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Sunday, November 24, 2013

NEW WEBSITE

Hello!  This is a notice that this BLOG is going down tomorrow, Monday, November 25th.  I am moving over to a new updated website in its place.  The address is www.janpetek.com My plan is to have it all happen sometime tomorrow.  So, if you get this message that is what it is about. I hope you will continue to follow me.  I will have my own shopping cart, a blog and more!  You will have to be a bit patient with me as far as the shopping cart goes. I have a few items listed but once it is live I will start adding more items. Right now I have Metal Beads that are perfect for Torch Firing at my etsy store. The link is https://www.etsy.com/shop/jpetek  

Thanks for following me! I appreciate your interest in my work! 

Jan


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

BABE! BAY AREA BEAD EXTRAVAGANZA

This is a shameless plug for the last show I am doing this year! BABE! November 17th and 18th.  beadextravaganza.com

I should be writing all about the things I have been doing, which is a lot, but that is my problem. Too much to do! I am finding myself running from one thing to another with little preparation in advance. So, now I am updating my blog at the last minute so if you come here after reading my latest newsletter you will see something new! 

I could write a book on all of the things I have done in the last month but that would be so boring for you! Yes or no? I am never sure how much personal things you want to know. Or if you just want to know about beads and jewelry.  Please leave a note in my comment section below to let me know! I would really appreciate it! 

I am obsessed with everything to do with Day of the Dead or Dia De Los Muertos, the Spanish word. It is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and the world.  It wasn't something I was familiar with when I lived in Minnesota but I came to find out about it when I moved to San Diego. Especially because it is also my birthday. It is also the christian holiday of All Souls Day and All Saints Day.  Tradition is to honor those who have passed by building altars called ofrendas using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods of those passed. 

This is a typical altar.  



My main focus is the sugar skulls and 



the painted faces.  



I watched a lot of you tube videos on how to do this. It has been something I wanted to do but just never did. So this year I was taking my grand girls to Disneyland for a Halloween party and I decided the time was right.  

Photo: Disneyland here we come!


I can't wait to do it again next year. Maybe I will even practice first! Ha!

In honor of Day of Dead, Halloween, and my birthday, here are some sugar skull focal beads I have been working on.  


My next project is to make a necklace with one and add a body using other beads. At my last show a customer and I were talking and we came up with all sorts of ideas.  I have started working on it but haven't finished. So next time....  

Have a great  Thanksgiving! And if you are in the Bay area of California I hope to see you at BABE! 

And as always, I am at Studio 9 at Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park, San Diego. My etsy store is on vacation right now but that will change after BABE! 

Thanks for checking in! 
Jan