Pink Artist Drawing, Part 2...my contribution

Did you notice the button over to the side? --->
Please take a minute to visit Monica's blog to learn more about how you can contribute to a wonderful cause as well as have a chance to own some beautifully crafted items, not to mention a FANTASTIC block art quilt!



I recently completed the bracelet I'm offering up for the drawing.



The beads were generously provided by Artbeads.com
The photos above and below are progress photos of the bracelet





I took a class at my local bead shop a year or so ago and learned this 'coil' pattern. I've been having fun with close up photos



I really like these 3 colors together



The bracelet is 7 3/4 inches from end to end. In addition to the size 15/0 beads and the purple Delica's, I used a Swarovski 15 x 11 mm Crystal Golden Shadow Cosmic Oval Ring (also from Art Beads) as part of the toggle clasp.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all the wonderful items offered this round. It seems many of the stories that go with the pieces are as heart warming as the pieces are beautiful. Monica has a special way of attracting that kind of energy and spirit to her projects.

Spend a few minutes (or more) and go check it out!

Candlelighters for Children with Cancer

Earlier this year, I participated in a swap with several beaders from an online forum I frequent. Several of us put together "I should be a cuff" kits and exchanged them. I made this soft cuff from a kit I received from AJ Reardon. The focal point is a beautiful and interesting vintage glass cab. It is lightly glued onto a strip of Pellon and secured in place by peyote stitch.



It is accented with wonderful fire polished beads as well as a couple of little glass hearts and lots of seed beads, then backed with ultrasuede for a nice soft comfortable fit. The toggle clasp is a glass button.

It will be auctioned at the Harvest of Hope charity fund raising dinner/auction benefiting Candlelighters For Children With Cancer which will be held in October in Portland Oregon.

The really fun part? Yesterday, I (and my friend Anne) finalized plans to travel out to Oregon for the event which will allow us the chance to attend the dinner/auction, reconnect with some old (and dear) friends as well as meet new friends. I'm so excited!

Comfort Doll - Joy

I put the finishing touches on my second comfort doll, she is named in memory of a wonderful friend that took me into her home when I did not have one. I will be forever grateful.

The 5" form was made by Monica Magness, the polymer clay face by Natalie Ostin.

This doll along with the other named Denise will be donated to a battered woman's shelter. If you would like to participate and donate a doll or just want more information, please check this blog for additional information.

Comfort Doll - Denise

I finished my first comfort doll - I want to bead at least one more before I send them off to their new owners. This one is about 4 inches tall. I purchased the form and face from Ronda Kivett, she makes some great stuff - check out her website when you get a chance. She is kind enough to share free patterns on her site as well - if you make your own forms, it's a great place to start.

It is a challenge for me not to completely cover a doll form with beads - even with pretty fabric underneath. I'm happy I could do that with this one and not feel like it was unfinished.

Here's her backside...


The doll will go to a battered woman's shelter when it makes it's way 'home' and my only hope is that it brings a smile to someone's heart. I added charms to represent hope, love and change. I named her Denise in honor of, my sister who has dedicated most of her life to helping others.

I'm working on a second doll now so they'll have traveling partners when then start their journey home.

If you want more info on Comfort Dolls - please see this blog. There are several entries regarding the project including guidelines and the mailing address.

Comfort Dolls

Would you consider making a doll for someone to brighten their day, bring them some hope? If so, please visit this blog and sign up.

Thank you!

For PAWS

A while back I beaded up a couple of dolls for a PAWS of PA auction. I have a friend that has dedicated a good portion of her life to the rescue of animals. I beaded a little doll I named Frances for the auction - she is about 3 inches tall, her form and face were made by Angie Hall Haviland. I gave her a nice long beaded loop so she could be worn around the neck or just hung up.

I am grateful to Jessica for all she does to rescue animals - especially cats. I thought a cat toy might be fun to bead and it seemed she would be the perfect recipient.


I also beaded up a doll for my friend since she is not only special to me, she is a life saver in the land of feral cats and unwanted pets. She's all heart and works day and night to save them. I think the doll says it all... she's a star!

Doll form by Monica Magness, face by Linsart

Volunteering, traveling, beady donations...

5" doll form by Monica Magness, polymer clay face by Jen Martin
Materials used - Japanese & Czech seed beads, silver alpha beads, sequins, Czech pressed glass, sterling silver 'dream' charm.

Earlier this year I beaded a couple of items for a fundraiser. I have been on several volunteer vacations with an organization out of St. Paul, Minnesota. My first trip with them was back in 1995. It was my first time taking a vacation alone. That year, my son (and only child) turned 18 and much to my surprise moved - not only out of our home, but across the country.

Being quite young (34 years old), it certainly wasn't time for me to begin pondering my 'golden years'. I always had a desire to travel, so I began to search out a trip that would suit me. I discovered Global Citizens Network in my local Sunday paper when an article was published about volunteer vacations. I signed up for a week and a half stay in Tohatchi, New Mexico on the Navajo Reservation. It changed my life in many ways... all good.

I met 2 of my very best friends on that trip - they too were traveling alone. We naturally migrated toward one other. The following year we traveled together with the same organization to volunteer in Mexico. We stayed in a wonderful little Mayan village out in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula. A 9 hour bus ride from Cancun. The area was spectacular, on the edge of the rain forest - with lush vegetation and old untouched Mayan ruins. The food was exceptional and by food I mean mangoes, bananas, papaya's and the the best avocados ever. As a team we lived without many of the creature comforts that I had taken for granted most of my life... washing machine, TV, radio, running water (well sort of, but not really). We did have electricity though.


Me visiting Mayan Ruins, 1996

Our tasks consisted of building a latrine outside the women's co-op (they had a little issue with snakes), cleaning up the local water source (a natural spring), and painting signs advertising the women's co-op. We were sensitive in our attire, wearing dresses to work within the community. It was in June and it was HOT and HUMID, making for an interesting fashion statement with our dresses and boots. This trip was life changing for me and a wonderful bonding experience with my new friends, we regularly (and fondly) reminisce about those trips today. I have taken two other trips with the GCN organization and continue to enjoy that method of travel combined with volunteering.

This past March, Global Citizens Network had it's 15Th anniversary and marked the occasion with a celebration in Minneapolis, MN. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend and to donate a couple of items to the silent auction. One item being a small doll pictured above, the other this brooch pictured below - beaded in the colors found on GCN's t-shirts.


Materials used: 2"x2" pin beaded on pellon and backed with ultra suede, Japanese & Czech seed beads, metal charms/beads, swarovski margarita beads.