work on some faux river rocks today to hopefully bring everything together this week.

~Coming To A Close

2009-12-29T08:22:00.005-05:00

The holidays are coming to a close. They were very hard to endure this year. My father is no longer here to share them with us. He passed away on November 18th after a year long fight. In my eyes, there is no braver man than my father.

He always made us feel safe and loved. I've been consumed by sorrow but know he would not want it that way. So, I must get on with my work.

Yesterday, I started working on some wire weaving, knotless netting, or viking knitting, to incorporate into my jewelry. The repetitive motions make it very therapeutic for me.

Here is an example if you don't know what I'm talking about: OK. I can't get photos to post. Sorry. I'll try later.

Hearts are also on my list of things to make and post to my shops.

I'm also thinking seeds. Seed catalogs have been coming in the mail and I'm getting excited for Spring. Oh, how I love watching seeds burst through the soil. Life. Sometimes wicked, sometimes wonderful and always fleeting.

~Autumn Is Here

2009-10-09T10:46:00.003-04:00

I love this time of year. Everything starts to cool down. I need to dig out my comfy sweaters and woolly socks. The smell of apples is in the air....yummy...and the earth is exploding with color. It's all very inspiring. I've added some items to my 1000 Markets site that have been inspired by my muse, autumn. Go to http://www.laurabeestudios.1000markets.com/ to take a peek. 1000 Markets is such a wonderful site full of talented artists and craftsmen. I'm definitely going to be doing some holiday shopping there. I feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful group.

~Ring Winner

2009-09-15T09:18:00.002-04:00

I want to thank all who left comments. I put all the names in a hat and drew one........Msplumunique is the winner! Congratulations! I'll be contacting you soon.
I also want to thank all my wonderful customers from the Colorscape show this weekend. You rock!
I also want to thank all the people who run Colorscape. It is the BEST run show I've ever done....you guys really take care of us artists!
Now back to the studio to work on special orders and get ready for my next show in New Hope, PA.

~Challenge

2009-09-02T07:37:00.003-04:00

The Polymer Clay Artist Guild of Etsy is ready for voting on their September challenge. The challenge was a tough one I thought. A max of four colors were to be used and three were chosen for us: blue-green, blue-violet and yellow-orange. Yikes! What a color combo! The fourth color could be the color of our choice.

I entered the challenge this month with a ring. I'm going to be giving it away here on my blog. Just leave a comment to qualify and then I'll draw at random on the 15th of the month. I'll then post the winner so they can email me their mailing address. Oh, be sure to go to http://www.pcagoe.com/ to vote for your favorite piece, too.

~Monday

2009-08-31T09:10:00.002-04:00

What a great morning! The weather is cool and beautiful....not hot and sticky. I've come to learn my work has been featured on a blog...http://milliedeel.blogspot.com/2009/08/etsy-finds-autumnal-inspired-jewelry.html...thank you, Jennifer! And I had a great show yesterday....thank you to all my customers! Now to unpack my van, play with my son and enjoy the day!

~Abundance

2009-08-20T09:43:00.003-04:00

My garden is overflowing. I have been baking goodies and making soup for the freezer this week. Carrots and zucchini have been my main ingredients. My mom's friend gave her a recipe for zucchini bars yesterday and I had to try it. I would call it a mock apple bar and is it yummy....not low in fat...but yummy. Here's the recipe:

8 cups of zucchini peeled, seeded and cut into small dices

Cook in 2/3 cup of lemon juice until tender.

Add 1 cup of sugar, mix and cook another 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and add

1 tsp. cinnamon - I recommend a bit more

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 cup crumb mixture(crumb mixture will act as a thickener)

Crumb mixture:

4 cups of flour

2 cups of sugar

3 sticks of butter

Cut in butter until crumbs form and press half of it into a greased pan.

Spread cooked zucchini on top of crumb mixture and layer the rest of the crumbs on top of zucchini.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until done.

My little one was very eager to try it.

I think I'm going to try and freeze the remainder that is left in the pan. It's too tempting.

~Buzzing Of The Bees

2009-08-15T16:28:00.007-04:00

I just made a tray full of bees for my booth display. I use them on the top of my necklace forms to hold my earring cards. I also wanted to put some on my booth mirror and my sign. It never fails though...at least one person at every art festival I go to wants to buy them. I still haven't made any to sell to customers. I think I'll make magnets with them when I do....I just can't see them as jewelry...I think they're a little too rustic for that. I also just listed some faux river rock earrings and a necklace over at my 1000 Markets shop. Go to http://www.laurabeestudios.1000markets.com/ to take a peek. I also listed an autumn inspired necklace and earrings in my etsy shop. My goal for the rest of the year is to list more in my shops. So, take a trip and browse around often.

~Working In Reverse

2009-07-08T05:23:00.004-04:00

My process in making a piece of jewelry usually starts with one of my polymer clay beads and then includes seeking out stones to compliment. I've recently tried something new. I started with the gemstone beads for inspiration and worked in reverse.

I had these beautiful ruby crazy lace agate puff coin beads and pearls from Lima Beads for awhile and wanted to incorporate them into a piece. I put them on my work table to gaze at and then got the clay out. It was such a fun process. Here is what I made:This necklace is 16" of lovely ruby crazy lace agate, clusters of pearls, Swarovski crystals and one of my polymer clay beads. A vermeil clasp and spacer beads and 14K gold-filled headpins warmly enrich the piece.

So, what is your process? If you feel yourself needing to expand your designs or just want to try something new...try working in reverse.

~A Little Bit About Me And My Work

2009-06-17T09:28:00.007-04:00

I thought I would share a little bit about myself amd my work with you. My name is Laura. I'm from a small town in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I'm married and the mother to a very entertaining 4 year old boy. We have a big dog, a big garden, and I'm hoping chickens soon. I'm a wannabe farmer.....I like to know where my food comes from. This is just a portion of my garden....and my little helper.I went to school to study art and earned a BFA, concentrating in fibers. My favorite mediums to work in are polymer clay and wire. My study with fiber greatly influenced my work as a polymer clay artist. The glass bead work I was doing before my polymer clay work influenced the technique I use in polymer. I think of it as an applied embroidery technique. My beads and jewelry are little pieces of art to wear. They are little tokens of beauty that relay their energy to the wearer....or that's my hope. I want the wearer to feel feminine, beautiful and confident.

~New Shop

2009-06-09T09:55:00.004-04:00

Well, the show at Elkins Park was wonderful. Thank you to all my lovely customers!

I just opened up a new shop at 1000 Markets. My address is http://www.laurabeestudios.1000markets.com/ . I really like the look and feel of 1000 Markets. Go check it out and let me know what you think.

I'm hoping to post some new items to both of my shops in the next week...faux rocks and such.

So keep your eyes open.

These two items are in my shop over at 1000 Markets.

~Getting Ready

2009-06-04T14:33:00.008-04:00

I have a show coming up this Sunday in Elkins Park, PA. I've never done this show before so I don't know what to expect. Well, I thought I would give you a peek at what I'll bring.

Some faux beach rock jewelry

Some faux river rock jewelry

Some antiqued brass jewelry

I hope the weather is agreeable. In the case of severe weather they are postponing the show until the following Sunday. I hope to see you there!

~Tickled

2009-05-01T08:19:00.002-04:00

I was so tickled yesterday to find out that I was the featured artist on the Polymer Clay Chameleon blog. It's a great blog about all things polymer. If you get a moment, check it out at www.PolymerClayChameleon.blogspot.com. Have a peaceful weekend!

~New Things

2009-04-25T10:56:00.004-04:00

I finally got around to adding more things to my etsy shop. It takes me forever to list one item due to the fact that I still have dial-up. :) Here's a peek:

These are the two necklaces that I added. I also have matching earrings for them in my shop.

I'm now headed outside. It is such a beautiful day today!!

~Faux Challenge

2009-04-01T10:34:00.011-04:00

This months challenge theme was faux anything. I rushed around at the last minute to finish the piece I was working on only to find out that I had missed the deadline. I really need to be in better contact with my guild! I'm terrible at organizing my time. Anyway....it's time to vote for your favorite and possibly win some PRIZES! Voting is open from April 1-7.
Here is the link to vote: http://pcagoe.com/2009/04/01/i-cant-believe-its-not-vote-here/

Here is a peek at some of my faux things.

This is the faux turquoise necklace that I was going to enter into the challenge.

This is a faux river rock bracelet that I did with oxidized handwoven viking knitting.

This is a faux river rock necklace with oxidized handwoven viking knitting. I'll have more on viking knitting in the near future!

~Recycled

2009-03-24T09:23:00.006-04:00

I'm amazed at artists that make beautiful jewelry from recycled things. I had a craft show this past Saturday and was across from such an artist. This is one of her bracelets that I just adore.I could kick myself for not purchasing it. Anyway, I'm sure our paths will cross again. Her jewelry is quite fun .....have a looksie....www.ArtworkbyKD.etsy.com.

~Cane Challenge

2009-02-27T12:51:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I made an ikat cane to use for the pcagoe challenge. I enjoyed making it ....I made another in blue and a swirl ikat in yellow.

Now... what to do with them??? Anyway, this week I also made a slab cane of faux ivory.. I love faux ivory and have used it many times in my work. It has a quiteness to it. Antiqued it brings out a more rustic quality that the cowgirl in me likes. This is what I will be submitting to the pcagoe canework challenge....

faux ivory caned beads, faceted smokey quartz, chrysoprase nuggets, vermeil and 14k gold-filled. Have a good weekend and don't forget to vote for your favorite work at www.pcagoe.com starting March first.

~Loving Home

2009-02-25T08:44:00.004-05:00

I had to share a picture of this necklace with you. It is one of my favorite pieces that I did last year and it just found a loving home. The lady who purchased it along with matching earrings watches my son when I need to go be with my father. She is such a kind and loving soul. My son adores her, too.
Today, I'm going to try to work on a piece for the PCAGOE challenge. The challenge is canes. Although I do not mainly work with canes in my work, I do like to experiment and love challenges. I have been working on some faux ivory pieces which involve slab canes but I really love the look of ikat canes. Having concentrated in fiber arts in college, ikat appeals to me. So, I will see what the day brings.

~Into The Flow

2009-02-20T22:38:00.005-05:00

I've been trying to get back into the creative energy flow. It's been hard since my father's illness. I'm overwhelmed with exhaustion and sadness.
I thought I would try to ease my way into the flow with one of my favorite processes and recipes...faux turquoise. I do like the real thing but, faux it is so much more fun.
Cold, happy little bits of clay jumping around in my food processor...I love it! I stayed away from the soothing blue-greens of traditional turquoise and opted for my favorite color...yellow. What a joyful color! If I could be any color this is what I would be.
I formed the beads gently trying not to undo the channels for the matrix and baked them for about 15 minutes. I mixed a little brown, black and gold together to make the matrix color. When the beads cooled, I smushed the brown mixture into the channels...I got a blister on my thumb doing this, like always...and wiped off the extra clay with baby wipes. Bake again and sand, sand, sand.....buff, buff, buff. Merry nuggets of faux yellow turquoise!

This is the necklace I made with my merry nuggets and a focal bead from the matrix color and the yellow. I strung them with glass seed beads and added a large vintage button for a toggle clasp.
Now tell me, what color would you or your faux turquoise be??

My Father

2009-01-11T09:38:00.004-05:00

My father is the bravest, strongest and kindest man I know. He has been in the hospital fighting for his life since December 4th. He is still fighting and has good days and some bad days. He is an amazing man.

My creating has been put on hold and I dearly miss it. I have been helping my brother, who owns and runs a logging business with my father, a couple days a week. It leaves me exhausted and quite aware that I'm getting older.

I'm hoping to reopen my etsy shop soon and would like to post some new things. So, please stay tuned.

I want to thank everyone who is and who has prayed for my father. The power of prayer and positive thinking is amazing!

Laura

~Mommy's Little Helper~

2008-10-29T10:07:00.012-04:00

My son loves to help me clay. His favorite thing is running the pasta machine. Here he is with his gloves on. He's all ready to go! Right now, I need all the help I can get. I have four more shows till the end of the year and four stores to stock. Oh, I almost forgot about etsy. Etsy, too, must be stocked. Etsy is always the last on my list. Oh, dear, I think I need to clone myself! Here are a few things I worked on in the past couple of months.
This pendant has 6 little birds around the outside of a bead and one bird at top

This brooch has a ruffle of very thin polymer clay on the outside

of the base bead. It looks like

leather in real life.
Customers have been requesting hearts. Here is one of them.
This Sunday, the 2nd, I will be at Arts At Hayfield. It's at the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Lehman Campus from 10-4. Hope to see you there!

New Hope Outdoor Arts & Crafts Festival

2008-09-25T23:24:00.004-04:00

This weekend I will be participating in this lovely event. Saturday it runs 10-6 and Sunday 10-5. It is rain or shine and the admission is free to the public. If you have never been to New Hope, it is in beautiful Bucks County along the banks of the Delaware River. It's a quant and adorable little town....with flair.

If you get a chance, stop by and say hello......plus you'll get to see all my goodies I've been working on. Hope to see you there!

~Thank You~

2008-09-15T22:01:00.002-04:00

I tied with another jewelry designer in the Vintaj August Summer Nights Challenge. Thank you to all the wonderful people who voted for me.
I received my prize sample packs in the mail the other day and I'm inspired to create more with Vintaj.

Texture

2008-09-01T11:50:00.005-04:00

Texture is the theme for the PCAGOE, polymer clay artist guild of etsy, September challenge.

Just look at these great works! Everyone did a wonderful job! You can go to http://www.pcagoe.com/ and vote for your favorite piece. Don't forget, when you vote you are in the drawing to win some lovely prizes. Voting ends midnight September 3.

My texture challenge piece, Climbing Vine, is now posted on etsy. Go to http://www.laurabeestudios.etsy.com/ to see.

Heart In Hand

2008-09-01T09:56:00.006-04:00

When I'm at shows, I'm often asked to make something as a special order. It usually doesn't stray away from one of my designs in a different color or adding something here and there.

A couple of monthes ago, I was at a show and a woman took notice of my ring display which I made quite a few years ago from paper mache.

It's a heart in hand.

She asked if I had any heart in hands pendant size. I didn't. Her request kept coming back to me. I thought first of doing just a cookie cutter type approach, but I like a challenge. I ended up sculpting my first hands. Here is my fourth attempt.

Back From The Show

2008-08-24T20:51:00.002-04:00

I have such wonderful customers! Thank you!
My Shooting Star bracelet found a new home, too!

Summer Nights

2008-08-23T19:30:00.006-04:00

I love Vintaj brass. The look, the feel reminds me of antiquities that might have been found in a Great Grandparents' attic. The quality is beautiful.
I think I'm starting an affair with Vintaj brass!
Summer Nights is the theme of a design challenge Vintaj is hosting. This is my entry. It's titled Shooting Stars.

Along with the Vintaj, I have added glass seed beads and one of my polymer clay beads in the spiral design.
If you get a chance go over to www.vintaj.com/wpblog/ and vote for you favorite entry.
Take a peek at all the lovelies at http://www.vintaj.com/ , also. You, too, might be tempted to start a romance with Vintaj brass.
If you would like to see this bracelet in person, stop by my booth at the Penn State Lehman Summer Festival this Sunday.

It's Show Time

2008-06-22T17:24:00.003-04:00

I've discovered I'm reaallly bad at blogging. It's been awhile and I've been preparing for shows (and gardening). I had a show this past Saturday in my hometown. It's just a nice show for an adorable town. My next show is in another great town, Montrose, PA. It's on Friday, July 4th starting at 8:00 AM. Hope to see you there.

PCAGOE May Challenge

2008-05-01T09:19:00.004-04:00

I belong to a wonderful group called the Polymer Clay Artists Guild Of Etsy and every month we have a challenge. The theme for this months challenge is Florals. This is my entry. If you go to http://www.pcagoe.com/ you can vote for your favorite. You will then be entered to win a prize and who doesn't love prizes! You can vote May 1st at noon to May 3rd at midnight.

If you like an artists piece so much and you just have to have it, I think most of the artists post their work for sale on their etsy shop. So, check it out.

Get Along Little Bloggy

2008-04-16T20:54:00.005-04:00

I finished this bracelet the other day. Each bead has a different design on it. It's a little more funky than I usually make. It's going to a shop along with some other things when I get them made. The shop is called Sea Hag Soaps & Art Merchantile. It's and old restored barn in a quaint setting. Very interesting place if you're in the Brackney, PA area. The owner has a spring show the first weekend in May with music, food, chickens, etc. Yes, chickens. Check it out here also: www.seahagsoaps.com

Anyway, off to finish those other things.