New for Fall 2013, Forest Animals

Halloween Already?

August is my favorite month. Here in Maine most of the evil biting insects are gone by August but it's still fully summer. There are wild blueberries and gorgeous sunsets and fresh food aplenty in the garden. There are chanterelles (a wild mushroom that tastes better than lobster or bacon) to be found in the woods and wildflowers abound.  It's also the month that I first start to make Halloween beads. I've just started feeling confident making my own murrini, so the possibilities of new designs are better than ever. To find these beads or some like them, here's the link to my store.  http://stores.ebay.com/European-Charm-Beads-by-Mandy?_rdc=1

Bleeding Heart Flowers

Wild pear blossoms, one of the most welcome signs of spring here in Maine! 

Seascape Beads

Haven't made many of these in a while.  Here are a couple that came out of the kiln today. http://www.ebay.com/itm/310817046378?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/310817044362?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

Nature Walk

Here's my walking companion, not so patiently waiting for a treat in between chasing squirrels. 

I'm listing one of my new designs today, "Melting Snowmen"

Finding beauty on an ugly day.

 I get really blue if I don't get outside nearly everyday.  This time of year in Maine is really dreary, especially on a drizzly day such as today.  It never ceases to amaze me how much beauty you can find outside on the nastiest days if you really look.  I found a few beautiful subjects worth photographing and enhanced the colors to make them more interesting. 

I haven't been making as many beads as usual as I always find the just before Christmas season slow.  I've been focusing on new designs and what really inspires me.  Here is a new focal bead called "Romance Roses". 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/310811728070?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649