RIF

I participated in a program called "Reading is Fundamental" (aka - RIF) this morning. It was so much fun! I read several books to kids at Washington Elementary right here in the heart of Phoenix, Az and then got to help them choose a book to take home. They were a captive audience and warmed my heart.

This book was my fave:

Eat your veggies.....or else! Very cute!

Tomorrow, Josh & I are going to Rio Salado to help with an invasive weed pull. Sound exciting? Probably not - however, I'm happy to do my part to keep my community nice and tidy.

On Sunday, I will be at the Double Tree in Tucson demo-ing Soft Flex products for our distributor Foreign Source. We'll have our new eco-friendly gold, silver & champagne on hand as well as our fun and colorful Trio sets. Yay!

Next week, you can find Soft Flex Co at the Best Bead Show.

The Best Bead Show - Tucson

February 4 - 8, 2009
Kino Veteran's Memorial Community Center
2805 East Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ 85713

Details:
Wednesday 2/4, 10am - 8pm
Thursday 2/5, 10am - 6pm
Friday 2/6, 10am - 6pm
Saturday 2/7, 10am - 6pm
Sunday 2/8, 10am - 5pm
Admission: FREE - Open to the general public

Here's what my friends were up to this week:

Jamie Hogsett made new earrings!

Kristen Fagan sent off her sister's test wedding invitation this week and is really digging it!

Back from CHA and living the colorful life...

I love the new Soft Flex colors. It is like being a painter for years and only have 12 color possibilities and then all of a sudden someone hands you 10 more color options. I am like a kid in a candy store and the design concepts were flowing out of me endlessly. New greens and pinks and blues....oh my! I'm in love with Soft Flex in colors!

Here is a sneak preview to a few design concepts that I'm currently working on!

This will be a Valentine's day free project idea using our "Romance Trio". This is a great way to use up left over wire scraps. Use every last inch of your wire.



Here is a pendant using our "Mystical Trio".


And last but not least, my creation using Harmony. I still need to connect my ends to a clasp, but you can see the general idea.




All colors are coming soon to a local bead store near you. Ask for Soft Flex colors by name because we have the largest color selection of any beading wire manufacturer. We also carry the most flexible, strongest and simply the best wire known to mankind. Warning: I might be a little biased.

Sneak peak at new products

It has been an awfully long and an awfully exciting day here at CHA! I'm so very excited to share a little with you about our 2009 product launch. Please be warned that I am a bit tired and will talk about each product a lot more over the coming weeks and months.

Soft Flex Company is introducing the world's first "green", eco friendly beading wire, available in gold, silver & champagne (which is to die for beautiful). This product is not a steel product. Heavy metals are not used in the process and therefore this product is far better on the environment in its manufacturing process. It is strong, durable, soft, supple, gorgeous and eco conscious. There are a lot of wire manufacturers these days and although many of them may claim to be the most innovative or the most creative, I am more than satisfied that I am indeed a part of a team that works long and hard to bring our customers nothing but the best and most unique products. This product is A-mAzing. It will be for sale in Tucson and available from most Soft Flex distributors sometime in February. Watch out world - here comes NEW technology, not just more of the same. Look for the "green" friendly logo on the label.

We now carry the most color options in beading wire. We have 34 color varieties between our various brands of wire. Soft Flex .019 Medium is available in 22 colors with the addition of 10 NEW colors. These will be availalble for sale in Tucson and can be purchased online in early February. All of our colors have been chosen with a gemstone in mind. In such a colorful craft, why settle for boring stainless steel. Use color to add spice to your next design.

With the introduction of the new colors, check out our TRIOS using Soft Flex Wire! With a combo of 3 colors, you are sure to create a design that stands out. We are happy to introduce a line of products that cannot be duplicated. It is unique to Soft Flex. We are the manufacturer with the most cutting edge technology and packaging concepts. We are designers ourselves and definitely design products with the end user in mind. If we wouldn't use it ourselves in our own designs, we don't sell it! These will be available for sale in Tucson and also online in early February. There are 10 set options. We'll be launching tons of new free project ideas usign the Trios in February. If you don't know how to use color, we'll show you!


The beautiful and talented, Jamie Hogsett. She is Education Extrordinaire for Soft Flex Company.

Me, myself & I...demo-ing.

The always creative Mike Sherman and the amazingly talented Scott Clark (co-owners of Soft Flex Co) with our friend Paula Radke.


CHA has been amazing so far. We are so glad that we could participate...make new contacts, see old friends and show our wonderful new products.

Paris at CHA

It isn't every day that Paris Hilton is escorted by your booth to sign autographs in the booth next to you. It was quite the crowd creator today when Paris launched her new beading sets only a few feet from our booth. She seemed very nice and definitely knew what she was doing...even stopping in the booth on the other side of us to check her makeup & hair before continuing her stroll down the aisle to the cameras, lights and fans waiting for her. I'm not sure that I completely understand the hubbub, but everyone was very excited to see her. In fact, I think I could be quoted as saying, "Strange!" or "I just don't get it.". There are very few people that I'd stand in line to meet or go out of my way to see in person. I've never been one to ask for someone's autograph. Maybe if it was President Obama and his wife Michele or Oprah....I really love Oprah. Anyway, it made life more interesting than normal today and that I can say for sure.

Set up CHA

We're here and I gotta say....I'm a little overwhelmed. This show is huge! We took a quick stroll around after we set up our booth today. There is definitely a lot of things to keep me busy! I look forward to showing off our new products and our existing products tomorrow. We have some really neat things to share. It was nice to see our friends at John Bead today. As our Canadian master distributor, they have one of our new fancy dancy racks set up in their booth.

Now, I'm off to have dinner with my uncle, aunt and cousins. They drove over from Corona, CA to spend time with me this evening - YAY family visit!

Secret, secret...who's gotta secret?

I do. I do.

Anyone that knows me well knows that I don't do well with secrets. I'm sure that Kristen can vouch for this little problem of mine. I like to be transparent. I like to put it all out on the table and having a secret just doesn't feel quite right. Knowing that, you can probably see why keeping the new products that we are about to launch a SECRET from conception to testing to manufacturing to packaging to shelving (in other words, a long time) could eat me up inside. SO, I am oh so very happy to show the world these new products at CHA this weekend. And yes, I will be giving you a sneak peak too here on my blog. The new products won't be for sale on our website until February 2nd.

For now, they are still a secret....2 more days....can I make it?

Here is what my friends were up to this week:

Jamie Hogsett made new earrings!

Kristen Fagan's sister is getting married this year and she is working on the invitation design.

Take care and have a lovely weekend.....

CHA

I have always wanted to visit CHA. It is a huge show that is put together by the Craft & Hobby Association. It usually conflicts with our Tucson gem & mineral schedule, but we squeezed it in this year. I have no idea what to expect. Most shows that I have attended (and I've attended hundreds of shows) are specifically bead related. I can't wait to walk around and soak in some crafty creativeness. I suppose there will still be a lot of beads...but will there be knitting and sewing and painting and ceramics too? I don't know, but I'm going to find out. I love beads and beading...but I love being creative with other mediums as well. So, this just seems like it might be a little slice of heaven for me. :)

I'll definitely keep you posted on what I find, who I meet and BEST of all info on the new products that Soft Flex Company is launching! I CAN'T WAIT!

Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) - Winter Convention & Trade Show

January 25 - 28, 2009
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802

Details:
Sunday 1/25, 9am - 5:30pm
Monday 1/26, 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 1/27, 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 1/28, 9am - 2pm
Admission: CHA Members are FREE, non-members must pay $150 per/person. There are no sales at this show, only order writing. This trade show is open only to those in the Craft & Hobby industry. If you choose to register onsite you will need to bring your business qualifications along with you.

I love this!

Check out this you tube video and then thank me later....totally adorable.

More Heard Museum

The Heard Museum developed from the passion that pioneer settlers Dwight B. and Maie Bartlett Heard felt for the Southwest, its inhabitants and its history. The Heard’s dream of sharing the beauty of their private collection with the public was realized in 1929 when the Heard Museum first opened its doors.

Today, the Heard's collections include approximately 39,000 works of cultural and fine art. The collections remain at the core of the museum’s mission and serve as an internationally known resource for learning about the rich cultural heritage of Native peoples. While maintaining an emphasis on the cultures of the greater Southwest, the Heard collections also include American Indian fine art from throughout North America including drawings, paintings and sculpture.

Key collections areas feature textiles, katsina dolls, pottery, jewelry, baskets, cradleboards, paintings, sculpture and World Cultures materials.

I really enjoyed our adventure to the museum yesterday. Here are some other neat items that I saw.

Right in the front door, there was a nice glass exhibit....we all know that I love glass.

The doll native doll collection was immense. The detail on each doll was stunning.

There was a modern collection in the main hall. I really loved these large pieces of art by Navajo painter Tony Abeyta.

In the "Mothers & daughters: Stories in Clay" exhibit, I fell in love with the sculptures. Each one showed so much feeling and emotion.
We learned about the "clowns" in Native American history. Very interesting....Here is one rising from the ground to create mischief, no doubt...

Anyway, it was wonderful day at the museum. After the museum we walked to Denise's house and commenced cooking. We made tamales & enchiladas for dinner under Denise's watchful eye. Lunch was fantastic.

Craft meetup - Murillo style

Kathy Murillo - The Crafty Chica created a very unique and a totally fun exhibit at the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix. Check this out....Click on each picture to see a closer view!

Each room is created like a large shadow box featuring what her perfect, most sparkly room could look like.

Here's the work room....

the kitchen....

the livingroom.....

patio doors.....

her daughter's bedroom, so cute.....


I really enjoyed the exhibit and have a few more pictures to share from the Heard Museum when I find time. Kathy's new glitter line made the details in this exhibit extra special. Find her products.

Knitting...knitting...knitting......

Yes, it is true. I've been enjoying my new hobby whenever I have a few extra minutes (which isn't often with CHA & Tucson on the horizon). Here is the scarf that I've been working on. As you can see, it is not perfect...but it has been a good lesson in knitting and it is awfully soft.

I recorded a late night episode of Knitty Gritty on DIY. I was amazed at how much I learned in just one half hour show. I'm imagining myself knitting baby blankets, socks, sweaters, caps, etc. So much FUN! I might have to dvr a few more episodes of this show!

And now for a sneak peak at another fun new, upcoming Free Project Idea using Econoflex wire. Lisa Dwelly in our customer service department sent me a knitted wash cloth. She uses it for washing dishes, but I can also imagine that it is great for wiping down counter tops or dusting. I added my own touch with a beaded handle to hang it from the faucet to dry. I'll make instructions available someday soon.


See what my good friends are up to this week:

Jamie Hogsett made new earrings!

Kristen Fagan loves telecommuting for Soft Flex Company. Read how working from home reaps "green" rewards for our environment.

Wine Charms

I have been working hard on projects to share at CHA and then to pass along to be put online in our Free Project Ideas section online. I thought that I'd give you a sneak peak at one of my favorite new projects. They are wine charms, using our Econoflex wire. You can differentiate between the charms by the color of wire and beads used. This way you don't get your wine glass confused with someone else. I think they turned out super cute!

Tips for a better life...

I saw this posted on facebook by the wonderfully talented Crafty Chica and thought that I would share with you....

Tips for Better Life

1. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Sleep for 7 hours.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Play more games.
6. Read more books than you did the previous year.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink plenty of water.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
14. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
15. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
16. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
17. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
18. Smile and laugh more.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Forgive everyone for everything.
26. What other people think of you is none of your business.
27. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
28. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
29. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
30. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
31. The best is yet to come.
32. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
33. Do the right thing!
34. Call your family often.
35. Your inner most is always happy. So be happy.
36. Each day give something good to others.
37. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
38. Share this with someone you care about (Click the "Share" link below)

For more on wonderful happiness ideas, please join the group "The Happiest Day of Your Life".

It has just been one of those days, when a post like this and a reminder to smile was perfect for me. :)

I love this....

I am a firm believer in giving back to your community. I love to volunteer and have volunteered in many different settings through out my life. I am so proud to have a president and first lady that are committed to leading the American people to donate time to their community and volunteer. Check out Michelle Obama. Unfortunately, I am flying to Missouri to visit Eurotool for the afternoon and then flying right back home on Monday, January 19th. However, I'm signed up to read out loud to the children of Washington Elementary school on Friday, January 30th & weed pulling at Rio Salado park on January 31st. So, I urge you....get out there. Maybe not on the 19th, but sign up and volunteer on a different day. Animal shelters need dog walkers. Parks need stewards. Build homes with habitat for humanity. The options are endless...this is our home and it will only be as good as we make it.

Psssssssssst....we have a secret...

We are so excited for our upcoming new product launches. For now, mum is the word...but just let me tell you this: THEY ARE PRETTY WONDERFUL!!! You will be just as excited as I am just as soon as you see them! We will launch the new items at CHA and in Tucson. You'll be able to find them for sale online as of February 2nd. So, mark your calendars and be sure to check it out.

• Craft & Hobby Association (CHA)
  Winter Convention & Trade Show
  January 25 - 28, 2009
  Anaheim Convention Center
  800 West Katella Avenue
  Anaheim, CA 92802

  Details:
  Sunday 1/25, 9am - 5:30pm
  Monday 1/26, 9am - 5:30pm
  Tuesday 1/27, 9am - 5:30pm
  Wednesday 1/28, 9am - 2pm
  Admission: CHA Members are FREE, non-members must pay $150 per/person. There are no sales at this show, only order writing. This trade show is open only to those in the Craft & Hobby industry. If you choose to register onsite you will need to bring your business qualifications along with you. Click here to find out what is required.
  

• The Best Bead Show - Tucson
  February 4 - 8, 2009
  Kino Veteran's Memorial Community Center
  2805 East Ajo Way
  Tucson, AZ 85713

  Details:
  Wednesday 2/4, 10am - 8pm
  Thursday 2/5, 10am - 6pm
  Friday 2/6, 10am - 6pm
  Saturday 2/7, 10am - 6pm
  Sunday 2/8, 10am - 5pm
  Admission: Free

Here's what my friends are up to:

Jamie Hogsett is fascinated by the gift of "blooming" tea.

Kristen Fagan headed out into the bitter cold to enjoy the Chihuly: The Nature of Glass exhibit at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden. It was well worth the shivering!

Book Review

1000 Glass Beads: Innovation & Imagination in Contemporary Glass Beadmaking by Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
1000 Glass Beads with introduction by Cathy Finegan has 400 pages of awe inspiring photos of glass beads. Lampwork is an art form that will always be near and dear to my heart. Soft Flex Company got their start through the support of local bead stores and lampworkers. Mike started off making glass beads as well as recreating estate sale treasures. He took his first class from Loren Stump in the early 90's. This book has some stunning beads...beads that you could not even imagine in your wildest dreams.

From the back cover: "Examine magnificent glass bead works of art including jewelry and sculptural pieces from the top names in the field today, as well as exciting works from emerging artists. Their exquisite designs reflect the diversity and innovation of beadmaking techniques from around the world. Simultaneously fine art and functional, wearable and collectible, these glass treasures will astound you with their originality and artistry."

From the forward: "Beads have been with us for a very long time; the earliest ones, dating back some 40,000 years ago, were made of animal bones and teeth. But glass beads-born of flame and fancy-began to appear around 4,000 years ago. No too long afterward, glass beads were considered as valuable as precious stone, worn primarily by nobility. Later, they were used as currency."

Inside you'll find:

• Excellent forward by Cathy Finegan
• 1000 glass beads/artists featured
• Stellar photography
  

View all my reviews.

Stepping the right foot into 2009...

I'm BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

I feel great, although I didn't get much sleep last night. Something about the combination of sleeping too much and knowing that I had to wake up at a specific time (dreaded alarm clock) kept me up tossing and turning all night long. Two cups of chai tea later....I'm feeling a little bit more perky. Only 349 emails in my inbox, no big deal right?!

So, I spent a few hours each day for the past few days and reorganized my personal bead stash. It is heaven. The blue beads are with the blue beads. The red beads are with the red beads. The seed beads that accidentally dumped in with my bali silver in 2003 (my guess) are removed and sorted. It has probably been a good 5 years since I have done an overhaul. Guess what? Now, I feel like I need more beads. Then, I tacked up Josh's pin board and cut out some inspirational items from my latest beading magazines to give me something pretty to look at.

Here are my new bead bins.

See - neat and tidy. I love it. I don't like clutter, but for some reason my bead table is always cluttered and it actually feels good. Maybe I'm just used to working in a tight space when it comes to making jewelry?

And, I made some simple earrings using my wigjig & spiral maker.

Oh boy, now I'm up to 357 emails. I better get back at it.....358....359....