Good Luck Charm

This was the first year I became an "active" Notre Dame football fan, i.e. actually watching the games all season rather then just asking someone if they won or lost the next day. I'd like to think my sideline participation from the couch had something to do with their incredible season, but credit can only really be given to the talent, hard work and passion of the players and coaching staff. Let's hope the luck of the Irish continues tonight as they kick off against Alabama in BCS National Championship game in Miami.

I made a quick "lucky" charm bracelet with emerald aventurine beads and gold four leaf clovers to wear while I cheer on the Fighting Irish.

Emerald is a big Pantone trend color for 2013, so the Fighting Irish uniforms are right in style!

Possibly the biggest Notre Dame fan--maybe even trumping my dad and brother who are actually attending tonight's game--is Gracie.

She's been bleeding blue and gold all season:

They probably don't need it, but good luck Notre Dame! We'll be watching!

Let it Bead,


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Focusing on Life - Week One

Sally over at The Studio Sublime has created a "photo a week" submission entitled Focusing on Life. Given I received a new DSLR camera for Christmas this year, I decided to join her and others and submit a photo a week chronicling the 52 weeks of the new year.

Focusing on Life - Week One: Self Portrait

This picture was taken while getting ready for my friend's wedding. It was one of those photos that I had no idea I'd taken until I was looking through all the wedding photos the next day, and it thoroughly surprised me. I chose this picture for my self portrait because it captured an enthusiasm for life I sometimes doubt. The photo also showcases a recent pair of earrings I made that you can see in technicolor here.

Let it Bead,



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Blushing Bridesmaids

My friend got married the weekend before Christmas and I was one of her bridesmaids. I was so excited to be a part of her special day and the wedding was lovely. It was the perfect precursor to Christmas--with the hustle and bustle of getting ready, the snowflakes flurrying through the sky as we made our way into the mansion where the ceremony and reception were to be held, and the warmth and beauty of the charming Christmas decor at every turn.

My gift to the bride was making her wedding jewelry and the jewelry for the three bridesmaids. For the bridesmaids, I made each a bracelet and pair of earrings.

I made beaded bracelets adapted from Csilla Csirmaz's Petite Pearls Toggle bracelets originally published in Beadwork magazine.

I choose dark raspberry pearls and satin ruby Swarovski crystals to match the wine colored fabric of our dresses. Since our shoes were silver, sterling beads and findings accented the bracelets and earrings.

One truly blushing bridesmaid!

Let it Bead,


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