My first contest

In June I decided to enter a beading contest for the first time. It was sort of a gutsy move for me since I've been beading for less than a year and still have a lot to learn but I was inspired by the inclusive spirit of the contest. Use the Muse supplied a kit of various beads and a focal piece. The focal piece had to be used in the entry but everything else was essentially free choice.

The focal piece, or "Muse", was a lovely etched mother of pearl donut by LillyPilly and as soon as I saw it I thought of a Japanese print by Katsushika Hokusai and decided I wanted to create a piece that somehow evoked the simplicity and beauty of the artwork. Then I spent weeks trying to figure out how to do that!

In the end I was pretty happy with what I managed to create and proud of myself for taking one more step in my journey.

This morning the contest results were announced. I didn't win anything but I am honored to be included in the gallery with so many incredible pieces of art. It's amazing how many different designs can be created with the same materials.

Thank you to the incredibly talented Scarlett Lanson for creating this contest. I will definitely be entering the next one!

Auction Anxiety

My daughter's school is holding a silent auction to raise money for student activities next year. This is the first year they have tried the auction and I'm not sure how they are organizing it or how many people will actually attend. It should be interesting.

I donated two necklaces but, as the auction approaches, I'm a bit frightened that no one will bid on them. It seemed like a good idea when I first decided to do it but now that there is no turning back I'm anxious. Do we ever really get beyond feeling vulnerable when our creations are being scrutinized?



This one is red jade and glass beads with a focal bead that I designed to match the clasp. It's bold but it's not large or overpowering.




This one is sterling silver and freshwater pearls with crystals that change color from pale blue to amethyst under different lighting. It's very delicate and feminine.

I hope they make a little bit of money for the school!

I haven't fallen off of the planet...

It's been months since I posted anything new here! I've been busy working on new jewelry designs and making decisions about what I'm going to do with them. I've given away most of the new pieces but I'm ready to take this obsession one step further and try listing a few pieces on Etsy this month. My office is a wild mess with beads everywhere but I'm so much happier than I was a year ago.

I need to get more photos edited and ready to post. Tonight this is the only one ready to go...



Sara's prayer beads were my "turning point" project... the piece that convinced me that I needed to trust my impulses and just create.

I want to make something for each of my TAW friends to thank you all for being a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. If you email your address to ginaagain@aol.com I will send you something special in the next few weeks. Is anyone planning on moving on to another book?