The bead shipment came in two days early...yay! That means I was able to finish my dragons.

kls_eloise's Mistletoe Dragon.
Well, back to work, kids. I'm coasting on three hours of sleep. Hooray for Magic Chinese tea.

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The pearl berries are SO cute. I think I was very clever constructing them; they're on twisted wire that's looped at one end. Over the loop I wrapped cemented suede, then glued the suede tabs to the plaque. Very sturdy &...just pretty darn fun to make! Never done twisted wire before...it's a technique I need to use some more.
All around the edge, Kris wanted oak leaves, 'cause oak & English mistletoe apparently often grow near each other. The mistletoe leaves are kinda small and narrow and shiny, while oak is more veiny & detailed. I think the contrast looks awesome.
The dragon's eyes are pearls too.

The other winter dragon is a holly dragon. I think it looks more "wintery"...but also a little "christmas-y".

The berries are carnelian beads. I used larger beads, 'cause I made larger leaves, 'cause I did a TON of mistletoe leaves & I was sick of making tiny leaves. I think the large holly makes a bold crisp pattern though...I like it. Happy accident born of achey hands.

So yeah...THOSE are done now. *sigh of relief* On to more stuff. One more plaque to finish up (wolves this time...it's nearly done), and then I still have a week left to finish my New Orleans order. WonderTwin powers activate. Shape of: a leather artist. Like I was sayin' to John, I need a space monkey as a sidekick & then life would be grand.
Char leaves today for a week-long cruise to the Bahamas. Going with her Dad. *shudder* Considering how things went the last time she got together with his side of the family for a reunion (that was the infamous "let's give all the kids wine coolers!" incident), I'm more than a little worried. Same rich uncle is sponsoring this trip. I've put out the word, imposed a curfew (sp??), done what I can to let all the "responsible" people know what I expect. Rich uncle is actually a pretty decent guy (he was NOT giving his kids alcohol last time, btw), so I hope everything will be ok. I can't deny Char the opportunity to go on this trip...I've always wished for a cruise to the Bahamas myself! I just hope she'll be safe. *worried*
Talked with brother John yesterday. His life is going SO well...I'm really proud & happy for him. :-) He just bought a baby grand piano for Casa De Awesome (John plays a hell of a mean piano); something he's always wanted. His "Cool Breeze" cartoon commercial is making waves...I guess Skechers boys' shoes sales are up 96% over last year. They're manufacturing Cool Breeze toys and there's even a dude doing promotions in a full-sized Cool Breeze costume. It's so surreal; when he was a little kid he was forever drawing cartoons & stapling together makeshift comic books...and now he has his OWN comic book character. How strange & wonderful is that?
All around the edge, Kris wanted oak leaves, 'cause oak & English mistletoe apparently often grow near each other. The mistletoe leaves are kinda small and narrow and shiny, while oak is more veiny & detailed. I think the contrast looks awesome.
The dragon's eyes are pearls too.

The other winter dragon is a holly dragon. I think it looks more "wintery"...but also a little "christmas-y".

The berries are carnelian beads. I used larger beads, 'cause I made larger leaves, 'cause I did a TON of mistletoe leaves & I was sick of making tiny leaves. I think the large holly makes a bold crisp pattern though...I like it. Happy accident born of achey hands.

So yeah...THOSE are done now. *sigh of relief* On to more stuff. One more plaque to finish up (wolves this time...it's nearly done), and then I still have a week left to finish my New Orleans order. WonderTwin powers activate. Shape of: a leather artist. Like I was sayin' to John, I need a space monkey as a sidekick & then life would be grand.
Char leaves today for a week-long cruise to the Bahamas. Going with her Dad. *shudder* Considering how things went the last time she got together with his side of the family for a reunion (that was the infamous "let's give all the kids wine coolers!" incident), I'm more than a little worried. Same rich uncle is sponsoring this trip. I've put out the word, imposed a curfew (sp??), done what I can to let all the "responsible" people know what I expect. Rich uncle is actually a pretty decent guy (he was NOT giving his kids alcohol last time, btw), so I hope everything will be ok. I can't deny Char the opportunity to go on this trip...I've always wished for a cruise to the Bahamas myself! I just hope she'll be safe. *worried*
Talked with brother John yesterday. His life is going SO well...I'm really proud & happy for him. :-) He just bought a baby grand piano for Casa De Awesome (John plays a hell of a mean piano); something he's always wanted. His "Cool Breeze" cartoon commercial is making waves...I guess Skechers boys' shoes sales are up 96% over last year. They're manufacturing Cool Breeze toys and there's even a dude doing promotions in a full-sized Cool Breeze costume. It's so surreal; when he was a little kid he was forever drawing cartoons & stapling together makeshift comic books...and now he has his OWN comic book character. How strange & wonderful is that?
Well, back to work, kids. I'm coasting on three hours of sleep. Hooray for Magic Chinese tea.
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no subject
Not quite what I'd imagined, but I love it! The mistletoe leaves are awesome. Just gorgeous. It's subtle, as far as "winter" goes, but I really, really like it.
Now I just need spring. I've got some ideas, but we'll have to talk to see if they're doable. I figure that'll be my I-Con commission next year...
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Yeah, I had to change a thing or two...the circle of oak leaves just looked better as a border, rather than random. It makes a stronger design; the other way looked too messy.
"Spring" has to be some kind of flower, I'm sure.
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no subject
Definitely some kind of flower. I've gotten a couple of ideas as I've been watching my garden, but it hasn't quite gelled yet.
Today is killing me. Allergies kicked in HARD yesterday. I have no idea what just came into bloom, but it's killing me. AND I've got a knot in my left shoulder that pulls every time I try to turn my head (note the word "try.") The massage therapist tells me that it's *under* my scapula. Good luck getting that beast to let go...
Tonight I'll pack all the Pennsic stuff that I've pulled out so that I can start pulling out clothes and linens. I want to have that pulled together by the end of the weekend so that I can do optional stuff next week.
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Also, freaky cutoff low pressure front has been SPINNING over the Northeast all week...it's playing havoc with my sinuses too.
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I'll send good wishes that Char has an incredibly fun but very safe trip. Hopefully more responsible heads will prevail this time.
That's so cool about your brother. He sounds like a really amazing guy, nd it's great that things are going so well for him.
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no subject
*shudder* Charlotte's trip has me nervous, but I've done everything I can to keep her safe & yet still let her go. You can't keep a teenager in a box just 'cause something might go wrong.
John totally wins at life. :-) It's very cool to see what he does next.
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no subject
If you keep the teenager in a box she'll spend all her time trying to get OUT of the box. If you leave the top off and you've previously done a good job, she'll poke her nose out occasionally but realize that the box is more nicely upholstered and has snacks.
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What is the Magic Chinese tea?
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Magic Chinese tea is oolong! Go buy some. It promotes weight loss without anything unnatural or dangerous, plus it's a great morning boost.
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dragon..
This Sunday is our Katie's bday and one of her gifts is the leaf pin with the ladybug I bought from you. I'm sure she'll love it.
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Re: dragon..
Happy B-day to your little one! OMG I feel like she was just a little baby. Kids have a way of keeping you young & making you feel old at the same time.
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Of course what *I* want to do is take some of the leaves off the plaque and stick them in a cutting-rooting dust so I can grow myself a plant of the stuff. It would look so great in my woodland garden...
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no subject
As for Char's dad...yeesh. Well let's hope he learned not to be so stupid when it comes to children and wine. :/