I've been featured!

Donna at dzfantasy has been nice enough to feature me in an interview on her blog!
Here is the link to her blog! I would appreciate it if you can take a peek!

http://dzfantasy.blogspot.com

Also, please check out her shop, she sells original fantasy art and fiber sculptures!
http://etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5619441

This came on a day where I had heard some very sad news, and I was feeling very depressed. So it was nice to have something good happen. Thanks so much Donna! :)

help! Im drowning...

Im creating things like mad...
Im on Etsy forums...
Im on Facebook...
Im on Twitter...
Im on my Blog (what your readin'!)

I cant believe how much time flies in a day!
and... Im... exhausted...
Time for some cookies!

who out there is with me?? please tell me I am not alone in having trouble trying to handle the marketing end of your craft!

Pretty Hair Clippies!

Hey everyone! I highly suggest you check out this shop on etsy for handmade cards and hair accessories!!

Pretty Hair Clippies offers barrettes and clips for children and adults, hair bows, hair accessories on handmade cards, affordable party and shower favors, and lovely "just because" gifts.

HAPPY SHOPPING!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7225971

Supercute Dragonfly!

When I saw this cute dragonfly glass bead, I just had to have it! I knew it would make a beautiful fan pull. Perfect for a little girls room, or for anyone who likes to collect dragonflies....so cute and so enchanted! Makes me wish I was 12 again.... :)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28375218

I'm a danger to myself! OY!

Ok, I think I need to seperate myself from sharp objects. I've been accidentily injuring myself all day today...
First, let me preface this with how I cut my thumb open 3 days before my wedding last year....I was cutting some DIY project and using an, ahem, non-fresh exacto knife (so I was pressing extra hard)....and sliced my thumb on the joint down to the bone. It was pretty gnarly and was a mess. I was taken to the emergency room by a co-worker and 6 stitches later, I had my white thumb brace and my blue stiches (my something blue!)...lol. Had to wear said brace thru the wedding day. It was a tidbit cumbersome, but I found nothing but humor (and a little pain) in the entire thing, because I would expect nothing less from my clumsy self, LOL....but I digress....

I've been fancying myself to be more self-sufficient in order to save money and decided to be Martha Stewart today and make homemade granola bars. Now that has nothing to do with me hurting myself, but anyway, I'm cleaning the blade on the chopper and I slice my thumb again about a quarter inch over my previous scar. Mind you, I only have like 30% mobility in that thumb and it still tingles so I really need to treat it with more care then I do.
I've reopened it twice already today and have also fallen down my stairs by accident.

GEESH.....I need to not move off the couch! Thats it, I'm giving myself permission to be a couch potato today so I do not injure myself any further!....The bright side of the story is that the granola bars came out yummy... :)
Have a wonderful day everyone! :P

My tomatoes...finally!

My little cherry tomatoes are finally ready to be eaten! I've been waiting for about 2 months for the plant to sprout my little red friends and it looks like I've got 3 ready to pop in my mouth....I guess I couldve gone to the store and bought a package in about 5 minutes but I have a feeling these little guys will taste a lot better...  :)






my basil is doing decent too! I'd like to attempt to make a pesto and jar it, but have no idea how. So far I've just been adding the leaves to pizza, sauce and sandwiches. Anyone out there have a good pesto recipe??

new bracelet...almost finished!

Hi everyone! I wanted to share this new bracelet I'm making....the cool thing is, its sold before I even got to list it in my shop! I made it with a fresh and lively combination of chocolate freshwater pears, creamy coin pearls, citrine chips to add warmth, champagne czech crystals, and hand glazed ceramic beads...all individually dangling off an antique brass chain. The end result is a warm and inviting, shiney, luscious and glittery piece of jewelry :)

I wanted to share also that I read that in ancient times, it was thought that citrine would provide protection from snake venom and evil thoughts. Hey, I'll take all the help I can get! I may just start wearing citrine everyday... :P

The photo doesn't do it justice...I took this quickly with my digital and some of the colors got blown out... :(

My Premio Meme Award!

I've been honored by a fellow etsian, CutiePatootieBeads to receive the The Premio Meme Award for my blog. I'm supposed to share seven things about my personality, then pass the award and meme on to seven other bloggers for them to do the same. What a great way for us bloggers to get to know each other!

You can visit her shop at http://cutiepatootiebeads.etsy.com

She makes super cool jewelry beaded, woven and wire wrapped. Check her out!

In order to accept this Award I must share 7 things about myself.
1.I love to read
2.I highly enjoy reality television, even though its prob junk food for the mind
3.I could die in a vat of chocolate brownie batter and die a happy girl
4.My fav movie is Dazed and Confused
5.I have a sick and twisted sense of humor, but tend to surprise people cuz they think I have an innocent face :P
6. I love sushi
7.I hate cleaning

As required by being an Award recipient I'm bestowing this Award on 7 other famous bloggers: Please copy and paste this text and do the same! yay!

http://loveclayblog.blogspot.com/
http://apronsandmore.blogspot.com/
http://mbell34etsy.blogspot.com/
http://myveryprettythings.blogspot.com/
http://1logoaday.blogspot.com/
http://baremoose.blogspot.com/
http://panda-boutique.blogspot.com/

tweet tweet!

The good news...Bonzai Beads is now on Twitter!
The bad news...I have no freaking clue what Im doing! ha!

check me out on twitter and follow me! maybe i'll learn a thing or two from ya?? :)
peace!

http://twitter.com/bonzaibeads

The evolution of my fan pulls...

I've been creating jewelry for awhile....I took jewelry making in college, and another metalsmithing class few years back, where we melted our silver, made molds, etc. Whoa that was a lot of work but I loved every second of it. I made rings, pendants and a little fairy with a lily box that I can give to my possible future child for their first tooth...

Then I got into the fun of jump rings, semi precious stones...piecing everything together with my hands and a set of tools. Love that just as much!...well one day as Im sitting and stringing an amethyst bracelet while watching Big Love ....I looked up at my ceiling fan. EW. it was a standard ball chain that ended into nothing...then I had a thought.
Why not make something decorative for this that will compliment my decor? Instead of something that just hangs there looking well, just blah.

So I got to beading my first decorative fan pull... now this first one was not a success, lol! While I loved the bead combination I had created...I didnt realize the mechanics of the pulls. You really need something that will withstand a lot of pulling. When I put my first one up, it fell to the ground after about 3 pulls, lol. So I researched the parts I would need to create a sturdy pull.

And voila....my new fan pulls withstand a good hearty pull. Wait, that sounds kinda wrong the way I worded it... haha! I have them on my etsy, hope everyone can check them out! :) http://www.bonzaibeadwear.etsy.com

My first treasury!

Hey guys! Please check out my first Etsy Treasury! It was a lot of fun to make! I was told to look at the treasury clock on http://www.craftopolis.com for the treasury listings and when they would be available....and I pounced!

It expires in 2 days...let me know what you think and please comment! :)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=70766

Who out there is ready for some Harry Potter?? - geek alert

I cannot wait to see HP6....I feel like Ive been waiting a really looooong time (I'm sure I'm not alone). Well, they had to delay the opening because of Twilight, or it would've come out in November. Judging by the preview, it will be worth the wait!! Cant wait to see all of Dumbledore's memories come to life on screen...I'm seeing it Wednesday night and am so excited I'm beside myself.



Look how young Harry was here! so cute!

A tiny peek into the creative process....

I thought it might be interesting to share the thought that went into my latest creations...Sometimes I just look at my beads and put what I like together. Other times, I sketch it out and try to emulate that sketch.
Here is a sketch of an idea i had for a chain necklace...pretty basic, right? lol.... but when using sterling silver circles and chain, and a beautiful champagne colored czech crystal...it comes alive! Im really happy with the way this turned out!

My Mod Circles Necklace...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27728918


sketch


and finished piece





My Heavy Metal Necklace - soon to be listed on etsy
sketch


finished piece

The Boys are back in town........

YAY....finally, Entourage is back! I've been patiently waiting forever. Cant wait to see the new episode tonite! Will Vince be starting the Scorcese movie? Will Drama ever get his calf implants? Will Turtle be dating Jamie Lynn Sigler? LOL....dont know yet but we shall see!

What show are you looking forward to watching on tv??

Time for some relaxation!

And what better way to get in relaxation mode, then using items from HeidisHandmades etsy shop?? These delicious bath care products sound absolutely scrumptious!!

Check out this Body Whip Soap and Scrubby! I think strawberry sounds heavenly.


Or how about this Pumpkin Pie and Lavender Sugar Scrub?? Everyone who knows me knows I LOVES me some pumpkin. Pie, cheesecake...just the thought of pumpkin has me salivating. This scrub has my name all over it!


Top off your pampering with some Whipped Body Butter. This Black Raspberry Body Frosting has me ready to get a spoon and try to eat it. BUT I know that wouldnt be good for me, lol...so I'll have to stick to using it as a lotion!



Check out HeidisHandmades at etsy!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5383050

Paintings close to me...

I just made the decision to list a few prints of my paintings on etsy. I know my shop is mainly jewelry...but painting is one of my first loves. I hope it is alright that I have added such a different medium to my shop, but I felt the need too. I put a part of me in every painting, I miss it and want to paint more. Its hard to find the time....but I hope to soon! It makes me feel good :)
Check out the first listing if you get a chance!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27578968

Diary 2010 Project

I am happy to share this awesome project with everyone. It is a 2010 calendar diary that is being produced that promotes artists and crafters around the world. What a great idea!   I am reserving Saturday, September 25 for my art page to promote my work.

Here is the website, check it out!  And when they are available for purchase... please buy one and support your artists all over the world! :)

http://fantazya.ca/diary2010.html

So cute, gotta have it!

Love this hat from etsy shop ImSewCrafty!!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7236782

Site for a good cause!

Though etsy.com, I have seen a lot of posts from sellers....but here is one from a seller (http://myveryprettythings.com) that really caught my attention. She is trying to help out her friend, who has cancer and needs all the help she can get to get through this hard time in her life.

Please check out her site for further information on how you can help! :)
http://www.youcanhelpmymom.com/

I am donating these earrings to the cause:

Incredible Corn Recipe

Tried this at a fest last weekend...OMG it was fabulous! I wouldve never put these ingredients together. It was mouth watering goodness. A delectible delight, if you will. YUMMERS!

Mexican Corn Snack
Serves 2.
Ingredients:
2 corn on the cob
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grated parmesan
1 lime, cut into quarters
Pinch of paprika
Pinch of salt
Olive oil

Method:
1. Heat your BBQ.
2. Brush the corn with the olive oil then grill until cooked through.
3. Slice the kernels from the cobs, into a bowl, and squeeze out corn milk from the cob.
4. Toss the corn with salt and paprika then divide between bowls.
5. Allow people to top their corn with mayonnaise and cheese to their taste, then provide lime quarters for squeezing.

Colorful Earrings to brighten up your day!

I love these colors!!! So pretty on, and the flower just screams summer! Take a closer look at these beauties on my etsy...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25948219




Aren't these cute? I love this color combo. The purple and green czech glass bellflowers are so cute....

Welcome to my blog!

Hello and welcome to my blog....I'm an artist who loves to make things. Whether its jewelry, paintings or even home improvement....my goal is to make things prettier. Looking at simple household objects and decorating them, thats my thing. Some people might think its strange to paint and bead a switchplate, but I say, why wouldn't you??
I hope to share my thoughts on this blog, hopefully someone out there in the world will think its remotely interesting! :) happy days....

In the mean time, here is an adorable picture of the cats to make you smile...