Wednesday, July 31, 2013

[Philippine Polymer Clay Guild] Mosaic Challenge 2013

Welcome back!
Can you believe it? It's the last day of July - yay or nay?  

I am part of the Philippine Polymer Clay Guild and we recently had our Mosaic Challenge.  There were 28 entries with different themed projects.  You can visit our Facebook page to vote for / like your favorite.  Deadline for voting is on August 3 and prizes await the lucky voter.

Check out these photos:
Philippine Polymer Clay Guild Mosaic 2013
The intricate patterns of the projects below are really nice.
Philippine Polymer Clay Guild Mosaic 2013
Aren't they all pretty?
Philippine Polymer Clay Guild Mosaic 2013
The next photos are really cute!
Philippine Polymer Clay Guild Mosaic 2013
Here are some more:
Philippine Polymer Clay Guild Mosaic 2013
Thanks for dropping by the blog.  Please visit the Philippine Polymer Clay Guild FB page and cast your vote.  Show us some love and "LIKE" our FB page while you are there ♥.

I cannot divulge my project yet until August 4 but I hope you'll visit us and vote.

Have a wonderful day!
♥  michelle  ♥

Saturday, July 20, 2013

[Blog Hop] 2013 Bead Hoarders Blog Hop

Hello there!  
Today is the day for the 2013 Bead Hoarders Blog Hop hosted by Ms. Lori Anderson of Pretty Things Blog.

I have confessed that I am a bead hoarder (among others) and whereas other women go crazy when shopping for shoes and bags, I go crazy in craft and online stores shopping for beads and what nots.

I've had these oval pendants for 3 years and never knew what to do with them... until recently.
A few years ago, I took the beginner and advanced jewelry making class with Mr. Em Mariano, one of the Philippines' jewelry designers.  One of the things that he taught us was how to wire wrap beads.  

I haven't practiced wire wrapping for a long time but after playing with several feet of wire, I was able to complete the piece.  The accent in the center is made of ceramic, agate, pearl and crystal beads.  The handmade bail hangs on a leather cord.

Thanks for stopping by the blog.
♥ ☺Time to check out the rest of the hoarders ☺ ♥
1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Nancy Dale, NEDBeads
3. Roxanne Mendoza, Roxi Designs
4.  Melissa Trudinger, beadrecipes
5.  Rana Lea, Rana Lea Designs
6.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
7.  Rita Avila, Jewel School Friends
8.  Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board
  10.  Erin Guest, Renlish

11.  Joan Williams, lilruby jewelry
12. Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
13.  Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
14.  Sue Kennedy, SueBeads
15.  Lisa Cone, Inspired Adornments
16.  Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design
17.  Nichole Byers, Nichole Byers
18.  Lori Jean Poppe, Adventures in Creativity
19.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
20.  Lori Schneider, Bead Addict

21.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
22. Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
23.  Niki Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
24.  Elsie Deliz-Fonseca, Eliz-Eliz and All That Craft
25.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
26.  Heather Powers, Humblebeads
27.  Sarah Goode, Pookledo
28.  Monique Urquhart, A Half-Baked Notion
29.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
30.  Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri

31.  Robyn, Museiddity
32.  Catherine King, Catherine's Musings
33.  Jacquie, Bead Gypsy
34.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
35. Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreations
36.  Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti
37.  Hannah Rosner, Good River Valley
38.  Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
39.  Nelly May, Smelly Nelly
40.  Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads

41.  Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
42.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs
43.  Leanne Loftus, First Impression Design
44.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
45.  Judy Riggs, Rigglettes
46.  Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
47.  Terry Carter,  Tapping Flamingo
49.  Nan Smith, Wired Nan
50.  Miranda Ackerley, MirandAck Arts

51.  Marie Covert, Creating Interest
52.  D'Arsie Manzella, This Here Now, Mamacita
53.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
54.  Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
55.  Johanna Nunez, The Lovely One Design
56.  Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
57.  Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
58.  Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things
59.  Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That
60.  Nat, Grubbi Ceramics

61.  Marjorie Savill Linthwaite, Bennu Bird Rising
62.  Cheryl McCloud, One Thing Leads to Another
63.  Heather Otto, The Crafthopper
64.  Candida Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks
66.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
67.  Ginger Bishop, Lil Mummy Likes
68.  Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
69.  Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
70.  Dini Bruinsma, Angaza by Changes

71.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
72.  Shalini Austin, Jewellery by Shalini
73.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
76.  Annita Wilson, AW Jewelry 
77.  Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame
78.  Hannah Trost, PZ Designs
79.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
80.  Miri Agassi, Beadwork

81.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
82.  Dyanne Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations
83.  Susan Bowie, Susan Nelson Bowie
84.  Megan Milliken, MaeMaeMills
85.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry
86.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog
87.  Lori Lochner, Bloghner
88.  Gerda Jurimae, Gerda's Crafts Blog
89.  Susan, Mistheword
90.  MaryLou Holvenstot, MaryLou's time2cre8

91.  Mary Shannon Hicks, falling into the sky
92.  Karin King, The Sparklie Things Blog
93.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
94.  Jenny Davie-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
95.  Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
96.  Mallory Hoffman, Rosebud 101 - For the Love of Beads
97.  Danielle Kelley, Imbue the Muse
98.  Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
99.  Dolores Rami, CraftyD's Creations
100.  Marcia Dunne, 13 Alternatives

101.  Marlene Cupo, Amazing Designs
102.  Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
103.  Wendy Holder, Jewelry by WendyLea
104.  Michelle Escano, The Cabby Crafter - YOU ARE HERE ☺
105.  Louise Glazier, Lily and Jasmine Treasures
106.  Dana Hickey, Wind Dancer Studios
107.  Lennis Carter, windbent
108.  Anne Betenson, Crystal River Beads
109.  Audrey Belanger,  Dreams of an Absolution
110.  Lisa Stukel, Carefree Jewelry by Lisa

111.  Janine Lucas, Travel Stories
112.  Claire Lockwood, Something to Do With Your Hands
113.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams
114.  Paula Hisel, Simply Beadiful
115.  Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
116.  Mischelle Fanucchi, Micheladas Musings
117.  Kim, Cianci Blue
118.  Linda Sadler, Ida Louise Jewelry
119.  Karen, Spokalulu
120.  Jennifer LaVite, Dry Gulch Bead and Jewelry

121.  Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations
122.  Karen Martinez, Fairies Market
123.  Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
124.  Amy Bright, LABweorc
125.  Jasvanti Patel, Jewels by Jasvanti
126.  Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
127.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
128.  Natalie Moten, Running Out of Thread
129.  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
130.  Jenny Kyrlach, Wonder and Whimsy

131.  LiliKrist, Handmade by LilK
132.  Jessica Klaaren, The Truth Space
133.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
134.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
135.  Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads
136.  Jeanne, Gems by Jeanne Marie
137.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
138.  Laren Dee Barton, Laren Dee Designs
140.  Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations

141.  B. R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem
142.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
143.  Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
144.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
145.  Lizzie Clarke, The Need to Bead
146.  Christina Miles, Wings 'n' Scales
147.  Patricia, The Color of Dreams
148.  Marde Lowe, Fancimar
149.  Ev Shelby, Raindrop Creations
150.  Sarah Small, By Salla

151.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
152.  Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
153.  Pam Traub, Klassy Joolz
154.  Lisa Harrison, Daisy Meadow Studio
155.  Anzia Parks, Anzi-Panzi's Work Shoppe
157.  Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey
158.  Kelly Hosford Patterson, The Traveling Side Show
159.  Adlinah Kamsir, Dreamstruck Designs
160.  Marci, That Nothing Be Wasted

161.  Kris Lanae Binsfield,  Cherish Designs
162.  Stephanie Perry, Mustard Bead
163.  Birgit Klughardt, Gites Beads
164.  Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog
165.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
166.  Sandy Markley, Gypsy Spirit Designs
167.  Elena Adams, Lena's Beady Blog

Have a wonderful day!
♥  michelle  

Friday, July 19, 2013

[Focus on Life Week 29] Routine showers with Mr. Water

It's Week 29 at Ms. Sally Russick's Focus on Life and this prompt is:  ROUTINE.

"Week 29: Routine

Do you have a daily routine?
A routine that you look forward to each day.
The morning cup of coffee, the runners high, what ever it may be
and even though it may be a small part of your day its a comfort,
a time to unwind just a little.
This week focus on the beauty and comfort of your
every day routine."
Meet Mr. Water.
Isn't he cute?

Mr. Water migrated to the USA from the "land down under," Australia.  He was one of my souvenirs during our visit there.  There was a drought that time and people were reminded to conserve water by watering their yard on designated days for a specified time and to take quick showers, etc - oh, there was also a small blue hourglass with rubber attachments so you can stick it on your bathroom tile  but I lost it.

It's been 2 years since but he still keeps me smiling every time I take my routine daily shower.
Speaking of taking a bath - it doesn't take me long to finish:  from shampoo, conditioner, lather with body gel and rinsing.  In fact, my husband takes a longer time and oh my sister... no one can beat her (I love you, sis!)  I trained myself to move fast when I was a young student because I've always wanted to close my eyes a little longer in the morning - until I am fully awakened by my dad or mom's voice saying "Let's Go!"  and off to the shower I go!  Oh, fun times!

Please don't stay too long in the shower.  
Be kind to Mr. Water and conserve water.

Let's head over to The Studio Sublime to see what others' routines are.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!  
It's the Bead Hoarders Blog Hop tomorrow so do come back!  See you soon!
♥  michelle  ♥

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

[Blog Hop] Bead Hoarders Blog Hop 2013 is coming soon!

Welcome back!
We are 5 days away from the annual Bead Hoarders Blog Hop hosted by Ms. Lori Anderson.
Bead Hoarders Blog Hop 2013

I have accumulated a lot of beads from previous bead soup parties and personal purchases.  Oh yes, I am a hoarder, a pack rat or whatever but it's in times like this that my being "that" comes in handy. LOL.
The variety of beads and stones on the platter looks so pretty but instead of putting them in a safe place like I usually do, they will serve its purpose this time.. hopefully.

I have finished the base for the pendant and will be working on the accents and trimmings in the next couple of days.
Do come back and visit on Saturday and party with us!  

See you soon!
♥  michelle  

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

[Baking] Pinipig Cookies / Immature Glutinous Rice

We are halfway through July and that means summer is almost over for those in school.  I have fond memories of summer.  My mom is a professor in the college of nursing so summer meant that she was also on vacation.  Yay!  
One of my fondest memories is baking Pinipig Cookies.
Pinipig is immature glutinous rice that is harvested and pounded into what look more like light green flakes.  It can be eaten raw but it is most often toasted.  A friend of ours gave this to me when we had our 4th of July barbecue where she served a Filipino dessert called halo-halo (more about this next time) that used pinipig as one of the toppings.  
Pinipig / Immature Glutinous Rice
I have been craving for Pinipig Cookies and I finally got the chance to bake it tonight!  I was invited to have dinner with friends and since I didn't have anything thawed to cook and bring, I decided to bake.  This took me 50 minutes to make and that included the time spent with google. 
Pinipig Cookies
 I used the recipe from Apple Pie, Patis Pate'.  
All of the ingredients were readily available in my kitchen.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup Pinipig (you can find this in Asian stores) - lightly toasted and cooled
1/2 cup All purpose flour
1/2 tsp Baking powder
1/8 tsp Salt
1/4 cup Unsalted butter
1/3 cup Sugar
1 Large Egg
1/4 tsp Lemon zest

Procedure:
Preheat oven to 175C or 350F.
Combine the dry ingredients:  APF, BP and salt.  Set aside.
Beat the soft butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated. Add the lemon zest (*or 1/2 tsp of lemon extract - edited by me).

Procedure:
Preheat oven to 175C or 350F.
Combine the dry ingredients:  APF, BP and salt.  Set aside.
Beat the soft butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated. Add the lemon zest (*** or 1/2 tsp of lemon extract - edited by me).

Carefully add the dry ingredients and mix well.  The mixture will be sticky then add the pinipig.
Gently scoop the pinipig mixture into the cookie sheet - I didn't line mine because I used a coated cookie pan.  I used a round measuring spoon (1/2 TBSP size) and dropped the cookies in the pan.
Pinipig Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the base is lightly brown.  Transfer in a cooling rack to cool.  
I was able to make 20 cookies.

Nothing tastes better than freshly baked homemade cookies.  My hosts said it was good and I thought so too.  Try it - it's soft with bits of crunch and this particular recipe is not sweet at all.

Bon apetit!
♥  michelle  ♥

Monday, July 15, 2013

[Color Chalenge] Color Challenge Reveal Day!

Hello Friends!
I just wanted to share with you the Color Challenge Reveal hosted by BrandiGirl  to celebrate the launch of her book Understanding Color
  You can read about my entry HERE.  The color palettes are so rich and the challengers did a wonderful job in bringing them to life.

This color palette makes me feel happy and reminds me of a warm, sunny, breezy and "easy" day.   


This palette is feels more"formal" to me.  Take a look at the gorgeous beadwork and stringing that these ladies did. 


 These are fun too!

Oh, Erin's bracelet really brought the palette to life in this one.  I have a limited variety of beads and she inspires me to stock up more in different shades and types.

I have never worked with this particular color palette and Cindy did a great job.  I love the nest.

And now for my favorite color palette.  Oh, I love the stones, the beadwork and construction of all these projects.  So fresh and calming.

  
Thanks to BrandiGirl for hosting the Color Challenge.

Have a wonderful day, ya'll.
♥  michelle 

Friday, July 12, 2013

[Focus on Life] Week 28: Pretty Patterns

It's the weekend again, time for Ms. Sally Russick's Focus on Life.  
It's Week 28 and its all about Pretty Patterns.

Let me share with you the card that I made for a friends special birthday.  My friend has a nice garden with different kinds of roses, hibiscus, and fruit bearing trees that her mom planted when she visited from the Philippines a few years ago.  It's her birthday and I wanted to make her a card full of flowers.

What do you think of this card?  Isn't it pretty?  I used a from Hero Arts rubber stamp H5481 Classic Bloom that I bought during last week's trip to the craft store.  I stamped the image using Versafine in Onyx Black several times on a piece of yellow cardstock to make a pretty pattern of happy flowers.  

Hero Arts H5481 Classic Bloom Rubber Stamp
I colored the petals with a combination of yellow and orange colored pencils and the center with shades of brown.  The sentiment is from TPC Studio's "Everday Greetings Stamp" that I heat embossed using Versamark and Judikins black opaque embossing powder.  

Finally, I added Mod Podge Dimensional magic on 2 of the flowers to add a little interest.  I love the gloss!

Did you notice the chevron pattern on the background of the photo?  
Can you guess what that is?
It's the car seat cover.  We were running late for our birthday surprise so I took a last minute shot of it.  Pretty pattern, right?

Thanks for stopping by to see my pretty patterns.  Let's head over to The Studio Sublime and check out other pretty patterns.
Have a wonderful weekend ya'll!  
See you soon!
♥  michelle  

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

[Color Challenge] I Love Greens!

Welcome back.
I discovered a new colorful blog:  Brand Girl Blog.  Her blog is so much fun especially if you love color.  BrandiGirl  hosted a Color Challenge where we had to choose from several color palettes and make something out of it. Today was the last day of submission and I made it just in time.
  

There were 6 color gorgeous palettes to choose from and I chose palette #1.  I love greens remember?

The pendant is polymer clay made with the Rocky Path  technique.  The photo doesn't show it but there are gold flecks peeking in between the shades of green.  I added glass beads that dangle along the chain and a pair of cream agate round beads.  I love how it turned out.

I am planning to take another photo tomorrow so do come back to check it out.  
Have a wonderful and colorful day!
♥  michelle  ♥