Flashback to my Alamo Beads

I finally photographed my Alamo-inspired Necklace Set in an appropriate setting.   I took several other photos but the background just didn't do the necklace justice. This background is a slice from a limb of the Willow Tree that used to reside in our front yard.  We loved the tree but it was dying and became dangerous as we have quite a bit of wind here in the Desert. Having it cut down brought tears to my eyes and a sinking feeling in my heart but I kept several slices and they make great backgrounds for some of my art. 

     I made the polymer clay beads and pendant after a vacation trip to San Antonio to see the Alamo this past spring.  I know the music is a little hokie but my husband is a huge fan of John Wayne, old movies like the Alamo and the theme songs. So I included these two for him. The Ballad of the Alamo and Green Leaves of Summer. 
     Many of my beads went to my Bead Soup Partner, Emanda and she created a stunning necklace with them. 

     I think the silk ribbon and glittery beads added just the right touch of fall color to make my faux limestone beads sing. 

I also love the large wood rounds wired into the bronze rings.  

This necklace is very comfortable and light weight. I am going to take a chance and enter this piece into a pool for a book Lorelei is writing about using cords, fibers and ribbons in jewelry.  See her October 20, 2010 post for more information about the book. 

I have yet to be published but promised myself I would approach my artistic endeavors with "No Fear". 

"There is nothing to lose and much to be gained 

when your heart and soul are in everything you do."

A Squirrel gathers her nuts...

Beaders gather their beads sometimes not knowing what they may become.  

I picked up this beautiful wood tree pendant at (head dipped in shame because I missed Lorelei' Challenge- I was out of town and not reading blogs for a couple weeks) Michaels. 

I just love it and when I came across these spiral carved nuts at my local bead shop 

I knew I had a fine duet in the making. 

These components are not expensive and 

I love how they look together and to me they represent Fall in all it's glory. 

The beads are extremely light weight and so comfortable to wear.  

The necklace and earring set will be listed today in my Etsy Shop!! 

I just have to share photos of my Purple Passion Vine.

It went crazy this year and I have had hundreds of blossoms to ooh and ah over.

I just can't get over how intricate and strange the stamen and pistols are.

While I am waxing "Purple" 

a close up of the illusive dragonfly on 

my art quilt titled: "On Purple Pond" ( also listed in my etsy shop)

This is my artistic parody of the movie "On Golden Pond "

where like me and my family 

Life is seen through violet colored glasses 

and never ceases to be unique and inspirational. 

The center is a beautiful leaf print I did with geranium leaves and Lumiere metallic paints.

They glow on the black cotton.

 I am continually inspired to create aquatic creatures.

More later about my first artist's gallery reception!! 

It has been in the 80's all week and cooler at night here in Las Vegas.

We walk around our neighborhood at night and look at the stars and moon.

I LOVE this time of year!! 

Enjoy your weekend.