Thursday, March 29, 2012

25 Beads


Yes, I know those are not beads. They are charms. Oh wait there are two beads sitting there off to the right. I have been in the studio. I have been working hard for 3 days straight. I made stuff - a lot of stuff. To be exact I made 25 beads, 53 charms, 10 pendants, 20 bead caps, and most likely some other things that I can't remember right now. All bronze, about 300 grams worth. I'm pretty sure that's a personal record. There are a bunch of new things too. I'm feeling rather pleased with myself. It's been a while since I was up to getting out there and spending time in the studio and it feels good.


These are boo boo beads. It has been so long since I made anything that I forgot my sizing and made the first parts too big. So I dug through my molds and made them into big focal beads that I wasn't sure about. But this morning I liked them. I can see them in bracelets which isn't unusual because I always see things in bracelets. I made some other boo boo beads that I actually thought first of in necklaces. But you can't see those. Sorry. They are experimental and I haven't quite got things worked out yet. I'll show you someday. Promise. Unless these boo boos turn out really ugly. Then I will just keep them to myself and pretend they never happened.


There are stacks and stacks of bronze pieces. Some waiting to be finished this morning. Some in the kiln, some in the tumbler. It's a bee hive of activity here. Which feels a lot better than sitting in a recliner watching television during the day. Toddlers and Tiaras .... I hang my head in shame. It's my daughters fault. When she was here she put on an episode for the amusement value as I was feeling pain and not at all amused with myself or anything else. It was like watching a train wreck. I really couldn't take my eyes off of it. But I am cured now.

And, drum roll, please....There will be an Etsy shop update soon. There will be lots of stuff. The wrens, nests, and bunnies will be back. Pretty much everything I have ever made in bronze and some new designs too.  Sorry, no ceramics. I am just not able to heft bags of clay yet or turn the seriously tough crank on the slab roller because it needs greased. Soon though. I'm thinking I will break my no internet on Sunday self imposed rule and do this Sunday afternoon. I'll let you know, OK? I'll post details here and on Facebook.



I just have to show you what I wake up to outside my bedroom window every morning right now. It is a  dogwood in full glorious bloom. It is stunningly beautiful and takes my breath away. It is a ginormous tree. I have never seen so many really huge dogwoods as the ones we have here. And I am not even in Texas where everything is bigger. I anticipate seeing some dogwood inspired designs in the future. I do love this tree.


Just before I go I wanted to show you one more thing that in a bizarre and probably twisted way makes me smile. My flamingoes tucked themselves into an embrace during the storms last weekend. It's like some kind of weird Dia de los Muertes installation in my garden. They just tickle me pink and are staying that way until they decide to pose themselves in some other way. BTW, my neighbor, nice man that he is, does not understand these flamingos.

But seriously, it feels so good to have turned this corner after surgery. I feel great and I am ready for the next step of treatment. I almost feel invincible. OK maybe not invincible but I do feel strong.

21 comments:

Laura Twiford said...

LeAnn, reading this post does my heart good! You sound strong and happier and well on your way to a full recovery! I think i's funny about the flamingos and your neighbor. I have always wanted a bottle tree in my yard but my North Carolinian, non artist husband cringes everytime I mention it! =) BTW, the bronze pieces are wonderful! You go girl!

adlinah said...

So glad to hear you're feeling well and strong. May you get stronger each day. Loving the bronze charms, and can't wait to check out your Etsy updates. Keep well.

Joan Tucker said...

sending lots of support for feeling strong; the bronze pieces are great.

Zoe Nelson said...

I'm so glad you're feeling good and that you've taken advantage of the good vibes. That's quite a load of stuff you made! I love the flamingoes and I understand them completely.

TesoriTrovati said...

Those are the best flamingoes I have ever seen! I love that you are in a bead making frenzy... I know that lots of good is coming! I can't wait to see it all! I am already oohing and aahing! And your booboos are my fave. I love those little things and they would be great. I see them in a wrap style bracelet. (I am thinking bracelets a lot right now which is odd because I rarely make them). Enjoy the beauty of the day, Miss LeAnn!
Hugs to you!
Erin

mairedodd said...

i am grinning from ear to ear... what a beautiful post - so filled with excitement and images of your handiwork... boo boos like those are good ones!
i love these flamingoes - they are just the best! :0)
looking forward to seeing the shop update...
right now, there are bradford pears in bloom all over - and where there are many trees together it looks as if there has been a blizzard - it's gorgeous... your dogwood is lovely...

Marie Cramp said...

Sounds like you are doing well! So happy to hear that! I can't wait to see your shop fill up with goodies! Enjoy the rest of your week!

steufel said...

Oh LeAnn, thanls for this post! Sitting here smiling and feeling good because you sound so happy! And I looooove the flamingoes. That is totally my sense of humor! And can't wait to see all your new stuff!

P.S. I know what you mean about the bracelets...

Silver Parrot said...

Glad to hear you feeling better...and don't worry about the T&T show...we all have our "guilty pleasure" TV show addiction ;-) Can't wait to see the new goodies arrive in your Etsy shop!

Vintajia Adornments said...

Good grief you make me feel worn out with your creative frenzy. Go you good thing! Delighted that you are recovering and the creative juices are flowing so strongly. Today - bronze tomorrow the earth.

Nena said...

Love the flamingoes, what a brilliant idea. I guess that makes you a brilliant person:) Glad to hear you are doing well.

LLYYNN - Lynn Davis said...

You made me laugh with the flamingos. Now, in Texas, they would understand them, I'm sure (you know I'm a native Texan, right?) and there'd be no need to explain anything.

I'm thrilled you are creating again. And I like the term "Boo Boo Beads." I call my not-so-happy accidents "NOPERS" because, NOPE, they didn't turn out.

Hope my silly post made you smile.
Hugs,
Lynn

Cindy said...

LeAnn, your creative burst is impressive! Just look at all of the new goodies! And I can only imagine the time it takes to up date your shop with all of those pieces....
So good to see your latest creations (and those flamingos with a mind of their own!).

DeborahRead.com said...

Marvellous just Marvellous
Love the charms
Good to see you working again

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

The besg blog post I have read today! So nice to know you ate felling better! Continuing to keep you in my prayers and sending you healing thoughts! Your work, as usual, is beautiful!

sharon said...

It is so great to here the positivity in your voice....I am thrilled and so happy for you! I think of you all the time and continue to send healing thoughts LeAnn...

windrock studio said...

Hey LeAnn, I love each and every one of your beads and charms! even the boo boos, all perfect. And I thank you so much for sharing your beautiful dogwood tree, I miss them so much this time of the year.
Keep having fun and being creative and getting back in the groove.

stregata said...

this post really warmed the barnacles of my heart... (yes, I know the saying goes differently, but my heart doesn't have cockles and I was thinking about your 'sea things'...) it is good to hear you feeling so full of energy and creativity. I know fabulous things are coming out of your heart and into the world, via your studio.
And those flamingos - you know, somehow they make me think of Australian aboriginal art...

SueBeads said...

I'm so happy for you that you are feeling well and getting back to work! Doesn't it feel good? To create and feel happy! I'm thinking of you and the next step, but I know you'll get through it!

Barb Fernald said...

LeAnn, you sound good. Nothing like productivity to help you feel on top of things! It's so nice to see all the signs of spring around you, I wish we had dogwoods where we are in Maine.
Thinking of you.

lunedreams said...

What great timing, to be undergoing this healing process during spring! It is good for the mind and body.

You seem peacefully focused on extracting all the wisdom, new perspectives and beauty in the current passage you are going through. This is always our task, at every turn! May these new perspectives bring you even more energy and joy...

You inspire me to keep my head on straight!