New ArtFire Shop !

I took the plunge today and set up an ArtFire shop probably because there are other less enjoyable projects to finish up around the house, and it was a good way to procrastinate. Don't know how to connect with some of the other ArtFire shops, or even to get my shop to show up in a search for "beadweaving". I used that as a keyword, but for some reason it's not working. I keep toying with the idea to take down my Ambrosian Beads website which is not easy to update, but I need a shop that will allow me to use a .com domain. Plus I like to have a place to showcase all my previously sold works. It seems to be a never-ending search for the perfect (free or cheap !) web host !

Tatting Favorites

Since I'm on this tatting kick, I decided to see what kind of tatting I could find on Etsy, and as I discovered, there is alot ! Enjoy !

The Artistry of the Etsy Beadweavers

One of the members of the Etsy Beadweavers put together this deliciously beautiful montage of works by nearly every member of the team. My Shades of Grey necklace appears near the beginning at the 26 sec. mark. Thank you, Christina, of Good Quill Hunting for making this lovely video. Now, when I need inspiration, I'll just watch the video !

Second tatting attempt (PixUp)

Second tatting attempt (PixUp), originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

A couple weeks ago, I blogged on Fiberlines about learning to tat. My intention is to incorporate beads and make some jewelry items. After finishing my very first tatted medallion, I dug up this pretty pearl cotton that I've had for years, and strung it with some 8/0s. I'm hoping this will turn into a bracelet and I might figure out a way to work some beadweaving into the edges. Stay tuned !

While you're waiting on pins and needles for the outcome of this project, take a look at totusmel's incredible Tatted Mask instructions on Instructables, or visit this tatting forum to meet fellow tatters.

Bead for Life@ Green Festival

Bead for Life@ Green Festival (PixUp), originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

Yesterday I went the the Green Festival to perform with my band at the end of the show. There were hundreds of vendors promoting green products and services, and as I was making my way through the booths, I found one of my favorite organizations, Bead for Life. This organization helps women in Uganda produce beads and jewelry made from recycled magazines. The sales of the jewelry help the women with individual and community projects in their towns. I rushed right up to the booth and started shopping. It's always so hard to choose just the right piece, but I ended up selecting two simple bracelets. The ladies kindly allowed me to take a photo. I hope they had some good sales at the show.

B-Boy Battle @ Crafty Bastards

B-Boy Battle @ Crafty Bastards
Originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads

Ok, this is a little OT, but I just had to share one of my favorite events of the year. The Crafty Bastards craft show is a great show with lots of Etsy sellers, but the high point, for me is the "b-boy" battle that is going on at the same time. Breakdancers come from all over the country, I guess, and compete for the number one spot. This video is of one who turned out to be my favorite. He goes by the name "Atomic Goofball". I think the name says it all....enjoy !

I found a sweet deal on iPhone this week, ordered, received it, and now playing with it. Goodbye beadwork ! At least I can blog on the fly, now.

NYC Trip !

I just got back from a three day trip to New York to be a part of the annual "Lavagem da Rua 46" which is a Brazilian parade based on the "Lavagem do Bonfim" in Salvador, Bahia in Brazil. The festival and parade took place on 46th Street which is known as Little Brazil. I went as a member of my all-women percussion band, Batala Washington and marched wearing all white as is traditional. The excitement was unbelievable as the famous Brazilian musician, Carlinhos Brown , led the parade and performed afterwards. I never knew anything about him, but he is a fantastic entertainer. I'm going to download some of his songs. After the parade, I was walking down 6th Avenue and discovered several bead stores. Treating myself to a few goodies was the icing on the cake to an excellent day which included samba and caipirinhas !