Monday, October 27, 2008

I know I promised...

to post pictures of that wedding I went to. And I will. Unfortunately I discovered at the wedding that the batteries in my camera were dead. But my friend David took great ones and promised to share. He is just taking his time getting them to me. : )

Here is some new work of mine. The first are Queen Esther Earrings. They were named thus due to their regal color and the 24 karat gold beads. Perfect for Hannukah or as a way to show your faith daily. To purchase this pattern: http://www.bead-patterns.com/shop/shop.php?method=itemnumber&keywords=14820
If you are not Jewish or have anyone of that faith to make those for, here are a pair inspired by Medieval architecture. Named Jeweled Quatrefoil Earrings. Quatrefoil is a Middle English word from the 15th century meaning a representation of leaves or a flower with four leaves or petals. This idea inspired these earrings. To purchase this pattern: http://www.bead-patterns.com/shop/shop.php?method=itemnumber&keywords=14843

These earrings are special to me as they were the first piece of beadwork I made after my husband died. It took me almost 6 months to start beading again. The rose montees had been sent to me the year before by a friend for my birthday. I just adored them. One day, when I accidentally came across them, I was inspired again. I am so glad. I really missed beading.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Brrrr, it's cold outside!

It is 47 degrees F outside and getting colder by the day. Somehow my head has been in the sand and I have totally missed the fact that it is autumn and winter is quickly approaching. I haven't had my quilt or my winter coat dry cleaned yet. I am not sure where my gloves are. I still have my straw hats out and my wool ones packed away. I need to get moving. But instead of doing all of that, I have spent my time creating a fun pattern for winter. Not only is this bracelet cute and winter-themed, it helps out a good cause.

Have you heard about the declining numbers of polar bears? No matter what you may personally believe about global warming, it is a fact that the polar ice caps are melting and polar bears are dying because of it. Without the ice, the polar bears have no place to rest during their search for food and often die of exhaustion. An estimated 70% of polar bear cubs die before their 3rd birthday. Here is a great site to learn more about the problem: http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/
Here is another site with fun facts: http://www.kidzone.ws/sg/polarbear/polar_bear.htm

One dollar of every pattern sold will be donated to Polar Bears International. To learn more about this organization and to make a donation, go to: http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/

To purchase the pattern: http://www.bead-patterns.com/shop/shop.php?method=itemnumber&keywords=14819

To see all the patterns I have for sale: http://www.bead-patterns.com/shop/shop.php?designer=Heather%20Hall

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Masquerade Wedding and New Pics

On Saturday I am going to a Masquerade Wedding. The rules are masks only, no costumes. Unfortunately I just learned of the wedding less than a week ago, so I don't have a lot of time to prepare. I don't have a mask yet. That is one of my tasks for tomorrow. I am going with my friend David. I'll make sure we take pictures to share. It should be interesting.

Here are two new patterns I posted tonight. The first is a beaded cuff bracelet with a pattern inspired by historical Greek designs. I made this bracelet when I was recovering from my surgery that I mentioned in my last post. At first I couldn't sit up for very long. So this bracelet was almost entirely beaded with me lying on my back and my head propped up on pillows. It is a elegant yet easy pattern.

Here is the link to purchase this pattern: http://www.bead-patterns.com/shop/shop.php?method=itemnumber&keywords=14781

The second is an interpretation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A great way to show your faith or your funkiness. A very popular symbol with Catholics and tattoo enthusiasts. Here is a great site to read about the history of the Sacred Heart: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07163a.htm

Here is the link to purchase this pattern: http://www.bead-patterns.com/shop/shop.php?method=itemnumber&keywords=14782