Site Meter



Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Pearl Peyote


One day I dropped my sizable collection of Pearls on the floor of the Studio. They went in every direction and took me literally hours to pick up. In the picking, I realized a whole new appreciation for pearls of all sizes and color. Most of the smaller pearls came from a raw silk designer wedding gown, bought for $10.00 in a Second Hand Store. I spent 3 weeks removing the pearls and crystals then recycled the dress to a friends daughter for grad. The necklace above was designed to use those pearls and crystals. I still have boxes and boxes remaining....The base is of course Peyote.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Beaded Cords

The fact is that machines can most likely manufacture these cords in a nano second. Great if you are producing in mass with low class beads but NOT if you are wanting to preserve a traditional cultural skill and teach the appreciation of it to other like minded people. This cord is a Twisted Herringbone pattern again taken from an old native stitch but here I tried to give it a modern design. You can't find a nicer bead then Japanese hex cut seed beads. They pick up the light, reflect it and fit next to each other like Lego. Are you experiencing Seed Bead Love yet?

Friday, July 27, 2012

Everyone's favorite

I am not sure why this design appeals, maybe it's the crystal attached to a simple Peyote band. The options are as endless as there are bead styles and color. I have easily made a good hundred of this design and never seem to have any extra to show or wear myself.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Pattern is possible

Weaving a fine pattern with many color combinations is the challenge of working in Native Stitches. It was originally designed with color and pattern in mind and easily translates into modern pieces. I wanted a Vintage feel for this piece and chose the colors to complement the style. It is still based on Peyote but adding a bead every two that allows you to increase and decrease as the pattern warrants. Knitters will appreciate the technique....me....not so much. Since a brain injury years ago, I must rely on my eye alone as counting just simply does not add up.....sigh!!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Peyote Fringe......trending today

Seed beads are by far my favorite medium to work in. Delicas allow fine detail work that look like Needlepoint and have subtle color shading. This necklace came about through wanting a collar length summer accessory. The fringe, like branches in a tree come off of the Peyote Band. It is an amazing piece, allowing for a multitude of color combinations and one of my best sellers. 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Peyote necklace

This necklace was started with a Peyote base and experimentation. Many mistakes produced this necklace and earrings but then I was stumped to do a repeat....us brain injured never duplicate anything....no can do... Had to take pics then take it apart....take more pics and put it back together.sigh!!!

Monday, July 23, 2012

And a Beader is born

10 years ago, Octoberish I think, a friend and I took an Art Gallery Course called Introduction to Jewelry making. Neither of us realized it was all about bead weaving, not fixing or stringing necklaces. Neither of us were prepared to meet Gail ,a USA transplant who owned at one time the largest bead emporium in the Eastern U.S. and who with amazing foresight brought the majority of her beads with her when she moved to B.C. We took the class. Learned Peyote and were hooked on the lost art of native bead weaving. Following the end of the course and faced with two "all or nothing" personalities, she did a wondrous thing. She invited us weekly into her home to continue to learn more Native Weaving techniques. Neither of us knew who Gail was or knew of her reputation in the bead world and that she had apprenticed with Tis Mal Crow, legend in native bead weaving and Shaman herbal healing circles. Had we even a clue we would never had raised our eyes or stood erect in her presence.Ten years later our passion for seed bead weaving has only grown stronger. We watch with amusement  beading fever hit the craft world and the thousands of dollars spent in wire, crystal, findings and glass blown beads always returning to our roots and first love, the cheap and simple seed bead, beading needle and Nymo D thread. Above you see some of the Peyote bags we first produced. We later discovered we could adjust our designs to be a modern piece with a foundation firmly set in the versatile Peyote stitch. Over the next week I will display many of our designs in an attempt to lure you into the wonderful world of Native Bead Weaving.

Friday, July 20, 2012

To swim or NOT????

First of all....I hurt my knee yesterday gardening.....second , It is 29 C and it is 9:30 am....third, It is Friday better known as Hell Highway Horror day.....four, My head hurts and heat makes it hurt more as does moving, driving, breathing....fifth, I need to go out tonight so need to conserve, preserve the body parts. Whatever???? On my way......

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Preparation continues

Washed, waxed, polished, vacuumed and emptied of necessities....ready for her rest. This might be my biggest challenge. More than the pain, immobility for 2 months, more than not being able to shower for 2 months and more than 13 months of physio. Parking my Ruby Girl and relying on others for transportation for 6 months is far scarier than the actual surgery. Yes, that will be me eating my Tim's sitting in the drivers seat....parked in the garage......

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Erotica in the garden

It was brought to my attention yesterday that the sculpting of my front court yard trees and shrubs has an R rating. Apparently the over 50 group is quite sensitive to shape and form even when it comes to trees. This I knew when Art was the topic of discussion but when it comes to foliage, I am somewhat surprised and yet bemused..... It seems my spruce look like Penises and my shrubs like a variety of sizes of breasts.....Is it me or is it them?

Monday, July 16, 2012

Barber to the flora

I have discovered an alternative Worry Bead substitute that might possibly have some actual usefulness.Spring ,summer,fall and early winter in this neck of the woods is greenery bonanza. Plants,good and bad thrive in our tropical paradise, growing any where, anyway they want. Though I bow to their sense of survival  and the resourceful direction they take to get to a drip of anything liquid; I hugely detest hacking my way to the gate every time I want out. In light of the fact I have sorted and reorganized all that is within my realm of power this Greenery has become my new obsession during these long sleepless (21 remaining) nights prior to OP Day. The upside is I can clip and dig long into the wee hours disturbing no one..and... vacuuming at 3 AM was beginning to be a bone of contention between me and the Dude.....go figure???

Sunday, July 15, 2012

It is so hot .........


  • the birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
  • the potatoes cook underground, and all you have to do to have lunch is to pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.
  • farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard-boiled eggs.
  • the cows are giving evaporated milk.
  • the trees are whistling for the dogs.
  • you no longer associate bridges (or rivers) with water.
  • you can say 113 degrees without fainting.
  • you eat hot chilies to cool your mouth off.
  • you can make instant sun tea.
  • you learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron.
  • the temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly.
  • you've experienced condensation on your butt from the hot water in the toilet bowl.
  • you would give anything to be able to splash cold water on your face.
  • you can attend any function wearing shorts and a tank top.
  • The 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!
  • you discover that in July, it takes only 2 fingers to drive your car.
  • you discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window.
  • you notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
  • hot water now comes out of both taps.
  • it's noon in July, kids are on summer vacation, and not one person is out on the streets.
  • you actually burn your hand opening the car door.
  • you break a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m. before work.
  • no one would dream of putting vinyl upholstery in a car or not having air conditioning.
  • your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
  • you realize that asphalt has a liquid state.

Friday, July 13, 2012

A science experiment with Dog Do

I am the designated Doggie Do Collecter in our family of 2.I am not counting the dog here people.The science part has happened since the weather got inhumanly hot.The little dog heads out to the front oven. Does her little four footed tap dance and drops her "Hurry up".She races for the door....needs immediately to receive her Good Girl treat and a drink of cold water with cubes added. She's parched from her brush with dehydration ....now.....now....now she screams and I, her eager slave comply. I head out with my little baggy to collect her gift and dispose. Now this is the science part, Dear Reader.....her "product" has changed properties....a solid to a dust.....no smell, easy clean up.....good girl.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Madonnart explains what went wrong with Tomkat

I was saddened and surprised at the pending divorce of these two Pretty People and like many, curious at what went wrong. They matched like cream and sugar, salt and pepper, a perfect duo and until yesterday I like you was clueless at why they split. Yesterday was my Aha moment.I was alone when the Epiphany happened....alone in a 400 person capacity movie theatre. Alone watching Rock Of Ages,Cruises newest movie release and pondering what would convince a true movie star it was in his best interest to star as a Rock Icon wearing a cod piece made up of a sparkling devil with a 10 inch extended tongue. But then I was pretty certain Alex Baldwin 's character....the aging newly realized gay club owner professing  his  love to Russel Brand was equally bad decision making. oh ....and the whole thing is a musical....?? And that's why I was alone in a 400 capacity theatre and Why Kate made a move to divorce Tom the same week his movie Rock Of Ages opened. And this has been Madonnart's Movie Moment, another PSA.....

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Watching a good day go bad

This was a planned good day. A day I carefully designed to the point of preparing my dinner yesterday to eat in the comfort of air conditioned splendor while watching back to back "The Closer" episodes and finale. The Dude was heading into town about 2ish to a hot (37C) afternoon of Chiro....ich ....you're sweaty hot remember....picking cherries....you heard the temperature was 37 right and then a relaxing fellowship like evening with his Gyro buds. All the shenanigans I was going to get up to involved a Margarita, my dinner and The Closer possibly watched in my PJs....then the SHIT hit the fan....All plans were off, like in a nano second. new plans made without concern about comfort, pre planning or comfort. I was now no longer in Pjs, dinner stayed in the frig, Tequilla remained untouched and Kyra was left without her audience. I left the house at 3pm to go pick 2 hrs of cherries....then to sit in the HOT car waiting for the Dude to get adjusted (joke there but damn, I'm HOT),then off to meet friends to see Spiderman on Cheap Tuesday (yes there was waiting in line on hot reflecting concrete involved).Thank God the company was good and the theatre cool....then home to clean cherries....alot of cherries...... how was your day?

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Defiantly ice less

What has happened to the old classic ,the Margarita ???I'll take this one my friends. Americans have descimated it. Turned it into an adult slurpy.A Popsicle for 30 somethings It is a travesty, a damned shame and I for one have had enough. Join with me Tequila lovers far and wide and press forward to drink our Margaritas iceless, slushless, pure as Don Pilar intended....Tequila,fresh lime,splash of Cointreau a touch of Agava and salted rim. Say it with me Dear Reader...NO FUCKIN ICE......mea culpa....excusee.....darn ice.....this has been a PSA brought to you by Madonnart.....

Monday, July 09, 2012

Worry Beads Madonnart Style

Where other cultures light candles, talk it out or draw intricate sand pictures, I sort, bag, box and rearrange. It is my "TELL".Last night an overwhelming urge came over me as I was assembling my pages of shoulder Physio diagrams...a well recognized drive to sort, bag, and rearrange. The area of choice....The Studio. So here I sit surrounded by my "really good shit"....a huge mass of stuff,that I now must make order of. What was I thinking? Right,I remember.....my compulsive reaction to worry.....damn...

Sunday, July 08, 2012

Missing my Girls, and Guy.....hurry get here.....you make me laugh and smile....a lot....

Saturday, July 07, 2012

Just Beaching it in the shade. 36 today, bring your flotation devices, cold beer, celery and watermelon. The waters cold, refreshing and perfect. Waiting for your arrival......

Friday, July 06, 2012

My absentee gift

Once I was gifted this beautiful, huge, perfect for me bag. Gifted this gem by someone very dear to me. The gift was created by this special person just for me. It depicted my beloved address from the best place in the world and was in colors I loved. And then my gift was clutched out of my hands, re-wrapped as a Family Chinese Christmas Exchange Gift with the assuring promise "SHE" would win it back for me. She didn't, I lost, someone way less appreciative won it and now I am WANTING IT BACK or at least a better improved version......and I'm right aren't I?????

Thursday, July 05, 2012

Polymer Love

I am renewing my love affair with Polymer Clay and combining it with an old flame....beading....such a fine romance, always leaves me wanting more. My only concern is will others love these as much as moi????

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

In memory of My Mommy, Miss Piggy




I was adopted when 6 weeks old, bald until 2, toothless until 2 1/2 and needed sugar in some form of chocolate from age 5 and yet SHE continued to love me more and more and more. SHE being my mom, Peggy or as I loved to shout to the world PIGGY!! Mom looked like a movie star from the 30's. Red bow tie lip stick, hair in an up sweep, classy figure enhancing dresses that showed off her great legs and always wore a hat and gloves to the racetrack.She could of been an Interior Decorator. Our house always looked cutting edge and she did everything herself inside and out. I never heard or saw her argue with friends. She was the Peacemaker and her friends were with her to the finish...oh how she laughed, danced and played with her friends, always keeping in touch especially through those middle years where many suffered from some form of temporary insanity. She could make the best fired chicken and homemade fries. Her pumpkin pie was epic and she would drop everything when you arrived and fill you with love. She was my last call of the day. She was such a lady and so missed everyday but especially to day. Happy Birthday Piggy, wish we could have a game of Pounce and Sarah could humiliate you instead of me. You would be so proud that the game baton has been passed to another woman in the family.

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Heaven

Sitting back in my favorite chair with a large glass of frozen limeade, reading, writing, sleeping and occasionally looking out at the shinning lake and green orchards, I admit I am the luckiest person in the land. What better way to celebrate a clean house, watered garden and Nana's chicken in the oven than time in Heaven....zzzzzzzz

Monday, July 02, 2012

Good Morning Monday

How I love my sweet little vase with Pansys...It says Good morning Sunshine, It's a brand new day....be happy, be positive, love this life and embrace whatever it brings good or bad. It is all part of the journey.

About Me

My photo
Mesa Vista West, Okanagan, Canada