Settling In

We are in the process now of settling into our new home. It is going to take some time to get everything unpacked and paint a few rooms but we are very happy with the house and the neighborhood.

As soon as things get a little more settled and I have been able to unpack all of my beading/craft supplies, I will be back in the creating saddle again. I have many ideas and I can't wait to share them with you all!

Until then, here is a bit of random information:

*Did you know that the most commonly used seed bead size is 11/0. You would need about 21 beads to string an inch of 11/0 bead size.*

Moving Day!

Moving day is upon us and I just wanted to let everyone know that I will not be online until Tuesday May 26th.

Hopefully after we move and get settled, I'll have some new projects to share!

Cheers,
~Beka

Dying Pearls

Did you know you can dye your own pearls yourself? You can!

I found this article online about dying pearls today: How To Dye Pearls

Apparently, you can use either store bought dyes or household items to dye your pearls (real or fake). They say it's like dying your shoes to match your purse or dress. I never knew you could make a dye out of boiled golden delicious apple peels! I haven't tried this myself but I just may after we move and get settled.

Here is a table listed on the site linked above of the natural items you can make dyes from. It's rather interesting to see what all you can use!

Lavender	Small Quantity of Purple Grape Juice Violet Blossoms plus 2 tsp Lemon Juice
Violet Blue	Violet Blossoms Red Onions Skins (boiled)
Blue	Canned Blueberries Red Cabbage Leaves (boiled) Purple Grape Juice
Green	Spinach Leaves (boiled) Liquid Chlorophyll
Greenish Yellow	Golden Delicious Apple Peels (boiled)
Yellow	Orange or Lemon Peels (boiled) Carrot Tops (boiled) Celery Seed (boiled) Ground Cumin (boiled) Ground Turmeric (boiled)
Brown	Strong Coffee Instant Coffee Black Walnut Shells (boiled)
Orange	Yellow Onion Skins (boiled)
Pink	Beets Cranberries or Juice Raspberries Red Grape Juice Juice from Pickled Beets
Red	Lots of Red Onion Skins (boiled)

Check out the site for a list of instructions on how to create and administer the home made dyes.

New Necklace

I started this new necklace over the weekend and it has come together on it's own. I started with a base shape that looked like wings and wire wrapped glass black pearls along the edge. I found some black faceted teardrop beads at Michaels and used one of my leafy silver bead caps to give it a gothic/victorian feel. I'm not finished with it though and will be adding a few more touches to complete it.



Just a quick post today. There's still lots of packing left to do and I have to go to work soon!

Cheers!
~Beka

Current Projects and a State of Chaos

Well, we're down to 10 days before we move! There's still lots to pack up, including my art desk, the computer, and everything for my ETSY shop. It has been really busy trying to get everything together, sign paperwork and pack and it has left little time for artistic creation. I am hoping that after we move and settle, I can get back into the swing of things and build up my shop.

That being said, I have a current pic from my art desk (well, from a small portion of my art desk) of what I'm working on currently. I'm going to try to finish it before we move but because I have been so busy lately, I am not 100% sure that is going to be possible. But there's nothing wrong with trying now is there?



I really enjoy the mix of the deep, warm wood with green and silver metal. There's something about that combination that really speaks to me. It will be a necklace with a matching pair of earrings and I am thinking I will sell it as a set.

I have also completed a pair of nice drop earrings that I think would be lovely for the summer.



I bought the bead caps at a little bead store in Eugene, OR when we were visiting my husband's parents for Mother's day. If you ever happen to be in Eugene, OR and love to make jewelry, be sure to check out Harlequin Beads. They have a great selection and friendly sales associates! I love popping in there when we have some spare time and are in the area. If you do make it there, make sure to sign up on their mailing list. You will receive postcards with special deals almost every month and the one they send for your birthday includes a special bonus!

Happy day to you folks!

Cheers,
~Beka

First and Last Thursdays on Alberta Street

Just a quick note here...my sister suggested that I set up at Portland's Last Thursdays on Alberta Street. I did some research and it looks like it could be a lot of fun. My sister lives nearby and said she would be willing to help me out with my table. I'm giving it some serious thought and I think it would be a good idea to get me out into the artsy community.

Art on Alberta

Anyone have any other info or advice on Last Thursdays or anything like it? I'd really appreciate the inside views, suggestions, etc.

Just a short one for now...time to go work with the kiddies!

Cheers,
Beka

Latest Project On The Desk

Well, it looks like the commission is all complete! I just finished up the last item a couple days ago and decided to make some nice gift box bags to put them in so they are all ready to go. I came across a really cute idea from splitcoaststampers.com for a 2-5-7-10 box that is adorable so that's what I used for these.



I'm almost finished embellishing them. I want to add something to the stripe on the flap to match the stamp and I have a few ideas but I'm not sure what to do quite yet. I'll either do a flowing stamp in white or a seed bead design.

Etsy Promotions will be featuring many ETSYians on Myspace over the next few months and Enchanted By Beka was lucky enough to get on the list! Check it out HERE. If you are an ETSY shop owner, this would be a great way to get connected and do some promoting.

That's all for now folks. Time to clean up the house because the appraiser is coming over tomorrow morning. Almost there!

Cheers,
Beka