Fan Girl!

Okay, I'm all about facebook fan pages today.

I've had one for quite a while for the Art Bead Scene and the Bead Cruise.  I'm still trying to figure out what makes a good facebook page, how to get folks to interact and what is it exactly fans want.  All good things to work on.

I'm running a little game on the Art Bead Scene fan page today, stop by and play along.  A little blue bird will be flying off to someone tomorrow as the prize!

I have been slacking on making a fan page for my Humblebeads biz.  Well, check that one off the ol' to-do list. 

Do you have a favorite facebook fan page or one for your own business?  What kind of things do you like to see on a fan page?  Anything that annoys you?  I'd love to hear about it.

Thirty Steps to Forward

I love this band, Thirty Steps to Forward.

It could be because I love Gretchen's sweet and honest voice.  Or it might be the thought-provoking lyrics.  Or it could be the stripped downed acoustic sound provided by Seth on guitar and mandolin.

It might be because we are cut from the same cloth.

Kindred spirits, shaped by some of the same memories.

I promise it's not just because they are my youngest sister and brother.  Although I can say I have enjoyed a few private concerts from the artists.

You can listen to a preview and purchase their debut album, The Bird and The Fool, here.

Their music has been keeping me company in the studio lately while I create things like this:

 

and this...

 

Be sure to check out Seth and Gretchen's music and help support indie artists!

Happy Easter

Easter

promises

rebirth

joy

celebration

hope

life

awakening

spirit

I pray that I will live each day in grace,

forgive quickly,

anger slowly,

help where I can,

love always.

I hope you celebrate today, whether it's the hope of the resurrection or the joy and renewal of spring.  Gather together with those you love and enjoy each moment.

Bead Cruise 2011

Well, the muse had held me captive this week and away from the computer.  Today I'm going to share with you the news about Bead Cruise 2011.  I would love for some of my blog readers to join me this year!  Of course, not everyone can sneak away for a week to travel to tropical islands and play with beads on the way, so whether you are dreaming or seriously thinking about going, here is the scoop!

We are sailing next year from Galveston, TX.  Galveston is this completely charming island on the other side of Houston.  I recommend coming in the day before the cruise and staying at a hotel across from the ocean. 

We are setting sail March 27th for 7 nights of beads, friends and fun! We'll sail on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica.

This year in Cozumel we are planning a group excursion to go to the national park together.  It's one of my favorite places on the island.

Instructors include Dallas Lovett, Melinda Barta, Tracy Stanley, Beverly Herman and Marcia DeCoster! Check out the classes here.  I'm also teaching two classes on the cruise.

Tropical Garden Pendants: Create a domed bezel to fill with polymer clay and embellish with Vintaj brass fastenables. Learn to create a flower and leaf cane from bright tropical colors to decorate your pendants. We'll cover a simple surface treatment to add interest to clay backgrounds. We'll complete several pendants and accent beads.

Woodland Treasures: Join me for a fun class exploring asymmetrical design. Are you afraid to break the rules and create without a pattern? This is the class for you! Learn the secrets of successful asymmetrical design and how to trust their own creative instincts during this class. String a multi-strand bracelet with a fun mix of beads and a coordinating necklace that uses the same elements.

I wrote an about page for the cruise if you'd like to learn more.  Of course if you have any questions, feel free to email me.  For those who are new to my blog, this is my event. I plan, organize and host this annual bead retreat!  I plan my dream vacation, gather my favorite instructors and invite you to join us.

For cabin prices and registration information visit the travel agent's site. 

Registration opens April 10th.

www.beadcruise.com is the official Bead Cruise website.

Why 1255 is my lucky number

Okay, so what can possibly be bigger than a book deal?  Not much really, that is the tippy top of the mountain as far as I'm concerned.  But what is the next best thing in this career path? Oh I don't know, how about a booth at Bead & Button in June?

Yep, that'll do it.  I still squeal every time I think about it.  And 1255 - my booth number, right in the first row with the all the other beadmakers.  It's a very happy time at Humblebeads manor. 

Now come back tomorrow for news about the next Bead Cruise.  Until then, here is a set of beads inspired by one of my favorite new songs, Captains and Cruise Ships by Owl City.

Visit my Etsy shop to see more of the new beads.