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.

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

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

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

Sacred Healing Bag

Five years ago I became ill. Very ill. I had to have a hysterectomy to save my life. That was when I created this bag. I call it a talismen bag because inside it are objects of importance of me. The top of the bag is actually sewn shut to contain them and keep them safe, as opposed to an amulet bag which is open at the top.

This project was posted to the BeadWork magazine's website in 2006. It is free to download. Here is the link. I hope you enjoy making your own version!

Happy Birthday, Joanna!

Tomorrow is my good friend Joanna's birthday. Here is to a great birthday, Joanna!

I spent a few days celebrating with her earlier this week. We had a great time eating, drinking, buying beads, and having long chats. Here is a picture of her birthday present from me. She saw me wearing a similar bracelet and wanted her own version. She also wanted it to be the band of a watch. The pattern is from the October/November 2004 BeadWork magazine by Kathleen Kimball-Baker.

A Busy Time of Year

I am always very busy during August and September. I volunteer at the Catholic boy's boarding high school where my Mom is the school nurse. There is lots to do to prepare for the new school year. I stock and inventory the infirmary and stored medical supplies. My point is, that is why I haven't posted.

Christmas is only 137 days away. Can you believe it??? Here is a pattern I have for sale that makes a beautiful Christmas ornament. You could also use it as a pendant, especially if you eliminated the head and wings. The netting around the donut alone is beautiful. Here is the link.

Just to brag a little, this design placed 3rd in http://www.bead-patterns.com/ 2004 Holiday Sensations contest (Ornaments division). : )

I also like to make beaded dolls. So I thought I would start posting dolls I have made over the past few years. I was originally inspired to start creating these little beauties by the talented bead doll creators that meet at the BeadArt forum. Not only are these women (I personally haven't met any men, but I believe there have been ones that hang out there) wonderfully talented artists, they are also some of the best friends I have made on the web. Thank you to all of them.

Here is one of my earliest dolls.

Empress Fushia: front

Empress Fushia: back