~My Over-Stuffed Nut Shell~

It’s been nearly 3 months since my last update….so much has happened I really don’t know where to begin. First off my apologies for not updating since January. I have been so busy; then sick for nearly a month ...I just couldn't find the time. I'm going to make up for that now though with a recap of the last 3 months. So here it is in a nutshell:

I kicked off the New Year with a contest for a free pair of earrings. It was very successful; I had so many new subscribers for my blog and also on my website. Lou-Ann Geange was the lucky winner of a pair of Traditional Quill Earrings. Lou-Ann customized her own pair with colour and size. She ended up with the most petite pair of earrings I have ever made…they are fantastic!!!

In March I took part in another PMC workshop. Juan Bohorquez was our instructor; what a fantastic guy. The same crew of artists returned from last year along with three additional students, Allison Dancey and Rosalinde Elliott and Rosalind Ford. I had a great time..I think everyone enjoyed it but we DID NOT like those triangles did we folks!!!lol. (picture to the left) PMC Locket. I simply cannot wait to do another PMC class with Juan or Shannon. If we’re lucky, we’ll get them both to come to Newfoundland.

I was approached sometime back in December by my consultant Pete Barrett, she asked if I would be interested in teaching a Basic Beading Workshop. I jumped for the chance and started right away with organizing, planning my projects and preparing kits. It all came together nicely but WOW it was a tremendous amount of work. I’m so proud that I managed to pull it off especially with all the other things I had on the go. The workshop participants were a fantastic group of aboriginal women. They were very eager to learn how to do traditional beadwork. (picture above) Cavell and Sheila concentrating on their beadwork.

We kicked off the workshop with the basics; I gave them a crash course in beads, bead size, colour, brand names, suppliers, websites, needles, threads, design, software. You name it, I tried to cover it the first night; I pretty much squeezed in what I have learned over the past 15 years into 3 hours. Needless to say I could barely talk when I came home that night....lol. (Picture to the left) Some of the students showing off their gorgeous finished earrings and necklace set. ~Sheila, Cavell, Carolotta & Verlie~

The following day the students started their first project which was a pair of brick stitch traditional style beaded earrings and then then moved on to a brick stitch beaded pendant. Those that completed those 2 projects moved on to learning bead embroidery and flat even count peyote. I’m so proud of all of the ladies and really I hope they continue beading. (picture to the right) Some of the ladies very busy with their beading projects.

Lastly, I would like to say Congratulations to Peyton Barrett who will be retiring at the end of this week. Pete and I met a few years ago when she started working with me as my consultant; we quickly became the best of friends. She worked tirelessly to bring about all of the workshops I’ve taken part in as well as my beading workshop and many many more. This lady never stops, I do believe she works around the clock....I often wonder when she finds time to sleep... lol.

Pete is the best of the best when it comes to knowing the in’s and out’s of the craft industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her abundance of knowledge and passion for crafts is amazing. The Department of Innovation, Trades and Rural Development have some might big shoes to fill.

On behalf of all crafters you have helped steer in the right direction, I wish you a very Happy Retirement my friend!!!

Ok I think I have over stuff that Nutshell lol. That’s all for now folks!!! Take care and I’ll post again real soon :0)