Excuses, Excuses and More Excuses!

I know, I know, anyone who still reads this must think I'm a total flake...and, well, I wouldn't blame you!  I think about my blog, but just rarely get over here.  I could say I'll be around more often, but let's just say--I'll try!  These two guys take a lot of my time and interest these days--

who can blame me for wanting to hang out with my sweetheart and our precious grandson instead of digging in like a hermit with my beads and baubles?  With two precious grandsons to melt my heart and make me smile, and play 'til I'm exhausted--don't blame me for forgetting about beads, and blogs and everything else most of the time.  It won't last long enough, so I'm going to savor it while I can!

 

I have managed to find a little time lately to work on a few simple designs, just to try and get back in the swing of things.  I've gone back to my lampwork roots for now, and put the gemstones on the back burner, but who knows what will strike my fancy next week.      

 

I enjoy so many things that settling down is difficult, especially when I have the luxury of choice these days.  But a recently returned art glass artist tempted me back to my beads and now I'm getting excited about all the new ideas and beautiful art glass that seems to be having a revival--at least for me.

 So, tell me how you've been?  I have my excuses, what are yours?  Maybe I'll try a contest, or tutorial or something to draw you out of your shell, so you'll talk to me again?  Or maybe I'll go back onto hiding....

    Whatever you're doing, I hope you are happy, and healthy and enjoying every day! 

They just keep coming....

I think my beads are happy to be out of the closet and being useful...the ideas just keep coming for additional things to use them for...too little time to play, but more than none!

And a little more....

I found a little more time for a few quick designs--so it's earrings, earrings, earrings....turquoise, ametrine, champaign quartz and even a pair of ruby beauties...

Alive and Kicking

Well, it's time for my annual re-boot. It's been about a year since I've posted, and I have a very good reason--at least I think it's a good reason. I've dedicated this past year to being a good grandma and taking care of Baby Ben. Born last August, his parents ended up needing a fulltime babysitter and letting someone else do it was not my idea of a good thing, so volunteer I did to give up a year tending Ben. Such a rewarding time--I've loved every minute, but there was no energy left for much else and especially not a messy workroom full of beads and baubles to play with in fits and starts. Finally though, a friend opening a boutique, shook me out of my stupor and motivated me to work up a small line of Southwest inspired work for her little shop on the way to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Now, of course, my mind is awash with new ideas, and I'm trying to find balance between beads and baby, and everything else in my life. We'll see how long it lasts!

You may have noticed a trend here--my obsession with turquoise. It's been a long time, but I'm glad to be back playing with beads for today and we'll see what tomorrow brings!

CONGRATULATIONS

Congrats Norma, you've won the holiday bracelet from my drawing and Mandy, you're the runner up and will be getting something too.   Seems it wasn't a difficult decision---there were only two of you!  I'm afraid I've managed to lose all my followers with my comings and goings the past two years---so thanks to you two for hanging in there.  Norma, email me your address to rspv@aol.com and I'll get your bracelet right out to you.  Mandy, I think I have yours here somewhere for your winning.   Love you gals!

                                             THANKS FOR PLAYING THE GAME! 

Black Friday Sale in my Etsy store....one day only

Black Friday Sale in my etsy store...use coupon code CYBER for 30% off all purchases for one day only!  www.rickitic.etsy.com

Only a few days left to enter my give away that ends this coming Monday....see post below for details.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Drawing

Yes, as promised I have a little something to giveaway this month to thank you for dropping by.  I'm going to have a drawing on Monday, November 26th of this artisan lampwork and sterling silver Winter Wonderland bracelet. 

All you need to do to enter the drawing is to pin one of my designs from my etsy store to your pinterest....or like me on my rickie voges design facebook page.  See the links on the right side of my blog.  Once you've done that, please let me know with a comment here on my post to let me know what you've done.  One entry per action---in other words, if you pin several of my designs on your pinterest boards, then let me know---one entry per pin, one entry per like on facebook.  That's all!  I'll let you know Monday, the 26th who the lucky winner is.  ENJOY!