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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

Sunday, September 22, 2013

THE LAST HURRAH FOR THE SUMMER!

Yesterday was the first day of fall and here in the eastern sierras it started out windy and chilly. By 5pm it started to hail. It quickly turned to snow but with thunder!  I watched out the window as a layer of snow started to cover the ground.  I made hot chocolate and turned up the heater.  I don't know how cold it got but we were cozy in our little cabin. 
 
View from our front window
 The dogs got me up early and I was anxious to see what it looked like outside.  A beautiful layer of snow on the ground and on the trees.  I remember this from my years in Minnesota. The first snow. Wanting to keep it pristine and not make tracks.  I haven't missed snow all these years in California. But somehow snow in the mountains is different.  The trees are different and of course there are mountains. 
 
About 6:00am
The dogs were having a great time on the deck running back and forth and playing in the snow. But I knew what they were really wanting to do.  Make those tracks!

I leave my heavy coats here along with warm socks and a scarf. I forgot gloves and a hat at home! I am not serious about snow or cold weather! The sun was out and the snow was starting to melt so I knew that once I started walking I would be fine.  I did put some socks on my hands to start!

Steve was curious to see what his boat looked like so that is the first place we went.  Oh my! Lake Mamie was like glass and the trees, well just look at how beautiful!  The boat was covered in snow as I knew it would be.  No tracks down on the dock and I didn't want to disturb that snow. 



Lake Mamie

We saw fishermen waiting for the snow to melt so they could go down to the shore to fish. And others just looking at the beauty like me. 

I knew the dogs wouldn't be happy just looking around so I took them to the other side of Lake Mamie where we always walk.  Well, I walk and they run in circles, in the water, up, down, more circles, more water, you get the picture. 




Lake Mamie with Crystal Crag in background


Aggie eating snow and Lily making a dog snow angel

It is always beautiful but with the snow it was another kind of beauty.  Most likely the snow will be all gone by tomorrow.  A high of 58 today and in the 60's tomorrow. Maybe one day more for fishing then the boat comes out of the water for the drive home in a day or two.  The umbrellas and chairs come in and everything gets buttoned up for the season.  I hope my little flower garden makes it through the winter but I won't know till next June or July. Depending on how much it snows this winter and how quickly spring comes determines when we can get back in the cabin. 

Before Snow
 
After Snow
 
I will back to making beads and jewelry soon! And my etsy shop will be back too.

I have two shows coming up this fall. If they are in your area, please stop by!

Art Glass Guild Patio Show - Sat & Sun - October 12th & 13th
Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park, San Diego
Click here for directions and more info

BABE! Bay Area Bead Extravaganza - Sat & Sun - November 16th & 17th
Marriott Convention Center, Oakland, CA  Classes & Bead Bazaar
Click here for more info  

Thanks for stopping by! 

Jan

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

NEW BEADS & OTHER NEWS

Not a very enticing title, "New Beads and other News".  But I do have new beads!  

My bead Buddie, Donna Struthers, (many of you may know Donna as we have always done the San Diego Bead Bazaar together.) has decided that her days of doing bead shows are over! (I still hope to convince her to join me once in awhile.)

Getting ready for a show can be stressful. We often feel like we shouldn't work in the garden or have coffee with girlfriends. We feel like we should make beads instead. We can never have enough beads and jewelry.  

While Donna has decided to only make beads when she feels like it I have inherited her beads!  We have a similar style but yet different.  I love to use her beads so why not just buy all of her beads? That is what I did!  It is a win win for both of us!  I now have more beads! 

I want to share them with you. 

 
Most of them are hollow beads in browns, golds, white, and green.  They all have a mat finish.

 
 


Here are some fun focal beads with an unusual shape, color and texture.  

Aren't they great? I can't wait to use them in my jewelry designs. If you are interested in any of these beads, let me know.  I will be putting some of the beads on my etsy store but not until September

My retail studio in Spanish Village Art Center has been stocked with new beads and new jewelry. If you are looking for something special or just looking be sure to check out Studio 9.  Hours are 11am to 4pm every day.

Take care!  Thanks!

           Simple necklace with dichro nugget; torch fired enamel  leaves and open cog as bail.




Saturday, July 20, 2013

SUMMER SHOWS HERE I COME - HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

I love summer. Summer means time in Mammoth Lakes California.  We have a small cabin in the woods and summer is the only time we can use it. We try spend as much time as we can.  I love the smell of the mountains and the quiet.  I bring my beads and a lot of my jewelry supplies so I can work on pieces when I am not hiking or just chilling out.  What happens when I am back in San Diego is bead production and working at Studio 9 in Balboa Park.  I also love to make beads so this going back and forth to the cabin is hard on bead making.  Tough life I have! LOL! 

Summer also means the Pasadena Bead and Design Show July 25th through July 28th and the San Diego Bead Society Annual Bead Bazaar August 3rd and 4th.  These are great shows for me to sell and shop!  To find out about the Pasadena show click here.  To find out about the San Diego Bead Bazaar click here. (There is a $2 off coupon for entrance to the bazaar.)

Here are some photos of new beads and jewelry.  Some mountain photos too!

 I have been having fun with red glass. This glass is transparent and a beautiful blue red.  Sorry the photo doesn't do them justice.  I made small and large focal, hollow beads and my regular small beads.  
 

 I have been missing a turquoise color in my "torch fired enamel" beads.  I use turquoise often in glass beads but the blues I use in the "torch fired enamel" beads didn't go with them.  So here I am introducing my new color.  I love it! I can't wait to use it in a design.  

Also, I am introducing some new shapes. Large and small leaves; small domed flowers; round drain disks; and a large filigree pendant. How can they be used you ask?  

I have used the large leaf as a focal in a necklace. It is so nice and light! Actually all of the "torch fired enamel" beads are very light.  They add texture and color to designs.  

The small leaf is great to add to the end of a necklace or as a dangle.  It adds a pop of color.  

I use the small flowers all the time as caps for beads.  

So far I have only made earrings with the round drain disks.  I call them drain disks cause it reminds me of a sink drain. 

I haven't had a chance to make a piece of jewelry with the filigree pendant yet. Maybe I will have something to show you at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show or at the SD Bead Bazaar. My thought it to use it as a pendant/bail and hang pieces from it. Or to use it as an element in a necklace. Also, I have formed some of the pendants over my wrist so I can use it in a bracelet. 

 Spring Blossoms


This is a good example of how I use the small leaves. Also, the wire worked elements are made with aluminum! Ask me about it!  

Mexican Days
 In this design I used the large leaf as my pendant along with copper beads by Patricia Healy.  Patricia will be at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show and the SD Bead Bazaar. She designs all of the beads and has them made in Mexico. 

Cathedral Earrings
Another new shape! It felt like I was forgetting something when I took the photo of the new shapes and color.  This was my accident shape that I discovered when I ran over a bead with my car!  Now I my grand kids make them for me. They love hammering!   Of course you can use them for other things than just earrings like for an element in a necklace. For some reason I always think of earrings first!  

I have many more examples of how my beads can be used. Come to one of the shows and I will give you all of the details. You can also see the samples at my retail studio, Studio 9, Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. Directions and location is listed at the link at the top of page.  

If you have any questions about my beads or how I have used them, don't hesitate to ask. I am willing to share!  

Thanks for stopping! Hope to see you soon! 

Jan

Lake George and Lake Mary on trail to Crystal Lake Mammoth Lakes, CA





Wednesday, May 15, 2013

NEW OFFERING IN MY ETSY STORE

First, I want to thank everyone who came out on Mother's Day to the ART GLASS GUILD'S ANNUAL MOTHER'S DAY PATIO SHOW.  It was a very warm weekend but a lot of fun was had at Spanish Village Art Center!  I saw old friends and made some new ones! Thank you for supporting my art and my glass habit! 

I am taking a breather from making beads to organize a little in my studio and my online store. 

In my ETSY store, I added two new categories so hopefully it will make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. I added the category:

 COGS AND COMPONENTS

Large cogs, bright red, dark red and a combo

Folk Art Tag
 
and the category:
 
METAL BEADS
 
Leaves with loop
 
Cathedral Metal Beads
  
Yes, I am now offering metal beads and other findings. They can be used for torch fired enameling (like what I do!) or to use with alcohol  inks, nail polish, patinas or whatever you want to try for coloring on metal. They can also be used just as they are in jewelry or mixed media art projects! I have tried to price them reasonably. I am continuing to do my "torch fired beads". I just have more than one person can use! LOL! Let me know what you think!
 
As fast as I can get Steve to take photos I will be adding more things to my ETSY store. So please check it out!
 
Thanks again!
 
Jan
 


Saturday, May 4, 2013

GETTING READY FOR TRUNK SHOW AT BEADOLOGY COMPANY IN HUNTINGTON BEACH

I am taking a little break, well, a big break, from making beads.  I get distracted easily? Do you too? I had a cappuccino to get me moving....  

Tomorrow, Sunday, May 5th, I am driving up to Huntington Beach to see Erin and Iris at Beadology Bead Company. They are wonderful ladies and their store is full of great bead finds! I will have all of my glass beads, torch fired beads and jewelry samples with me.  I have made some really fun earrings and necklaces.  If you got my email then you saw some of them. My hubby has taken over my photography and it has really helped. Except that I have to remind him to take them! And then I have to find them afterwards! Nothing is perfect, but I can't complain too loudly after all.  

Before I show you some of the photos, here is Beadology's address: 16085 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach.  Hours on Sunday are 10am to 4pm. Directions are here.

Anyway, here are a couple of photos he has taken. 




He does good work doesn't he? And he cooks too!

One  more thing.  Mother's Day weekend means the Art Glass Guild's Annual Patio Show.  

May 11th & 12th, 10am to 5pm both days.  Over 30 glass artists with everything glass along with a lot of BEADS!!!! 

Spanish Village Art Center at Balboa Park.  I will be in booth #1 with  a lot of beads and jewelry. Please come by to say hello! 

Entertainment, food and family activities. Who could ask for more?

Directions: Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park, between the Natural History Museum and the San Diego Zoo, just off Park Blvd, on Village Place. 

If you can't make any of these events and you need BEADS or just want to look at what is new, you can always check out my pieces at my retail studio, Studio #9, at Spanish Village Art Center.  To see when I am working, check my calendar I bring all of my beads and jewelry on works days.  

Thanks for stopping by! My next show is in July in Pasadena!   

Saturday, March 30, 2013

7TH BEAD SOUP BLOG PARTY 1ST REVEAL!

This is my first time joining Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party! Lori had 500 people sign up this time! Can you imagine having to coordinate all of us?  Whew! Hats off to Lori!  

I've been excited to post my finished pieces I made with the wonderful bead stash from Marti Conrad.  As I mentioned before, she makes ceramic beads, buttons and focals.  She does beautiful work and I am so pleased to be paired with her.  Here is Marti's BLOG.  She also has an ETSY store. 

This challenge was just what I needed to keep my creative juices flowing.  I get caught up in feeling I have to use my beads so it was freeing to play with a whole stash of other beads! Thank you Lori and Marti! 

AND lastly, here is what I made with her beads!








I love to do wire work! I thought copper went well with the moss green pendant! I added wire circles to add some interest to the chain along with making dangles with all of the cool beads!
 Here is a close up of the beautiful pendant and leaf dangles. 



I had so much fun designing this bracelet. I added a silver focal piece to go with the lovely silver clasp I got from Marti. I also added some of my enameled beads along with the gem stones and ceramic beads because I could. 


The brown beads are wooden! Cool huh? Part of the stash Marti sent me!  I again added the circle wire work.

This is what I sent Marti! 
 
Check out her blog to see what she made. 
Enjoy! 
Here is the list of the hops!  Enjoy!



Our host: Lori Anderson www.PrettyThingsBlog.com 

Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca/

Amber Dawn Goldish www.InventiveSoul.blogspot.com

Barb Solem
http://www.vivimagoopresents.com
Bev Breisinger http://countryfrogcreations.blogspot.com
Birgitta Lejonklou www.lejonklou.blogspot.se
Breana Fry www.vault31.blogspot.com
Brenda Sue Lansdowne http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/
Bridget Torres www.Shears58.com

Carol Dee Myers
http://caroldeezigns.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Chenault www.carolynchenault.wordpress.com
Cassi Paslick http://cassisbeads.blogspot.com/
Cece Cormier http://www.thebeadingyogini.com
Cheryl McCloud www.cherylmccloud.blogspot.com
Cindy Wilson www.itsmyseaofdreams.blogspot.com
Crystal Thain http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/
Cynthia Riggs http://cynthsblog.blogspot.com/

Dana Hickey
http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com/
Dana James http://danasjewelrydesign.blogspot.com
Darlene Fortier www.darliciousrejuvenations.blogspot.com
Deana Hager http://justdeesarts.blogspot.com/
Deanna Cox www.deannaaki.wordpress.com
Deb Brooks http://www.fromtheheartcreations.blogspot.com/
Debra Behrends http://www.hopefuljourneys.blogspot.com/
Denielle Hagerman http://www.somebeadsandotherthings.blogspot.com/
Denise McCabe www.cabewoman.blogspot.com
Diana Frey www.dianafrey.blogspot.com
Diana Welte http://lilyweeds.blogspot.com
Dini Bruinsma http://angazabychanges.blogspot.nl
DiYana Alcalde http://agapecreationsjewelry.blogspot.com/
Dolores Raml http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com/
Donna Millard http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/
Dot Lewallwn http://speediebeadie.blogspot.com/
Duane Clark http://biz-e-bead.blogspot.com/
Dyanne Cantrell http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/

Eleanor Burian-Mohr
http://cornerstoregoddessjewelry.blogspot.com/
Elisabeth Auld www.beadsforbusygals.com
Elizabeth Owens Dwy www.1996shabbylane.blogspot.com
Emily Greer http://www.gaiacopia.com/blog-2/
Enikö Fabian http://perleni.blogspot.co.at/
Erin Grant http://ErinsJewelryCreations.blogspot.com
Eva Kovacs http://ewagyongyosvilaga.blogspot.hu/
Eva Sherman http://evashermandesigns.blogspot.com/

Gina Hockett
www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com
Grace Rotenberg http://rivkasmomcom.blogspot.com/
Gretchen Nation www.artfoodlodging.blogspot.com

Hannah Rosner
http://goodrivergallery.wordpress.com
Heather Davis http://www.blissfulgardenbeads.com/
Heather Marston http://www.cswdesignsbyhehe.blogspot.com/
Heather Powers http://www.humblebeads.blogspot.com

Ingrid McCue
www.wrappedinsilver.com
Jacqueline Marchant http://jaacquelinesjewels.blogspot.com/
Jan Petek www.janpetek.com
Janeen Sorensen http://wildvanilladesigns.com/
Jane-Michael Stallings http://www.craftvacuum.blogspot.com
Jasvanti Patel www.Jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com
Jayashree Paramesh www.nchantme.com
Jayne Capps http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com
Jean Yates http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Cameron http://glassaddictions.com
Jennifer LaVite http://www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com
Joan Williams www.lilrubyjewelry.com
Jodie Marshall www.Marshalljodie.blogspot.com
Judy Riggs www.rigglettes.blogspot.com
Julie Anne Leggett www.thepeacefulbead.com

Kat Barron Miller
http://mkpbeadart.blogspot.com/
Kathy Lindemer http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/
Kim Hora www.kimmykats.com
Kim Houston http://thepinkmartiniboutique.blogspot.com
Kim Sparks http://beadabunch.blogspot.com
Krafty Max http://kraftymax.blogspot.com
Kris Lanae Binsfeld www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com
Krista French http://expressyourfaith.webs.com/apps/blog/
Kristen Stevens http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/
Kristi Harrison http://kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.com
Kumi Fisher http://maliekaidesigns.blogspot.com

Laren Dee Barton
www.larendeedesigns.blogspot.com
Laura Bracken http://laurabrackenblog.blogspot.com/
Laura Demoya www.Thebeadtherapist.blogspot.com
Laurie Hanna http://jewelrybylh.blogspot.com/
Laurie Keefe-Cecere http://treeofliferootedinmysoul.blogspot.com/
Lea Avroch http://www.LAJewelryDesign.blogspot.com
Leanne Loftus http://firstimpressiondesign.blogspot.com
Lee Anne Messerschmidt http://wiredhammerednworn.wordpress.com
Leslie Schenkel http://twistedchicken.wordpress.com/
Linda Anderson http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/
Linda Djokic www.lutkaandco.com
Linda Murphy www.bonitabead.blogspot.com
Linda Sadler http://idalouisejewelry.blogspot.com/
Lisa Liddy http://lisaliddy.wordpress.com/
Lisa Suver http://fanceethat.blogspot.com/
Liz DeLuca http://www.creativeartyfacts.blogspot.com/
Liz Engriser http://www.beadcontagion.blogspot.com/
Lola Surwillo http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com
Loretta Carstensen www.designsbyloretta.blogspot.com
Lori Bergmann www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com
Lori Bowring Michaud http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com
Lori Poppe http://lorillijeanscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Lori Schneider www.Beadaddicted.blogspot.com
Lyn Foley www.lynfoleyblog.com

Maddison Langford
http://maddy-moo.blogspot.com
Magdalena Sikora http://porannagazeta.blogspot.com/
Mallory Hoffman http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com/
Marcella Austenfeld www.goodtogojewelry.blogspot.com
Marcy Lamberson http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com
Maria Clark http://sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com/
Maria Rosa Sharrow www.willowstreetshops.blogspot.com
Marianna Boylan www.stargirlshop.blogspot.com
Marie Covert http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/
Marti Conrad www.marticsclay.blogspot.com
Mary Ellen Merrigan http://www.MaryEllenBeads.com
Mary Harding www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com
Molly Alexander http://beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com

Nan Emmett
http://spiritrattles.blogspot.com/
Niky Sayers http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk

Pam Chesbro
http://afortunatesoul.blogspot.com/
Pam Farren http://www.re-maker.blogspot.com
Pam Sandy http://pamseclecticstuff.blogspot.com/
Pam Traub http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com
Pamela Gangler http://shealwayslovedpink.blogspot.com/
Patricia Buchanan http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog/braceletstoo
Patricia Johnson http://patricialjohnsonglassart.blogspot.com
Patty Miller http://cabaribeads.blogspot.com/
Paula Hisel http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/simply-stated.html
Peggy Gabrielson http://georgiamountainarts.blogspot.com
Perri Jackson http://shaktipajdesigns.com/blog/

Rachel Baron
http://www.rbarondesigns.blogspot.com
Rachel Stanley http://2catchahummingbird.blogspot.com
Rain Hannah http://honeyandollie.com
Rana Wilson http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com/
Renetha Stanziano www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com
Robin Reed www.willowdragon.blogspot.com
Rochelle Brisson http://www.acreativechelle.blogspot.com
Rose Rushbrooke www.roserushbrooke.com/blog/
Ruth Szapa www.trudicrufus.blogspot.com

Sally Russick
http://thestudiosublime.com
Sandi Volpe www.sandivolpe.com
Sandra Pendragon http://sandrapendragon.blogspot.com/
Sandy Richardson www.SandyColoringBox.blogspot.com
Sarah Small http://bysalla.blogspot.com
Shannon Hicks http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/
Shari Replogle www.playswithpaper.blogspot.com
Sheila Daniels http://www.cheekymagpie.com
Sheila Davis http://www.stonedesignsbysheila.blogspot.com/
Shiraz Biggie www.secretsongdesigns.blogspot.com
Shirley Moore www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com
Skylar Bre'z http://brisingbeads.blogspot.com/
Staci Smith www.stacilouiseoriginals.com
Stacie Florer http://www.soultosubstance.com
Stacy Pomerleau www.craftenvilleblog.com

Stephanie Weiss www.uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com
Sumi Rani www.HundredColors.blogspot.com
Susan Sheehan http://susanasheehan.blogspot.com/
Suzette Bentley http://elliesbijoux.blogspot.com

Tamera Norris 
www.beadsinspireme.com
Tracy Choy www.bumblebeadsdesigns.Blogspot.com
Tracy Stillman www.tracystillmandesigns.com

Valerie
Norton www.hot-fused-glass.com
Vicki Holliday http://flopcatdesign.blogspot.com/