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Monday, May 28, 2012

Memorial Day 2012

It seems to me that the last 10 years of Memorial Day are more about our lost men and women in wars than barbecues.  Is it because we seem to be in more wars or is it because I am getting older? When I lived in Minnesota, over 20 years ago, Memorial Day was hamburgers, brats, beans, chips and beer at a lake.  Not so much anymore.  I live next to a cemetery and on Memorial Day weekend there are all sorts of activities at the cemetery. Lots of people visit but they also have old plane fly overs and even a petting zoo for the kids.  It wasn't a traditon for our family to visit the graves of our relatives very often. Next door people are always putting flowers and other decorations out and even have picnics at the graveside.  During the last few days on public radio there has been stories from soldiers. Heartfelt stories that made their lives so real to me. Have a good Memorial Day however you celebrate the day! 

I took a few days last week to escape up to the Eastern Sierras. It was the first time we were able to get to the cabin so early. The snow was gone and the water was turned on.  We had some beautiful days in the 60's but then a storm came in and the temps dropped below zero as we left to come home.  I sure hope the pipes didn't freeze in the cabin! 

Here are a couple of photos of the dogs and lakes.  Enjoy! And thanks for stopping by!  I am taking a class with Diana Frey next weekend.  I am so excited. A whole new area of jewelry design for me!  Check out her website!  I will post some photos of what we did in class when I get home. 











Monday, May 21, 2012

Monday, Monday.....

Whew! Where do the days go? I was at Studio 9 yesterday and it was such a beautiful day to be in the park. My plan for the day was to organize my bead bag and beads and maybe start some new pieces.  It turned out to be a good day for lots of folks too so I didn't get everything done as I planned. Which is OK, as I love to talk to to people and sell my wares along with my partners.  But I did get my bead bag organized and started to think about what I want to make with the beads that I have left from my sale last weekend. That is the good part of a show. What I don't sell I get to use myself!!!  I have been enameling all sorts of jewelry elements this week too so my creative juices are flowing. 

My new earrings were a hit at the show and I only have a couple pairs left. I listed them on etsy in case you are interested. They are made in blues and greens like the colors of the Pacific Ocean here in San Diego.  I really like to wear earrings that are not the same.  I hope you do too!


I plan to continue making jewelry with these enameled elements and to offer the elements for sale for you to create your own jewelry.  I would love to have your feedback so don't hesitate to add a comment below. 

I went to the zoo one day this week with my newest granddaughter Freja.  She is 14 months old.  And when I got home I had two other girls happy to see me! 


Monday, May 14, 2012

Thank You!

I had a great time at the Art Glass Guild Patio Sale!  I have the best customers in the whole world! Thank you to all who came out to support me, our local glass artists and the Spanish Village artists.  We all appreciate you! 

I love chatting with everyone, including my fellow artists, catching up on what is going on and seeing everyone's new and old art. 

Being Mother's Day weekend it is so fun to see all the mothers and grandmothers.  I wish I had taken photos!  There were some cute mothers with their daughters and sons.  And of course all of the grandchildren. 

The weather was typical San Diego, not too hot or too cool with lots of sun and a nice breeze.  I sure thought of my Mom a lot this weekend and wish she could be with me.  Here's to you Mom! I love you and miss you everyday! 

Josephine Petek
1910-2008


Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Bead Stash

I am getting ready for the Art Glass Guild Patio Sale this weekend. Sorting & labeling beads; making earring; finishing necklaces and cleaning jewelry.  I took this photo of some of my beads before I put them in their boxes. I didn't realize how distracting the red/white cloth is against the beads. But I still like to look at the eye candy. I really hate to put them away!  LOL!  Hope to see you at the show. If you can't make it you know where to get beads right?

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Beads, Beads, and More Beads! 

I am on a mission and that is making beads for the Art Glass Guild Patio Show that is coming up Mother's Day Weekend. May 12th and 13th.  I just listed a few of them on etsy.  Here is a preview.
 Black Squeezed Bead Strand
 Desert Lentils - Earring Pair
 Desert Focal
Fun Green Squeezed Bead Strand

I don't get tired of making beads. I have so many ideas in my head swimming around. Just before I fall asleep at night my mind is spinning with bead and jewelry ideas.  It is hard for me to fall asleep sometimes.  (That and my cats wanting my attention!) I am making a lot of vibrant colored beads and trying to keep them somewhat simple so I they are afordable. 

I finished my torch fired enameling class with Barbara Lewis but I haven't finished playing with the beads.  I am so excited about the possibilities this new technique is giving my jewelry.  I made some glass beads to go with the enameled elements I made and posted a week ago.  Here are a couple of earrings I made. 

I will have these and more pieces at the Art Glass Guild Patio Sale.  I am interested to hear what you think about them. 

Take care! Thanks for stopping by!  Hope to see you soon!
Jan